What is PlacemakingJax?
PlacemakingJax is Downtown Vision’s award-winning activations initiative, nationally recognized for its collaborative approach to reimagining underutilized spaces in Downtown Jacksonville. Through an open call for ideas and a hands-on placemaking school, the program empowers citizens to participate directly in shaping their downtown.
Led by Downtown Vision, this community-driven effort combines top-down funding with grassroots creativity, partnering with local community champions to bring projects to life. By providing permits, funding, and technical support, PlacemakingJax enables pop-up activations in parks, installations in vacant lots, and transformations of empty storefronts. These dynamic projects attract foot traffic, strengthen community connections, and foster a deeper sense of belonging—while also building social capital and creating pathways for self-employment.
Supported in part by the annual DTJax Gala each February, PlacemakingJax is helping shape a more connected and engaging urban experience—one public space at a time. More on the principles of placemaking.
Together, we can fund the future of placemaking.
This holiday season, we invite you to support Downtown Vision’s mission to create and support a vibrant Downtown Jacksonville through the PlacemakingJax Presented by VyStar Credit Union initiative.
From November 1 to December 31, your online donation to PlacemakingJax will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, doubling your impact to help residents transform public spaces into vibrant community places.
Where Do These Projects Happen?
In Downtown Jacksonville’s Business Improvement District (BID.) In places where the public can gather: sidewalks, alleyways, vacant storefronts and green lots, public parks, parking lots, streets or the riverfront. Together, we can transform publicly-accessible spaces into dynamic places where people come together in a diverse range of ways. While temporary in nature, these projects establish a permanent foundation for community members to reclaim the everyday spaces that belong to them.Â
Who Creates PlacemakingJax Projects?
PlacemakingJax projects begin with Jaxsons who have ideas for a more vibrant Downtown Jacksonville. These resident-led projects are made possible by a strong collaboration between community partners, city agencies and funders. The vision behind the program is to open doors for residents, artists and neighborhood groups to come to the table and be creative in addressing community needs and aspirations.Â
Placemaking Taskforce
Our Placemaking Taskforce is an open-to-all group of community members who provide feedback on project proposals and guide how investment dollars are used. Created to ensure that PlacemakingJax remains a truly citizen-led process, the Taskforce began its pilot year with 29 members and has since grown to more than 80. With our meeting room limited to 40 people, we now host each session twice to make sure everyone has a seat at the table!
Interested in participating in the decision-making process? Email Kady Yellow.
Please Note: Taskforce members are not disqualified from applying, but are unable to provide feedback on their specific project application(s).
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank You to Our Past Sponsors!
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