April Ethridge’s Core Campaign Initiatives

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I’ve sketched out pages of ideas to make Jacksonville safer, stronger, and smarter—but let’s be honest: real change happens when you pick the few moves that matter most and execute them relentlessly. So instead of a laundry list and empty guarantees, I’m zeroing in on the fixes we can actually deliver—like slashing the 45‑day street‑light backlog, widening the talent pipeline for good‑paying jobs, and holding every city contract to a “prove‑it” scorecard. 

Straightforward, common‑sense steps—no fluff, just results you’ll feel on your block.  With all my initiatives to be tracked for proven results.

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 I’ll fight for cleaner streets, safer parks, and walkable communities—while protecting long-time residents from being priced out.
✅ Focus: Infrastructure repairs, better lighting, stricter code enforcement, equitable city services

✅ Action: Introduce a “Safe Streets & Lights” ordinance that forces JEA to cut street‑light repair times from 45 days to 15, links any future utility‑fee hikes to meeting that benchmark, and funnels the savings into rapid‑response pothole crews and code‑enforcement sweeps—starting in the neighborhoods that have waited the longest for basic city services
✅ Results: Pride and safety in every block

 I’ll push for development that strengthens our community, not erodes it—putting infrastructure first and protecting what makes Jacksonville special.
✅ Focus: Smart zoning, infrastructure-first policies, support for local businesses

 ✅ Action:  Micro-loans for all areas and  I’ll slash start‑up permitting times to 30 days or less by creating a single online “business launch portal” that lets entrepreneurs file all city forms in one shot, tracks approvals in real time, and auto‑escalates any hold‑up after 72 hours
✅ Results: A thriving City that grows with the needs of the community

 As a veteran myself, I’ll ensure Jacksonville leads the way in honoring and supporting those who serve.
✅ Focus: Better access to housing, healthcare and jobs

✅Action: File a “Stronger Service Families Act” that (1) creates a one‑stop Veterans & First Responders Resource Hub (2) reserves 5 % of city contracts for veteran‑ and first‑responder‑owned businesses - creating more jobs, and (3) expands property‑tax abatements to military and survivor families
✅ Results: A district that becomes a model for veteran-informed policy

 I’ll advocate for a complete overhaul of the city's outdated, unprofitable recycling program—making it more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.
✅ Focus: Modernized operations, accountability for private contractors, reinvestment into green jobs
✅ Results: A cleaner city, better long-term savings, and a recycling program that actually works