Who is responsible for urban and regional planning in the City of Tampa?
The City Planning Department works closely with other City Departments as well as many important local and regional agencies and planning organizations to plan for the future. Each of our partner agencies and planning organizations has a unique role in shaping the future of the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay region.
Plan Hillsborough
www.planhillsborough.org
Plan Hillsborough, an agency composed of staff who serve the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board, provides coordinated land use, transportation, and Hillsborough River planning for the four local governments in Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission
The Planning Commission serves the citizens of Hillsborough County, City of Plant City, City of Temple Terrace, and the City of Tampa by providing a vision for improving the quality of life. It is an independent, consolidated planning agency, led by 10 citizen appointees from all 4 local jurisdictions, which along with a staff of professional planners, promotes and coordinates comprehensive long-range planning, growth management, transportation, and environmental protection.
The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)
The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), formerly known as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making board comprised of representatives from local governments and transportation agencies. According to federal and state laws, the Hillsborough County MPO is responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for Hillsborough County. Key responsibilities are the creation of the twenty-year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the five-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board
Considering the present and future of the resources of the Hillsborough River is the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board, an organization consisting of three elected officials representing the geographic location of the river. It is supported by the Hillsborough River Technical Advisory Council, comprised of eight agency representatives and three citizen members. Mandated by state law, the River Board and Council developed a Master Plan for the Hillsborough River.
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS)
www.hillsboroughschools.org
The mission of Hillsborough County Public Schools is to provide an education and the supports that enable each student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen. HCPS is the seventh-largest school district in the nation, with nearly 224,000 students enrolled at more than 274 school sites as of January 2020.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)
www.gohart.org
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was created in October of 1979 to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain mass transit facilities and supply transportation assistance in Hillsborough County. Today, HART provides convenient, affordable public transportation options tailored to contemporary lifestyles. HART’s mission is to take people to places that enhance their lives.
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC)
www.tbrpc.org
TBRPC was established as Florida’s first regional planning council in 1962 when representatives from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa recognized the need for regional coordination. They believed growth and community issues extend beyond county and municipal boundaries, a concept that still defines the Council’s purpose today. The mission of the TBRPC is to serve our citizens and member governments by providing a forum to foster communication, coordination, and collaboration in identifying and addressing issues and needs regionally. The region’s six counties, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas are required by law to exercise regional cooperation through membership on the Council. Other municipal members are Bradenton, Clearwater, Dade City, Dunedin, Gulfport, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palmetto, Pinellas Park, Plant City, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South Pasadena, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, and Treasure Island. TBRPC is one of ten regional planning councils in Florida. TBRPC’s specific duties include maintaining Future of the Region: A Strategic Regional Policy Plan for the Tampa Bay Region, environmental management, water quality, and emergency preparedness planning, protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary, economic analysis, coastal zone management, housing, and infrastructure analysis, hurricane evacuation and recovery planning, development of regional impact review, local government comprehensive plan review, cross acceptance, dispute resolution, and review of transportation plans.
State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO)
www.floridajobs.org
In collaboration with our public and private partners, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy for every Floridian by championing the state’s economic development vision and implementing innovative initiatives to help citizens, communities, businesses, and visitors thrive. FLDEO provides:
- Market-relevant workforce development, training and placement services, and individual assistance that meet the needs of Florida business and job seekers.
- Loans, grants, and other financial support for small businesses and targeted industries.
- Collaboration with federal, state, regional, and local organizations to ensure successful implementation of statewide economic development goals.
- Provides prioritized technical assistance, services, and financial resources to ensure the success of Floridians and our communities.
State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
www.fdot.gov
FDOT’s continuing mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of our environment and communities. This mission is accomplished through a primary purpose to plan and develop (either directly or indirectly) Florida’s robust transportation system. The unique nature of the Sunshine State and its year-round warm climate provides numerous opportunities to move people and goods through multiple modes including highways/streets, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and ever-expanding deployment of bicycle & pedestrian facilities.
The department is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth.