As a lifelong resident and proven leader, I understand the unique challenges facing District 5. My commitment is to build upon what’s working, close critical gaps, and ensure every family, business, and neighborhood thrives. By collaborating with local nonprofits and trusted community leaders, we can expand resources, strengthen services, and deliver real results that reflect the values and needs of the people. Here's how I will continue to support and strengthen each priority area:
What’s in Place:
• Affordable housing initiatives led by University Area CDC and Blue Sky Communities
• Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) mandates requiring at least 30% of unused funds be allocated to affordable housing
• City of Tampa's Tenant Bill of Rights promoting tenant protections
Melony’s Commitment:
• Advocate for increased funding for home repairs and critical renovations for low-income families and seniors
• Expand partnerships with nonprofit housing organizations to create rent-to-own and homeownership opportunities
• Promote responsible infill housing that blends with existing neighborhoods and preserves community character
• Ensure transparency and equitable distribution of CRA funds to benefit underserved areas in District 5
Community Benefit:
Partnerships with local CDCs and nonprofits will help stabilize families, reduce displacement, and foster generational homeownership.
What’s in Place:
• Hillsborough County’s CareerSource Tampa Bay offers workforce training and employment services
• Tampa Housing Authority collaborates with employers to provide training for public housing residents
Melony’s Commitment:
• Strengthen partnerships with nonprofit organizations, trade schools, and small businesses to expand job training and certification programs
• Advocate for workforce development funds to support youth, veterans, returning citizens, and individuals with disabilities
• Collaborate with local schools to introduce career readiness programs and mentorships for high school students
Community Benefit:
Building a skilled workforce increases household income, reduces unemployment, and attracts new business opportunities to District 5.
What’s in Place:
• City of Tampa’s community policing initiatives and Neighborhood Watch programs
• Parks and Recreation youth sports and summer employment programs
• Safe & Sound Hillsborough focuses on violence prevention and intervention for at-risk youth
Melony’s Commitment:
• Support and expand after-school, mentoring, and summer programs by partnering with churches, nonprofits, and local organizations to promote youth civic engagement.
• Advocate for increased investment in youth development centers and safe recreational spaces
• Promote community-based violence prevention strategies that foster trust between law enforcement and residents
Community Benefit:
Engaging youth early in positive development programs reduces crime, strengthens families, and builds a safer community for all.
What’s in Place:
• HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) operates the city’s public transportation system
• City’s mobility initiatives include bike lanes, crosswalks, and traffic calming projects
Melony’s Commitment:
• Advocate for expanded and more reliable public transit routes serving District 5 neighborhoods
• Support infrastructure improvements that promote safe pedestrian access and connectivity between schools, parks, and business corridors
• Work with city transportation planners to prioritize sidewalks, street lighting, and ADA-compliant access
Community Benefit:
Improved transportation increases access to jobs, education, and healthcare, while reducing traffic congestion and promoting safer streets.
What’s in Place:
• City of Tampa’s Office of Economic Opportunity supports small and minority-owned businesses
CRA small business grants and facade improvement programs in select districts
Melony’s Commitment:
• Advocate for expanding small business grants and low-interest loan programs to more neighborhoods within District 5
• Create partnerships with business associations, chambers, and nonprofit development organizations to offer technical assistance, mentorship, and marketing support
• Encourage revitalization of commercial corridors while preserving the culture and identity of legacy businesses
Community Benefit:
Supporting local businesses creates jobs, circulates money locally, and strengthens the economic fabric of our neighborhoods.
District 5 is filled with strength, resilience, and promise. I believe in solutions that are realistic, community-driven, and built upon what’s already working. My commitment is to keep listening, keep showing up, and keep fighting for the investments our district needs not just for today, but for generations to come.
WE CAN and WE WILL create a District 5 that works for EVERYONE. Join our movement for neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and economic opportunity.
"Together, we can move District 5 forward by strengthening our neighborhoods, ensuring safer communities, creating new opportunities, and securing the future our families deserve."
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