Downtown Pensacola
The Downtown Improvement Board unanimously approved a four-year contract extension for Executive Director Walker Wilson on Tuesday, keeping him at the helm through 2030 after six years of downtown growth, new amenities, expanded programming and significant public and private investment.
- Wilson was selected in 2020 from a field of 53 candidates and started the job Oct. 1 of that year, just as Hurricane Sally and the COVID-19 pandemic hit downtown businesses, residents and visitors hard.
“Downtown is the heartbeat of our community. A thriving downtown supports successful businesses, engaged citizens, cultural experiences, and job opportunities.”
—Walker Wilson, DIB Executive Director
Six Years by the Numbers
- Taxable property value in the DIB district rose from $295.3 million in 2020 to $447.25 million today—an increase of more than 51%
- Ad valorem revenue to the DIB grew from $590,600 to more than $850,000
- The Urban Core is now home to 1,658 businesses and nearly 19,450 employees
- Commercial occupancy stands at 97% for retail and 98% for office space
- Palafox Market has grown from about 145 vendors in 2020 to more than 200 today
Early priorities that stuck. Wilson made the Downtown Ambassadors program an early focus, boosting staffing and contracting with a local minority-owned business to clean and maintain downtown sidewalks and public areas seven days a week. He also worked with the city to get public restrooms downtown, including a facility at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.
Public art and placemaking. The DIB expanded its investment in public art under Wilson, including grant-funded Foo Foo Festival projects such as “Bubble Alley,” “Magic Carpet” and “Afterburn.” The DIB also partnered with downtown property owners to bring Umbrella Sky to Jefferson Street Alley and has continued to grow downtown’s holiday lighting program.
Palafox Market’s expansion. Wilson worked to amend a 35-year-old ordinance so Palafox Market could expand into a second location at Plaza Ferdinand VII, opening the door for more local farmers, makers, artists and small businesses.
Weathering the storms. Wilson has led the DIB through Hurricane Sally, the pandemic and, most recently, the reconstruction of Palafox Street — all while keeping the focus on downtown’s role in Pensacola’s economy and quality of life.
DIB Chair Chris McKean credited Wilson’s relationships across downtown for the organization’s progress.
“Walker understands that a successful downtown is built through partnerships. His dedication to downtown Pensacola, extensive experience and strong relationships with our business community and civic partners have served the DIB well over the past six years.”
—Chris McKean, DIB Chairman
To learn more, visit downtownpensacola.com.
