Campaign News & Updates

Follow along for the latest campaign announcements, policy discussions, event recaps, and insights into the work being done across our community.

Taryn Sabia Proposes Public Ownership Model for Rays Stadium Instead of Taxpayer Funding

TAMPA, FL – As conversations continue around how to finance a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, mayoral candidate Taryn Sabia is introducing a new approach that shifts the focus from taxpayer burden to community ownership. In a newly released proposal, Sabia outlines a model to create a publicly traded, regionally owned stadium entity that would allow Tampa Bay residents, businesses, and local institutions to invest directly in the project. The proposal centers on the creation of a Tampa Bay Regional Stadium Entity, or TBRSE, a structure where the Rays retain majority control while opening a significant ownership stake to the public through local investment opportunities and public markets. A publicly traded framework that enhances transparency, allows for shared investment, and ties financial performance to real, measurable outcomes allows fans to be shareholders, not just spectators. “We keep coming back to the same question about who should pay for a stadium,” said Sabia. “The better question is who should own it? Reframing the problem allows us to solve for it differently.”  Under this model, public funding would be directed toward infrastructure such as transportation, roads, and stormwater improvements rather than toward the stadium itself. This approach aligns public investment with long-term

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Taryn Sabia Launches Campaign with Strong Grassroots Momentum, Raises Over $20,000 from 114 donors in First 29 Days

TAMPA, FL — Taryn Sabia’s campaign for Tampa Mayor is off to a strong start, raising more than $20,000 in just 29 days from 114 unique donors, an early show of broad, grassroots support from across the community. The early fundraising success underscores the growing momentum behind Sabia’s campaign and her message that Tampa needs a fresh, shared vision, one that prioritizes people over politics and delivers real solutions to the affordability crisis facing working families. “I’m running for Mayor because the same problems we were talking about 20 years ago are still here and in many cases, they’ve only gotten worse,” said Taryn Sabia. “Families are being squeezed by rising housing costs, long commutes, and a city that too often feels like it’s being shaped without them. Tampa’s problems won’t be solved by the old playbook. They’ll be solved by bringing the community into the conversation and building solutions together.” Sabia, an urban designer, educator, and mom of two, has spent more than two decades working with cities across the country to plan for smart growth, affordable housing, and transportation solutions. Her campaign is focused on lowering everyday costs, improving transit options, supporting small businesses, and ensuring Tampa’s growth

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The Oracle: Taryn Sabia enters Tampa mayoral race

As reported by The Oracle, Sabia’s campaign is gaining early momentum as conversations across Tampa continue to grow. Urban designer and University of South Florida assistant dean Taryn Sabia has officially entered the race for Tampa’s 2027 mayoral election, as covered by The Oracle. Sabia’s campaign is rooted in conversations happening across the city—listening to residents, engaging with community leaders, and building a people-first approach to Tampa’s future. Her entry into the race reflects a growing interest in leadership focused on thoughtful planning, community input, and long-term vision. As momentum continues to build, the campaign remains focused on showing up, listening, and shaping a path forward that reflects the needs of Tampa’s communities. Read Full Coverage →

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Coming Up Green

Published 4-16-2008: We are so excited to see green events blooming all over our community this Earth Day season. It is a beautiful chance for all of us to come together and see how innovative solutions can make our city more sustainable for future generations. From “painting the town green” using our public transit to making art from recycled materials, these moments help us reimagine our relationship with the environment. We hope you’ll join us in exploring these creative ways to reduce our impact and celebrate the vibrant world we share. 2008 Earth Day Events – ECO.lution was a project of the Urban Charrette – a group co-founded by Taryn Sabia Creative Loafing: Special Sections: The Green Issue Coming up Green Two months of green events. By Jason Kushner Published 04.16.2008 http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/coming_up_green/Content?oid=430730 With Earth Day on April 22, related events are springing up all over. Here are some highlights: April 17-22: ECO.Lution. Urban Charrette, a group of young architects pushing progressive development, has put together five days of environmentally aware events: Thurs., April 17: Project ZERO, an architecture and interior design green products show. TECO Gallery in downtown Tampa, 5:30-9 p.m. Free. Fri., April 18: Paint the Town GREEN, a

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Florida Politics: Taryn Sabia joins increasingly crowded Tampa mayoral race

As reported by Florida Politics, Sabia’s campaign emphasizes planning experience in a competitive mayoral field. Urban designer and University of South Florida assistant dean Taryn Sabia has officially entered the race for Tampa’s 2027 mayoral election, adding to a growing field of candidates vying to succeed term-limited incumbent Mayor Jane Castor. Sabia’s campaign highlights her deep planning and design experience, with a focus on future-oriented leadership to tackle the city’s ongoing challenges. Her entry underscores the increasingly competitive nature of the race as voters head toward the March 2, 2027 election. Read Full Coverage →

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