Introduction
After 9+ years, Karl Nurse termed out of a highly regarded stint on the City Council. He continues to work tirelessly to solve one of our community's biggest problems - housing. Karl is a throwback politician who leads through action more than words. His steady, measured diligence has earned the respect of those who know him and have worked with him. The influence of his important work will be critical to St Pete thriving in the face of future challenges in housing quantity and quality.
Years in St. Pete
35
Organizations involved in
Treasurer of the Florida Orchestra, Board of the Sierra Club and the Board of 3 different housing non-profits.
What gets you out of bed every day?
I like fixing things and so I work on fixing things everyday.
Why St. Pete?
St. Pete is an undiscovered opportunity to create a comfortable middle-sized community that works.
What is one habit that you keep?
I try to do something important as the first thing when I go to work every morning.
Who are some people that influence you?
Stephen Covey who wrote 7 Habits (of Highly Effective People). Ken Welch who I think is the best local elected official. And Bobby Kennedy who combined the toughness to attack organized crime and a compassion for children.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
The most important book I ever read was the 7 Habits (of Highly Effective People). It talks about making sure that what you say is as important as how you spend your time. That’s how in my life, Friday night became date night with my wife.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
Change is more difficult than people realize. The more you work on it, the more you realize that inertia is very powerful.
What’s next?
My civic goal is to reinvent our housing stock, which we’re building housing for the wealthiest. And the vast majority of the housing we have really doesn’t work very well for the 21st century.
