Jacksonville City Council Greenlights $345M UF Graduate Campus Deal!

LaVilla, Jacksonville, Florida, United States - The City Council of Jacksonville has cast a decisive vote, paving the way for a transformative deal between the city and the University of Florida (UF). On June 25, 2025, the council approved an ambitious incentives package aimed at establishing a $345 million graduate campus and the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) in LaVilla. This major development is set to bolster the local economy and strengthen workforce capabilities across the region.

Jacksonville’s commitment includes significant financial backing, with the agreement featuring $105 million in cash incentives alongside $28.29 million in real estate donations over a span of 15 to 20 years. In addition, the city will facilitate the acquisition of a $2.58 million parcel of land for UF’s future expansion plans. Overall, the total value of the development agreement reaches a hefty $135.87 million, showcasing the city’s confidence in the project’s potential to invigorate Downtown Jacksonville.

A Vision for Growth

Mayor Donna Deegan is enthusiastic about the prospect of this new campus, emphasizing its ability to enhance the local workforce and reverberate positive changes throughout the downtown area. “This project is a win-win for all involved,” she stated, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative. UF’s Board of Trustees Chair, Mori Hosseini, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the new campus will align educational offerings with local economic demands and attract esteemed faculty members.

Starting this fall semester, UF plans to move into the former Interline Building, which will, however, require a minimum enrollment of 50 students by December 2026 to kick off its programs. Future aspirations include constructing two new buildings on campus and renovating the Prime Osborn Convention Center, which is envisioned to incorporate retail and dining options, bringing even more vibrancy to LaVilla.

Semiconductor Sector Expansion

At the very heart of this initiative is the Florida Semiconductor Institute, which aims to become an essential hub for semiconductor research and development. As per news.ufl.edu, the FSI is poised to open research space in Jacksonville as early as fall 2023. Its design is a cornerstone of the new UF Jacksonville campus, focused on specialty electronics and innovations in semiconductor technology.

With an estimated potential to generate over 10,000 high-wage jobs in Florida, the FSI is slated to cultivate public-private partnerships supporting national security research. Mayor Deegan pointed out that this initiative aligns seamlessly with the city’s economic goals, creating job opportunities while fostering advanced research across various semiconductor fields, such as advanced materials and nanoelectronics.

A Commitment to History

As this ambitious endeavor unfolds, the city remains staunch in its commitment to honor the historical and multicultural heritage of LaVilla. City officials are keen on ensuring that the development reflects the rich tapestry of the community’s past while looking forward to its promising future.

The unanimous City Council vote—16-0, with three members absent—signals strong municipal backing for UF’s vision. Additionally, UF will partner with the Downtown Investment Authority to ensure the campus’s architectural design resonates with city guidelines, further emphasizing the project’s alignment with community values and aesthetics.

This strategic collaboration has been in the works since discussions began in 2022, revealing a holistic approach to urban development that balances educational advancement with economic vitality. As Jacksonville embarks on this exciting journey with UF, there’s much to look forward to in the upcoming years—both for the university and the wider Jacksonville community.