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Rules committee approves Carrie Bailey for Downtown Investment Authority seat amid residency debate
Summary
The Rules Committee voted 4‑3 to advance the appointment of Carrie Bailey to the Downtown Investment Authority after several members questioned waiving the requirement that appointees live in Duval County.
The Rules Committee voted 4‑3 on March 17 to advance the nomination of Carrie Bailey to the Downtown Investment Authority, approving a waiver of the usual Duval‑residency preference for that board seat.
Carrie Bailey, who lives in Alachua County and works for real‑estate firm Rimrock, told the committee she spends “two to three days a week” in Jacksonville on company projects and said she would bring regional development experience to downtown projects. “I understand the responsibility of this position,” Bailey said. “If this committee and the council sees fit to move my nomination forward, I will take that responsibility seriously and give the best of my expertise.”
Several committee members voiced respect for Bailey’s qualifications but said they had reservations about approving an appointee who does not live in Duval County. Council members Terrence Freeman and others argued the city should prioritize local residents to make decisions about taxpayer funds and local development priorities.
Supporters of the nomination said Bailey’s business projects and taxes paid in Jacksonville, along with her frequent work in the city, made her a reasonable exception. Council President Ron Salem and Councilman Matt Carlucci said they would back the waiver and nominated her for consideration by the full council.
After the 4‑3 committee vote, the nomination advances to the full City Council for final confirmation.
