In a unanimous decision, a committee of the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) in Jacksonville, Florida, voted to recommend extending the contract of CEO Lori Boyer for up to two more years. Boyer, who has been in the position since 2019, received a score of 70 out of 80 in her performance review, with predominantly positive feedback from committee members.

Positive Feedback and Accomplishments

Despite some criticisms regarding the pace of downtown development under Boyer’s leadership, positive comments dominated her review. Boyer herself expressed disappointment that accomplishments were not emphasized more, stating that the focus remained on immediate tasks rather than the broader achievements. She highlighted three notable accomplishments during her tenure:

1. Progress on Four Seasons Project: Boyer mentioned the visible progress on the Four Seasons project, which began with a contract in 2015. The Downtown Investment Authority played a significant role in facilitating progress on this development.
2. Completion of One Riverside: Boyer pointed out the nearing completion of One Riverside at the opening of McCoys Creek in Brooklyn. Years of effort to redesign the creek to mitigate flooding downstream preceded this milestone.
3. Infrastructure Preparation for RiversEdge: Infrastructure is now in place for construction to commence on RiversEdge on the Southbank. Boyer anticipates the completion of parks in the area by the end of the year.

Setbacks and Challenges

However, alongside these achievements, Boyer’s tenure has not been without challenges. Major setbacks, such as the Hardwick at Ford on Bay project, approved in early 2022, faced obstacles due to climbing interest rates. The developer now finds themselves restarting the project from scratch. Boyer emphasized the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in addressing such challenges as they arise.

Staffing and Contract Recommendation

The DIA, as noted by several board members, faces staffing shortages with only 12 employees. Despite this, Boyer’s dedication was underscored, with board member Braxton Gillam commending her willingness to work beyond standard hours, including nights and weekends.

In light of Boyer’s impending retirement plans, the board is recommending a one-year contract with the option for a second year. Boyer’s current contract, set to expire at the end of June, sees her earning $221,000 annually. The details of her next contract will be finalized pending a vote by the board as a whole next week.

Conclusion: Commitment to Downtown Development

Boyer’s potential contract extension reflects a continued commitment to the ongoing development of downtown Jacksonville. Despite challenges and setbacks, her tenure has seen significant progress in key projects, with an emphasis on adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity.

For the latest updates on local news and developments, download The Local News App to your smartphone today. Stay informed with real-time alerts and streaming coverage, keeping you connected to your community.

Source