Tampa City Council’s last regular meeting ran into the tenth hour as they discussed new business and the news that the mayor was putting out a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Tampa Police Headquarters. Depending on how a few items go, they could match that marathon to close out the year. Every agenda item is important in its own right but the stakes are as high as ever with many of the items council will be voting on this week. From voting to approve the mayor’s nomination to replace the retiring City Attorney Andrea Zelman to the proposed changes restricting bicycle usage on multi-modal paths like the Riverwalk to the final vote on the multi-modal impact fee to a proposed resolution from Council member Luis Viera repudiating demeaning language that refers to a person’s intellectual capacity.
Not to mention what is on the agenda but staff is requesting to be continued. The end of Fiscal Year 2025 close-out (requested to be continued until January 8th) and a discussion about construction fees and land development fees. Staff is requesting that item be continued until March 2026. The fee study is done, it was transmitted at the end of October. The memo requesting the continuance notes the report includes “substantial updates to fees that have not been revised in many years.” Considering the vote on the multi-modal impact fees scheduled for Thursday, it’s not surprising a discussion about another round of right-sizing fees on development isn’t at the top of anyone’s list.
And if all of that isn’t enough, the controversial topic of the South Howard Flood Relief project has made its way back onto the agenda. If the debate was to bring the item back without any mention of South Howard Flood Relief or Contract 23-C-00021, the draft agenda doesn’t reflect council’s wishes. Council asked for a contract to do the work that doesn’t include the South Howard project or contract. Staff seemed to indicate they identified a different contract the work could be done under but only the previous items are on the agenda. At least this reviewer didn’t find a stand alone item. But it’s also a timely reminder that the agenda isn’t “published” until Tuesday and changes can be made until then.
Even the opening three presentations—Tampa Bay Water, Florida Department of Transportation and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) are significant in relation to issues facing the city and its growth.
Additionally council will be voting on item #25, a Design-Build contract for the long discussed project of relocating the Solid Waste Fleet Maintenance Building from Spruce to 34th St. The design portion of the contract is $1.5 million; the overall project budget in the RFP is $14-$18 million. The elephant in the room on this project is what will be the plan for the property once the facility moves. Good thing council approved on consent last month a contract for a consultant to write a Facilities Management Master Plan for them.
Bikes & Multi-Purpose Trails Ordinance
Item 41 is the second reading and adoption for the proposed ordinance that sets limitations on the use of bicycles and e-bikes on multi-purpose trails in the city. Most notable examples are Bayshore Blvd and the Riverwalk. The sticking point was on the fees and enforcement. Council voted unanimously at first reading to advance the ordinance however if concerns aren’t addressed there’s no guarantee the ordinance is adopted.
Multi-modal Impact Fee
After several staff briefings, 2 public workshops and a first reading, council will be voting on item #42 to adopt the new fee schedule for multi-modal impact fees for the first time since the fee was implemented in 1989. Legal staff have informed council the vote will require a super-majority to pass (it passed 5-2 at first reading with Carlson and Miranda voting no). If adopted, the fees will be phased in starting June 1, 2026 through June 1, 2029.
Related Reading
Tampa’s Impact Fees: What You Need to Know
After 36 years of charging developers 1989 rates—subsidizing development to the tune of nearly $140 million—Tampa is finally updating its transportation impact fees.
Words Matter
Item #66 is the proposed resolution from Council member Viera denouncing the use of the “R” word. He wrote an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times “Trump’s use of the “R” word showcases the meanness in America” and has followed it up with a resolution. From the resolution:
That the City Council of the City of Tampa hereby formally repudiates the use
of the word “retarded” to refer to persons or to refers to person’s intellectual capacity.
That the City Council of the City of Tampa calls on all community leaders, elected officials and citizens to repudiate the use of the so-called R Word and to, consistent with the City of Tampa’s policy on persons with disabilities, treat persons with disabilities with respect and dignity.
Additional Items to Watch
Item #35 is a lease agreement with the county for the old Library on 7th Ave in north downtown (or what ever the kids call that area these days). The county is asking for a 3 year extension to the current lease which expires April 25, 2026. That area will be seeing a huge transformation with the development coming to the YMCA and the land south of Palm including reconnecting the grid. It’s a beautiful historic building that could serve the public better than office space.
Item #43 is the first reading on reverting the parking code, specifically around Ybor City, after the city backed down over threats of using SB 180 to fight the changes. These changes were proposed and approved on first reading prior to any hurricane, the underlying purpose of SB 180. The impetus for the changes came from concerns from Ybor residents and recommended by Tampa Police Department.
Item #44 is the second reading regarding the USF Development Master Plan. Before first reading, several students and residents voiced their concern this was a backdoor on approving development of the “Claw”. The golf course built near environmentally sensitive land that’s been closed for 3 years. They were assured by council this vote is only related to the new stadium and its effect on the city’s service levels for potable water.
With all of the discussion of city facilities and the future, item #49 is a reminder something is being built. For the last update of 2025 on Station 24, Council member Viera, who has pushed the issue of fire stations the strongest while on council, will be looking for news the ground breaking and timeline has been moved up.
Finally, item #53 is the approval of the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) for the Museum of Art as a part of the $24.75 million grant they received through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). To some it might seem obvious what the community benefit is to having a robust museum of art in the heart of downtown and that any investment in sustaining the facility is an investment for everyone, but to some, they didn’t think it was an appropriate use of CRA funds. Thus a CBA to set metrics and expectations on the use of the investment with a resident led committee to ensure the terms of the agreement are met.
Council returns January 8, 2026 for the first regular meeting of the year. When they gavel in they will be in the second quarter of the fiscal year 6 months out from the mayor’s final budget presentation of her term.
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