Jacksonville Civic Council Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Jacksonville Civic Council (JCC) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization established in 2010, comprising over 90 prominent business and civic leaders from Jacksonville, Florida. Its mission is to transform Jacksonville into a world-class destination for families, individuals, graduates, and businesses. The organization operates under the strategic pillars of Inspire, Prepare, Advance, and Connect.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To promote a fiscally responsible, economically vibrant, and thriving community that offers opportunities for all residents.

Vision: To make Jacksonville a world-class destination of choice for families, individuals, graduates, and businesses.

Industry Significance

As a leading civic organization in Jacksonville, the JCC plays a pivotal role in addressing critical community issues, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering economic development. Its collaborative approach brings together diverse stakeholders to drive positive change, enhancing the city's competitiveness and quality of life.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Inspire: Engage the community with a shared vision of Jacksonville as a world-class city.

Advance: Promote economic mobility, health, safety, resilience, technology, and opportunity for all residents.

Prepare: Equip youth for success in the workforce by strengthening education systems.

Connect: Enhance connectivity and quality of life through strategic investments in infrastructure and community development.

Areas of Specialization

Public Policy Advocacy: Addressing issues such as public education reform, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure development.

Economic Development: Fostering initiatives that stimulate job creation, support small businesses, and attract investment.

Community Engagement: Mobilizing residents and organizations to participate in civic activities and decision-making processes.

Key Technologies Utilized

The JCC employs data-driven research methodologies, leveraging analytics and community feedback to inform its strategies and initiatives. This approach ensures that decisions are grounded in empirical evidence, enhancing the effectiveness of their programs.

Primary Markets Targeted

The JCC focuses on the Jacksonville metropolitan area, aiming to improve the quality of life for its residents, attract new businesses, and retain graduates by creating a vibrant and sustainable community.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, the JCC is funded through membership dues, which are tiered based on the size of the member's business. This structure ensures a diverse and committed membership base.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the JCC's financial health is supported by its membership dues and strategic partnerships.

Notable Investors

The JCC's membership includes over 90 CEOs, presidents, and their local equivalents from leading organizations in Jacksonville, all of whom demonstrate a strong record of civic contribution.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are primarily utilized to support research initiatives, advocacy efforts, and the execution of strategic projects aimed at addressing the city's most pressing challenges. This includes investments in community development, infrastructure, and educational programs.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Downtown Redevelopment: Collaborating with the Downtown Investment Authority to revitalize Jacksonville's downtown area.

Public Education Reform: Advocating for increased funding and policy changes to improve public education in Duval County.

Infrastructure Development: Supporting the implementation of local option gas taxes to fund transportation infrastructure projects.

Public Health Campaigns: Leading initiatives such as the "Get the Facts Jax" campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination within the community.

Anticipated Milestones

The JCC's strategic plan outlines a ten-year roadmap with specific milestones, including the completion of downtown redevelopment projects, improvements in public education metrics, and enhancements in infrastructure and public health outcomes.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The JCC utilizes a proprietary framework known as the EpicJax Process, a structured, collaborative approach designed to drive cross-sector collaboration and meaningful community change. This process involves 90-day sprints focused on specific outcomes, with monthly milestones dedicated to testing or refining ideas to achieve those goals.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs data-driven research methodologies, including the use of quality-of-life indicators and community surveys, to inform its strategies and initiatives. This approach ensures that decisions are grounded in empirical evidence, enhancing the effectiveness of their programs.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Dennis Whittle – CEO and President

Dennis Whittle serves as the CEO and President of the Jacksonville Civic Council. He co-founded GlobalGiving and Feedback Labs and has held faculty appointments at Princeton and UNC-Chapel Hill. Whittle has extensive experience in public policy, economic development, and leadership of public investment projects.

Gary Chartrand – Board Chair

Gary Chartrand is the Board Chair of the Jacksonville Civic Council. He has been instrumental in guiding the organization's strategic direction and fostering collaborations with community leaders and organizations.

Dawn Emerick – Chief Strategy Officer

Dawn Emerick serves as the Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing the development and implementation of the JCC's strategic initiatives. Her role involves coordinating efforts across various workstreams to achieve the organization's goals.

Alex Osborne – Director of Operations & Membership

Alex Osborne manages the operations and membership functions, ensuring effective engagement and support for the JCC's members. He plays a key role in facilitating communication and collaboration among members.

Shelby Howick – Project Director

Shelby Howick leads specific projects within the JCC, focusing on executing initiatives that align with the organization's strategic priorities. Her work involves coordinating resources and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Ashli Nixon – Lead Designer

Ashli Nixon is responsible for the design and visual communication aspects of the JCC's initiatives, ensuring that materials and presentations effectively convey the organization's messages.

Rachael Delgado – Executive Assistant

Rachael Delgado provides administrative support to the executive team, facilitating smooth operations and communication within the organization.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The civic and social organization sector in Jacksonville is characterized by a collaborative environment, with multiple entities working towards community development and policy advocacy. The JCC's unique position lies in its diverse membership base and its focus on data-driven research and strategic execution.

Competitor Analysis

Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI): Established in 1975, JCCI is a non-profit organization that conducts research and facilitates community discussions to improve the quality of life in Jacksonville. It focuses on a wide range of issues, including education, city finances, and mental health.

JAX Chamber: The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is a business-focused organization that provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to support local businesses. It operates various councils targeting specific industries and regions within Jacksonville.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The JCC collaborates with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, educational institutions, and other civic organizations, to address community challenges and implement strategic initiatives. These partnerships enhance the organization's capacity to effect meaningful change in Jacksonville.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

The JCC's collaborative approach and data-driven methodologies position it as a leader in addressing Jacksonville's civic challenges. Its focus on strategic execution and community engagement differentiates it from other organizations in the region.

Competitive Advantages