Public Technology Institute Recognizes Jacksonville for High Standards in Citizen Participation, Service Delivery

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has designated Jacksonville as a “Citizen-Engaged Community”, one of 18 city or county governments nationwide to be recognized for its best practices in engaging citizens through customer service centers, such as the one Jacksonville operates through 630-CITY.
           
Communities’ applications were reviewed for excellence in several areas for their contact centers, including citizen participation processes, integrated communication channels, integrated technology, and performance reporting.

Mayor Alvin Brown focused on strengthening parents’ roles in their kids’ education at his two day education summit on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2013.

The summit, a collaborative effort between the Mayor’s Office and Duval County Public Schools, featured an appearance by famed comedian and education activist Dr. Bill Cosby. The initiative continued the positive momentum in public education engendered by a host of recent successes, including better graduation rates, better school grades and unprecedented community activism.

As part of Mayor Brown’s vision and actions to enhance educational opportunities for Jacksonville’s youth, the summit brought students, teachers, administrators, elected officials and community partners together in an effort to spur action supporting the summit’s theme, “Increasing Parental Involvement.” Learn more

A specialty license plate dedicated to the St. Johns River will be available for purchase at local tax collectors offices in early December. The specialty license plates cost $25 annually above the standard Florida license plate, and the non-profit organization St. Johns River Alliance, Inc., will receive funding from the proceeds. The organization will also administer grants to other qualifying organizations.