Understanding the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) and Its Leadership

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) plays a crucial role in shaping Jacksonville’s urban landscape. Established on August 15, 2012, through Ordinance 2012-364-E, the DIA was created as a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to drive economic growth and revitalization efforts in downtown Jacksonville. But how does it operate, and who leads the charge? Let’s break it down.

How the DIA Operates

Authority & Oversight

The DIA functions under multiple layers of governance, ensuring accountability and adherence to legal frameworks.

1. Florida State Statutes

   • Governed by Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes (Community Redevelopment Act of 1969), granting the DIA powers to manage tax increment financing (TIF) and redevelopment planning.

   • Subject to Florida’s Public Records and Sunshine Laws, ensuring transparency and public access.

2. Jacksonville City Charter & Ordinances

   • Outlines the DIA’s structure and operational framework.

   • The Jacksonville City Council oversees its budget, agreements, and major development initiatives.

3. City of Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel

   • Ensures DIA’s compliance with state and local laws, covering procurement, land use, and public-private partnerships.

Sunshine Laws & Public Financial Disclosures

As a public entity, the DIA adheres to Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Laws, ensuring all operations remain transparent and accessible to the public.

1. Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes)

   • Financial records, contracts, and communications are open for public request.

2. Sunshine Law (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes)

   • All DIA meetings, including board and subcommittee meetings, must be publicly noticed and documented.

3. Ethics & Financial Disclosures

   • Board members and executive staff must file financial disclosure forms with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

   • Compliance with Florida’s Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees (Chapter 112, Florida Statutes) is mandatory.

Public Access to DIA Records & Meetings

• Meeting Notices & Agendas – Available on the City of Jacksonville website.

• Financial Disclosures – Accessible via the Florida Commission on Ethics.

• Contracts & Development Agreements – Obtainable through public records requests.

Meet Lori Boyer: The DIA’s CEO

A pivotal figure in Jacksonville’s development scene, Lori Boyer has been instrumental in steering the DIA’s vision since 2019. Boyer earned her law degree from the University of Florida in 1978 and initially practiced land use and environmental law. In the 1990s, she transitioned into real estate investment and management, gaining hands-on experience in finance, construction, and contract negotiations.

A San Marco resident since 1987, Boyer played a key role in local civic projects, including the Balis Community Center and Preservation Hall relocation. Her leadership in the San Marco Preservation Society solidified her reputation as a dedicated community advocate.

Elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 2011, Boyer represented District 5 and chaired the Land Use and Zoning Committee for two terms. In 2016, she became Council President, advocating for strategic land use policies.

After leaving the City Council in 2019, Boyer was appointed as CEO of the DIA, leading redevelopment initiatives aimed at transforming Jacksonville’s downtown.

DIA Leadership & Governance Structure

Board of Directors: Terms & Appointments

• Nine (9) members, appointed by the Mayor of Jacksonville and confirmed by the City Council.

• Term Length: 4 years.

• Term Limits: No more than two consecutive full terms.

• Removal: The Mayor can remove a board member for cause, subject to City Council approval.

Hiring of the CEO

• The DIA Board of Directors selects and hires the CEO.

• The appointment must be confirmed by the Jacksonville City Council.

• The CEO serves at the pleasure of the Board and can be removed by board action.

CEO Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Must have experience in economic development, real estate, or urban planning.

• Oversees redevelopment projects, tax increment financing (TIF), and public-private partnerships.

• Ensures compliance with state and city policies.

Compensation & Contract

• The DIA Board determines the CEO’s salary and benefits.

• Employment terms, including contract duration and renewal, follow City of Jacksonville policies.

Recent Developments

In 2024, discussions arose about extending Boyer’s contract for two more years, potentially implementing a succession plan after the first year. She's turned heads while pushing for a city land swap deal with Gateway Jax, a consortium involved in $2 billion worth of downtown development. At the same time, Boyer and her husband, retired Circuit Court Judge Tyrie Boyer, listed their historic San Marco home for $6.75 million, sparking public curiosity about her future with the DIA.

Why Should Jacksonville Residents Care?

The DIA’s decisions impact property values, business opportunities, and the city’s economic growth. Understanding its leadership and policies ensures that citizens can engage in discussions, attend meetings, and hold local officials accountable.

Want to stay informed? Keep an eye on DIA’s public meetings, financial reports, and development plans to see how Jacksonville’s downtown continues to evolve!