Workforce Housing
The Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors recognizes the impact workforce housing availability has on our business community’s ability to attract and retain talent. In 2018 the Workforce Housing Caucus set out to define workforce housing, research opportunities to understand what the workforce housing needs are in Tampa Bay and identify clear action items for the Chamber to advocate on behalf of.
Over the course of 2019, this Caucus met with community stakeholders, local governments, and members of the non-profit and business community. Their research and findings were presented to the Board of Directors and the recommendations were approved unanimously.
Defining Workforce Housing
The Tampa Bay Chamber defines workforce housing as housing that is attainable to individuals who make between 80% and 120% of the Hillsborough County Area Median Income (AMI). Employees from a wide variety of industries comprise this demographic to include construction, retail, service/hospitality, fire fighters, police, service members, teachers, healthcare, and young professionals.
Tampa Bay Workforce Housing Market
Currently in Hillsborough County there is a true deficit in the available inventory of workforce housing. Several factors impact this, but our research has indicated that the main factors are zoning barriers, land cost, and a lack of incentives for developers.
Areas of Opportunity
We recognize that there are opportunities for the business community to support incentivizing developments near employment centers and transportation options, emphasizing the need for a mix of new construction and conversion of existing inventory, and advocating for both private and public funding sources.