Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa has been awarded an Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Grant from City Thread, a national non-profit organization focused on enhancing community connectivity through transportation.

City Thread's Technical Assistance Grant requires a local $15,000 match, contributing to the total $50,000 value of the grant program and deliverables. Through City Thread's extensive network, which includes elected officials, community leaders, funders, and residents, the program aims to help Tampa achieve its broader transportation goals more efficiently.

“We are excited to welcome Tampa into our cohort of cities prioritizing mobility projects,” said Sara Studdard, a partner at City Thread. “We look forward to providing Tampa with the guidance and strategies needed to achieve its transportation goals faster than thought possible.”

The AMP grant will assist Tampa in accelerating the development of safer roadways as part of its Vision Zero plans. It also aims to expand the city's low-stress bicycle network. With limited transportation funds available, partnering with City Threads offers an additional resource for growing Tampa's transportation network.

“The Accelerated Mobility Playbook grant's goal of garnering broad-based community support for implementing multimodal infrastructure will further assist the city in meeting its short-term goal to almost double its existing 41 miles of low-stress routes,” said Guido Maniscalco, Chairman of the Tampa City Council. “We live in one of the most beautiful cities in America; our residents and visitors deserve our best efforts, and we intend to deliver.”

Vik Bhide, Tampa’s Mobility Director, emphasized the importance of safe streets. "Our City's Mobility staff comes into work every day driven to make Tampa a safer, better-connected city for all of our residents and visitors. We are always open to new ideas and welcome any assistance from those who come up with innovative solutions that benefit everyone," Bhide stated. "We are thankful to City Thread for recognizing our hard work and we look forward to working together."

Christine Acosta from Walk Bike Tampa expressed enthusiasm about receiving the AMP Grant. “Walk Bike Tampa is thrilled to be receiving the AMP Grant and delighted the City is our key partner in its development. Implementing Tampa’s well-defined and emerging network for safe active transportation will be within reach sooner rather than later thanks to City Thread," she said.

Alongside Tampa, other recipients of this year’s AMP Technical Assistance Grant include Baltimore (MD), Salt Lake City (UT), and Spokane (WA).

City Thread is dedicated to accelerating transportation projects that connect neighborhoods while promoting safety and efficiency. Led by experts with over 50 years combined experience in urban planning and related fields, it works nationwide through initiatives like AMP.