By Georgia Jackson, College of Arts and Sciences
The City of Temple Terrace City Council appointed Evangeline Linkous, an associate professor in the USF School of Public Affairs and director of the Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) program, to a four-year term as a member of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission.
鈥淭his appointment is meaningful to me for many reasons,鈥� said Linkous, who has worked closely with the planning commission on a number of initiatives for more than a decade in her role as director of the MURP program. 鈥淭his role allows me to use my academic expertise to support better community development in the region, and I feel like I can have a positive impact.鈥�
The planning commission meets each month to update comprehensive plans, make decisions about zoning, accommodate growth and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Steven Fernandez, an associate professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Trent Green, an associate professor in the School of Architecture & Community Design, previously served on the planning commission.
鈥淩ight now, there are important decisions being made about expanding where urban development can occur in Hillsborough County, raising questions about how we provide more affordable housing opportunities, preserve our agricultural lands and allow for choices between rural, suburban and rural lifestyles,鈥� Linkous said.
Planning commissioners are appointed by the four area jurisdictions (Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City), MacDill Air Force base and the Hillsborough County Public School District. Linkous, who lives in Temple Terrace, will complete her term on Feb. 4, 2029.
鈥淢y service with the planning commission is just one of the ways USF helps empower the community through expertise and service,鈥� Linkous said. 鈥淚 often hear the phrase that Tampa will change more in the next ten years than it has in the last several decades 鈥� and these changes mean the role of experts and partnerships will be vital to creating a better future.鈥�
Led by ten citizen appointees from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, the City of Plant City and the City of Temple Terrace and two representatives from MacDill Air Force Base and the Hillsborough County Public School District, the planning commission contributes to the creation of a thriving, prosperous community. Learn more about the .