Ken Welch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ken Welch
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Mayor of St. Petersburg | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2022 |
|
| Preceded by | Rick Kriseman |
| Member of the Pinellas County Commission from the 7th district |
|
| In office 2002–2022 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 15, 1964 St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of South Florida (BA) Florida A&M University (MBA) |
Kenneth T. Welch (born August 15, 1964) is an American politician. He is currently the mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, Welch served on the county commission for Pinellas County, Florida. He is the first African-American mayor of St. Petersburg.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ken Welch was born on August 15, 1964, in St. Petersburg, Florida. His father, David, was a member of the St. Petersburg city council. David also started an accounting company where Ken worked. Ken Welch is a third-generation resident of St. Petersburg. He grew up in the Gas Plant District. This area was later used to build Tropicana Field.
Welch went to Melrose and Bay Point Elementary schools. He also attended Bay Point Middle School and Lakewood Senior High School. After high school, he studied accounting at the University of South Florida. He earned his bachelor's degree there. Later, he received his Master of Business Administration from Florida A&M University.
Political Career
After finishing college, Ken Welch returned to St. Petersburg. He worked as an accountant for Florida Power Corporation. He also managed technology for his father's accounting firm.
After many years of helping the community, Ken Welch became the first Commissioner elected to represent District 7 on the County Commission. He was only the second African American commissioner in the history of Pinellas County. He served on the county commission for 20 years.
Becoming Mayor
Welch decided to run for mayor of St. Petersburg in the 2021 election. He won the election on November 2, 2021. He officially became mayor on January 6, 2022.
Key Decisions as Mayor
As mayor, Ken Welch has made several important decisions for St. Petersburg.
He changed plans for the Tropicana Field site. This is where the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team plays. Mayor Welch said a new plan would include a stadium for the Rays and also new affordable housing.
Welch also increased the money the city offers to people buying a home for the first time. This help, called down payment assistance, went from $40,000 to $60,000. This helps more families afford a home.
Mayor Welch also stopped a plan to redevelop city land. This project had been approved before he became mayor. He canceled it because he felt it did not include enough affordable housing. He said, "This was a strategic decision based on community benefit, shared priorities and the significant value of the subject city land." He wanted to make sure new developments help the community by providing homes that people can afford.
He also started a $500 monthly payment for some city employees who earn less money. These employees must live in the city. About 250 employees were able to get this extra help.
Welch also asked the city to study the impact of Albert Whitted Airport. People have suggested closing the airport many times since 1935. They think the land could be used for parks or new buildings. Studying the airport's future has caused some discussion among those who want to keep it open.
Personal Life
Ken Welch is married to Donna. They have two daughters.
Images for kids
-
Ken Welch
