Multiple members of the public took the podium to raise separate but related policy concerns. John Green urged the city to require the local NAACP chapter — a city contractor for training and outreach — to make a full presentation summarizing work completed, financials and subcontracting; Green said taxpayers deserve a public accounting. Later speakers voiced similar calls for transparency and for stronger CRA oversight of contractor performance.

Melvin Muhammad asked the council to revisit its meeting schedule and hold at least one evening session, saying 9 a.m. meetings prevent many working residents from attending. Sandra Diego Sanchez criticized a recently reported plan to sell the municipal building nicknamed 'Big Blue' and to build a new $400 million police station, asking whether the sale would involve CRA property and whether the city has a viable plan to cover projected costs; she suggested funds instead be channeled to mass transit.

Other commenters included Allison Hewitt, who urged the board not to approve a service agreement she said would hand too much authority to city staff and leave the CRA without enforcement power; and Jason Rickmans, who asked the city to allow 'missing middle' housing types such as duplexes and quads to be built more broadly across East Tampa rather than only on corridors. Gasparilla Arts announced a mural installation and a Jan. 22 ribbon-cutting; several speakers highlighted neighborhood investments and called for CRA accountability to local constituents.