Hillsborough County Commemorates ADA Anniversary; Plans for $3.76 Billion Community Investment Tax Progress

Marking the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners has designated July 26 as ADA Awareness Day. In a meeting on July 17, the ADA was acknowledged for its pivotal role in granting equal civil rights and opportunities to individuals with disabilities and for its stance against discrimination in public spheres.

At this meeting, reported by Hillsborough County's newsroom, besides the ADA commemoration, the Commissioners spurred public discourse on the list of prospective projects that could benefit from the half-cent Community Investment Tax (CIT). Slated to come into effect from December 1, 2026, through December 31, 2041, the CIT aims to amass an impressive $3.76 billion over 15 years.

Discussions revolved around the allocation of the projected CIT revenues. The Hillsborough County School Board is slated to receive a 5% cut. The remaining funds would then be disbursed among the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. Notably, the CIT would bankroll projects across transportation, public works, public safety, facilities, and utilities.

Residents are gearing up to cast their votes on the CIT in the upcoming November 5 ballot. The initiative, if passed, promises to channel substantial funding into infrastructure and community services that could shape the county's future. The full details on the meeting and the projects under consideration for CIT funding are detailed on the BOCC's official news release.