The 2023 Neighborhood Awards program celebrated Jacksonville’s numerous neighborhood organizations and the volunteers that have completed exceptional community-based projects and events in the 2022 calendar year. The award program was designed to recognize the efforts of local groups that emphasize volunteer activities, leadership, partnership building, innovation, and grassroots collaborations.  We hope that you will enjoy seeing this year's winners and it will inspire you to join us next year and share your projects to celebrate all the special, beautiful, charming, and creative features of our awesome city!

All neighborhood organizations registered with the City of Jacksonville's Neighborhood Services Office are eligible to apply each year for an award.  The 2024 Neighborhood Awards will be given to organizations for outstanding projects that were developed and completed January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.  

This year the award ceremony included a special celebration of 30 years of Citizens Planning Advisory Committees (CPAC’s). Established in 1993, Mayor Ed Austin’s vision to create an ongoing, grassroots public participation program has thrived and grown to over 148 members. Here is the commemorative 30th anniversary CPAC Proclamation.

The honorees for the evening included the 2023 CPAC Chairs.


(CPAC Chairs L to R: Dr. Donald Green - North, Joanne Parker Griffin - Southeast, Kim Pryor - Urban Core, Rhonda Boyd - Northwest, Dr. Willie Crosby - Southwest, NOT PICTURED William Messer - Greater Arlington/ Beaches)

Finally, this celebratory event honored all CPAC members and community leaders  that have sacrificed their time, over the years, that have donated their knowledge and talents, and that have worked together as a committee to improve their neighborhoods.  The City of Jacksonville is grateful for the dedication of  each and every neighborhood that is represented by these amazing volunteer leaders. 
 

Please enjoy some moments from our 2023 Neighborhood Awards Program and 30 Years of CPAC's celebration! 

2023 Neighborhood Award Winners

Urban Core CPAC District 1 Winner and Neighborhood of the Year was awarded to Springfield Preservation and Revitalization for their Dog Park Mosaic project!

CPAC District 2 Greater Arlington/ Beaches winner was Old Arlington, Inc. who conducted a boat tour highlighting the history of Arlington. 

CPAC District 3 Southeast winner was Villa San Jose who had a neighborhood chili cook off with proceeds going to the Mandarin Food Bank.

 

CPAC District 4 Southwest winner was Sweetwater Church of Christ which had a community day.

CPAC District 5 Northwest winner was USA Unlimited which held a Summer Safety Community Event.

CPAC District 6 North winner wasSan Mateo Neighborhood, Inc. which completed an Memorial Brick project.

Before	After

And step-by-Step 4 Help won our first Community Excellence Award for various activities around the city.

Information for how you can enter the 2024 Neighborhood Awards Program and be eligible to win Neighborhood of the Year coming early 2024!