JEA Rate Review, Affordable Housing Loan and JTA Cuts Lead Jacksonville Policy Week

It has been a consequential week at City Hall and across Jacksonville’s public agencies, with major decisions affecting utilities, housing and transportation.

JEA studying rate changes amid oversight review

Jacksonville’s city-owned utility is exploring potential rate increases, including adjustments to its Time-of-Day program used by about 230 commercial and industrial customers.

Utility leaders said the program’s rates have not been updated in roughly 25 years. A workshop is planned in mid-April, with a possible board vote by June 30 and implementation as early as October.

At the same time, the utility’s board confirmed new leadership following weeks of public scrutiny tied to governance concerns and a City Council investigatory committee reviewing certain capacity fees.

$5 million loan approved for 240-unit housing project

The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved a $5 million city loan to support a 240-unit affordable housing development along Beach Boulevard near St. Johns Bluff Road.

All units will be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area median income. The project, planned for 11 acres of vacant land, is part of the city’s broader push to increase attainable housing supply as state lawmakers advance new policies limiting local governments’ ability to block certain residential projects.

JTA approves furloughs, fare hikes to close $14.2M gap

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board approved furloughs for about 80 senior administrative staff members and endorsed fare adjustments to address a $14.2 million budget shortfall.

Agency leadership said the measures are intended to balance the current fiscal year budget while maintaining core transit services, including premium on-demand options. Executive leadership will also see salary reductions.

Together, these moves reflect a challenging fiscal moment for Jacksonville’s public agencies, as officials weigh affordability, infrastructure demands and long-term growth across the region.

Sources

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/mar/31/jea-exploring-rate-increases-including-for-commercial-and-industrial-customers/
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/mar/31/jea-board-confirms-leadership-appointments/
https://www.news4jax.com/news/2026/03/27/jta-board-approves-furloughs-fare-hikes-to-close-142m-budget-gap/
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/03/30/lawmakers-hope-new-law-spurs-affordable-housing-but-some-leaders-say-it-weakens-local-government-control/