The City of Tampa is hosting an interactive session to help residents gain a better understanding of how leaders plan to address the growing needs of the community in the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.
“Budget in Action” is set to take place on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Police Athletic League, located at 1924 West Diana Street in Tampa.
Top City leaders from various city departments will be available throughout the session to speak with residents about critical issues impacting their neighborhoods such as street repairs, housing, parks, and public safety, in addition to explaining how the proposed millage increase will impact those high priority areas.
One of many areas of focus within the proposed budget, transportation, would lead to 100 road projects being completed over the next five years, compared to just 30 road repairs in that same time frame without a millage increase. With more than 400 city claims pending due to pothole-ridden roadways damaging vehicles, the road improvement projects funded within the 2024 budget would cost the average homeowner an additional rate of less than $20 per month, 10-times less than an auto alignment caused by potholes.
Transportation representatives from the City of Tampa will be on site at Budget in Action to showcase high priority areas that will see the greatest impact from increased funding.
The overall goal of Budget in Action is to create an interactive educational experience that provides community members with the tools they need to better understand the Tampa Thrives Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and what it means for them and their neighborhoods.
The evening session includes visual presentations and equipment demonstrations, as well as opportunities to learn how to access the budget online and speak with representatives about available homestead exemptions.
Attendees will also have a chance to pick up free trees at the event to help enhance Tampa’s tree canopy—one of the priorities outlined in the 2024 proposal.
Mayor Jane Castor presented her administration’s Tampa Thrives Budget Plan at City Council on August 3. The $1.9 billion dollar proposal includes a one-point millage increase to help keep up with the city’s growing priorities through an equitable approach.
Budget in Action is open for all community members to attend. Registration is encouraged at tampa.gov/register
Media outlets planning to attend the community meeting are asked to RSVP by emailing media@tampagov.net