Committee Releases Recommendations to Reduce Poverty, Inequality

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's Economic Advisory Committee announced key findings aimed at addressing local economic and social disparities during a news conference on April 22.

Details on three new programs based on the committee's recommendations were also released.

The Economic Advisory Committee focused its recommendations on four key areas:(1) Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth (2) Reducing Poverty (3) Committing to Racial Equity (4) Emphasizing Educational Opportunity.

Within these key areas, the advisory committee identified 10 measures that, if improved, could positively influence that area of focus.

"Now more than ever, we have a duty to make transformational change," said Castor. "To make our communities a place where all individuals can thrive, where they can find economic prosperity, and where everyone can have equal access to opportunity."

To help jumpstart these recommendations, the city announced two initiatives in addition to the establishment of the Mayor's Workforce Council. This newly created council will help guide policy and implementation of vital workforce strategies and build a pipeline of workers to support and grow Tampa's economy.

The first initiative seeks to close the local digital divide. Residents in under-resourced areas are now able to access high-speed internet service for educational and vocational purposes at 20 out of 27 city of Tampa recreation centers. The city is also working with telecommunication service providers to further expand digital availability to all neighborhoods.

A second key recommendation that is already underway will help drive improvement toward unemployment and particularly racial gap unemployment. Tampa's Defined Readiness Ensuring Added Momentum (DREAM) initiative will provide year-round employment opportunities for up to 50 young adults while enabling them to learn critical job skills and explore various career options. This program will be housed in the city's Parks and Recreation Department and funded through a partnership with Career Source Tampa Bay.

Last fall, Castor worked alongside the city council to form the 25-member Economic Advisory Committee, which serves as part of her mission for Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow, a strategic plan focused on housing affordability, workforce development, community-centric services, transportation, and sustainability and resilience.

The citizen panel is made up of experts, key stakeholders and community leaders. Representatives from the University of South Florida and the USF Muma College of Business chaired the committee and facilitated the group's discussions, conclusions and recommendations.

The Economic Advisory Committee's complete report is available online.

Castor and her administration would like to thank Dean Moez Limayem of the USF Muma College of Business and Dr. Michael Bloom, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and innovation along with members of the Economic Advisory Committee for volunteering their time, their insights and their expertise to develop these recommendations.

Economic Advisory Committee Members:

• Jeremy Bunkley, chief technology officer, Hillsborough County Public Schools
• Juawana Colbert-Williams, Allure Realty
• Ernest Coney, chief executive officer, CDC of Tampa
• Ronald Christaldi, managing partner, Shumaker Loop and Kendrick LLP
• Terrie Daniel, associate vice president of the USF Office of Supplier Diversity
• Terry Eagan, project manager, Tampa-Hillsborough Planning Commission
• John Flanagan, chief executive officer, CareerSource Tampa Bay
• Henry Gonzalez III, Beach Bank
• Sandra Guggino, Hillsborough Community College
• Bobby Harris, chief executive officer, Blue Grace Logistics
• Rick Homans, chief executive officer, Tampa Bay Partnership
• Yvette Lewis, president, NAACP
• Sonya Little, chief administrative officer, Strategic Property Partners
• Missy Martin, Roche Surety and Casualty Co. Inc.
• Cory Person, partner at Hill, Ward Henderson
• Randy Randolph, pastor of Abundant Life Church and CEO of R.L. Building Contractors Inc.
• Craig Richard, chairman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Corp.
• Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber
• Sheila Solomon Rudd, executive director, Tampa Bay Job Links
• Francisco Sanchez, partner at Holland & Knight
• Andy Joe Scaglione, real estate nvestor
• Lakshmi Shenoy, chief executive officer, Embarc Collective
• Brandon Wagner, government relations, Hillsborough County
• Andrew Wright, chief executive officer, Franklin Street
• Mercedes Young, chief executive officer, Vivid Consulting Group.