With Just Getting Started, Deputy Mayor and City Administrator Dr. Kanika Tomalin is “telling the St. Pete story” through one-on-one conversations with change-makers. With many exciting plans and projects on the horizon, St. Petersburg’s upward trajectory remains strong. “So much has been done, but here’s the secret: We’re just getting started
Dr. Tomalin welcomes Derek Kilborn, the city's Manager of Urban Planning and Historic Preservation. Kilborn was one of the key architects of Vision 2020, the city's long-range planning program. Now the city is looking ahead to the next 30 years. StPete2050 is a city-wide discussion and collaboration to explore what St. Petersburg might look like 30 years from now. They agree that thoughtful city planning, which in our case dates back to the early 20th century, has been a major contributor to the uniqueness of St. Petersburg over the decades. To obtain valuable community input, Kilborn's department has sent staffers out into the community itself - rather than ask citizens to come downtown for official meetings - and has conducted workshops and online surveys.
Dr. Tomalin welcomes Derek Kilborn, the city’s Manager of Urban Planning and Historic Preservation. Kilborn was one of the key architects of Vision 2020, the city’s long-range planning program. Now the city is looking ahead to the next 30 years. StPete2050 is a city-wide discussion and collaboration to explore what St. Petersburg might look like 30 years from now. They agree that thoughtful city planning, which in our case dates back to the early 20th century, has been a major contributor to the uniqueness of St. Petersburg over the decades. To obtain valuable community input, Kilborn’s department has sent staffers out into the community itself – rather than ask citizens to come downtown for official meetings – and has conducted workshops and online surveys.
As planners, one thing that's really important for our work is to trust the input we receive from the residents. Although we're constructing a long-range vision, we're also responding to short-term impacts and needs."
Access to affordable and obtainable housing is an increasing challenge for us, particularly as the community evolves and changes with new development and new investment."
Dr. Kanika Tomalin is a thought leader, policy-maker, community ambassador, and health advocate.
As the first African-American, female Deputy Mayor and City Administrator of one of Florida’s largest cities, Dr. Kanika Tomalin is a role model for women from all walks of life and an advocate for innovative policies, equitable community revitalization, healthy families, at-risk youth and education.
Her signature initiative, Healthy St. Pete, which launched in 2014, has made community health a priority and impacts the lives of thousands of Sunshine City residents. By creating access to healthy food options, implementing free fitness zones in city parks and adding resources for individuals and families to make healthy living easier – Dr. Tomalin has made a tangible difference.
Dr. Tomalin’s understanding of the critical role health plays as a determinant of overall quality of life was shaped prior to her career in the public sector. She quickly climbed the ranks in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as the regional vice president of External Affairs for the Bayfront Health Network and director of Strategy for Health Management Associates’ 23-hospital Florida Group.
