‘We have been innovative in addressing challenges, and our decisions are informed by facts, data and science.’
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch Monday held a news conference acknowledging what he called an “enlightening” first 100 days in office.
“This is an important time for our city. It is an important opportunity to reflect on who we are as a city,” Welch said. “To understand our history and culture, develop a clear-eyed consensus on the opportunities and challenges facing us, and to develop impactful plans or opportunity agendas, to build a path to progress for every St. Petersburg resident, worker, visitor and stakeholder.”
Welch started by acknowledging that his historic election as the city’s first Black Mayor got off to an unconventional start. Welch was diagnosed with COVID-19 days before his inauguration, sending the ceremony — along with his first week or so in office — virtual.
But Welch tried not to be slowed by the diagnosis, appointing Rob Gerdes to a new housing-focused administrative role on day one. Gerdes was confirmed to another new role as the City Administrator last week following a national search.
Welch said his administration promised inclusive progress and equity throughout city operations and argued that he has so far delivered.
“We govern based on our principles. We have endeavored to be in touch and inclusive. We have been innovative in addressing challenges, and our decisions are informed by facts, data and science, with the overarching goal of meaningful community impact. And we have been intentional in the application of equity as a core principle,” Welch said. “Our administration will remain focused on those principles, with the goal of inclusive progress.”
Welch cited progress in the city’s affordable housing crisis; climate resilience; innovation; and equitable development among areas of accomplishment. Those initiatives carry through City Hall as well, he said. Welch helped negotiate retroactive raises for city employees and got the minimum wage raised to $15 an hour for all city workers. He also hired David Malone as the city’s new director of procurement to increase equity among the city’s contracting efforts.
Affordable housing has become one of the most prominent challenges of the day. Rents in St. Pete have gone so high that residents have threatened to establish a tent city outside City Hall in protest.
But Welch argued St. Pete is leading the state, even if rent control is still a bridge too far.
