St. Petersburg Mayor-elect Charlie Crist is launching a series of five public listening sessions called “Sunrise in St. Pete” and a new transition website as he prepares to take office in January.
Each session will focus on one of five policy areas Crist has identified as guiding principles for his administration: government transparency, public safety, economic development, hurricane preparedness and opportunities for young residents.
“We have a plan for this city, and we will be ready on day one. But in St. Pete, the people are the boss. These conversations are where residents tell us what is working, what is not, and where we should go further. I work for them,” Crist said in a press release.
The Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College will facilitate the sessions, which will be free and open to the public. Residents will participate in groups of six to eight, discussing questions and presenting their ideas to the larger gathering. All suggestions will be collected and delivered to Crist without being ranked or evaluated.
One conversation will focus on neighborhoods and City Hall, examining how residents interact with local government and how the city can improve its presence in neighborhoods. Crist has already pledged to establish an Office of Open Government on his first day in office.
Another session will address city services and public safety, particularly how St. Petersburg can maintain essential services despite an expected decline in property tax revenue.
The discussion follows the passage of Amendment 3, which is expected to cost St. Petersburg approximately $33 million in Fiscal Year 2028 and $54 million the following year. Crist recently announced he would forgo his proposed 0.4-mill property tax reduction as a result of the amendment, rather than compound the revenue losses.
A third conversation will focus on housing, jobs and economic development, including affordable housing, a need for faster permitting, the arts and the future of the Tropicana Field property.
The remaining sessions will examine hurricane preparedness and resilience, drawing on lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and opportunities for young residents through schools, mentorship and skilled trades programs, particularly in Midtown and Childs Park.
Crist also plans to hold a separate listening session for city employees after he is sworn in, giving workers an opportunity to identify ways to improve city operations.
The initiative is part of Crist’s preparations to succeed outgoing Mayor Ken Welch following Crist’s Nov. 3 election victory, in which he captured approximately 62% of the vote.
During the campaign, Crist emphasized government spending, transparency and affordability while calling for a reassessment of several major city initiatives, including redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
Crist’s new transition website outlines additional priorities, including a public dashboard tracking city spending, weekly opportunities for residents to meet with the Mayor and a review of city departments to identify potential savings.
The site also details plans to recover revenue lost through aging water meters, accelerate development permitting and pursue outstanding federal hurricane reimbursements.
Residents can use the website to share ideas, sign up for updates and apply for positions in the incoming administration. Those interested in serving on city boards and commissions, transition committees or as volunteers can also submit résumés.
“We are building a team that reflects the whole city. If you love St. Pete and want to help lead it forward, I want to hear from you,” Crist said.
Crist is scheduled to take office Jan. 7. His transition website also promises a public progress report during his first 100 days.
Dates and locations for the five community conversations and the city employee session have not yet been announced. They will be posted on the transition website as arrangements are finalized.