Michael McGowan will lead the Jacksonville Planning Commission for a second term after commissioners elected him chair for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

New leadership team elected

McGowan, senior vice president for Chase Properties Inc., won the post at the commission's Thursday, Sept. 17, meeting, as first reported by the Jax Daily Record. The commission reviews zoning, land-use and development applications across Jacksonville, including projects in Mandarin. Joshua Garrison was elected vice chair and D.R. Repass was elected secretary, according to the commission's official meeting record.

McGowan previously chaired the commission in 2024-25. He took over as acting chair after former Chair Monée Holder departed in August. Holder, appointed to the commission in 2023, became the first Black woman to serve as its chair. She won a special election Aug. 18 for the At-Large Group 1 council seat and resigned her commission position.

A nominating committee made up of Garrison, Dorothy Gillette and Sean Hall recommended the new officers. McGowan appointed that committee at the commission's Sept. 3 meeting.

"Our decisions have lasting effects on neighborhoods, property owners and the future of our city," McGowan wrote in an email to the Jax Daily Record after his election. He said his priority is ensuring every applicant receives a fair, thorough and respectful review.

McGowan has worked with Chase Properties since 2014. He also serves on advisory boards for the Urban Land Institute, the San Marco Preservation Society and the Bergstrom Council of Jacksonville.

Vacant seat awaits council vote

Mayor Donna Deegan has nominated Aleizha Batson to fill the seat Holder vacated. Batson, a senior communications lead with Florida Blue since 2021, previously served as senior manager of community relations and social responsibility for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority from 2015 to 2021. She holds degrees from Temple University and Jacksonville University.

The nomination, filed as Resolution 2026-0776, must go before the City Council Rules Committee and then the full council for a vote. No hearing date has been announced.

Upcoming commission meetings

The Planning Commission's next regular meeting is Thursday, Oct. 8, at 214 N. Hogan St. in downtown Jacksonville. The Land Use and Zoning Committee meets Tuesday, Oct. 6. Residents can attend either meeting or review agendas on the city's website.