Developer: Waterfront project fees could fund climate resilience

As rising seas, stronger storms and skyrocketing insurance costs reshape where people choose to live, one St. Petersburg developer says the answer isn't retreating from vulnerable waterfront neighborhoods – it's building them differently and making new development pay for the added risk.

During a recent panel discussion at the Palladium Theater on climate change and housing, Mack Feldman, vice president of asset management for Feldman Equities, briefly floated an idea that sparked a larger conversation:

Pinellas County moves to get ahead of AI data center growth

Climate change is reshaping bay area residents’ lives

My Mayor 2026 – Episode 3

Gulfport artist keeps Florida’s tiki tradition alive

City launches ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ program

City of St. Petersburg leaders want to help religious organizations transform underutilized land into affordable housing. The municipality has officially launched the "Yes in God’s Backyard" program. 

In December 2025, the City became the first local government in the state to adopt the "Yes in God’s Backyard" ordinance. The provision, which is in relation to Senate Bill 1730, gives Florida municipalities the ability to authorize affordable housing on property owned by a religious institution that contains, or is contiguous to, a house of worship. 

Comm Voice

Cédéric Noël

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