Tampa Approves $9.7 Million for East Tampa Affordable Housing Project

TAMPA — The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board unanimously approved $9.7 million on Thursday for the Ashley East Development Project, a major investment in affordable housing along East Columbus Drive.

The project will bring 118 new housing units to the East Tampa CRA, all of which will be designated as affordable for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). For a family of four, that income threshold is currently $83,450.

Mayor Jane Castor praised the decision on social media, calling it “BIG news” for Tampa’s efforts to expand housing access. City officials say the project reflects a broader strategy to address housing affordability through targeted public investment in historically underserved neighborhoods.

The Ashley East Development is part of an ongoing initiative to leverage CRA funds for housing projects that serve low- to moderate-income residents.