Amber Boulding

This document presents the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, Phase IV, for St. Petersburg. The plan outlines a long-term vision to guide the future development of the city's waterfront, emphasizing five key dimensions: environmental stewardship, diverse water usage, active and inclusive park systems, vibrant economic development through leveraging the Innovation District, and a connected multimodal transportation network. The plan proposes area-wide improvements and district-specific interventions, with implementation strategies categorized by cost and funding sources, and is designed to be a forward-thinking exercise for the next 20 years.

The Pinellas County Urban League proposes a public-private partnership with the City of St. Petersburg for Phase II of the Deuces Rising Project, establishing the Sankofa Empowerment Center. This center is envisioned as an anchor tenant-managed commercial facility that will serve as a dynamic economic engine, an entrepreneurship hub providing business support, and a community resiliency and recovery resource. The project directly supports PCUL's Vision 2030 strategic plan by expanding its initiatives in job training, housing and community development, education and leadership, and health impact, with the goal of building generational wealth and driving systems change.

The committee discussed the renovation and future use of the Sunshine Center, exploring potential senior housing integration and funding strategies through future Penny for Pinellas cycles. Additionally, the committee reviewed a proposal to amend the Intown Community Redevelopment Area plan. This proposal aims to reallocate funding priorities by removing specific projects to focus on waterfront improvements, resiliency efforts, and regional connectivity, while establishing a new sunset date of 2032 and adjusting the maximum Tax Increment Financing exposure.

The committee received an annual update from the Office of Supplier Development regarding the Small Business Enterprise and Minority/Women Owned Businesses programs. Key topics included a review of strategic goals, certification data, and recent spending trends. Discussions focused on potential updates to annual sales thresholds for business certifications, strategies for targeted vendor outreach, and the implementation of a new data dashboard. The committee also addressed concerns regarding participation goals, tracking of certification completion, and the engagement of small businesses during emergency recovery efforts.

The committee conducted a comprehensive review of the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, covering grant funding opportunities, advisory committee roles, and public art initiatives. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the administration's response to the prohibition of street murals by state authorities, exploring alternative placemaking and public art strategies. Extensive discussion took place regarding potential state legislation that could restrict local government diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, with council members emphasizing the need for greater transparency and collaboration between the administration and the City Council on policy responses.