Tampa City Council Workshop- 09/24/26

The City of Tampa City Council held a workshop on September 24, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing a comprehensive fee study related to building permits, development coordination, and associated city services. Consultants from Raft Talis presented recommendations for updating and simplifying the fee structure, which had not been significantly revised in many years. The proposed fee adjustments aim to address revenue shortfalls in the Construction Services Division, which currently operates at a deficit and risks requiring general fund support. The council discussed phased implementation of fee increases over several years, with particular attention to incentivizing affordable housing and smaller residential developments. Public comments highlighted concerns about the magnitude of some fee increases, especially for appeals and petitions, and urged gradual phase-ins to avoid rate shock. The council also deliberated on the establishment of an independent Inspector General office, mayoral term limits, city council compensation tied to the mayor's salary, and charter amendments related to council authority over budget amendments and staffing. Motions were passed to direct legal counsel to draft ordinances for charter amendments to be placed on the March 2027 ballot, and to further review and refine proposals related to the Inspector General and council staffing authority.