TAMPA, Fla. — The woman tasked with maintaining and growing Tampa's economic development spoke at length Tuesday about the process.
- Administor of Development and Economic Opportunity speaks
- Focus to continue on downtown Tampa and neighborhoods
- Boom in Tampa development with an influx in housing creation
Carole Post shared her vision for Tampa's future with a packed house at Tampa's Marriott Water Street during the downtown partnership breakfast.
This is the first time Post, Tampa’s administrator of development and economic growth, has spoken publicly since she took the job over full time 2 weeks ago.
Post told the downtown partnership today that what business owners have seen in recent years with the development of Riverwalk—places like Armature Works and downtown housing—will be branching out into Tampa neighborhoods.
The city calls it equitable growth and it’s a big priority for Post.
Also, Tampa’s traffic problems will be getting attention in a new 30-year traffic and transit plan.
Affordable housing is also a key priority.
“The notion that we can have all this development and prosperity, but if people can’t afford to live in the city that they work in, then what’s the point?" Post said.
The work will happen in stages — one step at a time.
“In 5 to 10 years you will see our plans materialize downtown," Post said. "Mayor Castor is focused not only on downtown but across the city of Tampa. All communities will prosper."
Also, the city's $3 billion overhaul of its stormwater system is underway.
The upgrade of Tampa's oldest underground pipes is taking place over a 20-year period.