Tampa Bay needs a modern version of FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps

In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt established the national Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a part of his New Deal programs. The purpose of the CCC was to provide manual labor jobs and relieve pressure on families who had trouble finding work during the Great Depression. The Tampa Bay CCC—following similar principles of the CCC and AmeriCorps, which began in 1993 under President Clinton—would focus on a number of the key areas where we know we need improvement.

Corps members could serve in a variety of capacities, including as stewards of our natural spaces in Tampa Bay, partnering with local parks professionals. They could also assist our first responders and recovery officials when disasters strike, working to repair homes, help survivors, and help restore our communities and neighborhoods after events like devastating hurricanes. They could also help with distribution at local food banks, take on issues of homelessness and work with leaders in government and in nonprofits to address growing food insecurity, particularly in our food deserts.

The Civilian Conservation Corps of the mid-1930s built many of the parks and landmarks you know and love today. Our regional CCC could build many of the same things our Tampa Bay citizens will love and appreciate for generations to come.—Benjamin J. Kirby, Director of Communications & Community Engagement for HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital

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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This article appears in Feb 29 – Mar 6, 2024.