News Summary
Arturo Puckerin has been appointed the new CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation in Tampa, aiming to enhance affordable housing and services in a community facing significant poverty. With extensive experience in housing and revitalization, he plans to strengthen partnerships and develop solutions to meet local needs, focusing on workforce development and youth services. Puckerin succeeds Sarah Combs amidst ongoing improvements in the area, including developments at Harvest Hope Park.
Tampa, FL – Arturo Puckerin has been appointed as the new chief executive officer and executive director of the University Area Community Development Corporation (CDC). This strategic move aims to enhance affordable housing and community services in the University Area, which has a significant portion of its population living in poverty.
Puckerin’s extensive background in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization positions him well for the role. His responsibilities will include overseeing the nonprofit’s operations, staff, and programs while working closely with the board of directors. He plans to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders and guide various initiatives focusing on housing, workforce development, education, public health, and youth services.
Before taking on the role at the University Area CDC, Puckerin served as the executive director of the Jackson Housing Commission in Michigan. His experience included managing Housing and Urban Development programs and administering federal and state voucher subsidies aimed at supporting low- and moderate-income families in accessing affordable housing.
Puckerin expressed enthusiasm about joining the University Area CDC and is focused on assessing the organization’s existing programs. He aims to identify gaps in service and develop solutions tailored to meet the community’s needs. His primary goals during his tenure will be to increase earnings for low-wage earners, expand access to affordable mixed-income and workforce housing, and bolster youth services in the region.
The University Area CDC has served the Tampa community for 26 years and has played a vital role in providing various programs, including youth services, adult education, and resource assistance for thousands of residents. Its mission centers around the redevelopment and sustainability of neighborhoods adjacent to the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus.
Puckerin replaces Sarah Combs, who took on the position of CEO at Metropolitan Ministries in August. This transition comes at a crucial time as the University of South Florida has recently secured a five-year contract valued at up to $85 million with the U.S. Army for research focused on cybersecurity, biotechnology, and energy sciences, further underscoring the growth and development in the area.
Additionally, significant improvements are underway in the region with construction at Harvest Hope Park in Tampa’s University Area. The park’s sports field is being upgraded with artificial turf, thanks to federal funding from a Hillsborough County grant. This project is expected to be completed within a month, enhancing the facility’s usability and attractiveness.
Harvest Hope Park, which has transformed from a dilapidated area into a vibrant community hub spanning seven acres, offers various amenities including a playground, splash pad, and community garden. The park serves multiple sports leagues and has faced challenges in maintaining its grass area due to heavy usage. Community leaders have noted a 65% reduction in crime in the area, illustrating the positive impact of the park’s development.
Notably, over 30% of residents in the University Area neighborhood live in poverty. This statistic highlights the critical need for community resources like the park, which provides recreational and social opportunities to local families. Puckerin’s vision and the initiatives undertaken by the University Area CDC will address the evolving needs of community development, ensuring that support and resources are effectively aligned with the challenges facing the local population.
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Additional Resources
- TBB Business: University Area CDC Names CEO
- Fox 13 News: Construction Continues on University Area Park
- TBB Business: Metropolitan Ministries Appoints Sarah Combs CEO
- 83 Degrees Media: University Area CDC Board Members Reflect on Combs’ Impact
- Wikipedia: Community Development
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