The city of Tampa announced it has appointed a new director of Housing and Community Development, Jeffrey McKittrick.
McKittrick comes from Pasco County, where he served as the assistant director of Housing and Community Development and previously oversaw redevelopment in Kingsport, Tennessee.
There he worked on the agency’s homeless grants and redevelopment projects. He also sought to expedite housing applications for people without housing.
He previously served in law enforcement in Manatee County.
“Jeff McKittrick is a recognized leader who understands our housing and affordability crisis,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a news release. “With nearly three decades of experience in local government, I am confident he will deliver on the fundamental vision we have to help our struggling residents secure a safe place to live.”
The former housing director, Kayon Henderson, resigned after a decade with the city last summer amid a slew of departures.
McKittrick will be tasked with implementing affordable housing initiatives started by Castor, according to the news release. Her administration has come under scrutiny for claiming greater success at creating affordable housing than records show, though it has been a stated priority of Castor’s.
“It’s been remarkable to witness the transformative impact the Mayor’s housing initiatives have had on Tampa as she has worked tirelessly to combat our housing crisis,” McKittrick said in the news release. “I am honored to have this opportunity, and look forward to working with our housing team on our shared priorities.”
