Ford to Testify to Jacksonville Leaders in January
Former Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford is expected to appear before city leaders as a state investigation proceeds.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Jacksonville City Council subpoenaed Nat Ford to testify about the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's financial crisis, which included a nearly $40 million budget shortfall, service cuts and dozens of eliminated jobs. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is also investigating the agency and has subpoenaed Ford.
Why it matters
Ford led the transit authority for 13 years before departing amid financial concerns, and the testimony and state probe could shed light on how the shortfall developed. The inquiry affects Jacksonville residents who rely on transit service and the agency's finances.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority faced a nearly $40 million budget shortfall after Ford's 13-year tenure, prompting service cuts and job eliminations. What the subpoenaed records will show about how the shortfall developed has not yet been revealed.
The players
Nat Ford
Nat Ford led the Jacksonville Transportation Authority for 13 years and began as CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit last month.
James Uthmeier
James Uthmeier is Florida's attorney general, who won reelection on Tuesday and is leading the state's investigation of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Rory Diamond
Rory Diamond is a Jacksonville City Council member who expects Ford's testimony to come early next year.
The details
Jacksonville City Council subpoenaed Ford to testify on what went wrong at the agency. Florida Attorney General subpoenas name Ford and seek records involving contracts, payments and other agency business.
Timeline
Nov. 1: Council member Rory Diamond discussed the expected testimony at a council meeting.
Nov. 4: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier won reelection.
January 2027: Ford is expected to testify to Jacksonville leaders.
Market Landscape
The state attorney general's subpoena of a former transit CEO places the Jacksonville case alongside Florida's use of investigative subpoenas to examine local public agencies. The move signals heightened scrutiny of how transit authorities manage contracts and budgets.
Jacksonville transit riders may feel the effects of service cuts and job eliminations tied to the budget shortfall. The testimony and state investigation could influence future decisions about the agency's operations and funding.
The takeaway
Oversight of public transit budgets is increasingly reaching former leaders as well as current staff. Residents tracking the agency can follow the January testimony and any findings from the attorney general's review.
What happens next
Nat Ford is expected to testify to Jacksonville leaders in January 2027.
Further reading
For more on the leaders shaping local institutions, see People coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
