The City of Tampa has invested over $100 million in affordable housing and housing assistance since 2019, combining new development with critical home repairs to help residents stay in their homes, as detailed in an Oct. 28 announcement.
Here's what to know
The city has exceeded Mayor Jane Castor's target of 10,000 affordable housing opportunities, the press release revealed.
The total includes 10,770 units in planning, under construction, or completed, the city reported. However, that does not mean all 10,770 homes are move-in ready.
Nearly half are under construction or completed, while the rest are still in the planning stage.
"When I took office, I set a goal that was ambitious, and at times, it seemed out of reach," Castor recalled. "But Tampa has never been a city that backs down from a challenge. Today, we can proudly say we didn't just meet that goal; we surpassed it."
More background
Marquee Square, Rome Yards, and West River are among the major redevelopments the city points to when describing how it is expanding housing opportunities across Tampa.
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Among them is the Army/Navy site in North Downtown, which the city says it will redevelop into over 1,100 units.
Of those, the city says over 700 are reserved for households that meet income requirements.
What's being done?
Private developers and nonprofit organizations are partners in Tampa's housing work.
Rather than concentrating on a single type of housing project, the city is investing in homeownership assistance and repairs to existing properties as well as new homes.
Eligible homeowners who need essential repairs to make their homes safer and more resilient can get financial help through the city's Housing Rehabilitation and Renovation Program.
As efforts to increase the housing supply continue, repairs offer another benefit: They can support neighborhood stability by helping longtime residents stay in their own neighborhoods.
Castor emphasized the work of those carrying out the city's housing strategy: "This accomplishment belongs to the dedicated team working every day to create housing opportunities, strengthen our neighborhoods, and help more Tampa residents build a future here."
Where can I learn more?
Other Florida communities are also helping residents repair their homes and exploring ways to expand housing access. These stories cover homeowner repair aid and proposals to reuse vacant public buildings.
• Hillsborough County offers repair aid for homeowners facing structural problems and safety issues in their homes.
• In Palm Beach, low-income homeowners can seek $100,000 for home repairs, but only 50 will be picked.
• Florida leaders are eyeing vacant public buildings for potential housing while families remain homeless.
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