Background
Buckhorn, 55, was born in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1980 with a degree in Political Science.
Buckhorn, 55, was born in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1980 with a degree in Political Science.
Pennsylvania State University.
Previously, Buckhorn was the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Builders Association of Greater Tampa, and in 1987, became the Special Assistant to Mayor Freedman. In 1995, Buckhorn was elected Tampa City Council and was reelected to the Tampa City Council for a second term with 75% of the vote. Buckhorn announced to run for the Mayoral election to succeed Pam Iorio, who was term limited.
As Tampa"s mayor,Buckhorn has stated he is committed to continuously looking for ways to reduce costs while improving efficiency in city government.
In June 2011, he formed the Economic Competitiveness Committee (Electronic Communications Committee) to review the City of Tampa’s permitting and regulatory processes and to look for ways to improve the system. The Electronic Communications Committee made several recommendations, and the City of Tampa is in the process of instituting those, including the implementation of Accela to allow for permitting to be done online.
Through the Invision Tampa plan, Buckhorn outlined his commitment to creating a more connected, livable city by focusing on the city"s underutilized riverfront, generating a strong mix-use pedestrian environment, building links between neighborhoods, and developing an urban pattern that supports transit. He has also invested in the urban core, working to restore the street grid, foster new retail opportunities, and tried to work to attract new high density residential development such as the Residences on the Riverwalk and Skyhouse Tampa.
Buckhorn also secured a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant from the United States. Department of Transportation to complete the Tampa Riverwalk, which has been in the molding process by city officials for more than 40 years.
Once complete, the Riverwalk hopes to generate new possibilities for economic development along the Hillsborough River. He has also supported the expansion of mass transit and bike share.