Initiatives

BUDGET WATCHDOG - As Chair of the Finance Committee, created a Citizens Budget Advisory Committee.

Show me the money “It doesn’t serve any public purpose for us not to have transparency,” council member Mary Mulhern said at a budget workshop on Thursday. “The devil’s in the details. We need to see the details.”

Amid losses, questions arise about one city pension fund: “The significant losses in a fund led by a single manager has raised questions from City Council member Mary Mulhern, who heads the council’s budget committee.”

COMMUNITY GARDENS – The local voice for urban agriculture and community gardens, held a council workshop on Community Gardening last October that resulted in networks that are creating community gardens all over Tampa. Start ups include Seminole Heights Community Garden, Palmetto Beach, Community Stepping Stones in Sulphur Springs.

GREEN JOBS – Held a workshop at City Council for the public, not-for-profit organizations, City Council and staff.

“Promoting a green economy is one of the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, giving both the private and public sector a unique opportunity to improve our local economy and environment through the same projects.  This workshop is an opportunity for the public, not-for-profit organizations, City Council and the Administration to discuss how we can work together to support economic development and reduce poverty through a shift to green jobs, job training and entrepreneurship.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Advocate for local and independent businesses, as well as for attracting quality jobs to Tampa. Working to reduce constaints on small businesses.

TRADE – Made a fact-finding trip to Cuba along with Port Authority Board member and business delegation. Pushing for Tampa’s port to do more legal trade with Cuba and encouraging Congressmen and Senators to lift travel ban and embargo.