Probably similar to how the rest of the cities have done it.
1. Develop a master plan for upgrading parks, public infrastructure, pumping activity into city owned catalytic sites (including RFPing them), modifying zoning, coordinating with other agencies, etc. and start implementing it.
2. Use incentives to address adaptive reuse/infill at key catalytic sites. What Lori Boyer is doing with the restaurant program is an example for clustering small businesses.
3. Pounce on private sector opportunities to strengthen the area when they present themselves. Reuse of the Landing, getting Brumos Collection downtown, VyStar coming downtown, JEA building a new headquarters, etc. are all examples of opportunities that have presented themselves over the last year or two. Some we've succeeded on or have dropped in our laps. Others, we missed and struck out on.
4. When projects do take place, ensure that they follow pedestrian friendly design guidelines.
Much of this isn't difficult with political support. Part of this means understanding that the finished product will be developed incrementally.