TAMPA — The City of Tampa is nearing a major milestone in its push to expand affordable housing, with thousands of units already built or in the works.
City leaders say the effort is not just about building new homes, but also preserving the ones families already have.
A second chance for a longtime homeowner
Mayor Jane Castor says affordability requires a multi-angle approach.
For East Tampa homeowner Carlton Mallard, that approach meant a second chance at the home his family has owned since 1950.
“After the hurricanes, the roof had holes in it, you know, leaks in the roof,” he said. “And it was really bad.”
After years without air conditioning and months without power, the city’s home rehabilitation program stepped in, investing more than $147,000 in repairs.
Mallard’s home was stabilized with a new roof, updated electrical and plumbing, hurricane windows and air conditioning.
“I feel blessed when sit down and look around,” he said.
City leaders point to his home as a clear example of progress.
Progress toward 10,000 units
Tampa is closing in on a key goal set by Mayor Castor — creating 10,000 affordable housing opportunities.
“I am happy to say that right now we have hit a goal of 8,300,” she said. “We’re not going to be able to hit that 10,000 goal by next year. But certainly I believe in setting the bar as high as possible and doing everything that you can to reach that goal.”
About 4,000 of those units are still under construction or underway.
Since 2019, the city says more than 23,000 new housing units have been added, as leaders work to close what began as a 20,000-unit deficit.
Development takes time
City leaders say large-scale housing projects require time and strong partnerships.
Abbye Feeley, the city’s Director of Development and Growth Management, says development is not immediate.
“You think that you hit the button and the housing is going to show up tomorrow, and that that’s not how it works,” Feeley said. “It’s really about our partnerships and redevelopment opportunities.”
Major projects helping close the gap include:
Rome Yards (West Tampa): more than 1,000 units, with 70% committed to affordable and workforce housing
Army/Navy site (North Downtown): more than 1,000 units, also with 70% affordable and workforce housing
A multi-pronged housing strategy
City leaders say Tampa’s approach goes beyond construction.
Infill housing efforts have created 139 new homes for local families — including 107 single-family homes — totaling $52 million in value.
Programs like “DARE to Own the Dream” have helped more than 400 individuals and families become homeowners since 2019, distributing more than $13 million in down payment assistance.
Rental assistance has also played a role:
More than $17 million distributed
Approximately 3,200 renters supported
Officials note those programs are not counted toward the 10,000-unit goal, but remain critical to housing stability.
Tampa City Council member and Tampa CRA Board Chair Naya Young says affordable housing is key to the city’s future.
“Affordable housing is a critical part of that mission because stable housing creates stronger neighborhoods, safer communities, and pathways to economic mobility,” Young said.
While the city has not yet reached its 10,000-unit goal, leaders say progress continues, with thousands of units still in development.
For Mallard, that progress is already life-changing.
He now walks into what feels like a new home — in the same community where he grew up.