Hillsborough could slash funding for nonprofit that serves University Area
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Hillsborough County commissioners will vote Wednesday on whether to strip funding from a nonprofit that serves one of its poorest neighborhoods.
Why it matters: At risk is a quarter of the recurring funds for the University Area Community Development Corporation, which last year helped residents recover from Hurricane Milton.
- The nonprofit serves the University Area, where 76% of residents are minorities.
Catch up quick: Commissioner Chris Boles (R) introduced a motion in July to make it harder for nonprofits to obtain funding from the county and to phase out those that have received recurring allocations.
- He exempted nonprofits that operate out of county-owned facilities, which, at the time, covered the University Area CDC.
Driving the news: Now, Boles wants to narrow the exemption so that it only applies to nonprofits that both operate programs in county-owned facilities and manage them.
- That change would exclude the University Area CDC, whose management agreement ended in December.
The big picture: The University Area CDC could stand to lose $212,500 of its $850,000 allocation in the fiscal year 2026 budget, under a county plan that slashes recurring funding entirely by 2029.
- The nonprofit cleared debris and restored landscaping at eight properties and three homes in Milton's aftermath, in addition to serving over 10,000 individuals hot meals.
- The University Area CDC says 84 cents of every dollar it spends goes into its programs and services.
Zoom in: The University Area is home to around 26,000 people, most of whom are Hispanic and Black. About 69% of residents earn $50,000 a year or less, and dozens of them depend on the nonprofit for housing.
What they're saying: "We remain hopeful that the BOCC will reconsider this proposal and continue to recognize University Area CDC as an exempt organization," its CEO, Arturo Puckerin, said, "preserving the support that allows us to serve individuals and families throughout Hillsborough County."
- "As always, we are committed to working collaboratively with the BOCC to ensure that our community continues to receive the resources it needs to thrive," Puckerin said.
The other side: Boles did not respond to Axios' request for comment.