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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under the legislation, Resolution 2026-0574, companies receiving a Recapture Enhanced Value Grant must make a \u201cgood faith effort\u201d to hire qualified active-duty military spouses and\/or veterans for a minimum of 10% of new jobs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTen percent is an attainable number. I would love to see 10% of our workforce being veterans,\u201d said Council President Nick Howland, who proposed the initial legislation. \u201cThat\u2019s not because veterans are folks to be managed, it\u2019s because veterans are assets to be invested in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, the legislation says that the city\u2019s Office of Economic Development should give projects within Cecil Airport \u201cadditional positive consideration\u201d when weighing potential incentives.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s one of the strongest economic growth opportunities Jacksonville has ever had,\u201d Howland said about Cecil Airport. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The legislation, dubbed the \u201cStand for Service Act,\u201d is set to appear before the Council\u2019s Finance; Neighborhoods, Community Service, Public Health and Safety; Rules; and Transportation, Energy and Utilities committees beginning Aug. 3.<\/p>\n
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