The St. Petersburg Energy Alliance announced polling results indicating that most residents oppose a city takeover of the local electric utility, citing concerns over $2 billion in debt and preferring that city resources be directed toward addressing the affordable housing shortage.
According to Morning Consult, residents do not prioritize the utility takeover, instead favoring efforts towards affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and maintaining affordable taxes. The survey indicates that 54% of adults see affordable housing as a priority, while only 5% to 8% consider purchasing the utility as important. Concerns were also expressed about potential service deterioration and tax increases following a government takeover, with 74% worried about higher taxes. Opposition to the takeover rises when residents are informed of the $2 billion debt.
The City of St. Petersburg has highlighted an ongoing housing shortage, particularly affecting lower-income households seeking rental units. Currently, there are 9,400 renter households earning under $20,000 annually but only 1,500 units available at affordable rates up to $500 monthly. An additional 15,300 households can afford rents between $500 and $1,200 monthly; however, only 6,600 such units exist. This results in an overall deficit of 8,700 units for these renters.
Nationally, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports a shortage of 7.1 million rental homes affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. On average, only 35 affordable homes exist for every 100 such households across states and major metropolitan areas.
The St. Pete Energy Alliance functions as part of the Pinellas Energy Alliance and provides information on proposals for government control of electric utilities. It warns that such plans could lead to significant debt and increased taxes while advocating for reliable energy services without additional financial burdens on taxpayers.
