
In a move aimed at tackling the ongoing housing challenges in Tampa, city officials have appointed Jeffrey McKittrick as the new Director of Housing and Community Development. Coming off a recent stint as the Assistant Director in Pasco County, McKitrick brings a wealth of experience from his prior roles, which includes kickstarting the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and spearheading the rewrite of local housing assistance plans, according to a press release from the City of Tampa.
McKittrick, has also been credited for managing a significant department budget, which involved direct oversight of roughly $20 million in state, and federal funding. His background blends in urban redevelopment, where he helmed grant and redevelopment projects for the Kingsport, Tennessee Housing and Redevelopment Authority, before coming to the Tampa Bay area.
"Jeff McKittrick is a recognized leader who understands our housing and affordability crisis," Tampa's Mayor Jane Castor stated on the City of Tampa website. "With nearly three decades of experience in local government, I am confident he will deliver on the fundamental vision we have to help our struggling residents secure a safe place to live." Tasked with propelling the affordable housing initiatives introduced by Mayor Castor's administration, McKittrick is expected to reinforce the city's dedication to creating new housing units and maintaining the stability of its residents' housing situation.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, McKittrick recognized the existing impacts of the housing plans set forward by the city, "It's been remarkable to witness the transformative impact the Mayor's housing initiatives have had on Tampa as she has worked tirelessly to combat our housing crisis," he told the City of Tampa. McKittrick's eclectic professional history not only includes urban planning and affordable housing but also stretches into law enforcement, serving as a deputy sheriff and a School Resource Officer.
"To deliver on Tampa's ambitious housing goals and keep up with immense growth our city has witnessed, having experienced leadership is crucial, and that is what Jeff brings to the table," Development and Economic Opportunity Administrator Abbye Feeley commented on the City of Tampa website. McKittrick, a Florida native and King University graduate, has also earned his Certified Public Manager designation from Florida State University.