Boards and commissions play a vital role in the governance of the City of Tampa, ensuring public participation, oversight, and informed decision-making across various policy areas. These entities are established to advise on specialized topics such as historic preservation, budget and finance, law enforcement oversight, and code enforcement. Depending on their focus, boards and commissions may be managed by individual city departments—like the Architectural Review Commission under Development & Growth Management—or by the Office of the City Clerk, which oversees administrative and quasi-judicial boards such as the Civil Service Board and Code Enforcement Board. Through their work, these boards help shape city policies, resolve disputes, and enhance government transparency and accountability.
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Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) shall serve as the advisory review board to periodically evaluate established policies, procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and the local government comprehensive plan, and reports its finding to the Mayor and City Council with recommended changes.
Architectural Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission's mission is to recommend designations, conservation districts, and historic districts. The HPC is eager to access Tampa's historic resources and has incorporated into its work plan the goal to systematically survey and hopefully, protect previously unsurveyed areas of the city.
Barrio Latino Commission
The Barrio Latino Commission has the responsibility of preserving the historic fabric of the District and maintaining its architectural integrity. The Ybor City Historic District has many character-defining features: pedestrian scale, mixed-use main streets, as well as its unique structures such as the Social Clubs and Cigar Factory buildings. The Barrio Latino Commission balances the historic past with the growth of the present prosperity.
Code Enforcement/Public Nuisance Abatement Board
Appointed members hear cases concerning code violations when they meet as the Code Enforcement Board. The same appointed members also serve as the Public Nuisance Abatement Board and hears cases concerning typically criminal in nature public nuisance conduct occurring at qualifying places or properties.
Historic Preservation Board
The Historic Preservation Commission's mission is to recommend designations, conservation districts, and historic districts. The HPC is eager to access Tampa's historic resources and has incorporated into its work plan the goal to systematically survey and hopefully, protect previously un-surveyed areas of the city.
Mayor's African American Advisory Council
The Mayor's African American Advisory Council was formed to create a liaison between the Mayor's Office and the African American community. The Council recommends programs and activities which promote good relations among all citizens throughout the City.
Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council
The City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council is a group of Hispanic citizens, appointed by the Mayor, and serves as a liaison between the City government and the Hispanic community.
Public Art Committee
The mission of the Tampa Public Art Program is to promote the involvement of artists in projects throughout the City that enhance the physical environment and celebrate Tampa's unique character and identity.
Variance Review Board
VRB is able to grant variances to portions of Chapter 13 (Tree and Landscape), Chapter 20.5 (Signs), and Chapter 27 (Zoning). The VRB also hears appeals from decisions rendered by the administrator of the aforementioned chapters.
Citizen Review Board
The Citizen Review Board was established to foster trust between the Tampa Police Department and the community by providing an unbiased panel to review completed disciplinary cases and important issues. Comprising eleven volunteer members, including appointments by the Mayor, City Council, and NAACP, members serve staggered four-year terms and must meet eligibility criteria, including passing a background check and completing the Tampa Police Department’s Citizens Academy.
Community Advisory Committee
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) represents the interests of residents, property owners, businesses, and stakeholders in decisions about the Community Redevelopment Plan and budget. The CAC provides input and recommendations to City staff and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board for their designated area.
Equal Business Opportunity Advisory Committee
Promote the participation and use of SLBE (Small Local Business Enterprises) and, when authorized by law, WMBE (Women & Minority Business Enterprises) businesses in City contracting and procurement. Relay concerns of minority contractors, women contractors, non-minority contractors, and citizens at large to the City of Tampa about the operation of the Women/Minority and Small Business program.