Jacksonville, Florida, December 4, 2025
The Jacksonville City Council has approved new legislation to establish a nonprofit organization focused on economic development in the Eastside neighborhood. This initiative will channel millions of dollars to support various community projects, including grants for affordable housing and workforce development. The Council aims to boost local economic growth and improve living conditions through sustainable investments, marking a significant commitment to revitalizing the Eastside.
Jacksonville Finalizes Legislation for Eastside Neighborhood Economic Development
Jacksonville, Florida – On December 3, 2025, the Jacksonville City Council Special Committee on the Community Benefits Agreement 2.0 concluded its proceedings, finalizing legislation aimed at channeling millions of dollars into the Eastside neighborhood. This initiative is part of the city’s broader community benefits agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars, associated with the Stadium of the Future funding deal.
Establishment of Nonprofit Organization
The committee approved the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated to manage and distribute funds for the Eastside’s economic development. The nonprofit will receive:
- $40 million from the city over seven years, with a minimum annual allocation of $4 million.
- $2.5 million annually from the Jacksonville Jaguars for the next 30 years.
- Additional funding from private sources.
These funds are earmarked for grants supporting capital projects, affordable housing, workforce housing, economic development, and homelessness services within the Eastside community.
Grant Distribution and Oversight
Grants will be capped at $250,000 per project and evaluated by a nine-member board comprising:
- Four members appointed by the mayor’s office and confirmed by the City Council.
- Four members appointed by the City Council president and confirmed by the Council.
- One member appointed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Efforts will be made to ensure board members reside in or have substantial economic interests in the Eastside, with no more than three members from any of the five neighborhoods: Campbells Addition, Fairfield, Longbranch, Oakland, and Phoenix.
Next Steps
The full legislation is scheduled for introduction at the City Council’s January 13, 2026, meeting. Following a six-week review process, a final vote is anticipated in February 2026.
Background
The Eastside neighborhood, located north of EverBank Stadium, comprises five distinct areas: Campbells Addition, Fairfield, Longbranch, Oakland, and Phoenix. This initiative is part of a larger community benefits agreement between the city and the Jacksonville Jaguars, aiming to invest in local communities as part of the Stadium of the Future funding deal. The establishment of the nonprofit organization is a significant step toward ensuring that the Eastside receives its designated share of the $300 million community benefits agreement, with a focus on sustainable economic development and community revitalization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the legislation finalized by the Jacksonville City Council Special Committee on December 3, 2025?
The legislation aims to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for managing and distributing funds for economic development in Jacksonville’s Eastside neighborhood. This initiative is part of the city’s community benefits agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars, associated with the Stadium of the Future funding deal.
How much funding is allocated for the Eastside’s economic development?
The city has committed to providing $40 million over seven years, with a minimum annual allocation of $4 million. Additionally, the Jacksonville Jaguars have pledged $2.5 million annually for the next 30 years, totaling $75 million. The nonprofit organization may also seek additional funding from private sources.
What types of projects will the grants support?
The grants will support capital projects, affordable housing, workforce housing, economic development, and homelessness services within the Eastside community. Each grant is capped at $250,000 per project.
Who will oversee the distribution of these funds?
A nine-member board will oversee the distribution of funds. The board will consist of four members appointed by the mayor’s office and confirmed by the City Council, four members appointed by the City Council president and confirmed by the Council, and one member appointed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Efforts will be made to ensure board members reside in or have substantial economic interests in the Eastside, with no more than three members from any of the five neighborhoods: Campbells Addition, Fairfield, Longbranch, Oakland, and Phoenix.
When will the legislation be presented to the full City Council?
The full legislation is scheduled for introduction at the City Council’s January 13, 2026, meeting. Following a six-week review process, a final vote is anticipated in February 2026.
Key Features of the Eastside Economic Development Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Sources | $40 million from the city over seven years; $2.5 million annually from the Jacksonville Jaguars for 30 years; additional private funding. |
| Grant Allocation | Grants up to $250,000 per project for capital projects, affordable housing, workforce housing, economic development, and homelessness services. |
| Grant Oversight | A nine-member board comprising four members appointed by the mayor’s office, four by the City Council president, and one by the Jacksonville Jaguars. |
| Board Composition | Efforts to ensure members reside in or have substantial economic interests in the Eastside, with no more than three members from any of the five neighborhoods: Campbells Addition, Fairfield, Longbranch, Oakland, and Phoenix. |
| Legislation Timeline | Introduction at the City Council’s January 13, 2026, meeting; final vote anticipated in February 2026. |
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