Jacksonville — Councilman Lehi Arias presented a $15 million workforce-and-education package on Nov. 3 that would split city funds among five local institutions and training programs but asked the committee to defer the measure for one cycle while staff and auditors resolve technical and funding questions.

The package, filed as Bill 20-25-0781, would allocate $6,000,000 to the University of North Florida, $5,000,000 to Florida State College at Jacksonville, $2,675,000 to Edward Waters University, $1,000,000 to the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFA) apprenticeship project and $325,000 to the Workforce Industrial Training Center. Arias said he is also pursuing a possible $3,000,000 contribution from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) to reduce the city’s outlay.

Why it matters: The proposal targets both higher-education capital needs and career-technical training with an explicit aim to boost event-driven tourism and fill skilled-trades workforce gaps. Council debate focused on whether to use contingency funds while the city faces a projected budget shortfall next fiscal year.

Presentations and requests

Nick Morrow, athletic director at the University of North Florida, told the committee that Hodges Stadium ‘‘has become a great asset to this city’’ and asked for a $6 million match. ‘‘Over the past five years alone…we’re averaging 17,000 room nights and $15,000,000 per year,’’ Morrow said, arguing that upgrades are required for UNF to remain competitive to host NCAA and national events.

John Wall, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Florida State College at Jacksonville, asked for $5 million to acquire 45,000 square feet at the Cecil Commerce Center and expand welding and advanced-manufacturing training. Wall said a doubling of welding capacity would address local employer demand and increase student earning potential above $50,000 annually for many graduates.

Dr. Michael West, vice president for operations at Edward Waters University, requested $2.675 million to complete predesign and preconstruction work for an 18,000-square-foot community living-and-learning center and to improve campus athletic facilities tied to an expected national Division II track championship in 2028. West estimated the combined projects could generate about $40 million in economic impact over three to five years.

Christina Thomas of the Northeast Florida Builders Association told the council NEFA is building a 43,000-square-foot apprenticeship facility and asked for $1,000,000 for construction and equipment. James Coleman, president of Workforce Industrial Training, requested $325,000 to scale Operation Boost, which trains individuals facing employment barriers; he cited an 80% completion rate and a 75% six-month job retention rate.

Council questions and fiscal concerns

Council members pressed presenters on match commitments, project timelines, whether projects would be self-sustaining, and what city benefits — such as guaranteed public access to facilities — would accompany the grants. Several council members, including Ron Salem and Colonel Tom Miller, voiced concern about spending contingency dollars in the middle of a fiscal year while staff warned of a projected $62–65 million shortfall in the coming budget.

Salem urged caution and proposed that if funds are spent, the council narrow them to time-sensitive skilled-trades training. Other members, including former Council President Matt Carlucci and Councilman Carlucci (current), supported the investments’ potential economic and workforce benefits but stressed the need for clear matching commitments and documented returns.

Next steps

Arias said he would defer the bill one cycle to allow OGC, auditors and the entities to answer questions and finalize technical language. He also said he would pursue a TDC allocation and, if TDC approves $3 million, plans to amend the bill to reflect that tourism-driven funding stream.

Provenance

Topic intro: Councilman Arias introduces bill and funding breakdown (transcript excerpt): "...it's $15,000,000 UNF for $6,000,000 FSEJ for $5,000,000 EW for $2,675,000 NEFA for 1,000,000 and workforce industrial training center for $325,000." (00:15:25)

Topic finish: Council defers bill for further review (00:39:04).