News Release Contact: Skip Cramer Executive Director Office: (904) 396-3052 Email: skip@jcci.org
Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI) JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA (June 19, 2009) – JCCI is more than your community Think Tank. It brings community leaders, elected officials, and citizens from all walks of life together to openly examine issues facing Jacksonville and to find solutions – that is its mission. Formed more than three decades ago to serve as a voice for the community, JCCI can boast that it is broadly recognized as a trusted, neutral convener. JCCI is a reflection of grassroots American democracy; a lofty sentiment to be sure, but well‐earned. JCCI has taken on more than 70 issues for study in its history; most recently the financial crisis facing the City of Jacksonville. Well‐known community leader, J.F. Bryan IV, deftly facilitated the study of this complex topic. More than 100 individuals participated in the discussion over an eight‐month period, hearing from experts on topics including financial management, budget analysis, legislative affairs, public services, and best practices. A report of the findings was released to the Jacksonville public on June 10th with a crowd of more than 150 community leaders, study participants and interested citizens. In short, JCCI’s study of Jacksonville’s financial crisis states that “business as usual” cannot continue and that it is time for this community to make some difficult decisions. State restrictions on property taxes (the City’s primary source of revenue); unfunded Federal and State mandates; the global economic meltdown; three significantly underfunded pension funds; and “legacy” projects by successive administrations have all led up to the crisis. The study reports that Jacksonville’s choice is clear . . . either we increase revenues or cut services. Choosing the latter won’t be easy. In comparing Jacksonville’s expenditures on services to other cities across Florida, we spend less per capita on nearly every service; and that in a state which ranks near the bottom nationally on funding of services across the board. So, what is the answer? As with all JCCI studies, a set of recommendations is proposed. They include the creation of budgetary processes and priorities that transcend administrations; the resolution of our pension fund dilemma; and increased transparency to build community trust. J.F. Bryan IV will lead a task force of volunteers for the next 24 months to ensure they are implemented. The full report (Our Money, Our City: Financing Jacksonville’s Future) is available at JCCI’s website: www.jcci.org along with a wide range of previous work on topics such as: Air Quality, the River, and Infant Mortality. Also available on the website: JCCI’s nationally recognized Quality of Life Report; and announcements for emerging leaders to get involved and connected through JCCI Forward. The work of JCCI depends on the financial support and participation of the entire community. Almost 70% of JCCI’s funding comes from individual, foundation and corporate donations, with the
balance coming from United Way and local government grants or contracts for JCCI products like the Quality of Life and Race Relations reports. There’s always something happening at JCCI. Get involved. Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI) is a nonprofit civic organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Northeast Florida. Since 1975, JCCI has convened diverse groups of citizens each year to identify significant community issues for in‐depth study. Its goal is to increase public awareness and promote positive action. JCCI’s study process and indicator reports have served as models for hundreds of communities around the world. For more information, visit the JCCI web site at www.jcci.org. ###