From June 9–13, 2025, a group of Hillsborough County high school students got a hands-on introduction to urban planning through a dynamic week-long experience. The program offered a behind-the-scenes look at how cities are shaped, from the policies and plans behind them to the real-world projects in progress.
Monday: Setting the Stage
The week kicked off with a warm welcome from Planning Commission Executive Director Melissa Zornitta, TPO Executive Director Johnny Wong, and TPO Assistant Executive Director Gena Torres. They shared their career journeys and explained how land use and transportation must work hand in hand to create thriving communities. Students learned planning fundamentals, including how land use categories shape our neighborhoods and the role of the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan. Presentations from the USF Master of Urban and Regional Planning program and the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research highlighted academic and professional pathways in planning. Later that afternoon, students sat in on a regular Planning Commission meeting and witnessed local planning in action.
Tuesday: Engaging with Leaders and Stakeholders
City of Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross met with students to talk about what it’s like to plan for a city and serve on the TPO Board. The group then visited the Tampa Downtown Partnership to observe a stakeholder meeting about Brightline’s proposed station, learning how planners gather community input. At the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, students got a deep dive into transportation operations and learned how the Selmon Expressway is managed.
Wednesday: Environmental Awareness
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council led a guided Riverwalk tour focused on sustainability and environmental planning. Students then visited the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County to learn how scientists monitor air, water, and land quality and got a close-up look at the lab equipment used in the process. The day wrapped up with the Watershed Game, giving students a fun, hands-on way to explore how land use impacts natural resources.
Thursday: Infrastructure and Community Planning
Students toured Tampa Union Station with Friends of Tampa Union Station and brainstormed ideas for reimagining the historic site’s future. At Tampa International Airport, they got a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations, including the K9 unit and the fire station. In the afternoon, students heard from multiple planning teams about how communities are planned across Hillsborough County, including Special Area Studies, Tampa community redevelopment areas, and the unique planning needs of MacDill Air Force Base, as shared by Planning Commissioner Tony Rodriguez.
Friday: Putting It All Together
On the final day, students prepared and presented their ideas for improving access to the future potential Brightline station in Tampa. Their audience included Planning Commission Chair Nigel Joseph and Chief of Planning and Operations Shawn College, who offered constructive feedback and encouragement.
Throughout the week, students gained valuable insights into how thoughtful planning helps communities grow and thrive. They were left inspired to think critically about the future of the places they call home.
To see more photos from the week, check out our Flickr page.