The incredible shrinking city

[JeffreyS]

Jacksonville has always been a prideful city, but never really quite knew how to turn that pride into success;

Heights Unknown

Is population growth and only in the center of our city the only measure of success?

We have become a Navy powerhouse now headquarters for the new 4th fleet.

Our metro area has seen tremendous growth.

We have a strong economic base with a good mix of industries.

Very recently we have seen a new interest in core living highrise style.

Two of our three core neighborhoods are in great shape and Springfield has been getting its share of investment.

We acquired a feakin NFL team and the national cred that comes with it.

Retail is racing into Jacksonville.

Our sports  complex area is full of brand new stadiums.

We've put aside 100 million dollars for mass transit.

We have the best children's hospitals this world has to offer.

I'm betting the fastest growing port in the world? (wait till we get Cuba back)

Maybe we have been successful in spite of ourselves many times due to the natural gifts of the area.  We have certainly had our blunders and other cities have been successful where we have dropped the ball.  However this city's success in undeniable no doom and gloom here just some more challenges.

f

In all due respect Jeffery, because people make a City, not buildings, sports complexes, malls, etc.  Without the people, none of this would even exist or be created; so population is very important.  This is one of the reasons why downtown Jax evolved into looking like a bombed out war zone, just like Youngstown, because a huge number of people in the surrounding neighborhoods to downtown (Brooklyn, Lavilla, Springfield, South Jacksonville) left in droves.

Heights Unknown

The Urban core losing population is a problem I was just saying that it isn't the only measure of success or failure.
I feel strongly that the biggest thing Jacksonville lacks is a vibrant downtown that the whole of the metro area can enjoy.