December 21, 2023
The number of people waiting for housing through the Jacksonville Housing Authority has been exaggerated. But the need has grown…
Reporting on Jacksonville City Council meetings, votes, and legislation that shape local government, neighborhoods, and public policy.
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 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.…
September 14, 2023
Proposed food and beverage tax sparks early debate
A proposed 1% tax on food and drinks would fund anti-homelessness programs in Jacksonville.…
September 13, 2023
Deegan nominee DeFoor withdraws name from Jacksonville top attorney consideration
Randy DeFoor, the former Jacksonville City Council member who Mayor Donna Deegan nominated to lead the city’s Office of General…
September 4, 2023
OPINION | The ultimate pragmatist: E. Denise Lee’s inclusive politics
We need Denise Lee’s clarity of vision to be actualized by a new generation, her ability to unify people who…
August 25, 2023
Mayor and finance board spar over diversity chief funding
The Finance Committee recommended slicing a portion of the mayor’s budget that would have paid for a chief of diversity.…
August 23, 2023
Mayor decries ‘smear campaign’ over top attorney’s appointment
City Council voted Tuesday to send a second request to the Florida ethics commission about Randy DeFoor’s ability to take…
August 16, 2023
Jacksonville promises to tame those overgrown lots
Mayor Donna Deegan is proposing a 95% increase in the amount of money allocated to the city’s Mowing and Landscaping…
August 7, 2023
OPINION | Is it a purge? Donna Deegan separates from the Lenny Curry era
Mayor Donna Deegan has made some moves that show a dramatic break with the previous administration. But not all of…
July 25, 2023
On housing, homelessness and health care, Jax committee passes learnings to new Council
Jacksonville’s Critical Quality of Life Committee has presented its final report to guide policy for helping low-income people.…
July 24, 2023
Jax budget plan makes sure federal COVID relief isn’t lost
Jacksonville’s unspent COVID relief money could go toward UF Health’s indigent care program, city employee health care and more.…
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…