A Focus on Opportunities to Make Life Better – for Everyone in St. Petersburg 

Home Runs Matter is a civic platform focused on ideas, leadership, and the decisions that shape the future of St. Petersburg. 

Previously published as No Home Run 

We are committed to helping St. Petersburg make better, more people-centered decisions. 

Home Runs Matter has grown into one of the regions most widely read civic platforms, engaging tens of thousands of residents in conversations about the future of St. Petersburg.

Home Runs Matter was created in response to a proposed deal between the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Rays/Hines group to build a new baseball stadium. From the beginning, we believed that public resources should prioritize what truly matters — affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, jobs, helping all children reach their full potential, and equity — not just private development. 

Created and authored by Ron Diner, Home Runs Matter brings together insights from residents, community leaders, planners, youth advocates, and subject-matter experts. Our goal is simple: provide clear analysis and practical, people-first solutions that help St. Petersburg grow responsibly and equitably. 

We believe that that St. Petersburg needs a trusted civic voice — one grounded in facts, guided by community input, and focused on long-term public value. 

What We Do 

Identify Opportunities 

We look for civic opportunities to make life better for everyone. Through research, conversations, and our Roundtable discussions, we identify what’s at stake — and how to move forward. 

Build Consensus 

We post ideas on our website and across social media, then seek feedback through polls, public comment, and personal outreach. We’re not looking to be loudest — we’re working to reflect what thoughtful citizens believe. 

Engage for Change 

When we find shared understanding, we take the next step — engaging with schools, elected leaders, businesses, and community organizations to help turn vision into action. 

 An Example: The Stadium Deal 

When the Rays/Hines stadium proposal surfaced, we saw a chance to do better. We believe the more than $2 billion in public funding could be used more wisely — to address housing, education, and infrastructure needs. 

We gained consensus by publishing ideas on our site and social media, conducting community polling with the League of Women Voters and Mason-Dixon, and presenting results to local leaders. We shared findings with the press, attended council meetings, and encouraged others to engage. 

Powered by Community Conversations 

Our perspective is shaped by regular conversations with community members, subject matter experts, and local leaders. Their insights help guide what we spotlight and how we think. 

Our goal is to offer a trusted source for civic analysis — highlighting both opportunities and blind spots in local decision-making and helping citizens and leaders alike aim higher. 

Why This Work Matters to Us 

In 2017, I began mentoring a boy named Tommy at Mount Vernon Elementary. That experience sparked a deep commitment to mentorship, youth development, and education equity — values that remain central to the work. 

I believe every child deserves a path to opportunity. That belief led me to support mentorship programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and advocate for stronger school-community partnerships. 

My experience at Mount Vernon, lead me to co-found Lunch Pals – Pinellas County Schools lunch time mentoring program.  Under my  leadership the program grew to nearly 2,000 students having a weekly mentor, becoming the largest school-based  mentoring program in the country.  Lunch Pals has been recognized with local and and national awards.  

Affordable housing, safe infrastructure, and fair access to opportunity are also important to us.  They are not optional — they are essential. And we believe the best ideas come from the ground up. 

A Bridge for Civic Participation 

We often hear, “The community should step up.” But too often, people don’t know how — or don’t feel invited. 

Home Runs Matter tries to bridge that gap — highlighting civic opportunities, suggesting solutions, and offering ways for individuals and businesses to make a difference.  Lunch Pals is an example. 

When it comes to kids, neighborhoods, and equity, we believe collective action matters — and starts with informed, respectful dialogue. 

Supporting Leaders with Civic Insight 

Home Runs Matter also exists to support civic leaders — not oppose them. Elected officials face difficult decisions, and they can’t do it alone. We help by offering thoughtful proposals, gathering public input, and sharing it in ways that support smarter, more transparent policymaking. 

During the stadium negotiations, for instance, we funded a professional poll to ensure taxpayer voices were heard. That kind of citizen-driven support can lead to better outcomes for everyone. 

Makes Complex Issues Clear and Accessible 

We translate complicated civic decisions into easy-to-understand explanations so residents and leaders know what’s at stake. 

Provide Practical, People-First Solutions 

Our proposals focus on public value, responsible spending, long-term planning, and opportunities that help families and children thrive. 

Our Beliefs  

• True civic progress comes from focusing on what matters most — people. 

• Purposeful public action is needed to meet real needs in housing, education, and infrastructure. 

• Collective responsibility means businesses, government, and individuals must all play a role. 

Our Vision for St. Petersburg 

A vibrant community where equal opportunity exists for everyone. 

Our Mission 

To unite engaged citizens, experts, and leaders in identifying challenges, proposing practical solutions, and advocating for inclusive public policies that put people first. 

Our Goals 

• Generate ideas that matter: Focus on issues like infrastructure, housing, education, and equity. 

• Engage and educate: Share research, publish reports, and host forums for deeper understanding. 

• Mobilize for change: Inspire civic participation through petitions, public comment, and dialogue. 

• Equip leaders with insight: Offer data and public input to support people-centered decisions. 

• Build community: Connect people through conversation and shared purpose. 

A Trusted Civic Voice for St. Petersburg 

We want Home Runs Matter to be known as a civic voice worth listening to — grounded in facts, focused on people, and open to new ideas. When citizens want to know what thoughtful community members think, we want to help lead and elevate that conversation. 

Join the Conversation 

We welcome ideas, questions, and community insight. 

Contact: 813-816-0182 or homerunsmatter@gmail.com 

Let’s help St. Petersburg make decisions that genuinely move the city forward.