Companies receiving financial incentives from the city of Jacksonville should direct more attention toward veterans and Cecil Airport, a majority of City Council members say.
In legislation formally introduced July 28 to Council, 13 members call for updating the policies that guide economic development agreements between the city and companies who receive city funds.
Under the legislation, Resolution 2026-0574, companies receiving a Recapture Enhanced Value Grant must make a “good faith effort” to hire qualified active-duty military spouses and/or veterans for a minimum of 10% of new jobs.
A REV grant is a refund on ad valorem tax revenue generated by a new development or property enhancement. It can apply to property and tangible personal property.
“10% is an attainable number. I would love to see 10% of our workforce being veterans,” said Council President Nick Howland, who proposed the initial legislation. “That’s not because veterans are folks to be managed, it’s because veterans are assets to be invested in.”
Additionally, the legislation says that the city’s Office of Economic Development should give projects within Cecil Airport “additional positive consideration” when weighing potential incentives.
“I think it’s one of the strongest economic growth opportunities Jacksonville has ever had,” Howland said about Cecil Airport. “We know that the space industry in Florida will be growing dramatically. And I know that Cecil Field has the runway, literally and figuratively, to be an aerospace hub.”
At present, the Office of Economic Development provides additional consideration for projects Downtown, those that impact the Jacksonville Port Authority, projects located in an economically distressed area and companies that would require support from local businesses.
The legislation, dubbed the “Stand for Service Act,” is set to appear before the Council’s Finance; Neighborhoods, Community Service, Public Health and Safety; Rules; and Transportation, Energy and Utilities committees.