Carol Coletta shares insights at Fifth Annual Great Cities Symposium 

Photo credit: Jax Daily Record

Urbanist and public space expert Carol Coletta spoke to a sold-out crowd of over 350 city leaders, business leaders and civic minded attendees at the Fifth Annual Great Cities Symposium on February 6th at the Garden Club of Jacksonville. Coletta most recently served as CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership and is recognized as a national leader in urban design and public spaces.

The annual Great Cities Symposium has emerged as a must-attend annual civic event that brings in speakers from peer cities to share insights on common challenges and success factors, sparking community conversations about how Jacksonville can best leverage its opportunities. 

Mayor Donna Deegan provided introductory remarks, noting that “every city needs a Scenic Jacksonville” and emphasized her commitment to a thriving, vibrant accessible downtown riverfront. 

Guests enjoyed a beautiful setting at the Garden Club with a cocktail social hour with Memphis Themed bites from Biscottis. 

Coletta gave an engaging talk about the heart of urban waterfronts and public spaces and lauded Jacksonville for the riverfront opportunity in front of us. Four critical components for successful riverfront public spaces include: Ambitious design, Connectivity, Accessibility, and Sustainability.  

Speaking about the importance of downtowns, she noted, “Downtowns aren’t the most accessible to each of us, but they are the most accessible to all of us.” A key benefit of “alluring public spaces” are that the provide “elevated experiences” you can’t get everywhere. “It’s a proven concept,” she emphasized, showing example from cities around the US. “Waterfronts work.”

2025 Great Cities – Coletta – Highlights

2025 Great Cities: Coletta Full Presentation