The City of Jacksonville has garnered statewide recognition with the prestigious Economic Advancement Award for 2025, courtesy of the Florida League of Cities (FLC). This accolade hails the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) Certification Program for its innovative methods of promoting local economic growth. According to a release from the City of Jacksonville's official website, the JSEB program champions a multifaceted approach with its five-pillar system, aiming to foster local business through legislation, education, community, capital, and contracts.
The remarkable upturn in certified businesses under the program, which now reports a twofold increase, along with an inflow of over $106 million in city contracts reflects the city's strategic and effective model, this year the program successfully conducted outreach events across Jacksonville's 19 districts to further enhance reach and equity. Mayor Donna Deegan lauded the program's success, saying, "This award is a testament to Jacksonville’s commitment to economic growth that uplifts local businesses and builds long-term prosperity in every corner of our city," her pride in the accolade outshone only by her admiration of the local entrepreneurs driving this economic renaissance, as per the City of Jacksonville.
Annually, the FLC's Florida Municipal Achievement Awards pay homage to municipal governance’s cream of the crop, dividing its commendations among four categories: Economic Advancement, Environmental Stewardship, Local Action, and Public Engagement. Joining Jacksonville in the 2025 winner's circle is the Village of Pinecrest for their Community Composting and Everglades Earth Cycle program, while the City of Oldsmar earned the Local Action Award for the Oldsmar Support Services Alliance, and the City of Jacksonville Beach for the Public Engagement Award with their Take 2 Tuesdays Video Series.
These laureates will not only receive trophies, but also be featured in the League’s Quality Cities magazine, to say nothing of the exposure on the League's website and various social media platforms.
