by D. Maule
Northsiders love their Mayor Donna Deegan, but unfortunately have realized they will need 10 more Donna’s in a row to repair historic divestment as a result of neglect in Northside neighborhoods. Her term isn’t long enough to repair the damage. These meetings are part of a series she launched in February and March 2026 to engage with residents across the city on key local issues.
During recent dialogue on her city-wide Town Hall tour, it became apparent her staff is another concern to constituents.
While many public comments pointed out lack of resources for our community the staff response to unanswered queries was, “we have a program for that”. Too many, it seems the City of Jacksonville has a bevy of industrialized programs and nonprofits to recommend but has seemingly lost authentic community connection and collaboration with grass roots community leaders to solve issues in our neighborhood has produced a strained barrier.
“We don’t have a program problem, we have a people problem,” said activist Dana Maule who was in attendance at the meeting held at Raines High School. “Real people who work in government need to work with real people in the community. Not for photo ops and to
check a box for their resumé, but because we all live here together and want the same things, a good life, well lived in the neighborhood of our choice,’ she said.
When the conversation evolved into investments being made on the Northside the mayor was asked how those investments are going to help Northside neighborhoods compete to attract residents across all income levels and business that will elevate our quality of life. The response, “we put Northside at the top of the CIP” says Mayor Deegan.
“We’re so far behind that’s not enough,” murmured an attendee.
The Northside, often talked about in terms of need, has been moving steadily with progress and power already demonstrating a return on investment through neighbor-led initiatives: For example, neighbors are already doing the work to strengthen their community. The 32209 Experience, promotes mental wellness through community conversations at barbershops and mitigating the impact of food deserts through neighbor-led community gardens and homesteads.
- – Riverview neighborhood’s Oyster Fest, drew over 300 neighbors together last year through food, art, and environmental education about local rivers and will be returning for it’s 2nd year on April 18th.
- The Northside Pride’s Business Support Program, helps entrepreneurs grow and stay rooted in the neighborhood with its mural at FOSCI sharing a visual statement of pride, identity, and belonging.
- Café Resistance offers free Black history guitar lessons that invest in our youth and preserve cultural knowledge, while creating pathways into the creative economy.
These efforts prove that when neighbors are resourced, results are delivered. When discussing tourism which is a more than a $3.8 billion economic driver in Jacksonville. Northside Pride encourages inclusion of Northside cultural events and businesses in Visit Jacksonville promotions like the NW Classic, Oyster Fest and Selfie Fest. In addition, dedicated funding is needed for heritage tourism, cultural festivals, and creative placemaking to support for neighborhood based tours, museums, and cultural corridors
When visitors spend money in our neighborhoods, it boosts the local cultural economy and keeps dollars circulating locally and Jacksonville can strive to be a city that is safe, fun and beneficial for all sides of town.