City of St. Petersburg, FL

04/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 14:51

City of St. Petersburg Launches 1 Million Dollar Innovative Equity Project Initiative

City of St. Petersburg Launches $1 Million Innovative Equity Project Initiative

Starting Tonight, St. Pete Residents Asked to Vote on Top Choice

St. Petersburg, FL (April 16, 2024) - Tonight, at their annual Budget Open House, the City of St. Petersburg is launching the Innovative Equity Project, a new initiative designed to foster community empowerment and participation in resource allocation within the City of St. Petersburg.

"St. Pete's Innovative Equity Project is a creative and participatory way to involve our constituents in the annual budget process," said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "We are excited to invite the community to help us prioritize the use of dollars from the general fund that will improve the quality of life for St. Pete residents."

With a dedicated budget of up to $1 million, multiple city departments have collaborated, fine-tuned, and pitched proposals ranging from major home repairs and utility assistance to youth crime prevention and lifesaving educational programs for the St. Petersburg community. All five projects prioritize innovation, inclusivity and equity - aligning with the Mayor's Pillars for Progress and Governing Principles. Now, it's up to the community to decide which project will come to fruition. St. Pete Residents are encouraged to review the projects and cast their vote!
Thedeadline to vote is June 12, 2024.

Project Options:

  1. Project 1: Cover St. Pete, A Roof Replacement Program: Introducing Cover St. Pete, A Roof Replacement Program. This initiative will provide relief to St. Pete homeowners burdened by aging roofs.

  2. Project 2: Forward Together, A Youth Crime Prevention Program: Introducing Forward Together, A Youth Crime Prevention Program. This initiative is designed to address the foundational causes of youth involvement in crime.

  3. Project 3: Swim Smart & Library Lockers: Introducing Swim Smart, Free Swim Lessons for Every Child in St. Pete (Elementary School Ages). This partnership between Pinellas County Schools, St. Pete Parks and Recreation, and the community will enhance safety and confidence among St. Pete elementary school children by equipping them with essential water safety skills and creating equitable access to swim lessons. In addition to free swim lessons, this project also includes the installation of outdoor remote lockers for libraries.

  4. Project 4: Dream Big Day, A MLK Day of Service: Introducing the Citywide Day of Service. This initiative is dedicated to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in St. Petersburg and enhancing residents' quality of life through volunteering and essential support.

  5. Project 5: Water Assistance for St. Petersburg Homeowners (WASH): Introducing the Water Assistance for St. Petersburg Homeowners (WASH) program. This initiative will provide support to homeowners in managing their utility bills.

How to vote:

  1. Vote Online from April 16 through June 12 : Visit stpete.org/InnovativeEquity to learn more about the projects and cast your vote.

  2. Vote In-Person: Pop-up displays will be located at the following locations from April 19 until June 12. Paper voting options will be available.

  3. Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S.

  4. J. W. Cate Recreation Center, 5801 22nd Ave. N.

  5. Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N.

  6. Willis S. Johns Recreation Center, 6635 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.

More information about the Innovative Equity Project can be found at stpete.org/InnovativeEquity.