The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Times will co-host a free community forum titled “Tampa Bay’s Economy in 2036: Preparing for a Thriving Future” on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Center for Health Equity (2333 34th St. S.).

The forum aims to examine how regional investments and workforce planning can yield broader economic stability, which directly correlates with public health and community well-being. It is free to attend the forum, though advance registration is required. Over the course of the evening, guests will hear from a variety of experts, and there is also an opportunity to meet local organizations before the panel and Q&A begin.

Featured Panelists & Expert Discussion

The main panel discussion will be moderated by Rebecca Liebson, real estate reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, and will feature a broad group of regional experts:

Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership

Dr. Michael Coon, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Tampa

Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development

Regional leaders emphasize that proactive decisions today are vital to preparing future generations and creating equitable economic growth.

“Economic stability has a huge impact on our health, so we must be intentional in planning for our community’s economic future in ways that consider all of our residents, especially the most vulnerable among us,” noted Dr. Kanika Tomalin, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. “Conversations like these have the potential to help shift our thinking in ways that carry real impact.”

The Tampa Bay Times, as leaders in reporting on the area’s economy and issues that affect residents, is one of the key voices helping shape the decisions being made today.

“Tampa Bay’s economic successes and challenges today stem from decisions made years ago,” said Conan Gallaty, Times CEO and chairman. “The next decade will be shaped by the choices we make now, which is why this conversation is so important.”

Event Schedule and Registration

Attendees can explore local vendor and partner booths prior to the main presentation.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Community Resource Center (featuring local organizational booths)

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

Admission and parking are free to the public, but advance registration is required at tampabay.com/spotlight. For additional details about the Spotlight Tampa Bay event series, contact mwhiteley@tampabay.com.