The City of Tampa has appointed Abbye Feeley as Director of the Development & Growth Management Department (previously known as the Planning & Development Department). In this role, Feeley will provide oversight for the following divisions:
- Architectural Review & Historic Preservation
- Construction Services
- Development Coordination
- Housing & Community Development
- Real Estate
Feeley joins the City of Tampa with a strong background in both the public and private sectors, previously holding leadership positions with Stearns Weaver Miller, the Florida Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Tampa. Her relationships and extensive experience will provide a valuable service to both the City of Tampa staff and residents.
“The Planning & Development Department’s efforts are key to the success of my administration's key focus areas. We are excited to welcome Abbye to the City of Tampa team; her expertise will be instrumental in transforming Tampa's tomorrow,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to rejoin the City of Tampa at this time in the City's history, said Abbye Feeley. “I look forward to working with the development community and our neighborhoods and communities to ensure quality services to all of Tampa.”
“We are proud to have Abbye join our team,” added Carole Post, Administrator for Development and Economic Opportunity. “We have many strategic priorities and Abbye is the ideal person to bring a fresh perspective from her private sector experience and hit the ground running based upon her prior service to the city.”
Feeley began with the City on October 12 with an annual salary of $157,000.
The City also announced that it is re-establishing a citywide Planning Department which will be led by veteran staffer Randy Goers. The Planning Department will focus on assessing and planning the future development vision for the City while working closely with the Planning Commission, Hillsborough, and surrounding counties, and colleagues at state and federal planning entities. The City of Tampa is growing rapidly and this planning function will ensure that the City is appropriately positioned for its long-term vision.
About Abbye Feeley
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Abbye has lived in Florida for the past 36 years, spending her last 21 years in Tampa. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science/Urban Planning and Master's Degrees in both Public Administration (MPA) and Urban and Regional Planning (MSP) with a specialization in Local Government and Comprehensive Planning from Florida State University.
Abbye joins the City of Tampa from Stearns Weaver Miller, where she served as the Associate Director of Zoning and Planning. She has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector including at the Florida Department of Community Affairs and 18 years at the City of Tampa. With such strong public and private sector relationships and extensive experience, Abbye will provide a valuable service to the City of Tampa staff and residents, as we move forward in Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow.