How exactly is the sausage made?
Tampa has an elected mayor and seven member city council serving four year terms. Currently they are elected in off years with an upcoming election March 7, 2023. 3 members of the council are city wide (at-large) while the remaining four are by district. District 4, South Tampa, District 5 encompasses downtown, Ybor and East Tampa. District 6 West Tampa and Seminole Heights and District 7 North Tampa. The mayor sets the priorities for the city and manages the how. Council must approve the mayors budget and individual expenditures. Council can also modify the municipal code by passing ordinances. The mayor may veto an ordinance with council given the opportunity to override the veto with a supermajority (five or more votes.)
Council may also pass resolutions which are about as worthless as the paper they are written on but is used to show support on an issue.
Council is also key to development and land use in Tampa serving as a “quasi judicial” body in rezoning hearings. They are bound by state law as to what information they can use to make a decision with little leeway until you get into variance requests related to a rezoning.
Finally, City Council also serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board. CRAs are by law meant to reduce slum and blight. Tampa currently has 9 CRAs including downtown, Channel Side, Ybor, East Tampa, West Tampa and Drew Park. Each CRA has a citizen advisory council that shapes how the funds earmarked for their CRA is spent, however the CRA board has the final word. Arguments could be made that the city of Tampa has abused the CRA process and arguments are being made several of those districts should be sunsetted and declare victory.