City of Jacksonville

The Child Care Solutions Task Force was established by Mayor Donna Deegan and the City of Jacksonville to address the rising cost and limited availability of childcare in Jacksonville—issues that directly affect working families, employers, and the regional economy. The group explores and makes actionable recommendations focused on access, affordability, quality, and the childcare workforce.

The Task Force is part of Mayor Deegan’s broader commitment to making Jacksonville more affordable and accessible, while supporting working families and strengthening Jacksonville’s workforce. Parents, employers, and childcare providers across the city have identified the cost and availability of childcare as major barriers keeping some parents—especially mothers—from fully participating in the workforce and creating challenges for small businesses and early learning centers. The Task Force was convened to take a deeper, coordinated look at those issues and to develop recommendations.

Task Force Overview

The City of Jacksonville and the Office of Mayor Donna Deegan have convened a coalition of childcare experts, medical professionals, community leaders, and working parents to examine the high cost of childcare in Duval County. The Task Force gathers data, hears from parents and caregivers, and recommends long-term solutions.

Focus Areas

The work of the Child Care Solutions Task Force is organized around five priority areas:

1. Access & Supply – Expanding the availability of childcare options across Jacksonville, including underserved neighborhoods.
2. Affordability & Financing – Identifying strategies and funding models that help families afford quality care.
3. Quality & Workforce – Supporting childcare providers, improving quality, and strengthening the early childhood workforce.
4. Family Navigation & Supports – Helping families understand, find, and access childcare and related support services.
5. Employer & Ecosystem Partnerships – Engaging employers and community partners in solutions that support working families.

Kickoff Meeting

The Child Care Solutions Task Force held its initial meeting on November 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Large Conference Room on the 4th floor of Jacksonville City Hall.

Kickoff Agenda Highlights

Discussion at the kickoff meeting included:

• Welcome & Purpose – Charge from the Mayor and expected outcomes.
• Framing & Data Snapshot – Current state of childcare access, affordability, quality, and workforce in Jacksonville.
• Problem Statement & Vision – Developing shared language on the core challenge the Task Force is working to solve.
• Working Group Formation – Organizing participants into working groups around the five priority focus areas:
  1. Access & Supply
  2. Affordability & Financing
  3. Quality & Workforce
  4. Family Navigation & Supports
  5. Employer & Ecosystem Partnerships

Task Force Members