Following Mayor Ken Welch's Virtual Swearing-In, He Plans To Work Monday From City Hall

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Ken Welch became the city of St. Petersburg's 54th mayor and first Black mayor after being sworn-in virtually Thursday.

Following his swearing-in, he listed his top priorities to focus on during his four-year
term:

• Housing Affordability-"The issue of housing demands a higher level of focus," Welch said. "For example, St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area experienced a 24 percent increase in apartment rental costs last year–the highest rate of increase in the nation. And we also have one of the highest ratio of corporate purchases of housing stock in the nation." His goal is to preserve and create housing that is affordable.
• City environmental policy mitigates the impacts of sea level rise and climate change.
• Help small businesses stay afloat.
• Encourage minority businesses.
• Create leadership positions for minorities.
• Commitment to the arts–"level of funding to the arts that lives up to the name, 'City of Arts'."
• COVID-19 safety.

Welch had positive COVID-19 results Monday, so the ceremony switched to virtual instead of a public ceremony held on the steps of city hall as past mayoral inauguration days. His daughter, Kenya Welch, held the bible for her dad as he was sworn in since she, too, has tested positive for COVID-19.

He said he is feeling better, and he plans to work from city hall Monday.