News Summary Arturo Puckerin has been appointed as the new executive director and CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation in Tampa. With extensive experience in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, Puckerin aims to address community needs such as housing, workforce development, and education. His leadership comes at a time when funding for the CDC is under threat, which could impact essential services for residents in the area. The organization, operational for 26 years, plays a critical role in supporting its community. The University Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Tampa has appointed Arturo Puckerin as its new executive director and CEO. Puckerin, 42, was chosen for his significant experience in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. His role will include leadership and management of the organization, overseeing the staff and operations while working closely with the CDC’s board of directors and local as well as regional stakeholders. Puckerin’s leadership will focus on initiatives addressing key community needs, including housing, workforce, education, public health, and youth development. He believes assessing existing programs and identifying gaps will lead to innovative solutions in these areas. His goals also encompass increasing earnings for low-wage workers, expanding access to affordable, mixed-income, and workforce housing, and strengthening youth services to promote community well-being. Arturo Puckerin was raised in Michigan, primarily living in various states as a military child. His most recent position was as the executive director of Neighborhood Services for the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He has served previously as the executive director for the Jackson Housing Commission in Jackson, Michigan. Puckerin’s extensive background includes a focus on housing and urban development, public housing, federal and state voucher subsidy programs, and providing stable housing solutions for low- and moderate-income families. The University Area CDC, which has now been operational for 26 years, plays a significant role in supporting the local population with programs targeting youth, adult education, and various resource assistance initiatives. The area surrounding the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa campus has about 26,000 residents, with around 76% identified as minorities. Notably, approximately 69% of residents earn $50,000 a year or less, underscoring the economic challenges faced by this community. The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote on a proposal to reduce its annual funding for the University Area CDC. This could result in cutting up to $212,500 from its current budget of $850,000 for the next year, with the potential for complete cessation of funding by 2029. The reduction in funding could significantly affect the CDC’s ability to provide essential services and maintain ongoing projects. Eric Eisenberg, the chair of the University Area CDC Board, voiced strong support for Puckerin, indicating that he is the ideal leader to enhance the organization’s impact and deliver meaningful results for the residents it serves. Puckerin aims to build on and expand the neighborhood revitalization projects originally initiated by the organization to foster a better quality of life for the community. Puckerin’s appointment marks a new chapter for the University Area Community Development Corporation as it navigates both opportunities and challenges in a community marked by high poverty levels and a need for sustainable development strategies. As he steps into this pivotal role, many are looking forward to seeing how his leadership will shape the future of the organization and its efforts to uplift the University Area residents. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Local Businesses Thrive in Riverview and Brandon Tampa Celebrates USF Health’s Two Decades of Innovation Arturo Puckerin Appointed as CEO of University Area CDC Tragic Shooting Incident Near CDC and Emory University Tampa Family Grateful for Replacement Vehicle After Hurricane Milton’s Wreckage New Developments Shaping Tampa Bay Community Tampa Bay Community Revitalization and Recovery Initiatives Additional Resources TBBW: University Area CDC Names CEO Wikipedia: Community Development Corporation Business Observer: Nonprofit Hillsborough Names CEO Google Search: University Area Community Development Corporation Fox 13 News: Prodigy Cultural Arts Celebrates Milestone Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development TBBW: University Area CDC Names New Chief Operating Officer Google News: University Area CDC
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