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ULTIMATE URBAN CIRCULATOR – A CASE STUDY | 47 All of this is a direct result of the JTA making a bold decision to modernize its aging Skyway by building an autonomous vehicle program, the U 2 C, an innovative, technology-driven initiative that will carry public transportation, the city and the region far into the future. From 2025 to 2027, the direct impact of HOLON’s investment will result in more than $102.3 million in economic activity and create 332 direct jobs while expanding Jacksonville’s manufacturing infrastructure. With the multiplier effect, those estimates will expand to 839 jobs and more than $201 million in economic generation. By 2028, when manufacturing operations at HOLON are fully underway, the ongoing economic impact is estimated to be 736 jobs and $87 million in economic activity on an annual basis. In other words, the 736 jobs alone will generate $54,376,950 in labor income, $65,787,874 in value-added to the local economy and contribute $87,151,062 in total economic output. Driverless tech finds a new home While the JTA’s U 2 C initiative is leading the industry with AI-driven technology, HOLON is bringing a new labor market to Jacksonville that will attract technology professionals and create jobs. Together, the two entities are transforming Jacksonville and Northeast Florida like never before by stimulating job growth, education, mobility options, and local businesses and attractions. “This is a new industry sector for Florida,” said Aundra Wallace, JTA Chairman and CEO of JAXUSA. “Vehicle manufacturing hasn’t been done in the state in about 75- plus years. AV manufacturing is first-of-its-kind in Florida. The technology itself is new, so it’s new training and a new line of opportunities for people to be trained in how to build and repair AVs. That’s a total new skillset in Jacksonville and that’s exciting.” A 2025 University of North Florida study about the long-term impact of the U 2 C program and HOLON’s manufacturing plant estimates more than 800 jobs will be created throughout the region with an annual economic benefit of $87 million from 2028 and beyond. However, the overall economic benefit to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida will be huge, impacting major industries now and years into the future. expansion into advanced vehicle production and reinforce Jacksonville as a hub for autonomous mobility solutions. Industries that will benefit include: • Manufacturing • Real estate • Health care • Financial services • Retail • Other consumer- driven businesses According to the study conducted in February 2025, HOLON will be a cornerstone for Jacksonville’s
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