The Jacksonville Finance Committee has made significant cuts to Mayor Donna Deegan’s budget, impacting initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and affordable housing. The committee removed a proposed $10 million fund for affordable housing and slashed $9 million from a $10 million allocation intended to address new state legislation prohibiting public camping. Despite these cuts, the administration remains committed to these initiatives and is open to revisiting the budget later in the year.

The committee’s actions were part of a broader review of the budget, which included reductions in various sectors. Notable adjustments were made to Deegan’s initiatives, with the committee expressing a need for more extensive groundwork to inform the council. The committee also approved several additions to the budget, including funding for the Property Appraiser, Animal Care and Protective Services, Jax Journey Forward, JaxCareConnect, Mental Health Offender Program, United Way, and the Jacksonville Symphony.

The cuts to homelessness and affordable housing initiatives have raised concerns about the city’s ability to address these critical issues. The administration has emphasized the importance of these initiatives and is looking forward to partnering with the City Council to enhance plans for “transformational projects” in downtown Jacksonville. The full council will have the opportunity to propose modifications to the budget before the final vote at the end of September.