Quality of Life in Jacksonville - Then & Now
In 1985, a group of around 100 community leaders, under the direction of the Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by JCCI, came together to understand, quantify, and report on Jacksonville’s Quality of Life. In their report to the community, the chair of that endeavor, William Hightower, said:
"As far as we can determine, no other city has attempted a task such as this in such a comprehensive manner with the intent of annual review and monitoring. There has been no effort nationally to develop or standardize such data. Jacksonville can be proud of this project for it signifies tangible evidence of a forward looking Chamber of Commerce, with a strong commitment to monitor and improve the livability of our city.
The value of this project will increase over the years, as trends become apparent. If used properly, it will become a yardstick for community improvement. It sets forth both the implicit and explicit needs of the community and the resources currently allocated to these needs, providing community decision makers and leaders with the capability of further improving what is already a highly attractive quality of life."
Nearly three decades later, the report continues to provide that yardstick. Its value continues to grow with the trend lines, helping all of us understand where we’ve been, where we are today, and the direction we’re heading.
The relationship with the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to be strong, as Dr. William Rupp, from Mayo Clinic and incoming Chair of the Chamber, led the review committee for this work. New this year, the committee worked diligently to align the measures with JAX2025, the community vision created in 2013 by 16,000 volunteers and now in its implementation phase.
The report tells of a community making real progress, with clear areas of priority and need. More than that, however, it tells the story of a community with far-sighted vision and purpose, consistent in its commitment for self-assessment and improvement. The report itself is a triumph of Jacksonville’s will to always strive to be better, and its courage to face its shortcomings head on.
The report will be released at a press conference on January 24. Please join Dr. Rupp, the review committee, and the JCCI team as we accept the priorities for action for this year and thank those who have worked so hard to create tangible impact.
-Ben Warner President & CEO
