NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 9, 2026Hillsborough County
Councilman Bill Carlson proposes stadium financing plan using tax-increment revenue
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
Councilman Bill Carlson has proposed a new financing model for a Tampa Bay Rays ballpark that relies on tax-increment revenue from the stadium district rather than a Community Investment Tax (CIT) or new city taxes. The plan also includes using a portion of this revenue to establish a citywide infrastructure trust fund.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
This proposal outlines a potential shift in how the city might fund a major sports facility and local infrastructure projects without increasing existing tax rates or implementing new levies.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
OrganizationHillsborough County Commission“Must approve final financing agreement”locationTampa“City government and location of the proposed project”PersonKen Babby“Negotiating stadium deal terms”OrganizationDowntown Tampa CRA“Source of proposed redirected tax revenue”OrganizationDrew Park CRA“Subject of proposed boundary and funding changes”PersonBill Carlson“Proposer of the new stadium financing plan”PersonJane Castor“Confirmed the shift in financing discussions”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Primary party in stadium negotiations”