Northeast Florida Economic Resilience Task Force

Northeast Florida Economic Resilience Task Force

For updates and more information about the Northeast Florida Economic Resilience Task Force, please contact:

Beth Payne

Chief Executive Officer

Email: epayne@nefrc.org

Phone: (904) 279-0880 x.133

For news and updates, please sign up for the interested parties mailing list above.

Task Force Charge

Northeast Florida COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan

In responding to the coronavirus pandemic and current economic disaster, the task force will comprehensively assess the conditions with which local communities in Northeast Florida are dealing. Once context is established, and baseline economic conditions are clearly understood, the task force will recommend actionable strategies that will assist member governments and communities in meeting short-term economic recovery objectives relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

In developing these recommendations, task force members will review existing economic damage surveys, data, and reports; and will make inventory of available strategies that can increase the region’s resilience to disruptions. Following implementation of a “Coronavirus Economic Recovery Action Plan,” the task force will expand its scope to address challenges relating to long-range economic resilience planning.

Through support from NEFRC staff, the task force will identify long-term objectives and strategies that will protect Northeast Florida from a broad range of future shocks and stresses; including, but not limited to, coastal storms, future pandemics, economic disruptions, supply chain shocks, and sea level rise. Once an inventory of historical and future hazards is established, the task force will develop a “Regional Economic Resilience Plan” for Northeast Florida that is holistic, action-oriented, equitable, and capable of being executed. Upon implementation of the plan, the task force will evolve into a body that will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating progress made.

Task Force Membership (Updated 12/28/2020)

EDA CARES Act Funding for Economic Resilience Planning

The Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), a government agency that serves seven counties and 26 municipalities, recently received Federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support economic resilience efforts across the Region directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding will enable the NEFRC to focus staff resources, between 2020 and 2022, toward priorities related to coronavirus response, recovery, and long-term planning. In responding to the current disaster, staff will work with stakeholders on the ground to assess incurred economic damage, and will conduct quantitative research focused on understanding impacts felt by specific industries.

The NEFRC, which serves as the designated Economic Development District for Northeast Florida, will work closely to align the priorities of this funding opportunity with the goals and objectives of the Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). In addition to efforts to be carried out under this specific funding source, staff will continue to assist local partners in applying for EDA funding to support construction and economic development related projects.

Essential Task Force Documents

• 8/5/2020 EDA Funding Press Release
• 11/17/2020 Economic Resilience Task Force Press Release
• 5/11/2021 Recovery Plan Approval Press Release
• Taskforce Charge & Membership Structure
• Economic Resilience: Establishing a Framework for Northeast Florida
• Northeast Florida Economic Resilience Taskforce Briefing Guide
• Northeast Florida COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (May 2021)

E.D.A. Fiscal Year 2021 ARPA Funding Opportunities

• Economic Adjustment Assistance (NOFO)
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (NOFO)
• Build Back Better Regional Challenge (NOFO)
• Build Back Better Regional Challenge (NOFO)
• Good Jobs Challenge (NOFO)

Meeting Documents & Summaries