Hillsborough County's Bold Five-Year Plan Tackles Housing and Jobs
Hillsborough County is shaping its future with a new five-year plan for housing, jobs, and social services. The first of three public meetings took place this week, gathering residents' views on pressing local issues. Affordable housing, transport, and childcare topped the list of concerns raised by attendees.
The county's consolidated plan will guide spending on key projects over the next five years. It includes timelines, costs, and priorities for housing, economic growth, and community services. Federal funding of around $54 million will support initiatives like affordable apartments, career training, and small business incentives.
During Tuesday's virtual meeting, residents highlighted how rising rents and utility bills push people into homelessness. Older adults were noted as particularly vulnerable. Data from the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies shows 222,303 households in the county spend over 30% of their income on housing, with 112,000 facing severe cost burdens. Transportation gaps also emerged as a major challenge. Poor access to buses and other services limits job opportunities and childcare options for many families. Between 2012 and 2021, the county gained nearly 27,000 rental units but lost about 36,000 affordable ones priced below $1,000. The county is also drafting a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan to tackle unequal service distribution. Two more feedback sessions are scheduled for April 1 and April 7, with details available on the county's website.
The plan will set clear targets for housing, jobs, and services over the next five years. Residents' input from the meetings will help shape how federal funds are used. The final strategy aims to address cost burdens, transport gaps, and access to childcare across Hillsborough County.
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