JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Housing costs are a focus for both Republicans and Democrats in the 2024 election as affordability is becoming a major issue for voters.
Jacksonville city leaders, including Mayor Donna Deegan, gathered Wednesday morning to call on Floridians to help elect Vice President Kamala Harris to help lower housing costs.
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“We are here today because housing has become unaffordable and unattainable for many in Jacksonville and across Florida,” Deegan said. “Here in Jacksonville, the average price for just a one-bedroom apartment is now more than $1,500 a month, and 52% of renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.”
Deegan was joined by Florida State Senator Tracie Davis and Jacksonville Councilman Rahman Johnson to talk about the ongoing housing crisis highlighting the unaffordability of both rent and homeownership.
“Floridians are facing skyrocketing housing prices and are struggling to pay their rent. We need to find ways to put them in reach of the American dream, and that’s to afford a home,” Davis said.
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They focused on how Harris’ plan can help accelerate the current administration’s plans to bring more affordable housing to Jacksonville.
Earlier this year, Mayor Deegan unveiled the Headstart to Homeownership Program which offered up to $50,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers.
The administration said 13 first-time home-buyers are in new homes because of the program and that 87 more are approved. Jason Pearson is one of those recipients. He joined city leaders Wednesday morning and talked about the significance of being able to purchase his first home.
“As a kid, I saw my mom, a single mom, working hard to support her family. I witnessed her by her very first ever home. I know the impact having a home can have on a person,” Pearson said.
Affordability is a big part of both Harris and Donald Trump’s campaign platforms.
Vice President Harris wants to tackle affordable housing by increasing housing supply.
She has a goal to build 3 million new houses by the end of her first term. She wants to expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit that gives tax breaks to developers who build affordable housing.
Harris has also proposed a plan to give $25,5000 in down payment assistance to first-time home buyers.
Former President Trump’s plan has a bigger focus on inflation and mortgage rates. He wants to tackle inflation to lower mortgage rates. He has also talked about plans to use federal land for housing construction.
Trump wants to promote homeownership through tax incentives and support for first-time home buyers and cut unnecessary regulations that raise housing costs. Another part of his plan focuses on deporting illegal immigrants “who are competing with Americans for homes.”
Mayor Deegan tried to dedicate $10 million in her budget to kickstart an affordable housing loan fund, but it was removed from the budget by the city council. To apply or find out if you qualify for the city’s down payment assistance program, you can click here for more information.