Kevin Brickey, Director, Management & Budget, Hillsborough County

In an interview with Invest:, Kevin Brickey, director of management and budget for Hillsborough County, highlighted two major wins: securing over 1,600 new jobs from companies like MUFG Bank and Cyber Fuels, and the $3.7 billion renewal of the Community Investment Tax (CIT) to fund critical infrastructure. “With these resources, we have a game-changing opportunity to enhance infrastructure and support long-term economic growth,” he said.

What were some of the biggest economic development wins in Hillsborough County over the past year?

There were over 20 significant economic development wins across various industries, including technology, logistics, and financial services. Three notable projects included Japan’s MUFG Bank, which brought 500 jobs; Systal Technology Solutions from Scotland, adding 100 jobs; and Cyber Fuels, a sustainable energy company, with 200 jobs. In total, these projects contributed around 1,600 new jobs. Additionally, Tampa Bay was recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 5 hottest job markets in the nation. Another milestone was the 10th anniversary of the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), which was created to modernize support for startups and small businesses, aligning with today’s innovation-driven economy.

How is the county supporting sustainable growth and transportation infrastructure?

In our fiscal year 2025 budget, the county prioritized infrastructure investments, leveraging one-time funding from sales tax revenue growth and interest earnings. Transportation was a key focus, with an additional $48 million allocated for road resurfacing, intersections, bridges, sidewalks, and safe routes to schools.

Public safety also saw major investments, including a new fire station and two replacement stations to improve emergency response times. Sixteen new rescue units were added to existing stations to further enhance response efficiency. Parks and public spaces in unincorporated areas also received funding to support rapid population growth.

Another significant milestone was the successful extension of the Community Investment Tax (CIT) through 2041, which provides a crucial funding source for infrastructure. Since its inception in the late 1990s, about half of the county’s share of the CIT has gone toward transportation. This renewal ensures that the county, along with local cities and the school board, can continue investing in critical infrastructure projects.

What is the expected impact of the CIT renewal?

The renewal of the CIT represents a $3.7 billion funding source, with a significant portion dedicated to major infrastructure projects. This funding allows us to address long-standing needs while also positioning the county for future growth. It’s an opportunity not just to catch up but to get ahead in critical areas such as transportation and public safety.

In addition to the renewed CIT funding, another major financial boost comes from the state returning $265 million in previously invalidated sales surtax revenue to Hillsborough County. These funds will significantly contribute to road resurfacing and other infrastructure improvements. With all these grants and funding sources coming together, Hillsborough County will receive over a billion dollars in new resources within a short period. This represents a game-changing opportunity to enhance infrastructure, strengthen disaster resilience, and support long-term economic growth.

How is the county planning to utilize disaster relief and infrastructure restoration grants?

We are in the process of developing our action plan for these grants. A portion of the funding is earmarked for transportation mitigation, along with investments in housing, water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. These areas are crucial for improving disaster resilience.

One key focus is enhancing communication and information systems redundancy, which became a priority after recent storms disrupted some critical infrastructure. The grants also provide an opportunity to reinforce existing systems and strengthen our ability to respond effectively to future disasters.

How is the county capitalizing on sports tourism and other industries to boost the economy?

Hillsborough County has seen record-breaking growth in tourism, as measured by the tourist development tax. Visit Tampa Bay has been instrumental in marketing our region, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission continues to bring high-profile events to the area. We hold the record for hosting the most NCAA Women’s Final Four events, which aligns with broader efforts to highlight and support women’s sports. These events drive significant economic impact by attracting visitors and generating local spending. 

One initiative we’ve funded is “Make It Tampa Bay,” which targets visitors and encourages them to consider relocating or investing in the area. This program specifically appeals to younger professionals and entrepreneurs, promoting Hillsborough County as a great place to live and work.

How is the county balancing financial sustainability while managing risks?

We have focused on transportation and public safety while ensuring financial responsibility. As we invest in new infrastructure, we also account for long-term operational costs to sustain these investments. We’ve added mobile rescue units, which are more cost-effective than new fire stations but still improve emergency response. Similarly, while grants and new funding sources provide opportunities, we remain cautious in managing risks related to natural disasters and economic uncertainties. One of our key financial strategies has been maintaining a strong catastrophic reserve fund. This reserve was created decades ago to provide emergency funding without dipping into general fund reserves. It played a crucial role in our recent disaster response efforts, allowing us to act quickly without financial strain.

How is Hillsborough County collaborating with cities and neighboring counties?

We have strong partnerships with Plant City, Temple Terrace, and Tampa, ensuring close collaboration on economic development and disaster response. These relationships proved especially valuable during hurricane season, as we worked together to provide coordinated support. Beyond our local cities, we also work closely with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Visit Tampa Bay, the Port of Tampa, and Tampa International Airport — each playing a critical role in regional growth. Additionally, the county partners with nonprofits to deliver essential services, from environmental conservation to social services. At a broader level, our county administrator maintains regular communication with regional counterparts, strengthening our ability to work together on key initiatives.

What are the county’s top priorities for the next two to three years?

The next two to three years will be a pivotal time for Hillsborough County as we put these new resources to work. With the renewal of the CIT and the influx of grant funding, we have a unique opportunity to make meaningful progress in areas that directly impact residents’ quality of life. Infrastructure remains a top priority, not just in terms of roads and transportation but also in strengthening public safety and disaster preparedness. We are also focused on ensuring these investments support long-term economic growth. A strong infrastructure foundation makes the county more attractive to businesses and workers, which in turn fuels further development. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining financial discipline, making sure that these projects are sustainable and that we continue to manage risks effectively.

This is an exciting moment for Hillsborough County, and the work we do now will shape the region for years to come. We look forward to seeing these investments take effect and will continue to track progress as we move forward.