Better Jacksonville Plan
The Better Jacksonville Plan
Program Status: The Better Jacksonville Plan was a voter-approved, $2.25 billion infrastructure and quality-of-life program that funded roads, public facilities, environmental preservation, and economic development projects across Jacksonville. All identified funding has now been programmed or expended, and the initiative has concluded. The half-cent sales tax that supported it will sunset no later than December 31, 2030.
About the Better Jacksonville Plan
On September 5, 2000, Jacksonville voters approved the Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP) as a long-term blueprint for managing growth and investing in major infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements. Codified as Chapter 761 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code, the program supported transportation improvements, environmental preservation, targeted economic development, and new and improved public facilities.
Over its lifespan, the Better Jacksonville Plan helped fund nearly $2 billion in projects, including roadway improvements, major public facilities, expanded libraries, environmental preservation efforts, and downtown development. These investments significantly reshaped Jacksonville’s built environment and public assets.
Program Oversight and Ongoing Committees
The Better Jacksonville Plan established two oversight bodies by ordinance: the Financial Administration Committee (FAC) and the Project Administration Committee (PAC). These committees were created to provide financial review, project oversight, and reporting related to Better Jacksonville Plan funding and projects.
While the Better Jacksonville Plan program itself has concluded, both the FAC and PAC continue to meet and operate pursuant to Chapter 761 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code.
Current meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, membership, and staff contacts are maintained on the official Boards and Commissions pages linked below:
Program Elements
Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation
The original BJP included a $1.5 billion transportation and infrastructure work program addressing road widening, resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, railroad crossings, and transit right-of-way. The program was restructured in 2005 and again in 2013 in response to changing conditions and revenue impacts from the recession.
Public Facilities
More than $500 million was invested in major public facilities, including the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, Main Library, library branches, and the Duval County Courthouse complex. All facility projects funded under the Better Jacksonville Plan have been completed.
Environment and Quality of Life
Environmental investments included land preservation, neighborhood park improvements, environmental cleanup initiatives, and septic tank remediation in sanitary nuisance areas, supporting long-term sustainability and neighborhood livability.
BJP Ordinance
The Better Jacksonville Plan is established and governed by Chapter 761 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code. This chapter defines the purpose of the Plan, eligible project categories, funding structure, oversight requirements, and the establishment of the Better Jacksonville Trust Fund.
The full ordinance text, including Sections 761.101–761.108, is maintained by Municode and should be consulted for the official and most current legal language:
View Chapter 761 – The Better Jacksonville Plan (Municode)
- Program purpose and scope
- Authorized project categories
- Sales surtax authorization and limitations
- Trust fund requirements
- FAC and PAC oversight structure
Public Records Notice
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