The City budget is divided into different “funds” with different purposes. The biggest single fund—and the one where most property tax revenue goes—is called the General Fund. The General Fund pays for such things as police and fire protection, parks, economic development, and other “general government” services. The biggest source of General Fund revenue is property taxes. Politicians and reporters often talk about the General Fund as if it were the entire budget.  But this is not the reality. In fact, it only accounts for about 40% of the City’s net assets.

It’s time for St. Petersburg to acknowledge its responsibility to foster a sustainable city for the long-term. Together, we must develop a shared vision that is far-seeing enough, flexible enough and wise enough to recognize the important connections between the environment, the economy, and the social equity of our community. A Sustainability Council would rely on a perspective that doesn’t merely react to crisis, but proactively addresses the future health of our city. Most of us recognize that an issue affecting one part of our community will ultimately affect the whole.