Mayor John Peyton: Investing in Jacksonville's Future

[mtraininjax]

"This is not about the crisis of the moment, it's about making our home a better place 20, or even 50, years from now.  Adam Hollingsworth, Chief of Staff"

Adam, what happens when we change direction in 2 years? I liken the mayor to the dog in the new movie UP, where he has the attention span of all about 2 seconds. Mayor Peyton will change his mind next week and we will have a new plan for the next 2 years.

[brainstormer]

Did anyone else see the "What Works" segment on NBC Nightly News tonight?  It showcased Miami Gardens and the positive change that has occurred in the city since becoming a city a few years ago.  It goes to show that with strong and enthusiastic leadership, the empowerment of the citizens, and a willingness to increase taxes, anything can be accomplished.  Jacksonville is lacking all three in my opinion, so I guess investing in our future isn't really going to work here, unless we get to the point where these three elements converge.

[Keith-N-Jax]

Havent taxes been increased here at some point of time. Also whats the point in increasing taxes when the city just spends it stupidly anyway!!!!

[brainstormer]

I completely agree Keith.  One of the great things about just recently becoming a city, is that the corrupt history, good ol boy network isn't there.  There isn't that crap "it's always been done this way" attitude.  It is a fresh new start.  The people of Miami Gardens essentially raised their taxes and put much of the money towards police and decreasing crime (according to NBC).  They created and paid for their own police force which in turn created a "together" philosophy, not an "us vs. them." 

[tufsu1]

Havent taxes been increased here at some point of time. Also whats the point in increasing taxes when the city just spends it stupidly anyway!!!!

Sure...but they've also been lowered....the fact is that everyone thinks governments spend money on stuff that is a waste...but your wasteful spending and mine aren't necessarily the same.

Now, as for Jacksonville's taxes....cities and counties in Florida are primarily funded through property taxes.....Duval County's millage rate is the lowest in the state....and the second lowest is 20% higher than ours!

Still feel like our taxes are too high?

[brainstormer]

It comes down to priorities.  Do the people of Jacksonville want to keep their low taxes and continue on the downwards spiral of crime and non-investment; general apathy?  Or do we invest in setting a higher standard for our quality of life by cleaning up neighborhoods, building mass transit options, refurbishing our parks, bringing in new companies, etc?

[Keith-N-Jax]

Did anyone say taxes were high. You can raise taxes all you want, doesnt mean that will translate into a better Jax. Havent we seen this before?

[riverkeepered]

I actually attended a meeting with the Mayor today where he presented his vision for our downtown riverfront.  This is exactly what we had in mind a few years ago when the JCCI "River Dance" study recommendations were completed.  The Mayor is turning our attention to the urban core and attempting to put some infrastructure in place that will help with the revitalization of downtown.  If fully realized, this concept would provide walkable access to the river for miles, linking and greatly enhancing some of the major features and public spaces along the St. Johns and several communities (downtown, five points, st. nick, etc.).  By increasing the public access along and creating meaningful civic spaces along the river, this would significantly increase the value of the adjacent privately-owned properties and our tax base. 

We all know that there is currently no money to execute this plan, but now is the time to develop a vision for our riverfront, begin the planning process, make initial investments in infrastructure where possible, and get public buy-in, so that future administrations are more accountable and feel more compelled to implement the plan. 

We also have opporunities that did not previously exist to carve out more public space at the shipyards and the old JEA property.  We need to take this opportunity to get a commitment on those properties that will maximize public access as they are developed in the future.

You can point to numerous cities that have been successful utilizing this approach and that have recognized the value of their rivers and the value of maximizing and linking public access to them. 

I certainly don't always agree with Peyton, but my initial reaction to this proposal is extremely positive.

[vicupstate]

^^ That's great to hear.  I wish he had this attitude 5 years ago, but better late than never.  Metrojax should support this effort 200%. 

[Ron Mexico]

Yes, that's what brings new companies and jobs to jacksonville...higher taxes.  US is about to have the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, so I don't think that we will see an influx of business coming to JAX for some time.  We'll have to take our medicine and be non-competitive for about 20 years before we learn this lesson again.  Every generation does it.  But hey, at least we'll have nice parks.

[vicupstate]

I challenge you to find a city that has both low taxes and a high level of corporate presence and expansion. 

If low taxes were all that mattered, the corporate world would all move to Saudi Arabia. 

Quality of life and level of education in the workforce matter far more than property taxes.  Just ask Portland, Austin, Silicon Valley, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Denver, just for starters.

[stjr]

I challenge you to find a city that has both low taxes and a high level of corporate presence and expansion. 

If low taxes were all that mattered, the corporate world would all move to Saudi Arabia. 

Quality of life and level of education in the workforce matter far more than property taxes.  Just ask Portland, Austin, Silicon Valley, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Denver, just for starters.

I agree with you totally, vicup.  I have found in my experience that the higher the tax burden, the more desirable an area generally is to live in.  Corporate leaders (= corporate headquarters) want to live in vibrant communities that have invested in raising their quality of life. This starts with a great education system for their families and employees that can provide advancement for all and all the other amenities that relate to having first class educational systems and institutions.  It follows with lots of green spaces and recreational opportunities coexisting with smart development.  Investing in cultural institutions like symphonies, museums, opera, ballet, theater, etc., not just sports, is also a must.  Having quality retail and entertainment adds icing on the cake.  Other factors include diverse housing opportunities, good transportation on the ground and well connected by air, good medical facilities, etc.  Are taxes a factor?  Yes, of course.  But just one of many factors.  Taxes by themselves mean little without the context of all the other variables.  It's the old adage: you usually get what you pay for.

[JeffreyS]

The tax rate chasing companies don't set up in the U.S.   The ones that do won't be chased away areas that choose to boost their quality of life and educate their future workforce.  Up front $ can help differ the cost of moving or originally setting up shop.

[Ron Mexico]

Then I would suggest all of you give Steve Ballmer a call and let him know how dumb he is.  I also forgot how much manufacturing we still do in the United States.  Man, I should read the paper more.  Oh wait...

[JeffreyS]

I do not consider myself an expert on what cities have the lowest corporate taxes.  That said I would like to see Vic's challenge answered. Here's how I would ask.  What cities can we emulate that have a lower corporate tax burden and a better corporate presence?