JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville City Council approved Mayor Donna Deegan’s budget Tuesday night in an 18-to-1 vote.
The budget restores $4.9 million to the city’s affordable housing trust fund, reversing a proposed cut that had drawn weeks of public concern. That funding breaks down as follows:
- $2 million for down payment assistance
- $1.4 million for capital stack funding, which combines different types of financing for major projects
- $1.5 million for utility tap fees tied to attainable housing
Separate from the city funding, JWB Cares Welcome Home Fund announced Wednesday that eight Jacksonville residents will each receive $20,000 in down payment assistance, adding to the city’s affordable housing momentum.
About 300 people applied for the funds, a sign of just how strong the demand is for homeownership opportunities in Jacksonville.
Mayor Deegan says the barrier to homeownership isn’t the mortgage, it’s getting to the starting line.
“It’s out of reach because getting to the starting line is really just so difficult. You’re paying rent. You’re paying for groceries, childcare, health care, insurance, transportation, all the everyday expenses,” Deegan said.
News4JAX spoke with some of the new homeowners and asked what they felt was the biggest obstacle in their homeownership journey.
They all said the same thing.
“It’s hard to get enough money to get a down payment. And also, the prices of the home,” said JoAnn Walker-Thomas, a fund recipient.
“Essentially, the down payment is the biggest hurdle to get over,” said Kristen Gonzalez, a fund recipient.
“The hardest part is being able to get the money to have the down payment for it. It’s not about being able to pay your mortgage, mostly everybody can pay the mortgage,” said Denard Jones, a fund recipient.
When asked what it took to get the affordable housing funding restored, Mayor Deegan credited the community.
“There were so many citizens who showed up and said, please listen to us. We’ve been saying this for years. And I think that we finally have gotten to the point where they’re looking at the whole affordability piece and saying, you know what? We should listen,” Deegan said.
The City of Jacksonville also offers the Headstart to Homeownership Program, providing financial assistance of up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs for eligible individuals or families interested in purchasing a home.
For more information on the city’s affordable housing programs, click here.