Ex-JTA Board Member Megan Hayward Accuses Mayor Deegan of Deception, Demands Criminal Probe into Agency Finances

A former Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) board member, Megan Hayward, is publicly accusing Mayor Donna Deegan of deception and has called for a criminal investigation into the agency's finances. Hayward, who Mayor Deegan removed from the board in March 2025, claims her warnings about JTA's financial health and oversight were ignored, particularly concerning the NAVI/U2C project.

Hayward stated she was the only board member to raise concerns about spending and governance at JTA during her tenure. She criticized former JTA CEO Nat Ford for having 'free rein' with the U2C project, a signature initiative that cost tens of millions of dollars. Ford now serves as CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

The former board member also accused both Ford and Mayor Deegan of allowing financial problems to spiral out of control. Her comments come after the Mayor's office released a statement Thursday, claiming JTA's board 'was not previously aware of the dire nature of the agency’s financial situation' and that the Mayor’s office became aware of the issues when the board did. Hayward strongly disputed this, stating, "B.S. I say B.S." when asked about the statement.

Hayward believes her removal from the board was directly related to her opposition to the U2C project. "Because she [Deegan] knew I was going to vote off the U2C project, I’m assuming that’s why she kicked me off. She’s lying [in her statement]," Hayward said.

The current situation at JTA involves major layoffs and the shutdown of both the Skyway and the NAVI autonomous vehicle project. These shutdowns and layoffs follow the financial issues Hayward claims she highlighted during her time on the board.

Residents can expect further developments as the accusations unfold, potentially impacting future public transportation services and taxpayer funds.