The $91 Million Impact: 5 Ways The Children's Board Is Transforming Hillsborough County In 2025
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County (CBHC) is not just a government entity; it is the financial engine for a vast network of support that directly impacts the lives of thousands of children and families across the Tampa Bay area. As of today, December 24, 2025, the Board is operating with a robust Fiscal Year 2025 budget exceeding $91 million, a clear indication of its deep commitment to community-level programs and services. This funding is strategically allocated to address the most critical needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring that Hillsborough County remains a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The latest updates from the CBHC reveal a concerted effort to enhance program quality and expand access, particularly in areas like early childhood development and behavioral health services. With new leadership at the helm and significant investments in summer and family support initiatives, understanding the Board's current focus is essential for any resident, non-profit agency, or community partner invested in the future of Tampa, FL. The Board's mission, established by voters in 1988, continues to evolve, making its 2025 strategic plan the most relevant blueprint for family success in the region.
CBHC Leadership and Financial Health: The 2025 Mandate
The effectiveness of the Children's Board is intrinsically linked to its governance and financial stability. The organization, which funds 53 non-profit agencies and supports approximately 90 distinct programs, has recently seen key changes in its executive and board structure, signaling a fresh perspective for its 2025 mandate.
New Leadership Driving Strategic Focus
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County is currently guided by strong leadership dedicated to maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars. Andrew J. Mayts, Jr., a prominent Tampa Partner, was elected to serve as the new Chair of the Children's Board, bringing a wealth of experience to the governing body. Complementing the Board's direction is newly appointed Executive Director Rebecca Bacon, who has an extensive background spanning over three decades in relevant fields. This leadership team is tasked with overseeing the execution of the 2025 strategic plan and ensuring the $91,645,608 budget is deployed effectively across the county.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Stability
Financial oversight is a core function of the Children's Board. For Fiscal Year 2025, the budget is set at over $91.6 million, dedicated entirely to programs that support children and families. Furthermore, an audit for the previous fiscal year (2023-2024) revealed a significant increase in the Governmental Fund balance, rising by $17.5 million. This financial health demonstrates robust management and a capacity to invest in long-term, high-impact community solutions.
Strategic Investment in Key Program Platforms
The Children's Board utilizes four primary funding platforms to structure its investments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child welfare and family stability. These platforms are the foundation of its work, channeling resources into specific areas of need across Hillsborough County.
The Board's investment strategy focuses on creating a system of support rather than isolated programs. By concentrating efforts on these core strategic focus areas, the CBHC ensures that services are coordinated and accessible, addressing everything from early learning to complex behavioral health challenges.
- Early Childhood Development: Programs designed to ensure kindergarten readiness and promote healthy developmental milestones for the youngest residents. This includes initiatives like the "Summer Boost" program, which recently received an $800,000 investment to benefit over 400 vulnerable children through the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
- Behavioral Health and Wellness: Funding for services that address social-emotional learning, mental health support, and trauma-informed care, recognizing the profound impact of well-being on a child's success.
- Family Support and Stability: Core funding for the Children's Board Family Resource Centers (CBFRCs) and other services aimed at strengthening family units and preventing crises.
- Community Safety and Awareness: Initiatives focused on child protection, injury prevention, and public health campaigns, such as the support for Safe Sleep Awareness through the Healthy Start Coalition.
The Vital Role of Children's Board Family Resource Centers (CBFRC)
Perhaps the most visible and accessible component of the CBHC's mission is the network of Children's Board Family Resource Centers. These centers are strategically located throughout Hillsborough County to provide a hub of free services directly within the community.
A Network of Six Community Hubs
There are currently six Children's Board Family Resource Centers operating across the county, including key locations like Plant City. These centers, managed by partners such as the Children's Home Network and LSF Family Focus, are essential for delivering comprehensive family support services.
The CBFRCs offer a wide range of free programs, including parenting classes, developmental screenings, computer access, and crisis intervention referrals. They are built on the principle of "keeping families together" by providing the necessary resources and support to foster strong, stable environments for children to grow. This community-based approach ensures that families can access help without having to navigate a complex bureaucracy.
Major 2025 Program Funding Highlights
In addition to the ongoing core funding for the 90 programs, the Children's Board has announced specific, one-time investments for 2025 that underscore its responsive approach to immediate community needs.
- Summer Camp Expansion: Recognizing the critical need for safe, enriching summer activities, the Board recommended a one-time contract with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. This additional funding, not to exceed $600,000, is specifically designated to fund 422 children's slots for the 2025 summer camp season (April 1 to June 30). This investment directly addresses the need for structured learning and care during school breaks.
- Quality Performance and Innovation: A portion of the new funding is also being allocated to a one-time Quality Performance and Innovation initiative. This demonstrates the Board's commitment to not only funding existing programs but also encouraging its partner agencies to continuously improve and innovate their service delivery models.
These targeted investments illustrate the Children's Board of Hillsborough County's dynamic role. It acts as both a consistent funder of vital services and a flexible partner, ready to inject significant capital into high-impact, time-sensitive projects like summer enrichment and quality improvement. For the residents of Tampa, FL, the CBHC remains the single most important entity dedicated to the success and well-being of the county's children, ensuring that the next generation is healthy, educated, and ready to contribute to the community.
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