The results from St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch’s Community Conversations are in, and it’s clear that St. Pete residents are worried about housing. Community Conversations in St. Pete were a series of discussions with the mayor and citizens held in December 2021. The five core areas that were discussed in the conversations were:
- Housing opportunities for all
- Fair development and business opportunities
- Environment, infrastructure and resilience
- Education and youth opportunities
- Neighborhood health and safety
Read the complete report here.
Housing problems and solutions
Housing opportunities for all received the highest volume of responses. Next came education and youth opportunities followed by business and fair development, safety and health and finally environment, infrastructure and resilience.
The problem areas regarding housing that they discussed include poverty, accessibility, financial literacy, mental health, homelessness, public safety, systemic racism and lack of wages. Respondents complained about the impact of out-of-state investors and developers building high-end housing that doesn’t help affordable housing goals. They also believe the City Council is approving too many luxury developments without requirements, such as affordable and workforce housing components.
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Some of the housing solutions suggested by participants include addressing zoning and permitting issues, streamlining processes, expanding accessory dwelling unit access, establishing property tax caps for residents in disadvantaged areas and creating a land trust for African American communities.
Other areas of concern
Residents were also upset with the process of the city’s bidding process for city contracts. They noted the process is difficult to navigate and favors existing firms who already know how to navigate the red tape. Respondents suggested providing better education on the bidding process to expand the number of local contractors who can seek city contracts.
Many residents expressed concern that not enough banks in South St. Pete would lend to residents. This can cause problems for locals trying to get a loan for a home or to start a business.
In terms of the environment, participants expressed broad support for banning plastic straws and increasing solar energy use. Rising sea levels and climate change were among top environmental concerns.
Residents can see the proposed strategies and give their input by April 17.
Mayor Ken Welch had this to say about the results of the Community Conversations in St. Pete:
One of my pillars of governance is staying in touch with everyone who lives, works or plays in St. Petersburg. Our Community Conversations series is one of our tactics to accomplish that goal. I was inspired by the feedback we received from participants and my administration will consider all of the issues raised and suggestions offered as we move forward with policymaking that emphasizes informed decision-making, intentional equity and innovation to identify solutions that benefit all.