It’s that time of year again! On Wednesday night, Daytona Beach city commissioners will come together to decide on the Daytona Beach Legislative priorities for the upcoming 2024-2025 sessions. This annual meeting is all about setting the course for future funding and support that can directly impact the community.
The meeting kicks off with a pre-drafted list, put together based on previous suggestions from commissioners and city staff input. One of the main focuses? Ensuring the city’s critical sanitary sewer lift stations are backed up with power. Out of 178 lift stations in Daytona Beach, 87 currently lack backup generators. Without power, these stations can fail, causing sewage to back up into homes, businesses, and streets—a mess no one wants to deal with!
The city has already invested over $1.5 million in this effort, with $750,000 coming from state grants. But there’s still a ways to go. This year, the city is asking for an additional $1.98 million in funding, with plans to match up to $1 million. This will allow for 22 more generators to be installed at key locations.
But that’s not all on the Daytona Beach Legislative list! Here are some other priorities on the city’s radar:
- Funding to combat flooding and improve water quality.
- Support for affordable and workforce housing initiatives.
- Backing major road projects like the I-95/LPGA Boulevard interchange.
- Securing funds for local infrastructure improvements, especially for roads and bridges.
- Ensuring local government maintains control over short-term rental regulations and the Live Local Act.
- Addressing high property insurance costs and condominium assessment requirements.
- Support for mental health and substance abuse programs, as well as homelessness initiatives.
On the federal side, Daytona Beach Legislative priorities include pushing for flood mitigation projects, coastal resilience efforts, and public safety grants to help fund community policing and fire safety. They’re also seeking funding to assist low-income residents with technology access, such as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots, to bridge the digital divide.
The city’s efforts aim to improve everything from neighborhood safety and economic growth to protecting Daytona Beach’s beautiful coastline. Let’s see what priorities make the final cut!
Thanks for reading,
Chris
