Tampa's Downtown

Karen Kress

Karen Kress, AICP, LCI

Senior Director of Transportation & Planning

Karen serves as the Senior Director of Transportation and Planning at the Tampa Downtown Partnership. In her role, Karen manages all aspects of transportation, parking and access throughout Downtown Tampa. A true advocate for transit and transportation, Karen leads Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Transportation and Urban Design Committees. Karen has been successful in advocating for and bringing varied transportation options such as bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, bike share, carshare, and other mobility options.

Acknowledging her efforts, Karen was honored by the Suncoast Chapter of the American Planning Association as Planner of the Year in 2014 and in 2017 she was appointed as a Planning Commissioner by the City of Tampa. As a certified Cycling Instructor, Karen helped found and serves on the board of Bike Walk Tampa Bay, a regional bike/ped education, advocacy and encouragement campaign.

Previously, Karen worked in transportation demand management, marketing, human resources and event planning.

For over twenty years she has actively volunteered for the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program. A native of Ohio and Political Science graduate of Ohio University, Karen moved to Tampa in the mid-1990’s and loves her family’s own little slice of paradise on the Hillsborough River.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Downtown

My favorite park is Oaklawn Cemetery – there is so much history! Love the yoga class on Sundays in Curtis Hixon Park. Oceanic Market in Tampa Heights is interesting to just browse the aisles. The best food is at Bamboozle Tea Lounge in the Channel District. Impress a date, friends or family with a sunset tour on an e-boat rental. And the best way to experience all of this is by bicycle! Downtown finally has a connected cycle track network that connects most major parks and attractions.

Tampa's Downtown

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