Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tampa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
Charter Review amendments heading to first reading
Council received and filed the Charter Review Advisory Commission's final report — the groundwork for possible charter changes.
FY2027 Enterprise Funds Budget (Solid Waste, Water, Wastewater, Parking)
Council is scheduled to adopt new water usage rates, wastewater charges, and connection fees — the numbers on every Tampa utility customer's bill. No rate amounts are shown in the agenda, so check staff materials for what it means for your bill.
Five-year capital improvements schedule (FY27–FY31)
The city's five-year list of infrastructure projects rolls forward, replacing the 2026-2030 schedule with 2027-2031 in the Comprehensive Plan.
Standard rules for city boards and committees
The city attorney's office presented draft uniform rules — attendance, quorum, application timelines — for all city boards and committees, including CRA boards. A draft will come back to council, which could mean more consistent and accountable volunteer boards.
Citywide deferred maintenance backlog
A $19.9 million design-build contract with Westra Construction moves the FY24 citywide watermain replacement program forward — fewer breaks, better water service.
Affordable housing tax exemption review
Council set a November 19 hearing on whether to opt out of a state property tax exemption for multifamily projects serving 80%-120% of area median income.
Federal housing money plan for 2027
Nearly $74 million in disaster recovery grants was routed to fire stations, police facility resiliency, and wastewater pump station rehab.
City Council compensation
Council pay currently reverts to about $53,000 in May. A proposed ordinance would set it at 50% of the mayor's roughly $200,000 base salary, ending the politically fraught cycle of council voting itself raises. Miranda and Maniscalco objected.
Council power over budget and executive orders
Maniscalco wants charter language requiring money council allocates — like paving budgets — to actually be spent on those projects within a set time frame, instead of being quietly reallocated. Members agreed to let the commission study how to capture it, and Carlson said council also needs to use its existing budget powers for the 2027 budget.
FY2027 property tax rate and city budget adoption
The board adopted next fiscal year's CRA budget (Oct 2026–Sept 2027), which funds the separate redevelopment trust funds and now goes into the city budget process and to Hillsborough County.
Tenant microgrants concept
The board wants to explore small grants that would help tenants without putting a lien on landlords. A discussion with the East Tampa CAC is set for November 12, 2026.
Alley maintenance funding study
Staff will explore a special assessment on homes backing onto alleys to help fund a $2-2.5 million alley study and pay for maintenance and improvements. Report moved to February 18, 2027.