July 2025 — The city of Tampa has continued on a stellar pace through the first half of the decade, with business and residential growth keeping pace with other leading markets in the United States. As Tampa looks for sustained growth, Mayor Jane Castor points out the importance of public-private collaboration to stay competitive in the Southeastern market. “From the expansion of the Water Street district to the development of mixed-use neighborhoods like Rome Yard, we’re aligning city resources with business needs,” said Castor to Invest:.
Over the past year, what changes or developments have most influenced the business climate in Tampa?
Tampa’s business climate has remained strong thanks to continued investments in infrastructure, talent, and innovation. Projects like the City Center at Hanna Avenue in East Tampa have transformed access to government services and created new opportunities in a historically underserved area. We’ve also expanded our workforce housing initiatives. The city has permitted more than 20,000 new residential units, many of them affordable or workforce-oriented, which is helping employers attract and retain talent. Meanwhile, Tampa is seeing a surge in public-private collaboration. From the expansion of the Water Street district to the development of mixed-use neighborhoods like Rome Yard, we’re aligning city resources with business needs. That’s what’s keeping Tampa competitive and compelling in a crowded Southeastern market…