Brian Caper
Brian Caper is an American professional recognized for his work in economic development, urban planning, and workforce strategy. He has served in leadership roles within public-sector and municipal organizations, where his responsibilities have included community development, redevelopment planning, and workforce initiatives. His career has involved collaboration with government agencies, private partners, and local stakeholders to support long-term economic growth and planning efforts. Alongside his professional work, his background reflects a strong foundation shaped by education, public service interests, and community involvement developed from an early age.
Early Life and Education
Brian Caper was born in Kankakee, Illinois, and raised in Frankfort, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago.He was active in music and sports. During middle school, he played the French horn in the concert band and bass keyboard in the jazz band. He grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where he frequently played basketball with friends. He also developed a strong interest in sports, regularly attending events with his family, including Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field.
Before starting high school, Brian Caper and his family relocated to Tampa, Florida. There, he continued his involvement in music as a member of his high school’s marching band and wind ensemble. He also served as president of the school’s science club and was an active member of the Italian club. During this time, he worked as a dining room server and later a supervisor at a local retirement center. He remained an avid sports fan and regularly attended Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games.
After graduating from high school, Brian Caper attended the University of Florida in Gainesville. He initially pursued aerospace engineering with the goal of becoming a professional airline pilot but later shifted his academic focus to finance. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2009 and also completed minors in leadership and urban and regional planning. While at the university, he attended numerous athletic events and developed a lasting interest in collegiate sports.
Brian Caper continued his education at the University of Florida’s School of Design, Construction and Planning, earning a master’s degree in urban and regional planning in 2012. During graduate school, he served as president of the Student Planning Association and received the Peter Kanavos, Sr. Award for Overall Excellence of a Graduate Planning Student, the department’s highest honor. In 2021, he completed an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Florida while working full-time.
Career
Brian Caper began his professional career in economic development through internships with the City of Gainesville and Hillsborough County, Florida. His work included small business support initiatives, economic development planning, tax abatement programs, and contract compliance reviews.
Following graduate school, Brian Caper joined the City of St. Petersburg as an Economic Development Analyst. In this role, he managed business incentive programs, served as the City’s Enterprise Zone Coordinator, supported redevelopment initiatives, and contributed to major planning efforts such as the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area, the Skyway Marina District, and the Central Avenue Revitalization Plans. He also managed GIS (Geographic Information System)projects, economic data analysis, performance reporting, and served as staff lead for the City’s decennial redistricting process.
In 2018, Brian Caper was promoted to Economic Development Officer. He played a key role in redevelopment planning for Tropicana Field, authoring the City’s Request for Proposals and managing multiple economic and planning studies related to the site. He led several neighborhood-focused initiatives, including the Warehouse Arts District/Deuces Live Action Plan and the Innovation District Streetscape and Connectivity Plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian Caper managed the City’s Fighting Chance Fund, overseeing a team that distributed financial assistance to impacted businesses and residents. He also led the implementation of an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant and supported the creation of the St. Petersburg Innovation District, focused on marine science, healthcare, higher education, and technology.
After earning his MBA, Brian Caper was promoted to Economic Development Manager in 2021 and transitioned to the City Development Administration. He served as the primary staff contact for the Tropicana Field redevelopment, managed operating and capital budgets, led public-private development projects, and authored the City’s Community Benefits Agreement Program. He also acted as the City’s Brownfield Coordinator and played a leadership role in the 2020 City Redistricting Process.
In 2022, Brian Caper was appointed Economic & Workforce Development Director following the election of Mayor Ken Welch. He led a department of three divisions with an annual operating budget of $3.4 million and served on the leadership team for the $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment Project. His responsibilities included negotiations, public engagement, and coordination with the City Council and County Commission. He also led corporate recruitment efforts, including the relocation of a Fortune 500 company’s headquarters to St. Petersburg, and oversaw multiple Community Redevelopment Area programs.
In early 2025, Brian Caper became Managing Director for City Development. In this role, he oversaw all economic and workforce development activities, as well as managed additional enterprise facilities, including Albert Whitted Airport, Port of St. Petersburg, the Municipal Marina, and Jamestown Apartments. His responsibilities included managing more than 90 staff, overseeing budgets exceeding $14 million annually, leading redevelopment negotiations for City-owned land, and directing a $160 million Municipal Marina renovation. He also served on the boards of the St. Petersburg Innovation District and the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation.
In October 2025, after nearly 15 years with the City of St. Petersburg, Brian Caper departed the organization to pursue new professional opportunities and relocate closer to family in the Midwest and Northeast.
Personal Life
Brian Caper is married and enjoys travel, outdoor activities, sports, and music. He continues to play piano and guitar and is an avid follower of professional and collegiate sports.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional work, Brian Caper enjoys music, sports, and travel. He plays the piano and is learning to play guitar. He is an avid follower of professional and collegiate sports and enjoys attending live sporting events. Brian Caper also enjoys exploring cities and spending time outdoors.
Major Projects and Initiatives
Brian Caper played key roles in large-scale redevelopment and planning initiatives, including city-owned land redevelopment efforts, community redevelopment area programs, infrastructure investments, and public-private partnerships. He contributed to major economic planning studies, business incentive programs, and long-term development strategies.
Leadership and Public Service
Throughout his career, Brian Caper worked closely with elected officials, city departments, and external stakeholders on long-term development planning, community engagement, and economic policy implementation. He managed multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets and led cross-departmental teams on strategic initiatives. In 2025, he concluded his tenure with the City of St. Petersburg to explore new professional opportunities.
Awards and Recognition
Brian Caper received the Peter Kanavos, Sr. Award for Overall Excellence of a Graduate Planning Student from the University of Florida’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.
References
Brian Caper Supports Community Growth Through Economic Development
Brian Caper Drives Sustainable Economic Growth in Urban Communities
Brian Caper Says, “Economic Growth Should Always Benefit the Community.”