OUR CITY • OUR TIME • TAMPA STRONG
Meet Gary Hartfield
Gary Hartfield is a founder, builder, and CEO who has spent 25 years building what Tampa needs. As a self-made entrepreneur, Gary built multiple companies from the ground up, creating jobs for over 100 families in Tampa. He helped merge Tampa’s workforce system into a unified $40M operation. He has raised millions for Tampa’s nonprofit community.
He’s as comfortable in a church hall as he is in a corporate boardroom. He’s earned the trust of some of the region’s largest institutions and the neighborhoods his nonprofits serve.
Now he’s ready to bring that same proven leadership to the mayor’s office.
“Gary represents the next generation of leaders we desperately need at the municipal, state and national levels...”
– Hugh Campbell
President, AC4S Technologies
What Gary Cares About
A City That Works for All of Us
Tampa is growing fast, but growth alone doesn’t build a city that works for everyone. We need leadership that can keep businesses thriving while making housing affordable, expand opportunity while protecting what makes Tampa home, and build infrastructure that connects us instead of dividing us.
The Priorities
1. Economic Opportunity & Small Business Growth
Expanding access to resources, capital, and support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
2. Sustainable Workforce Housing
Addressing housing challenges with practical, community-driven solutions.
3. Transportation that Moves People
Improve transportation and infrastructure to make it easier for residents to move through the city, access jobs, and stay connected
4. Thriving Neighborhoods & Community Investment
Expanding homeownership, small business opportunities, and financial resources that promote long-term stability and economic security.
5. Transparent & Accountable Leadership
Addressing housing challenges with practical, community-driven solutions
- Thriving Neighborhoods & Community Investment: Expanding homeownership, small business opportunities, and financial resources that promote long-term stability and economic security.
- Transparent & Accountable Leadership: Building trust through accessibility, responsiveness, and results-driven governance
Gary’s leadership and entrepreneurship have been key to creating jobs, fostering community investments, and driving strong economic growth. His community involvement and business expertise are evident in his board roles and philanthropic efforts.
Why Gary Hartfield?
THE BUILDER
Created businesses, merged systems, raised millions, trained leaders. Gary builds solutions that last.
THE CONNECTOR
Earned trust across race, class, sector, and geography. Gary creates connections across communities that strengthen Tampa.
THE LEADER TAMPA TRUSTS
BayCare, HART, CareerSource, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, and United Way Suncoast. Institutions give board seats to proven leaders who deliver results. Gary has been governing Tampa's critical systems for years.
Driven by a heartfelt passion for service, Gary Hartfield is prepared to lead the City of Tampa into a new era of inclusive progress. He envisions a city where every voice and community is genuinely represented, ensuring that growth and economic benefits reach businesses and residents in every neighborhood.
Join the Movement
“This campaign isn’t about politics; it’s about people. It’s about making sure Tampa continues to grow in a way that reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of the community. It’s about building One Tampa where everyone belongs.”
– GARY HARTFIELD
