News Summary
The City of Jacksonville is proposing a $150 million budget for a Community Benefits Agreement aimed at benefiting the Eastside neighborhood. This funding is part of a larger $1.4 billion renovation deal related to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium. City Council members are working on the allocation of funds for affordable housing, workforce development, and addressing homelessness. Discussions are ongoing regarding the oversight and flexibility of fund usage, with initial expenditures anticipated to begin in the upcoming fiscal year.
Jacksonville – The City of Jacksonville is proposing a $150 million budget for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that focuses on investing in the Eastside neighborhood. This funding is part of a larger $1.4 billion renovation deal for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium, which will ensure the team’s presence in the city for the next 30 years. The combined total investment for the Eastside from both the city and the Jaguars is projected to reach $115 million over three decades.
City Council members are actively shaping the plans for the distribution and management of the CBA funds. The chair of the council has pointed out that while there is immediate funding available, clarity on how these funds will be shared is still required. The CBA funds have designated uses, with specific allocations directed toward affordable housing, workforce development, and addressing homelessness.
The proposed oversight of the CBA funding will be managed by a board of directors from Heros Inc., comprised of five representatives from the Eastside community, two members from the City Council, one mayoral appointee, and one representative from the Jaguars. There are ongoing discussions within the council about the flexibility of fund usage, particularly concerning the needs of older residents who may feel pressured economically to leave the neighborhood. These discussions also include how much of the annual investment can be allocated to administrative costs and the authority level of the board to award grants without requiring further City Council approval.
The first allocation of the available funds is expected to be accessible by October 1, following a budget vote. A special committee focused on finalizing the CBA legislation is set to meet again on October 8 to continue their work. This funding discussion has evolved as the city has now proposed an increased allocation of $40 million for the Eastside, an increase from the previously discussed $30 million.
In addition to the CBA funding, Jacksonville has committed $56 million towards downtown park development and another $14 million for enhancements in city parks, which will be evenly distributed among 14 district council members. The Jaguars organization has pledged to match the city’s efforts by contributing $150 million over 30 years as part of the community benefits agreement.
The distribution model of the CBA funding is expected to draw inspiration from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, promoting increased involvement from the community. Advocacy from local groups, such as the Together Eastside Coalition, has accentuated the importance of Eastside representation on the funding oversight board. Past public meetings have revealed significant enthusiasm among residents for ensuring that Eastside stakeholders have key roles in overseeing fund distribution.
Local leaders and community members agree that this financial support could prove pivotal in tackling persistent issues such as generational poverty and improving overall conditions in the Eastside area. City Council members have acknowledged that adequate representation on the oversight board is essential for effective fund allocation towards Eastside initiatives.
Moreover, the timeline for implementing the funding is being expedited, with initial expenditures anticipated to begin in the 2024-25 fiscal year and extending over a span of seven years. As discussions continue, Council members are diligently working to finalize the details that will guide the utilization of these crucial funds for the community’s benefit.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Community Benefits Agreement
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- First Coast News: Eastside Representation
- Google Search: Jacksonville Community Benefits Agreement
- Jacksonville.com: Community Benefits Agreement with Jaguars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Benefits Agreement
- Jax Daily Record: Work on Community Benefits Agreement
- Google News: Jacksonville Eastside funding
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
