The City of Jacksonville's Special Committee on the Community Benefits Agreement 2.0 convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss the allocation of city funds and the implications of upcoming developments, particularly the new Jaguar and soccer stadiums. The meeting focused on ensuring that city dollars are effectively utilized within four designated categories: affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, and homelessness prevention.

A key point of discussion was the need to clarify how funds could be spent, particularly in relation to preventing homelessness. Committee members emphasized that while certain programs, such as those offered by Jacksonville Legal Aid and United Way, already provide financial assistance to prevent eviction, city funds cannot be used to pay property taxes directly. This limitation raised concerns about how to best support residents facing rising property values due to new developments.

Members highlighted the importance of creating programs that would help residents maintain their homes and avoid displacement as property values increase. There was a consensus that any funding initiatives must align strictly with the established categories to ensure compliance with the community benefits agreement.

Additionally, the committee discussed the potential for private funding from the Jaguars, which could expand the categories of support to include youth activation programs. However, it was noted that these funds would not flow through the city, thus requiring careful coordination with external organizations.

The meeting also addressed governance issues related to the board's composition. Suggestions were made to ensure diverse representation from various neighborhoods while maintaining the board's functionality. It was proposed that the initial appointments be approved by the city council for the first two years, after which a membership committee could manage future appointments.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the need for strategic planning and clear guidelines to maximize the impact of city funds while addressing the challenges posed by significant urban development. The next steps will involve refining the proposed programs and ensuring that all initiatives align with the community benefits agreement's objectives.