Jax2025: People most dissatisfied with downtown, public schools and transit

[thelakelander]

I'm heading to the Prime Osborn now.

[Noone]

Right behind you.

A new Authority
Embrace it
Or
It will Embrace us.

[comncense]

How was it today, and how was the turn out?

[thelakelander]

Here's an artice on the FTU about today's event: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-01-19/story/jax2025-brainstormers-take-frank-look-city

[Steve_Lovett]

How was it today, and how was the turn out?

The turnout was less than expected. A lot less based on the facility setup. Reported turnout was around 600, but the room was setup for between 2,000-3,000.

The format was simple, introductions/acknowledgements, an oversight-level presentation of survey data, and small group activity structured around two questions (what do you like best about Jacksonville, and what would you like to see changed about Jacksonville). The event wrapped up with each person describing how they would like Jacksonville to be in 6-words.

I attended with my daughter (a Junior in high school). She had interesting thoughts on the event (although she's in Youth Leadership Jax and on the board of the Jacksonville Youth Council this was the first major civic engagement she's had on a large scale). I'm reflecting on the event, letting my thoughts incubate.

[tufsu1]

How was it today, and how was the turn out?

The turnout was less than expected. A lot less based on the facility setup. Reported turnout was around 600, but the room was setup for between 2,000-3,000.

the room was set for 2100...and close to 800 attended

also, it is important to keep in mind that this is a phased process....there are 3 more meetings, and the next two will focus on action steps!

[Steve_Lovett]

How was it today, and how was the turn out?

The turnout was less than expected. A lot less based on the facility setup. Reported turnout was around 600, but the room was setup for between 2,000-3,000.

the room was set for 2100...and close to 800 attended

also, it is important to keep in mind that this is a phased process....there are 3 more meetings, and the next two will focus on action steps!

Ok - I was given the number 600 by someone who would know. It's conceivable that closer to 800 were there. I suspect we'll find out for sure when the sign-ins are documented. I was told today that the turnout was significantly less than hoped for/expected.

The discussion was good. Many of the big issues that are familiar to everyone were raised. Some of the discussion was spirited. I learned new things from people at my table. Hopefully many new introductions were made.

At the meeting there was a conspicuous effort to create a "feel good" environment. They had clowns greeting participants at the entry during the pre-function time before the event, and the first song played at the conclusion of the program while people were leaving was "Shiny Happy People". Each place at all tables had logo'ed gift bags with sponsor information, goodies such as plastic sunglasses, an overview of the process/upcoming events, and the like.

Upon reflection, after the event, I was left wanting more. I was hoping that more data/detailed results of the survey that more than 14,000 people completed would've been provided to everyone rather than landfill-bound gift bags and throw-away sunglasses. Hopefully there will be more substance and data in the future meetings.

Ultimately JAX2025 relies on two things: 1.) greater public participation in the process in crafting a true citizen-authored vision for the city; and 2.) the mayor and city leaders that are responsible for actually crafting policy and investment need to "co-own" this process with the citizens and agree that the outcomes of this initiative will guide the city's decisions and become the roadmap for the future.

I hope that more people attend/participate in future meetings. 

[thelakelander]

The goal was for at least 2,000 to attend this morning.  From what I understand, the survey's data will be made available on JAX 2025's website for all to have access to and utilize for a variety of things in the future.

I enjoyed the interaction with various Jaxsons at my table.  Many of the typical issues mentioned in previous visioning events/studies came up.  My attitude towards this visioning process has been a "participate, wait, and see" point-of-view.  Ultimately, the true success or failure will come down our city's desire and will to actually play a part in implementing the vision's action points.

[downtownjag]

I'm kind of annoyed; was this open to the public?  Where was it advertised?  I had no idea and would have loved to have walked from my apartment to the event.  I was emailed the survey; but no email telling me about the event... or at least not one yesterday as a reminder.

[downtownjag]

Also, I'm a member of NAIOP and ULI, two trade groups that would most certainly be interested in the event, and I heard nothing from them?  No email from Downtown Vision either.

[tufsu1]

I'm kind of annoyed; was this open to the public?  Where was it advertised?  I had no idea and would have loved to have walked from my apartment to the event.  I was emailed the survey; but no email telling me about the event... or at least not one yesterday as a reminder.

holy crap?  realy? 

Jax2025 has been highly publicized, including on this site....plus several front page articles in the Times Union (including yesterday)...and yes, many organizations (like DVI) put out info. too

[downtownjag]

I'm kind of annoyed; was this open to the public?  Where was it advertised?  I had no idea and would have loved to have walked from my apartment to the event.  I was emailed the survey; but no email telling me about the event... or at least not one yesterday as a reminder.

I'm kind of annoyed; was this open to the public?  Where was it advertised?  I had no idea and would have loved to have walked from my apartment to the event.  I was emailed the survey; but no email telling me about the event... or at least not one yesterday as a reminder.

holy crap?  realy? 

Jax2025 has been highly publicized, including on this site....plus several front page articles in the Times Union (including yesterday)...and yes, many organizations (like DVI) put out info. too

holy crap?  realy? 

Jax2025 has been highly publicized, including on this site....plus several front page articles in the Times Union (including yesterday)...and yes, many organizations (like DVI) put out info. too

Yes, really.

I responded to the survey.  I didn't read any TU articles, but assumed that the administrator of the survey would have contacted me directly about the event today. I get the DVI emails and will look back through them advertising this mornings' event.

[tufsu1]

Upon reflection, after the event, I was left wanting more.

Good....that's the idea....like I said above, keep in mind that this is a process...the main difference in this vision versus past efforts is that it is citizen-led (grass roots)....hopefully that will lead to more acceptance and actual implementation of the results

[tufsu1]

I responded to the survey.  I didn't read any TU articles, but assumed that the administrator of the survey would have contacted me directly about the event today.

when you took the survey there should have been info. on the website about the community meetings....the next one is in two weeks (Sat Feb 2 @ 9-11am) at Prime Osborn...mark your calendars!

[Steve_Lovett]

Upon reflection, after the event, I was left wanting more.

Good....that's the idea....like I said above, keep in mind that this is a process...the main difference in this vision versus past efforts is that it is citizen-led (grass roots)....hopefully that will lead to more acceptance and actual implementation of the results

I wasn't left wanting more of what happened today. I was hoping for more substance. More data. More information. More interaction. A higher level of certainty that what everyone today was investing their time in will be worth it.