We’re asking thought leaders, business people and creatives to talk about the upcoming new year and give us catalyzing ideas for making St. Pete a better place to live. What should our city look like? What are their hopes, their plans, their problem-solving ideas? This is Catalyze 2026.
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside CEO Mike Sutton believes affordable homeownership can play a critical role in keeping Tampa Bay’s workforce rooted in the region. As Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay looks ahead to 2026, the organization is sharpening its focus on housing as a workforce retention tool – particularly for essential workers who increasingly struggle to afford living in the communities they serve. “We’re seeing people leave not just Pinellas County, but the region and even the state because of affordability,” Sutton said. “Teachers, first responders and healthcare workers – these are the people who keep our community running.”
More than half of the families Habitat serves work in education, healthcare or public service, Sutton said. Many earn solid incomes but remain priced out of traditional homeownership due to rising housing costs, limited inventory and financial barriers. Habitat’s model aims to address those barriers directly. Families in the program receive zero-interest mortgages, no down payment requirements and no private mortgage insurance, keeping housing costs at or below 30% of household income. “Our goal is measurable,” Sutton said. “It’s stability. It’s ensuring people can stay here.”…