Affordability is so subjective to the person. A lot of the people that moved here during Covid have a lot of money, wanted warmer weather (can’t blame em!) and more affordable living scenarios. Unless you have a tech job or a career that pays big money it’s very challenging to stay afloat with everything going up and pay isn’t.
I just find myself working all the time.
Our economy, culture and society isn’t based around quality of life. How to make it more affordable at this point I’m not entirely sure. We also need more sustainable practices, actions and environmental awareness.
That made/makes Tampa Bay so enamoring and enthralling is its authenticity, small businesses, compassionate and supportive community, arts and the people that are from, live and thrive here.
We need affordability to stay and thrive, and environmental consciousness to remain afloat, literally. That starts at home and spreads out to businesses and better decision making within our cities and counties.
Small businesses are struggling, being pushed out of the neighborhoods they’re in due to rent skyrocketing, and some are even closing. We can continue to support small businesses, buy art, go to shows, support your neighbors, friends and favorite spots, give a helping hand, be kind, do things at home that help our environment and your pockets like composting, growing your own food, planting native in your landscape, being more mindful of the amount of water you use, refilling products, reducing plastics and the list goes on.
As far as affordability I’m at a loss but I have hope and think it comes down to voting during local elections, budgeting, finding alternatives and solutions to our comfort and current job states. Really leaning into the discomfort of everything.—Brian Schanck, St. Pete resident
To commemorate the leap year, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked readers and local leaders to chime in on what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place in four years. These are some of the results of the "What Tampa Bay Needs" survey.
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'I just find myself working all the time': Affordability is top of mind for this St. Pete resident
Brian Schanck chimes in on what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place in four years.
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