Candidate for County Commission District Three (Democrat)
Chloe Coney Dons a New Hat

Proven East Tampa leader seeks office to expand her mission for thriving, livable neighborhoods.

Chloe Coney announcing her candidacy

Chloe Coney, retired president and founder of the Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, announced she is a candidate for the Hillsborough County Commission District Three seat. She will run as a Democrat in the September 5 primary election.

Ms. Coney made the announcement during a press conference at the Nehemiah Laundromat on the corner of Lake and 29th Street. The Nehemiah Laundromat, which contributed 10 jobs and $732,000 in economic growth to East Tampa, was created as a result of Ms. Coney's neighborhood development efforts at the CDC. On the other corner is the Audrey Spotford Youth and Family Center, another of Ms. Coney's projects, which generated $1,450,000 in economic growth and created 20 jobs.

Directed East Tampa Development Corporation

Ms. Coney recently retired from the CDC. Since founding the East Tampa organization in 1992, she has guided the community's efforts to alleviate poverty and deterioration in one of the Tampa's poorest neighborhoods.

"Many people recognize me by my trademark hats, but most of my neighbors know me best as someone who gets things done in their neighborhood," said Ms. Coney, who lives in East Tampa.

"I found local contributors willing to invest in East Tampa. We took abandoned buildings, which were drug havens, and revitalized them into thriving businesses."

"But we didn't stop at fixing buildings," she added. "We created a source for affordable housing, a career resource center, a business center, and a youth opportunity program."

"These accomplishment are real, and they are creating change for the neighborhood and the people who live here," said Ms. Coney.

"The citizens of this district, more than any other in the county, need a Commissioner who is willing to roll up her sleeves and actually get things done. My accomplishments as President of the CDC speak for themselves. The voters of District 3 know I have been hard at work for the past 14 years creating meaningful jobs and improving neighborhoods. They can trust me to do the same as their County Commissioner."