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Council creates East Side community grants program, approves CBA implementation items

Jacksonville City Council · February 10, 2026

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Summary

Council approved a finance substitute and implementing items to launch the East Side Community Benefits Agreement and an East Side grants program; members said the package seeds immediate spending and requires staffing for grant compliance and oversight.

The Jacksonville City Council on Feb. 10 approved a package to implement the East Side Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), including a city‑administered East Side community grants program and initial funding commitments.

Council members said the measures represent the result of multi‑year negotiations tied to the stadium agreement and will begin delivering funds and oversight capacity to Out East neighborhoods. Councilman Paluso and others praised community organizers and partners for sustained engagement; Councilman Paluso said the measure represents the third major CBA iteration and noted an immediate allocation of $4 million this year with additional amounts phased in over subsequent years.

Supporters framed the package as an opportunity to invest in home repairs, business support and catalytic projects that leverage federal and private dollars. Several council members and staff emphasized that program success depends on grant and contract compliance capacity; Councilman Boylan and others urged budgeting for compliance staff so the city can track and ensure dollars are spent as intended.

The council approved the finance substitute and the implementing ordinance by roll‑call votes (recorded votes: CBA program package passed with 15 yays and 1 nay on the motion as substituted). Council and administration leaders said further details on board membership, reporting and procurement will follow during implementation.

What’s next: Implementation will require hiring grant‑management staff, standing up reporting procedures and publishing program guidance for applicants. Council members asked the administration to prioritize transparency and reporting so residents can track results.