JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci is holding a notice meeting Tuesday before the City Council meeting to present his proposal to restore the affordable housing funding that was cut from the city’s proposed budget.
Last week, the Finance Committee trimmed $23 million from the Mayor’s $2 billion budget proposal.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan requested $4.9 million for an affordable housing trust as part of her budget proposal.
But last week, the finance committee cut that out.
It’s something Councilman Matt Carlucci will encourage his colleagues to restore.
“It’s a big deal because there’s a whole lot of families out there that just buying a home and owning a home is out of reach,” said Councilman Carlucci.
Mayor Deegan requested the funds to support a down payment assistance program and reserve money to help support affordable housing construction.
Councilman Carlucci said his amendment would include a funding source for the $4.9 million, and the money would go specifically to down payment assistance.
“We’re not paying people’s mortgage payments for them. We’re just trying to help them get in, get that first step in the door. If they leave the house after they buy it within three years, they have to return the money to the city,” said Councilman Carlucci.
Councilman Carlucci says he would not present his amendment during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. If he garners enough support at the notice meeting, he will present it during the City Council meeting on September 22nd when the council is set to vote on the final budget.
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