March 11, 2024
Randy White appears set to take the reins as the president of the government body this summer. The race for…
Reporting on Jacksonville City Council meetings, votes, and legislation that shape local government, neighborhoods, and public policy.
February 28, 2024
What else could proposed stadium money buy?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are negotiating with the city to split the cost of a $1.4 billion stadium remodel. What does…
February 25, 2024
OPINION | The reality of divided government
For Mayor Donna Deegan and this City Council, it will take negotiation and the time-honored principle of “getting to yes”…
February 9, 2024
Jacksonville’s new planning director lays out his mission
R. Brett James, a former Navy civilian director, took over this week as Jacksonville’s chief of planning and development.…
January 26, 2024
#AskJAXTDY l What happens with the money set aside to remove Confederate monuments?
There was already money in the budget for the removal of the Confederate statues at Springfield Park. A reader asked…
January 15, 2024
They’re not elected. They just keep showing up to City Council meetings
In a city of more than a million people, relatively few citizens are a consistent presence at the Downtown Jacksonville…
January 15, 2024
OPINION | Where is the stadium deal?
The set-up couldn’t have been better for stadium negotiations. Now, it’s the same old Jagwires, bumbling on the field and making…
January 4, 2024
‘Half-baked’ Laura Street Trio deal sent back to Downtown Investment Authority by Council
A potential $38.5 million deal to redevelop the historic Laura Street Trio needs more work, the City Council decided Thursday. …
January 2, 2024
Jacksonville Council rails over removal of Confederate statues
City Council members spent over an hour Tuesday criticizing General Counsel Michael Fackler for the removal of Confederate statues in…
December 21, 2023
Despite murky data on housing waitlist, need has clearly grown
The number of people waiting for housing through the Jacksonville Housing Authority has been exaggerated. But the need has grown…
December 15, 2023
Affordable housing isn’t as simple as it sounds. Let us explain.
The terms “affordable” and “workforce” housing come down to how much money a family makes compared with the median income…
December 10, 2023
Jacksonville City Council set to vote on eviction diversion program
The Jacksonville City Council will vote Tuesday on a diversion program to keep the number of evictions down.…
November 8, 2023
Mayor stands her ground on contract with lobbying firm
Mayor Donna Deegan says she won’t comply with requests to withdraw a lobbying contract awarded without seeking bids.…
October 26, 2023
Michael Fackler recommended as Jacksonville’s top attorney
The General Counsel Qualification Review Committee endorsed Fackler’s hiring as general counsel. City Council still must approve the appointment.…
October 23, 2023
OPINION | In defense of Ron Salem
Ron Salem, a Republican of Palestinian descent, is taking hits for his no vote on a City Council resolution offering…
October 11, 2023
City Council approves potential PACE lending lawsuit
The Jacksonville City Council has moved to fight ‘predatory’ PACE home loans.…
October 9, 2023
To keep affordable housing affordable, a public-private partnership for Jax?
A proposed mix of public and private money to leverage tax credits could yield $160M to build affordable housing.…
October 8, 2023
GET INVOLVED | Local government meetings guide
Start here to plan on attending local government meetings in the Jacksonville, Florida, area.…
October 5, 2023
OPINION | Who drew first blood? A Jax election retrospective
Jacksonville’s recent local elections were the nastiest in our city’s history. These campaigns slung first mud.…
October 5, 2023
Jacksonville set to fight ‘predatory’ PACE loan program
City and county officials say the PACE home improvement program is sticking property owners with bills they can’t afford.…
September 26, 2023
Jacksonville City Council OKs budget after debate over homelessness funding
The Council ultimately shot down a budget amendment that would have redirected $3.1 million from the mayor’s $25 million budget…
September 25, 2023
City plans to buy proposed Brentwood liquor store
City Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman has told residents the city will buy the property, which sits less than 200 feet…
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…
September 18, 2023
OPINION | Where did Deegan go wrong? Lessons from the failed Ferraro and DeFoor nominations
Two failed nominations reveal a surprising lack of understanding of how the City Council actually works and thinks.…