The City of Tampa's Housing & Community Development division is honored to be recognized by state housing leaders for its relentless efforts to help families become homeowners amid the housing crisis.
The Florida Housing Coalition named the City of Tampa "As a Model for Effective Affordable Housing Partnerships" at a conference this month.
Today, the Tampa City Council issued a commendation to celebrate and recognize this accomplishment.
"While at times reaching our affordable housing goals may seem more like a struggle than a victory, we want to take this opportunity to recognize our city staff, as well as our Community Redevelopment Agency, led by the Tampa City Council, for their ongoing efforts to bring real results," said Mayor Jane Castor. "The Florida Housing Coalition has noticed the difference these teams are making every day in the lives of our residents and receiving this prestigious award should only serve as further encouragement to keep putting up a good fight and moving forward."
The City of Tampa was recognized for its development of the Infill Housing Program, which is currently in Phase II. A total of 11 local developers, most of them minority-owned, were awarded vacant lots, at no cost, in parts of Ybor City, East Tampa, and Sulphur Springs. Two of the lots were owned by the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Area. In return, the developers built, or are in the process of building, 17 affordable homes for income-eligible home buyers. Aside from bringing new and beautiful homes to the market, the City is excited to foster relationships with the private sector, and in this case, minority developers.
Phase III of the Infill Housing Program is expected to launch this fall.