Recently, all the candidates for mayor of Pensacola appeared on the show, “Better Pensacola Forum ” to talk about their individual vision for Pensacola. It has been said that, “at times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man’s unending search for freedom.” There is no more a perfect moment for this than when executing one’s liberty by voting. As the election grows near and Pensacola votes for its first ever strong mayor, we have a chance to shape Pensacola’s future.

We have lived through great triumphs and more recently, with the oil leak, great moments of crisis as well. Over the coming weeks and months there will be lively debate between the candidates. Our greatest satisfaction is in the fact that our voice will settle this debate in the end. Along the way, this race can direct our attention to matters of great importance to us not only as Pensacolians but as citizens of this great nation as well. From arts and commerce to our coast and its future, our next mayor will truly choose the direction of Pensacola’s path. Now more than any other time in Pensacola’s history, our mayor bears an incredible responsibility. The new charter gives Pensacola a strong mayor with authority to hire and fire staff and run City Hall. In the current system, this power rests with the council. It is in our hands, the citizens of this great city, to give Pensacola a chance for its greatest success.

The four way primary will fall on August 24th. The two top candidates will continue on in a campaign ending on Election Day, November 2nd.

Today’s blog is a fresh look at Pensacola and the younger generation that lives and works here. In the past we have talked about all the attributes the city has to offer the retirees in the area, the beautiful beaches, the abundance of sunshine and the relaxed atmosphere. Doesn’t everybody want to live in a beautiful city? These are important factors for everyone when deciding where they want to live and work, but for those graduating college or who are early in their career, the job market and other factors will play a major role in their decision.

On April 9th, a group of 50 young professionals gathered to talk about what Pensacola needs to do to retain and attract young talented people. The Rising Stars were identified as the upcoming leaders in our community by the Independent News. This group, comprised of young talented people from all different backgrounds, discussed:

• Economic Development & Job Creation
• Education
• Environment
• Arts & Entertainment
• Affordable Housing

The Pensacola lifestyle appeals to people in all age groups, but we need to focus on retaining and attracting our younger generation. What are your thoughts on how Pensacola can become a better place to live and work for young people?

Today’s blog begins a multi-part series that will look at 9 factors that influence a city’s livability. This series was inspired by an interview with musician turned author David Byrne that appeared in the September 11, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal. A link to the original article will follow this post.

According to David Byrne’s article, size is one of the nine factors that determine how livable a city is. If a city is too small, it is harder for individuals to find anonymity. In smaller cities, failures are remembered for a much longer period of time than in larger cities. Yet, it is this willingness to take risks, to try new things, to be willing to fail that generates new thoughts and leads to innovation. However, a city cannot be so large that the level of anonymity restricts residents from building communities and relationships. As we discussed last week, social capital is a major component of a successful city.

As a mid-sized metropolitan area, Pensacola offers a large enough area to provide anonymity, yet it is small enough to encourage community building relationships. However, Pensacola seems to be tied to a small town mentality. Perhaps it is time to look to other cities of similar size for inspiration on the best ways to make our size, and our assets, work for us.

Other successful metropolitan areas of similar size include Provo, UT , Madison, WI, and Reno, NV. Provo and Madison were both ranked in the Top 10 for quality of life for mid-sized metros, according to Biz Journals. Pensacola was ranked 80th out of 124 mid-sized metros.

The report listed the top 5 strengths for each of the top 10 metro areas. For Provo, Utah those strengths were : 1. Sizable inventory of large houses, 2. Strong population growth, 3. Relatively low unemployment rate, 4. Decent percentage of workers living close to home, 5. Nice selection of new houses.

For Madison, WI those strengths were: 1. Solid concentration of management jobs, 2. Strong concentration of adults with bachelor’s degrees, 3. Solid corps of young adults, 4. Sizable percentage of adults with advanced degrees, 5. Heavy share of adults with high school diplomas. You can view information on the remainder of the top 10 finalists here.

What can we learn from these other mid-sized cities to maximize our potential as a mid-sized city, and make the most of our size?

To read the David Byrne article in its entirety, please click here.

The 2009 Quality of Life Survey results have arrived!  The results showed that there is community anxiety regarding local leadership and the general direction in which the community was headed. These findings mirrored the 2008 survey results, and were not unexpected in relation to the current economic situation.

In spite of the economic conditions, a significant increase was seen in the number of individuals who feel that the area is on the right track, with a third of voters supporting this statement.  Drawing from this, a conclusion could be made that voters are happy with the decisions that their elected officials are making, and would like the changes to continue.

Are you happy with the decisions elected officials are making for the direction of our area? What changes would you like to see? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Right now there is a big debate on who should be responsible for economic development in Pensacola. So who do you think should take the lead, private industry or government?