Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa is on the lookout for residents to join its Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC), a non-partisan board tasked with advising officials on the implementation of development projects. The program, approved by the City Council in 2023, aims to ensure that upcoming development plans take into account the social and community impact, particularly for projects receiving public funds.

According to the announcement, members of the council will play a crucial role in advising various stakeholders on how best to impact the community with ongoing development projects. Current projects open for applications include the Straz Center, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Theatre, and GasWorx.

Individuals interested in becoming part of the council can apply for either an At-Large or Ad-Hoc membership. At-Large members will serve on the council for two years and will be involved in all ongoing projects during this period. Those with expertise in land planning, economic development, banking/finance, affordable housing, landscape architecture, or related fields are encouraged to apply for At-Large membership.

On the other hand, Ad-Hoc members will be appointed by the Mayor and City Council for each specific project. These members will serve until the project is approved by the City Council or withdrawn, representing a commitment of about six to nine months. Project-specific members must reside within half a mile of the project they are assigned to.

Interested individuals must act promptly as the deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Applicants can find more information about the projects and the application process on the city's website at tampa.gov/deo/economic-opportunity/community-benefits-advisory-council.

For media outlets looking to cover the search for CBAC members, Javier Marin, the director of Economic Opportunity, will be available for interviews.

The City of Tampa encourages community members to get involved in shaping the development landscape of the city and ensuring that projects align with the best interests of the residents they will impact.