The appointment of Kevin Myers to the P3 project selection committee was a focal point of the meeting. This decision emerged after a series of nominations and procedural clarifications. Initially, a nomination for Gary Paetau was proposed but failed due to the absence of a second. A subsequent nomination for Myers was both seconded and unanimously supported by a roll call vote. This key appointment places Myers in a role as the agency prepares for the procurement process associated with the P3 project. The silence point policy, which restricts discussions about the project, was emphasized. Myers, along with other committee members, will be contacted by procurement staff for further discussions, with a public meeting planned post-bid closure.

In another significant agenda item, the board approved the fiscal 2025 financial statements and independent auditors report, which provided an unmodified opinion. The CRA’s ending fund balance was reported at approximately $40.7 million. The downtown redevelopment fund saw a decrease due to ongoing projects, while the south end redevelopment fund increased by $1.4 million. An important highlight was the notable rise in the central CRA’s tax role, approaching $1 billion.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the reappointment of four members to the Public Art Advisory Committee for a four-year term starting April 2026. The reappointment was unanimously approved after a discussion on the committee’s formation and the diverse expertise of its members, including a high school art teacher, a fabrication specialist, a local art project participant, and an art collector. The absence of a fifth member was noted, with plans to interview candidates to fill the vacancy in upcoming meetings. The idea of implementing term limits for committee members was also discussed to ensure a fresh perspective over time.

The meeting further included a presentation of the CRA’s annual report covering the fiscal year from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This report is essential for regulatory compliance and will be submitted to city council, filed with Duval County, and posted on the agency’s website by March 31. Discussions focused on improving the report’s clarity, particularly around specific labels and omitted construction positions. The potential inclusion of community feedback in future reports was suggested to better highlight the agency’s positive impacts. The report also noted significant growth in taxable property values in both downtown and south end areas.

Other noteworthy discussions included the agency’s upcoming workshop in April, aimed at presenting draft updates to the art committee bylaws, and the preparation of the fiscal year 2025 annual report with an eye towards award-winning quality. The board also planned future events and meetings, such as the quarterly grant application review and the city council meeting on April 6, where the approval of dumpster murals is anticipated. A boardwalk activation initiative was discussed, with the city attorney recommending modifications to existing ordinances to accommodate potential changes.