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Time to breathe in Hillsborough County
Who doesn’t like stepping outside and taking a deep breath of fresh air? The TPO is working on letting you know the quality of that fresh air and we want your help! Mark your calendars because…
New, safe truck parking coming to I-4
A big challenge for truck drivers moving goods around the state will soon get a little bit easier. Logging those long hours is a way of life but struggling to find a safe spot to…
TPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee seeks new members
Ready to roll up your sleeves and steer the future of transportation in Hillsborough County? Join the TPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee – where your voice drives change! This committee is made up of citizen volunteers…
The Rewind: March & April TPO Board Meeting recap
At the March meeting, the TPO Board approved the I-4 Truck Parking Facility TIP Amendment. This TIP Amendment will include the construction of 120 parking spaces, six electric hookups for refrigerated trucks, road ramp enhancements,…
Opportunities abound to enjoy the Hillsborough River
Historically, cities were often founded on rivers for the economic opportunity it afforded. Rivers served as vital transportation routes, facilitating the movement of goods and people between inland areas and coastal ports. The navigable waters…
Planning Commission accepting applications for appointee to the TPO Citizens Advisory Committee
As a voting member of the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the Planning Commission appoints a member to the TPO Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The Planning Commission invites anyone interested in transportation and planning for the…
By 2050, 81% of Tampa’s population outside Coastal High Hazard Area
Every five years Planning Commission staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range growth forecasts. Land use planners from all jurisdictions were invited to comment on the initial draft. The final draft and…
Peering through the lens: multimodal camera counts
In our bustling community, safety on our roads is a top priority. That’s why we’re excited to share some fascinating findings from a recent initiative aimed at understanding how our most vulnerable road users—bicyclists and…
Urban Service Area expansion study
In November 2023, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed staff to prepare a report identifying possible geographic areas that the BOCC may consider for future expansion of the existing Urban Service Area (USA) boundary…
TPO committees look to fill vacant seats
The Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) Livable Roadways Committee (LRC) and Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB) both have several positions vacant. We hope you’ll be able to help us recruit through your organization to fill primary…
TMA Leadership Group meeting recap
The February meeting of the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group was held at Tampa International Airport’s SkyCenter One building, and saw meeting leaders from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties gather for a…
Hillsborough River Board TAC Elects New Officers, Seeks to Fill One Vacancy
At its February 20 regular meeting, the River Board’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) elected long-standing member Stu Marvin as Chair. Mr. Marvin is a city planner and environmental advocate. The Temple Terrace City Council appointed…
In 2023, Plant City and Temple Terrace issued most residential permits since 2021
This is the second part of two blogs on building permits trends in the period 2014-2023 (See previous blog here.). As a reminder, Planning Commission staff have built several dashboards that allow decision makers and…
In 2023, Tampa and UHC Issued Least Residential Permits Since 2019
The Planning Commission compiles and standardizes building permit data from all four jurisdictions in Hillsborough County. We have built several interactive maps that allow decisionmakers and the public to review building permits issued throughout the…
The Rewind: February TPO Board Meeting recap
At this month’s meeting, the TPO Board approved a TIP Amendment encompassing the following two projects: With this amendment, HART will receive its annual allocation of FTA Section 5309/5337 funds, amounting to $750,000. These funds…
2024 transportation safety performance targets proposed
The long-term goal of the Hillsborough TPO is to achieve zero traffic-related deaths. To that end, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has encouraged staff to set data-driven, realistic targets. The It’s Time Hillsborough 2045 Long…
Retired TPO Executive Director honored at APA Sun Coast awards
We are excited to share some highlights from the recent Annual Awards hosted by the Sun Coast Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). The event took place on January 17…
Hillsborough River Board Technical Advisory Council welcomes Dallas Evans, P.E., AICP
The Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board‘s (River Board) Technical Advisory Council (TAC) brings together a diverse group of government agency staff and citizens to address issues affecting the Hillsborough River, offering a unique and collaborative…
By 2050, 89% of the population Outside Coastal High Hazard Area
Every five years, Planning Commission staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range forecasts. Land use planners from all jurisdictions were invited to comment on the initial draft. The final draft and all…
Redux: Has Population Grown Faster Since 2020?
Early last year, we published a blog on population growth since 2020. Many readers thought our conclusions were premature. They asked us to wait a year and include the years 2017 and 2023 in our…
The Rewind: January TPO Board Meeting recap
Marking the start of the new year, the January TPO Board meeting entertained a robust agenda full of exciting announcements and insightful discussions. At the start of the meeting, public comments were received regarding the pending installation of a barrier wall along the eastern boundary of Robles Park adjacent to I-275….
Annual Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board Community Transportation Coordinator evaluation
The annual Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB) Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) evaluation is in, and the results are looking good. This evaluation measures the performance of the Sunshine Line, and there’s a lot to celebrate…
Hillsborough County’s roadmap for the future: A sneak peek into the 2050 LRTP Goods Movement Needs Assessment
The wheels are turning behind the scenes to make our county’s transportation smoother and more efficient. Buckle up as we take you on a quick ride through the latest developments in the 2050 Long Range…
County text amendment aims to make changes to Rural Area water and wastewater policies
An upcoming text amendment for the Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, HC/CPA 23-18, proposes to modify Rural Area water and wastewater policies with the primary intent to address negative impacts from septic tanks. Proposed changes…
Drought conditions a challenge for Hillsborough River
Summer rains in the eastern part of Hillsborough County and other parts of eastern Tampa Bay did not fall as regularly expected in 2023. As a result, the area is experiencing drought conditions. Between June…
Office hours available for the Palm River-Progress Village Community Plan update
Last month staff held three community meetings for the Palm River-Progress Village Community Plan update. We are grateful to all who attended, provided feedback, and asked questions. Every conversation helps us strengthen the plans for…
Most Population Growth Through 2050 Expected Inside Urban Service Area
Every five years, staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range population forecasts . The final draft and all supporting documentation are found here: 2050 Long Range Growth Forecasts. For several months now,…
Access 2050 Transportation Plan Needs Assessments
We have some exciting updates to share with you regarding the Hillsborough TPO’s Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Needs Assessments. These assessments play a vital role in shaping the future of transportation in…
The Rewind: December TPO Board Meeting recap
During the December TPO Board meeting, members voted on the 2024 TPO Board Officers and committee assignments. Commissioner Gwen Myers was re-elected as Chair of the Board, and Mayor Andy Ross was re-elected as the…
Hillsborough River Board Technical Advisory Council seeks new member
Hillsborough County Commissioners Seek Applications for HILLSBOROUGH RIVER TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL – Applications are due by close of business on December 28, 2023. Hillsborough County Commissioners is seeking a resident to serve on the HILLSBOROUGH…
By 2050, unincorporated Hillsborough County to have 39% more residents and 43% more Jobs
Every five years staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range forecasts. The final draft and all supporting documentation are found here: 2050 Long Range Growth Forecasts. For several months, we have been…
Planning Commission holds elections & welcomes new members
On Monday, November 13, 2023, the Planning Commission held elections. Commissioners reelected Chair Nigel Joseph and Member-at-Large Karen Kress. Jess Louk was elected as our new Vice Chair. Other Board and Committee appointments for 2023/24…
TAC’s hosting Ian Lockwood & you’re invited!
Hillsborough County is in for a treat on December 4, 2023! Join us in the Plan Hillsborough Room on the 18th floor of County Center from 1:30 to 3:30 PM as we welcome Ian Lockwood,…
The Rewind: November TPO Board Meeting recap
November marked a brand-new beginning as Dr. Johnny Wong stepped into his role as Executive Director at the TPO Board Meeting. The Board also officially welcomed Scott Drainville since accepting the permanent position of HART…
Celebrating Beth Alden’s legacy in transportation
After 22 years with Plan Hillsborough, Beth Alden has retired from her role as the Hillsborough TPO’s Executive Director. Her legacy included serving as the TPO’s Assistant Executive Director and, serving the last 8 years,…
Honoring road traffic victims: Vision Zero Hillsborough
In Florida, eight lives are lost and 49 are left severely injured on Florida’s roads every day. This harsh reality underscores the urgency of our commitment to advocating for road safety. On Friday, November 17,…
Thank you, Dr. Rich Brown!
After 13 years of volunteer service to the Hillsborough River Board Technical Advisory Council (TAC), many as the Chair, Dr. Richard Brown is moving on. Dr. Brown is one of the original citizens who saw…
User Fee Study recommends full cost recovery for Planning Commission services
When a property owner applies for a plan amendment or rezoning, the Planning Commission charges a user fee to recover the cost of reviewing and processing the application. These user fees are charged so that those…
By 2050, Temple Terrace’s population and jobs expected to grow 29% and 55%
Every five years staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range forecasts. Land use planners from all jurisdictions were invited to comment on the intial draft. The final draft and all supporting documentation…
The Rewind: October TPO Board Meeting recap
The TPO Board Meeting in October marked a momentous occasion, filled with exciting changes and significant achievements. Following the public comment, the Board approved the new committee appointments. The Board then delved into crucial agenda…
Test your road safety IQ and earn a chance to win Lightning tickets
Explore the roads of Hillsborough County with confidence! Ensuring your safety and comfort while traveling is our top priority. Take this brief quiz to gauge your understanding of traffic laws and safe driving practices on…
The results are in for the MPO merger survey
The results are in! You spoke, and we listened. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the survey about the potential merger of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas…
Community air monitoring network
We’ve got some exciting news to share about an initiative that’s all about making our air cleaner and healthier. The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) has been awarded grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency…
Tampa City Council embraces Future Land Use Assessment recommendations
In the recent workshop held on September 28, 2023, the City of Tampa City Council came together to discuss the Future Land Use Assessment (FLU) and the recommendations provided by Plan Hillsborough consultant Pritchett Steinbeck…
Breaking barriers and painting bright futures: Plan Hillsborough partners with Eagle Scout Noelle Hill
Plan Hillsborough is thrilled to join forces with the talented Eagle Scout candidate, Noelle Hill, for an electrifying car line painting endeavor set to transform the grounds of West Tampa Elementary School on October 21,…
Is a living shoreline better than a traditional seawall?
Coastal areas around the world are under constant threat from erosion, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. To combat this, property owners and municipalities must consider protective measures such as seawalls and living shorelines….
By 2050, Tampa to attract 100K new residents
Every five years staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range forecasts. The final draft and all supporting documentation are found here: 2050 Long Range Growth Forecasts. In the next several months, we…
Meet our 2023 Planning & Design Awards jury
A big thank you to our judges! Their experience, insight, and thoughtful consideration made for truly interesting deliberations, as they selected amazing projects contributing significantly to the quality of life in our community. Our sincere…
The Rewind: September TPO Board Meeting recap
In addition to the selection of Dr. Johnny Wong as the TPO’s next Executive Director at the September meeting, the TPO Board passed TIP Amendments. TIP Roll Forward Amendments include: A notable highlight is the…
Who’s Incredi-BULL? Plan Hillsborough’s USF student fellows!
Each year students from the University of South Florida join Plan Hillsborough to gain professional experience. Meet the current cohort joining our team! Jocelyn Daniels What year of your USF program are you in? I’m…
Celebrating active transportation in Tampa
Fancy Women Bike Ride 2023 Tampa’s Fancy Women Bike Ride 2023 was another huge success! On September 17 the event started at the amazing Perry Harvey Sr. Park at 10 AM and fancifully rode through…
Continuous water conservation is key
The National Integrated Drought Information System lists parts of Hillsborough County experiencing drought conditions this season. Like all rivers, the Hillsborough River depends on regular flows of freshwater to maintain its habitats and ecosystems. With a…
By 2050, Plant City’s population and jobs to double
Every five years staff conducts an exercise collaborative which results in new long-range forecasts. The forecasts and all supporting documentation are found here: 2050 Long Range Growth Forecasts. In the next several months, we are…
Safe Streets Ahead: Coming to Waters & Sligh Avenues
The Hillsborough TPO is kick-starting a study aimed at boosting safety and adding a splash of vibrancy to Waters Avenue (1.5 miles between Armenia and Florida Avenues) and Sligh Avenue (2 miles between Armenia and Nebraska Avenues). These…
The Rewind: August TPO Board Meeting recap
At its August 9 meeting, the TPO Board selected three finalists for the TPO Executive Director position: Stephen Benson, Vinod Sandanasamy, and Johnny Wong. At the TPO’s September 13 meeting, the full Board will interview each…
2023 FLiP Jr program ends with a splash!
This summer, we continued our partnership with the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association (THJCA), bringing our Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP) Jr program to their summer camps located at the THJCA and at Town and…
Assessing equity needs for the 2050 LRTP
There is big news on the horizon. The 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is taking a fresh approach with its latest addition – a fusion of data and public input for the 2050 Equity…
River master planning is an ongoing effort
When the Florida Legislature created the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board and Technical Advisory Council (River Board) in 1986, the legislature first tasked the River Board with creating a River Master Plan. This was an…
By 2050, Hillsborough residents slightly older
According to BEBR’s latest forecast by age cohort, Florida is expecting 2.5 million new residents aged 65 and over through 2050. Around 500,000 of these new residents are expected to choose Tampa Bay as their…
By 2050, 2 million residents and 1.4 million jobs in Hillsborough County
Every five years staff conducts a collaborative exercise which results in new long-range forecasts. Land use planners from all jurisdictions were invited to comment on the initial draft . The final draft and all supporting…
Planning for long term water resources
Adequate quantities of safe and healthy fresh water are critical to the health of the Hillsborough River. A growing population in the Tampa Bay area also requires water from the environment to meet its everyday…
We’re charged up about the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan!
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are on the rise, and that’s really exciting! But, with more EVs hitting the roads, we need to amp up our charging infrastructure. That’s where the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (EVIP) comes…
Tampa Bay MPO merger: Your opinion, please.
We want to hear from you! The Hillsborough TPO, Forward Pinellas, and Pasco MPO are considering the costs and benefits of merging into a regional Tampa Bay Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Public input is an…
Hillsborough County attracting most new residents through 2050
Every five years, staff updates the Long-Range Growth Forecast. One of the first tasks is to review the latest projections published by the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR). We also…
Join the team!
We’re looking for a Public Relations Strategist and a Planner I/II (depending on qualifications) to join the Plan Hillsborough team. Learn more and apply on the Hillsborough County website. Public Relations Strategist Learn more and…
2023 students FLiP over potential planning careers!
Our Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP) summer student leadership development program introduced high school students from throughout Hillsborough County to urban planning as a potential career in an intensive program May 30 – June 2. A big…
Help us develop the 2050 Freight Plan!
We want to hear from you! If you live, work, or play in unincorporated Hillsborough County, please take (and share) our 2050 Goods Movement & Truck Route Plan Survey by July 31, 2023 to be…
The Rewind: June TPO Board Meeting & TIP Public Hearing recap
The Public Hearing began with the Board receiving a report on the updated Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for FY24 – FY28. In addition to advance comments received, 13 members of the public spoke in person…
Community works together to implement safe routes to school
Since 2016, students from Roosevelt Elementary have been walking and biking to school with Sidewalk Stompers. By 2023, more than 340 students participated in the Sidewalk Stompers safety program. In 2018, the TPO conducted a…
Lift stations and protecting river water quality
Protecting the Hillsborough River’s water quality is a key concern for the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board. In January 2023, an estimated 630,000 gallons of raw sewage overflowed into the Hillsborough River over one week….
The Rewind: May TPO Board Recap
The TPO Board voted unanimously to approve the TIP Amendment for N Tampa St & N Florida Ave Urban Corridor. These improvements will include stormwater management, new and upgraded crosswalks, wider sidewalks and shared-use paths,…
Celebrating Earth Day every day
In April Plan Hillsborough teamed up with the Environmental Protection Commission (EPCHC) for Port Tampa Bay’s 3rd Annual Great Port Clean Up and crushed it! On May 4, we were breathing easy at EPCHC’s Clean…
TBRPC FLiP Jr Award
On May 5, Plan Hillsborough was honored to receive a Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Future of the Region Award in the Community Service category for our FLiP Jr (Future Leaders in Planning Jr.) program…
Weigh in on the Tampa Mobility and Environmental Sections
We need your help to shape the next pieces of the Tampa Comprehensive Plan update! Join us at upcoming community meetings on the City of Tampa’s Mobility and Environmental Sections on June 5 and 6,…
Vision Zero at work in the community
The TPO provided supplies for the Crosswalks to Classroom project at Potter Elementary School on May 13. The community came together with Vision Zero, Sidewalk Stompers, and Walk Bike Tampa to bring creativity and visibility…
Eyes on 2050: Keep on truckin’
With the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) now in the works, the TPO is introducing two new projects to help guide how Hillsborough County lives, works, plays… and moves goods! Connections to Tomorrow caught…
Hillsborough River Board gets new leadership
It is with sadness that we saw two advocates for the Hillsborough River move on to other duties and opportunities. Meredith Abel, with the Temple Terrace city council, diligently worked to advance issues around the…
Career & Consultant Opportunities
Current Job Openings: We are seeking a summer intern to work with the PC library. You may learn more here. Consultants: The Planning Commission’s approved providers. View the list. Hillsborough TPO’s recommended firms for its…
Hillsborough TPO & the 2023 general planning consultants (GPC)
The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District VII, is issuing its request seeking professional consultant services. The TPO requests Letters of Response from Consultants for…
Request for Qualifications : Approved Consultant Service Provider list
The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission is seeking applicants for placement on the agency’s Approved Consultant Service Provider List through 9/30/2024. The Planning Commission uses the list to select consultants for forthcoming projects. 2022 –…
Our new website has launched!
Welcome to the launch of Plan Hillsborough’s new look and feel! There have been some renovations but the content you are used to finding is still here (or somewhere accessible). As our agency continues to…
Check out the TPO 2023 calendar!
We are pleased to share the TPO’s 2023 Calendar, a yearbook highlighting 2022 accomplishments in our community’s transportation system through the collaborative work of the TPO and its many partners. And of course, the calendar…
The Hillsborough River and contaminants of emerging concern
Emerging contaminants, or contaminants of emerging concern, can refer to many different kinds of chemicals, including medicines, personal care or household cleaning products, lawn care, and agricultural products, among others. These chemicals make it into…
#YourTPO shows wildlife some love
Wildlife need space to seek food, water, and find mates, and the larger the animal, the farther they roam to find needed resources for survival. As our population increases, interactions with wildlife also increase. Wildlife…
The health of the river a continued focus in 2023
The Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) held its first meeting of the new year on February 21. As required by their bylaws, their first business was to hold elections of officers….
Dry weather signals seasonal changes for Hillsborough River
Freshwater flows are the lifeblood of the lower Hillsborough River. This area is an estuary, where saltwater and freshwater meet. As such, it is an important nursery ground for numerous commercially and recreationally important fish,…
How do you see the future of Hillsborough County?
With its enduring natural beauty, unique charm, and diversity, Unincorporated Hillsborough County is attracting national attention and unprecedented growth, both regionally and locally, as we expect an additional 350,000 people and 107,000 jobs by 2045*….
Even after 42K households ($3.3 billion AGI) leave, Hillsborough County still attracts more
Last month, we discussed Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Inflows into Hillsborough County. In this article, we will be looking at the other side of the proverbial coin. We will examine where how many households leave…
Annually 47K households move to Hillsborough County and bring $3.6 billion
As we discussed in the last article, Hillsborough County’s population continues to grow albeit a relatively slower rate than before 2020. Typically for Florida, most of the growth is from new households moving to the…
Has Hillsborough County growth accelerated since 2020?
According to the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), in 2022, Hillsborough County reached 1.5 million residents. Meanwhile, the City of Tampa reached 400,000 residents. The conventional wisdom is that these milestones were reached…
The 10 Fastest Growing Zip Codes in Hillsborough County in 2010-2020
From 2010-2020, the Hillsborough County’s population grew 20% to 1.5 million residents. At that time, we also said that we were excitedly waiting for Census 2020. Back in August, the Census Bureau released its first…
More New Residents Moved to Tampa in the Last Decade
The Bureau of Economics and Business Research (BEBR) recently released the highly anticipated 2020 population estimates by jurisdiction. BEBR was founded in 1930 and, amongst many other things, produces the state’s official population estimates and…