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Committee reallocates $2 million in housing funds for construction and down-payment assistance

Jacksonville City Council Neighborhoods Committee · February 17, 2026

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Summary

The neighborhoods committee approved item 20260065 to repurpose $2 million in SHIP/federal program funds: $1.5 million for single-family construction financing and $500,000 for down-payment assistance for ten homes; members discussed timing, state extension rules and program targeting. The bill passed 7–0.

The neighborhoods committee approved item 20260065 to correct project codes and reallocate about $2,000,000 in housing funds to accelerate homebuilding and down-payment assistance.

Jeffrey (city staff, speaker 19) explained the allocation: $1,500,000 would fund construction financing to build homes targeted at very low-income families (50% AMI and below) through nonprofit developers; $500,000 would fund down-payment assistance tied to the homes the program plans to build. He said the construction funds will be loaned to nonprofits and revolve back to the city when homes are sold.

Councilmembers asked whether the city had sought an extension from the state to spend SHIP funds and whether reallocating the dollars was the preferred approach. Staff said the city cannot apply for a state extension until June, when it will know how much remains unencumbered, and that the reallocation is meant to expand tools to spend funds more quickly while meeting set-aside requirements.

Councilmember Colonel Miller asked whether the administration would pursue the same approach if an extension were available; Jeffrey said he would proceed with the program regardless. Members emphasized urgency because the fiscal year ends June 30 and funds not encumbered could be at risk.

The committee approved the amendment and the bill as amended; recorded vote was 7 ayes, 0 nays.

Next steps: staff will implement the construction financing and down-payment assistance program elements and apply for a state extension in June if needed; members requested continued monitoring of encumbrance progress.