Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to exempt the Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed $2.3 billion stadium development from the city’s community benefits ordinance, approving a separate $21 million agreement covering housing assistance, workforce programs and neighborhood improvements.
The exemption allows the Rays to bypass requirements under Tampa’s 2023 ordinance governing publicly supported developments, including community engagement, impact assessments, workforce programs and sustainable construction standards. The law permits developers to substitute alternative benefits of substantially similar value, which the Rays negotiated through the separate agreement.
Thursday’s vote follows an equally divided 4-3 decision in August, when council approved $80 million in city funding for the proposed Drew Park development, a district spanning more than 100 acres with a ballpark seating at least 31,000 fans. Alan Clendenin, Bill Carlson, Luis Viera and Naya Young supported both measures, while Lynn Hurtak, Guido Maniscalco and Charlie Miranda opposed them.
Of the $60 million in community benefits negotiated with the Rays, Tampa will receive $21 million and Hillsborough County will receive $39 million under a separate agreement. Tampa’s initial five-year spending plan allocates $4.2 million, leaving $16.8 million for future plans requiring council approval.
Housing assistance receives the largest individual allocation at $1.25 million, followed by $1 million for Al Lopez Park improvements, $650,000 for workforce training and small-business assistance and $540,000 for youth sports and literacy programs. The package also covers transit improvements, police services and access to Rays games for local families.
Although the $1.25 million housing allocation can support home repairs and affordable developments across Tampa, the stadium district’s first phase contains no affordable housing. Future phases could include affordable units, although the agreement does not require the Rays to build any within the district.
The agreement also allows the Rays to change individual allocations and delivery schedules without another council vote, provided the team delivers $4.2 million in qualifying benefits during the first five years. Contributions can include cash, services or physical improvements, with noncash benefits credited at their cost or appraised fair market value, whichever is greater.
Tampa will receive annual reports and retain inspection rights to monitor the Rays’ commitments, although the city cannot withhold stadium funding if the team violates the community benefits agreement. Certain obligations may be extended, and the city can seek a court order requiring performance.
Separate agreements will address other stadium-related commitments, including the proposed relocation of Tampa Police Department District 1 facilities and additional fire-rescue infrastructure.
Thursday’s approval came days before Viera’s scheduled departure from council Nov. 2, following his request in August that the community benefits agreement return for consideration before November.