GAI’s Community Solutions Group provided urban planning and economic advisor services to support the Downtown Investment Authority and Jacksonville Transportation Authority to create a development strategy for the LaVilla neighborhood of Downtown Jacksonville. The process included substantial and diverse participation and input from the public and local business community.

The development strategy for LaVilla is based on the dynamic combination of LaVilla’s position within downtown and the unique land holdings of the City. These two factors, paired with the neighborhood’s rich history and the opportunity for transit-oriented development, point to the neighborhood’s future position. Today, the plan is approved and numerous redevelopment partnerships and public-realm improvements are underway and moving to implementation. This includes new workforce attainable housing, Lift E’vry Voice & Sing Park, and new multi-use trail segments.