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Council approves funding step for voluntary buyouts in flood-prone neighborhoods; staff outlines FEMA process and 25% city match
Summary
A city bill authorizing activities tied to voluntary buyouts in flood-prone neighborhoods passed after council discussion. City staff described the program as voluntary, noted about 30–40 acquisitions since the early 2000s, and said FEMA funds flow through the state Division of Emergency Management to the city, with a 25% local match.
Jacksonville City Council approved legislation (identified in the meeting as 20 20 four-nine 27) that supports voluntary acquisition of flood-prone properties, a strategy officials said helps open neighborhoods and reduce risks from repeated storm-related isolation.
Councilmember Salem asked whether the program relied on voluntary homeowner participation and how it was funded. A city official identified in the discussion as the chief of emergency management confirmed the program is voluntary and said the city has completed roughly “about 30 to 40 in Duval County since about early 2000.” He explained the federal–state–local funding flow: FEMA provides funding, which flows through the state Division of Emergency Management to the city, and the program requires a 25 percent local match from the city for acquisitions.
The chief said the program has been used in multiple neighborhoods and that staff recently discussed specific properties with council offices. Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate with local legislators and neighborhood leaders to increase credibility for outreach when offering voluntary buyouts. Councilmember Paluso asked that staff work with state Senator Tracy Davis’s office and Representative Angie Nixon’s office and with Councilwoman Jacoby Pittman to improve outreach in target neighborhoods.
Councilmember Romaro asked for data on prior properties acquired and their status; the chief said he would provide that breakdown. Councilmembers also raised specific neighborhood concerns and identified Margenhof Park in the Saint Nicholas area as one location to research for potential assistance.
Staff emphasized the program is voluntary and typically requires the federal/state funding step and a local match; Councilmember Salem and others said the council will get additional briefings. The clerk recorded a 7–0 vote in favor; by that action the council approved the bill as amended.
The decision authorizes the next steps for voluntary buyouts in identified areas and directs staff to provide follow-up information on prior acquisitions, program mechanics, and neighborhood outreach plans.
