TAMPA, Fla. — Addressing community needs through affordable housing, job development, and food access, the University Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) is transforming one of Tampa’s most underserved neighborhoods — and now, they’re inviting the public to see that transformation up close.

As part of ongoing efforts to highlight the dynamic changes taking place across the University area, the CDC hosted a community bus tour to showcase its latest investments and initiatives, offering residents and stakeholders a front-row seat to the progress.

What You Need To Know

As part of ongoing efforts to highlight the dynamic changes taking place across the University area, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) hosted a community bus tour to showcase its latest investments and initiatives


For nearly 30 years, the University Area CDC has been a cornerstone in the community, providing programs from youth development to health and wellness services


That growth is supported by critical infrastructure investments, including new EPA-backed funding to improve clean water and sewer access


As the bus tour rolled through streets lined with new housing, parks, and wellness centers, participants got a glimpse of the future — one built through collaboration, perseverance, and community pride

“There are many barriers to economic opportunity in this area, especially access to public health, affordable groceries, and nutritious foods. Our programs and workshops help promote health, wellness, and opportunity for families,” said University Area CDC CEO Arturo Puckerin. 

For nearly 30 years, the University Area CDC has been a cornerstone in the community, providing programs that reach far beyond housing. From youth development to health and wellness services, its mission is to build opportunity block by block.

Now, through a new initiative called “Rehab to Restore Hope,” the CDC is focusing on restoring existing homes, bringing them back to life for veterans and families in need of affordable housing.

“This is more than just a ride — it’s a chance to witness the momentum and impact of our collective efforts,” said Molly Longmire, the CDC’s director of philanthropy. “We’re proud to showcase the work being done to strengthen the University area and create lasting opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”

Erica Moody, the CDC’s chief community development officer, says the organization’s impact goes beyond single projects. It’s about strategic long-term growth.

“Our overarching strategy is land banking, acquiring property and setting it aside for community use,” Moody explained. “We’ve assembled more than 21 acres, and our biggest project right now is the campus development, which builds off the success of Harvest Hill Park, a hub for health and wellness in the neighborhood.”

That growth is supported by critical infrastructure investments, including new EPA-backed funding to improve clean water and sewer access.

“Some residents don’t have access to potable water because the lines don’t go into their neighborhoods,” Moody said. “They’re required to be on wells, and when those go bad, kids get sick, families suffer. This is about changing that.”

Beyond housing and infrastructure, the CDC continues to grow opportunity through its community garden, a space where residents can learn about healthy eating and gain access to fresh produce.

“Just having access to fresh fruits and vegetables contributes to long-term health outcomes,” Moody added. “That’s why we built the community garden, to grow food and knowledge.”

Every initiative, Moody says, starts with listening to the people who live here.

“We always start with outreach, asking what residents want to see in their neighborhood,” she said.

As the bus tour rolled through streets lined with new housing, parks, and wellness centers, participants got a glimpse of the future — one built through collaboration, perseverance, and community pride.

From repairing homes to restoring hope, the University Area CDC is rebuilding not just structures, but stronger lives, one block at a time.

The University Area CDC will host its next Quarterly Partners Coalition Gathering in January, bringing together residents, local leaders, and organizations to continue building on the momentum of change.