Protesters last February gather outside of Tampa City Hall to demand rent control in Tampa as rents skyrocket during an unbridled housing crisis. Credit: Photo by Dave Decker

Housing activists are planning a demonstration on the same day that Mayor Jane Castor will present her proposed FY 2023 budget to Tampa City Council on Thursday morning.

According to a press release, a coalition of organizers will convene in front of Tampa City Hall on August 4 at 8:45 a.m. to rally in support of the city implementing a housing state of emergency.

The groups will also aim to pressure Mayor Castor to prioritize funds in 2023’s budget proposal for the development of affordable housing, as well as rental and move-in assistance.

“The City of Tampa is in a housing state of emergency,” the coalition wrote. “In response, Tampa’s City Council had the foresight to put a declaration of a housing State of emergency on the November ballot.”

Last week, after months of resident outcry, Tampa City Council voted 6-1 to declare a housing state of emergency and put the issue of rent control on an upcoming ballot for voters to decide.

The coalition plans on supporting the push for rent control, along with the further prioritization of affordable housing in Tampa.

The groups involved in the press conference include: Florida Rising, Chispa Florida, Restorative Justice Coalition, Faith in Florida, The Blueprint, Party For Socialism and Liberation Tampa Bay, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Tampa Bay, the League of United Latin American Citizens-Florida District 1, Florida For Change and For Our Future FL.

UPDATE: When originally published, this article said there would be a press conference at city hall in the morning. The organizers are open to having a press conference at some point, but said they will mainly be inside council to speak out about the budget throughout the day.