Carlos Baia, City Manager, City of Temple Terrace
In a recent interview with Invest:, City Manager Carlos Baia highlighted Temple Terrace’s high service standards, partnerships with USF, and downtown revitalization efforts as drivers of community confidence and growth. Future priorities include industrial expansion, resilient infrastructure, and streamlined services to boost regional presence.
What factors contribute to the high level of confidence residents have in Temple Terrace?
A key factor is the “white-glove” level of service we provide. As a smaller city, we can offer a high standard of service with personal attention. If residents or business owners have concerns, they don’t need to navigate layers of bureaucracy, they can directly reach department directors or even my office. This accessibility and responsiveness make a big difference. Our marketing and communications officer and his team have also done a great job gathering community feedback, and we consistently hear that people love living here due to the quality of life. Temple Terrace offers premier amenities similar to those across Tampa Bay, but with an added level of municipal service that sets us apart.
What are some recent accomplishments in Temple Terrace regarding economic growth?
We’ve been working closely with the University of South Florida, which is right at our front door, to strengthen economic development partnerships. USF is planning significant mixed-use development projects adjacent to Temple Terrace, which will positively impact our local economy. Hillsborough County is also initiating a mixed-use development nearby, adding to the regional growth that benefits us. Temple Terrace has a business park near USF, so we see strong compatibility with this growth, positioning us well to attract more businesses and innovation.
What were the key takeaways for Temple Terrace regarding community resilience after Hurricane Milton?
A major takeaway was that we can’t do this alone. Many of the challenges we experienced, such as flooding, are regional in scope. Fortunately, we have an exceptional collaborative relationship withHillsborough County which we expect will be critical to addressing current and future resiliency hurdles.
How did the recent storm affect downtown revitalization efforts, and what are the next steps?
We were fortunate because the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) downtown was minimally impacted by the storm. Located near our Emergency Operations Center, the CRA largely retained power while other parts of the city experienced days-long outages. This stability has kept our revitalization efforts on track, with property owners and developers still optimistic about moving forward. Economic conditions are also improving, with inflation and interest rates leveling, which bodes well for continued investment. In our current budget, we allocated nearly $4 million for an interactive park in the CRA, which will act as both a community space and an incentive for private investment, including potential mixed-use projects. Tied into a pedestrian master plan, this project will link the area cohesively, and we’re on track to start construction next year.
What support does Temple Terrace offer to small businesses and startups, especially during this economic period?
Temple Terrace’s size allows us to be highly responsive to business needs. We work closely with the Temple Terrace Uptown Chamber of Commerce and are involved in initiatives like their Leadership and Innovation Program to develop the next generation of business and community leaders. We’re also streamlining the development process, ensuring timelines and costs are clear and efficient, as time is crucial for businesses. Our goal is to provide a seamless, supportive experience, enhancing customer service and making the process as smooth as possible for all business owners.
What attracts larger corporations to Temple Terrace, and what sectors are you aiming to attract in the future?
Our strategic location within the Tampa Bay area plays a big role. For example, we recently welcomed a VA Mental Health Center, which chose our city to be close to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. Additionally, Amazon decided to build a fulfillment center here, even requesting that we annex their property into our City to work with us directly. Corporations appreciate the accessibility and personal service that a smaller city like Temple Terrace can provide, as well as our proximity to major infrastructure like I-75, the Port of Tampa, and the airport.
Looking forward, we’re focused on expanding our industrial, distribution, and warehouse sectors. Industrial spaces are particularly valuable now, and we’re considering annexation of nearby unincorporated areas to make room for growth in these sectors. This would allow us to take advantage of our logistics-friendly location and support broader economic expansion.
What infrastructure projects are planned to support Temple Terrace’s residential and business growth?
We have a solid infrastructure foundation including our own water system, and quality parks and recreational centers. In our current budget, we’ve doubled our investment in municipal roads to ensure they continue supporting our growth. Additionally, a key focus is stormwater management, which is a major lesson from recent hurricanes. We’ll be collaborating with Hillsborough County on a comprehensive study to address stormwater more effectively. These initiatives will help us better prepare for extreme weather while supporting long-term growth for both residents and businesses.
What are your top priorities for the next two to three years, and what is your vision for Temple Terrace in the Tampa Bay region?
As city manager, my vision is to position Temple Terrace as an active participant in Tampa Bay’s regional growth and decision-making. I believe it’s crucial for us to have a voice at the table on key issues, as our city brings a unique perspective and value to the region. Over the next few years, my priorities are to ensure Temple Terrace remains competitive as an employer, enhance service efficiency, and elevate the city’s organizational standards. We’ve focused heavily on becoming an employer of choice by improving benefits and workplace culture to attract and retain top talent, an investment that strengthens our ability to meet community needs with excellence.
Another key focus is streamlining government services to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. While maintaining our high standards, we’re rethinking processes to create a smoother, more efficient experience for residents and businesses alike. I want our government to be approachable and efficient, making it easy for people to access the services they need without navigating excessive red tape. Finally, with several departments like our police and fire services already accredited, I envision implementing high-performance standards across the entire city organization. By applying the best practices and values that have led to individual departmental success, we can achieve a level of transparency, efficiency, and service quality that Temple Terrace residents can rely on and be proud of. Together, these efforts will help Temple Terrace thrive as a high-performing city recognized for its leadership and contribution to the Tampa Bay region.
