City of Jacksonville

Mayor Donna Deegan is demonstrating a strong commitment to public safety by increasing support for first responders through enhanced salaries, pension stability, and upgraded equipment, ensuring those who protect Jacksonville are equipped and fairly compensated. Her administration is investing in the construction of new fire stations and the modernization of existing training facilities and emergency response tools to meet the growing needs of the community. In addition, Mayor Deegan has reinstituted a revitalized Jacksonville Journey program, with a renewed focus on prevention, literacy, and intervention strategies aimed at reducing crime and supporting youth development. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to public safety—supporting those on the front lines while also addressing the root causes of violence and instability in the community.

Mayor Donna Deegan is making significant strides in enhancing Jacksonville’s infrastructure through a comprehensive approach focused on long-overdue repairs and forward-looking upgrades. Her administration is actively working to repair and modernize streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems, while also prioritizing resilience infrastructure to better prepare the city for future environmental challenges. Efforts to eliminate aging septic tanks and improve stormwater systems are underway, addressing public health concerns and reducing environmental risks. In tandem, the Mayor is tackling urban blight through targeted revitalization initiatives. Additionally, her investment in intersection improvements and upgrades to city-owned buildings reflects a broader commitment to public safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency. These initiatives collectively aim to build a more resilient, sustainable, and livable Jacksonville for all residents.

Mayor Donna Deegan is taking meaningful action to make housing more affordable and address homelessness in Jacksonville through a multifaceted strategy focused on inventory, prevention, and support. Her administration is allocating funds for the development of more housing that is affordable across that city and down-payment assistance to help first-time homebuyers achieve stable housing, while also supporting eviction diversion programs that keep families in their homes during times of crisis. In recognition of the urgent need for temporary housing solutions, Mayor Deegan is expanding shelter capacity and enhancing the reach and effectiveness of outreach teams who connect individuals experiencing homelessness with critical resources. These initiatives reflect a compassionate, proactive approach to the housing crisis, aimed at fostering long-term solutions and ensuring all residents have access to a safe, secure, and supportive home.

Mayor Donna Deegan is prioritizing the health and well-being of Jacksonville residents through a holistic and equity-driven approach to public health. Her administration is working to strengthen maternal and child health services with the goal of reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for families across the city. Recognizing the need for accessible care, she is expanding mental health services, dental care, telehealth options, and elder care programs to ensure comprehensive support for residents at every stage of life. Additionally, Mayor Deegan is addressing the social determinants of health—such as safe housing, access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, and economic stability—understanding that true health equity requires more than clinical care. Through these initiatives, her administration is building a healthier, more resilient community where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

In her economic development efforts, Deegan has focused on streamlining city permitting, helping small business growth, cultivating talent development, and boosting downtown development. She allocated over $21 million toward improving permitting, inspections, technology, and staffing to reduce bureaucratic delays. Her vision aims to make Jacksonville a more competitive city for business and workforce opportunity.

Deegan has made youth, literacy, and education central to policy and budget priorities. She inaugurated the River City Readers literacy challenge asking children to read 20 minutes daily and log reading minutes in the Beanstack app, aiming to build reading skills among third graders. She increased funding for libraries, ensured expanded services for the Kids Hope Alliance, supported literacy-related youth events, and tied education goals to public safety and prevention efforts.

Mayor Deegan is committed to advancing Jacksonville’s mission to be the most military-friendly city in the country. That includes strong support for the Military Affairs and Veterans Department’s efforts to expand military outreach, increase job opportunities, and growth the services provided to veterans.

Improving the quality of life of our residents and visitors involves supporting a vibrant and robust artistic and cultural community. The Deegan Administration will continue to invest in arts, culture, and entertainment and partner with organizations across Jacksonville who are moving these priorities forward.