Well, it’s official… Mayor Iorio is fully behind mass transit…

For Immediate Release

For additional information, contact:
Liana Lopez
Public Affairs Director
(813) 274-8497
liana.lopez@tampagov.net

Mass Transit for Tampa’s Future Becomes a Part of Strategic Plan

Tampa, Fla. (August 8, 2007) – Mayor Pam Iorio has added mass transit to the City of Tampa’s agenda as the sixth strategic initiative with a goal statement that reads as follows: “The City of Tampa will work on a regional basis to create a mass transit system consisting of both rail and enhanced bus service to serve future generations.”

With the development of mass transit as one of Tampa’s strategic goals, the city solidifies its commitment to working with leaders across the bay area to develop a system that better serves the region.

In September 2006, Iorio released a policy position paper entitled “Mass Transit for the Future of the Tampa Bay Region.” The paper urged surrounding cities and counties to become engaged in the dialogue surrounding the development of mass transit for the region. On April 1, 2007, during her oath of office speech, Iorio laid out her objectives for her second term of office; included in the plan – mass transit. A few weeks later Elaine McCloud was appointed as the city’s transit manager.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority was recently established and as mayor, Iorio will serve as one of the members of the policy group.

Tampa’s five original strategic goals were established in 2003 and have guided the agenda of her first term. They include:

• Investing in Neighborhoods;
• Economic Development of Our Most Challenged Areas with East Tampa as a Model;
• Downtown as a Residential Community;
• Efficient City Government Focused on Customer Service; and
• Tampa as a City of the Arts.

For additional information, please contact Steve Daignault, administrator of Public Works and Utilities Services, at (813) 274-7883 or by email at Steve.Daignault@tampagov.net.