By: Janelle Irwin
As part of “Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow” transition, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has appointed a very powerful diverse Affordable Housing Advisory Team. Castor stated, “Home ownership is part of the American dream and access to that is one of the top priorities of my administration,”
The Affordable Housing Advisory Team is one of four teams compiled (so far) to help Castor shape her vision for Tampa’s future in key areas that also include workforce housing, transportation and development services. I’m proud to say it’s quite diverse.
The advisory team members will collaborate on potential policy goals, priorities and strategies for 90-days. “This advisory team will serve as a compass to ensure that dream becomes a reality for past and future Tampa residents.” The new affordable housing group meets for the first time Wednesday at 101 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 2800. Castor has not announced a time for that meeting.
Members include:
Thomas Scott Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and Pastor of 34th Street Church
Bemetra Simmons, Florida managing director of Mutual of Omaha Bank,
Tyler Hudson real estate attorney and All For Transportation Chair
Ernest Coney-CEO of CDC (Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa
Bret Azzerelli — Elements Architecture Firm Vice President.
Debra Reyes — Neighborhood Lending Partners President and CEO.
Darrell Robertson- New York Life Tampa Chief Relationships Officer and
Bible Based Church Justice Ministry Member
Marianne Edmunds — Public Resources Advisory Group Senior Managing Director.
Peter Leach — Southport Financial Services Senior Vice President.
Machelle Maner - Wells Fargo Vice President of Community Development.
Sul Hemani — BankUnited Vice President.
Pete Edwards — Radio host. Retired drug court counselor; former Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Children’s Board of Hillsborough County board member.
Harry Hedges — H&R Properties Managing Director.
Yvette Lewis- NAACP President, Hillsborough Branch NAACP Political Action chair.
Jim Weiss -President. of Fifth Third Bank Tampa City
Leroy Moore Tampa Housing Authority Chief Operating Officer.
Rebecca Snyder — Strategic Property Partners Senior Vice President.
Antionette Triplet — CEO. Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative
Debra Reyes — President & CEO. Neighborhood Lending Partners