Counting Our Blessings: A Season of Gratitude and Resolve

By Jerome D. Ryans, President & CEO, Tampa Housing Authority

As we approach Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that gratitude is a leadership imperative. At the Tampa Housing Authority, our progress is powered by people: our resilient residents, dedicated employees, visionary Board of Commissioners, committed elected officials, and steadfast community partners. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping the future we are building together.

This year offered a moment to reflect on the long arc of recovery. Hurricane Milton left extensive damage in a  few of our communities, and the restoration process has required sustained effort and coordination. Our team remained focused-ensuring that repairs progressed steadily and that residents continued to feel supported throughout. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of public service at its best.

Yet even amid recovery, we advanced. The Robles Park Village redevelopment is currently our most ambitious and transformative initiative-a generational investment in equity, opportunity, and community. We are committed to honoring the cultural legacy of Robles Park while setting a new benchmark for inclusive, mixed-income living in Tampa. I am deeply grateful for the trust our residents, Board, and civic leaders have placed in us to lead this work with care and conviction.

We also celebrated the grand opening of Casa Bel Mar in South Tampa-a powerful reminder that affordable housing must be part of every neighborhood's fabric. We firmly believe affordable housing belongs in every part of Tampa-including our most established and upscale neighborhoods. As a public service agency, we are proud to create housing opportunities citywide, ensuring that families can live near the places they work and contribute to every corner of our community.

Nationally, our work was recognized through multiple NAHRO awards for real estate design, social programs in youth tutoring, cultural enrichment, financial literacy, and resident engagement. HUD recognized us as a high-performer agency 18 year in a row now. These honors reflect the dedication of our staff and the active engagement with our residents. They show what is possible when communities are not just served-but empowered.

As we enter the holiday season, I offer my heartfelt thanks:

• To our employees-your faithful service is the backbone of our mission.
• To our residents-your resilience inspires everything we do.
• To our Board of Commissioners-your leadership guides our path forward.
• To our elected officials and partners-your collaboration strengthens our impact.

Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on what unites us. This year brought us closer in our shared purpose and blessed us with the opportunity to prove that together we can overcome any storm. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you-grounded in gratitude, driven by purpose, and committed to progress.

May this season bring peace to your homes and renewed hope for the year ahead.