Every 4 years, the Hillsborough County Planning Commission is tasked with rebalancing population density in the 4 Tampa City Council districts. On March 9, 2026, the Planning Commission voted on ‘Alternative 2’, moving the predominantly Hispanic precinct 345 from the most populous district 7 to district 5.

The change reduces the population difference between the two from 8.3%, above the 5% threshold to 3.97%, making District 5 the most populous district with 106,002 residents up from 101,007. District 4 and 6 populations remain the same, 101,899 and 102,780 respectively. District 7 slides to second most populous with 104,673. All data based onACS 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023).

As reported by Leah Burdick with WMNF News community leaders in West Tampa were concerned with reducing Black representation in district 6 if Alternative 4 had been chosen.

Michael Randolph with the West Tampa CDC said residents should support alternative two, which he said best protects the community.

”Only one precinct is moved. There’s no disruption to the West Tampa or East Tampa Black community. No churches were split, and it had strong support, 440 people backed it compared to the other proposal,” Randolph said.

According to the Planning Commission they will next forward the approved district boundaries to the Supervisor of Elections office for proclamation. Following that staff will present the new boundaries to Tampa City Council prior to September. The next City of Tampa Elections will be held March 2, 2027.

The Proposed Alternatives

[Note, the Tampa Monitor analysis looked at number of voters affected, the Planning Commission is tasked with balancing total population.]