Emerging issues are trending themes which impact the overall wellbeing of the Tampa Bay region
These topics are reviewed by the Partnership members to determine if the coalition can influence meaningful positive change via research, advocacy or other efforts.
Focus Areas: Housing Affordability
The Tampa Bay area now stands as one of the top spots in the country for migration rates. While the influx of new residents carries many benefits, it increases demand for a limited supply of housing.
Strong in-migration rates bodes well for the talent pool and economic vitality of Tampa Bay, yet with this ranking comes increased competitiveness for resources, including housing. The average wage for Tampa Bay residents continues to increase, but has not kept up with the cost of inflation. Housing affordability is a serious concern for both residents and businesses alike. In order to maintain the region’s labor force a variety of housing options that cater to the pricing needs of resident’s must be created and maintained.
The Tampa Bay Partnership has created a Housing Affordability Task Force to assess the needs of the market and searching for potential solutions and unique contributions that the Tampa Bay Partnership can offer.
Why it Matters
39.63%
Generally, housing costs should not exceed 30 percent of a household’s total income. Yet Tampa Bay residents are spending 39.63% on housing expenditures alone.
(Source: 2026 Regional Competitiveness Report)
$66,671
is the average wage for Tampa Bay residents.
(Source: 2026 Regional Competitiveness Report)
408,300
(a third of all households in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco) are cost-burdened; spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
(Source: The Housing Equation)
View the "Housing Equation" Report
Focus Areas: Resiliency
Impacts from climate change will cause increased flooding, stronger storms, and sea level rise. Within the next 30 years we anticipate sea levels to rise over 3 feet compared to the 2000 baseline for Tampa Bay.
Eventually, large areas of our community could see flooding so frequently that they will no longer be desirable places to live. It is essential that we work together to prioritize social equity in planning and response.
The Tampa Bay Partnership working in conjunction with a consultant team from Brizaga, AECOM, and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, with generous support from JPMorgan Chase & Co, assessed the economic consequences and have recommended potential mitigation measures in a report titled Making the Economic Case for Resilience in Tampa Bay.
Why it Matters
30-57%
Residents and businesses along the coast are at risk, but those who live and work in low-lying areas will also be affected. In many areas throughout the region, low-lying areas are at risk of 30-57% inundation when faced with a 10-year storm tide event.
-$82B
Without infrastructure adaptation the region can face close to $82B in losses.
$13B
Regional adaptation costs between present day and 2070 will cost approximately $13B.
View Full Report
Focus Areas
