PerspectivesMike Clark Jacksonville Today Contributor

Mike Clark devoted about 47 years to Jacksonville's two daily newspapers. He retired in 2020 after 15 years as editorial page editor at The Florida Times-Union, where he and his staff won local, state, regional and national journalism awards.

Featured image for “OPINION | Next steps in city’s affordable housing efforts?”
November 29, 2023

OPINION | Next steps in city’s affordable housing efforts?

In Duval County, the property appraiser estimates that 25% of all single-family homes are owned by investors.

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Featured image for “OPINION | City needs bold action to solve affordable housing crisis”
October 16, 2023

OPINION | City needs bold action to solve affordable housing crisis

About 147,000 Jacksonville households are on a wait list for affordable housing. That would fill EverBank Stadium twice.

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Featured image for “OPINION | The Florida Legislature raided $2.6B in affordable housing funds”
October 2, 2023

OPINION | The Florida Legislature raided $2.6B in affordable housing funds

For every $100 available for affordable housing, the Florida Legislature took $46. But recent reforms offer hope.

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Featured image for “OPINION | Jacksonville should act to reverse the legacy of racist housing policies”
September 20, 2023

OPINION | Jacksonville should act to reverse the legacy of racist housing policies

The U.S. government created ghettoes.  Government action produced racially segregated communities in the U.S., including in Jacksonville. This was no accident. It was a policy enforced by rules and a complicit justice system. The effects are still being felt. Therefore, those of us who have benefited — mostly innocently — need to help remedy this injustice.  Richard Rothstein broke through

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Featured image for “OPINION | What St. Johns County teaches us about affordable housing”
September 11, 2023

OPINION | What St. Johns County teaches us about affordable housing

Even with proven, successful ways to provide affordable housing, funding at the state and local levels is not nearly strong enough to meet the need. 

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Featured image for “OPINION | Better late than never for Duval Schools + City budget bewilderment ”
July 5, 2023

OPINION | Better late than never for Duval Schools + City budget bewilderment 

Mike Clark reacts to progress in school administration and also what doesn’t make sense to him about this time of year at City Hall. 

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Featured image for “OPINION | Will Jacksonville give the Jags a blank check?”
June 20, 2023

OPINION | Will Jacksonville give the Jags a blank check?

Money talks. So what does $76 million over 30 years say? If that’s not a blank check, it’s mighty close. That’s what it would take to float bonds for $1 billion, the city of Jacksonville’s 50% share of an upgraded football stadium and entertainment district. And this comes after Forbes reported that the Jaguars rank No. 8 of 32 NFL

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Featured image for “OPINION | One position is missing from Deegan’s appointments, but she has a solid staff ”
June 15, 2023

OPINION | One position is missing from Deegan’s appointments, but she has a solid staff 

Besides choosing good people, Donna Deegan found people who can co-exist with a Democratic mayor and Republican City Council.

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Featured image for “OPINION | 4 questions the city should ask before paying for stadium upgrades”
June 12, 2023

OPINION | 4 questions the city should ask before paying for stadium upgrades

Jacksonville residents should be asking these four questions as we evaluate the Jaguars’ proposal to split the cost of stadium upgrades.

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Featured image for “OPINION | How to pay for Jaguars’ stadium renovations ”
May 23, 2023

OPINION | How to pay for Jaguars’ stadium renovations 

Jacksonville, an underdog, needs something bold and creative to win public buy-in for stadium financing. Here is one idea that has an NFL precedent.

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