The CIT Reserve Was for the Rays. Council Was Told Amendment 3.
Council asked twice why $22 million in Community Investment Tax projects were on hold. The CFO gave one reason. His deputy and his own memo gave another.
Opinion
17 stories
Rays Win Stadium Funding Agreement Vote 4-3
Despite earlier setbacks, the Tampa Bay Rays got their deal.
Follow Up on a Follow Up: CDD Revenue Models
Two revenue scenarios from the Rays, one the county would stand behind. Neither is the one I’d bet on.
The Rays agreement was rewritten the day before the vote. Here’s my updated model.
A substitute Development and Funding Agreement landed on the agenda late Wednesday afternoon including the tax-sharing formula. My numbers from Sunday are out of date, so here are new ones.
Rays Lose Day/Night Doubleheader in Tampa City Council Chambers
In their morning meeting as the CRA Board, council members voted 5-2 to remove the Rays MOU vote from the August 20 CRA agenda. During Thursday’s evening meeting, the request to transmit the proposed change to the future land use designation for the stadium development was denied by a 4-3 vote.
6/15/26 Wrap Up: Bercaw resigns, Rays and Land Development Code Update
A consolidated recap of items of note from the editor.
Public comment on public comment
On the MOU with Rays for stadium funding
The non-binding agreement with the MLB team has the City of Tampa committing $80 million in Community Investment Tax (CIT) funds and $100 million from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
The Tree Trust Fund Debate
Tampa is debating how to best utilize its tree trust fund, which currently holds $6 million. A debate over Type 3 trees and funding is holding up thoughtful plans ready to plant.
One More Thing
With the South Howard project taking up all of the oxygen in the room, there are significant projects that won’t be discussed. Don’t lose focus on the rest of the agenda.
The Charter Review is Starting Off on the Wrong Foot
Nothing in the charter or the adopted ordinances says anything about council’s priorities in a charter review.
Experience
What experience are we talking about when it comes to Tampa City Council?