RESO Honoring & Commending Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, for Being Named the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion by the Rails to Trails Conservancy; Recognizing Her Extraordinary Leadership in Developing the Emerald Trail & Fostering Community Revitalization (Armstrong) (Introduced by CMs Carlucci, Salem, Miller, Amaro, Peluso, & Pittman) (Co-Sponsor CM Boylan) 1/13/26 CO Introduced: R 1/20/26 R Approve 7-0 1/27/26 CO Approve 18-0

This resolution honors and commends Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, for being named the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The award recognizes her leadership in developing the Emerald Trail, a 30-mile linear park system connecting 14 historic neighborhoods and downtown Jacksonville. The Emerald Trail Master Plan was adopted in 2019, with the first segment, the LaVilla Link, opening in May 2024. Ms. Ehas's strategy emphasizes community involvement, public-private partnerships, and addressing environmental concerns, particularly for low-income urban core residents. The resolution highlights her contributions to community revitalization and the national acclaim she has brought to Jacksonville.

This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of Kay Ehas to the development of the Emerald Trail, a project aimed at improving community connectivity, revitalization, and access to green spaces for residents.

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