ABOUT THE REPORT
INTRODUCTION As we learned from the 2020 REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT, Tampa Bay enjoyed a period of unprecedented economic prosperity prior to the COVID-19 crisis. However, the report also revealed that not everyone was able to share in this prosperity and access the opportunities that it created. In recent months, the global pandemic sent shock waves through our region, exposing the vulnerabilities of our population and inequities in our economy. How our residents have weathered this unprecedented crisis correlates strongly with the neighborhood they live in and the color of their skin. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to make a deliberate and coordinated effort to rebuild and reposition our region for future growth that is more inclusive—growth that creates more and better economic opportunities that can be accessed by everyone. Inequity restrains regions as a whole, inhibiting competitiveness with communities that better utilize their full human capacity. The first step is understanding where the gaps exist. The purpose of the 2020 REGIONAL EQUITY REPORT is to examine a set of indicators related to economic opportunity and assess performance and outcomes by race and ethnic groups. This provides us with context for identifying where our weaknesses lie. The report that follows carries over the 19-market peer group from the 2020 REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT, as well as the key drivers identified within its framework for prosperity. This Regional Equity Report dives deeper into the indicators to examine the Black-White gap and outcomes relative to peers, regional counties, and race/ethnicity. This analysis will provide necessary insights to help public, private, and nonprofit leaders better understand racial disparities in Tampa Bay and set goals to diminish and, eventually, eliminate them. It’s our hope that, using this information, we can take tangible steps toward creating a more inclusive community—one where every person has equitable access to opportunity and prosperity, regardless of what they look like or where they live. Sincerely,
Rick Homans President and CEO Tampa Bay Partnership 2
2020 REGIONAL EQUITY REPORT
Marlene Spalten President and CEO Community Foundation of Tampa Bay
Jessica Muroff President and CEO United Way Suncoast
