JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In this episode, host Kent Justice sits down with Dr. David Jaffe, a sociology professor at the University of North Florida, to discuss the pressing issue of affordable housing in Jacksonville.
Jaffe shares insights from the Jax Rental Housing Project, a community-based public sociology initiative aimed at understanding the dynamics of the local rental market.
The conversation delves into the alarming rise in rental costs, with Jacksonville experiencing one of the highest increases in cost burden among major U.S. cities. Dr. Jaffe highlights the impact of corporate ownership and the financialization of housing, where large entities acquire properties to extract income, leading to rent hikes and reduced tenant protections.
PREVIOUS EPISODE: $200K grants transform local nonprofits through philanthropy
Despite challenges posed by state preemption laws, Jaffe advocates for strengthening tenant rights through initiatives like the proposed Jacksonville Tenants Bill of Rights. He emphasizes the need for a landlord registry and an office of housing resources to support renters.
Tune in to explore the complex factors driving housing affordability issues and potential solutions to ensure fair and accessible housing for Jacksonville’s residents. Don’t miss this critical discussion on the intersection of housing policy, economics, and community well-being.