Florida’s municipal leaders bring the fight for local control to Tallahassee
City officials from across the state will gather next week in Tallahassee to discuss the latest issues and developments affecting municipalities and how they are being addressed in Tallahassee during the current legislative session. These issues are all part of the Florida League of Cities 2017 legislative agenda.
With numerous bills filed this session that attempt to limit or outright eliminate cities’ local decision making authority, the preservation of local control remains a top priority for Florida’s cities. Many of the League’s 2017 priority issues are directly related to local self-government, including public records reform, regulation of wireless communication infrastructure and short-term rentals, economic development through Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) and promoting a sustainable Florida.
“Florida’s cities are as diverse as the citizens who make up our unique communities, and Home Rule — the ability to make decisions at the local level – is what allows them to prosper,” said Florida League of Cities President and Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie. “Bringing the voice of citizens from across the state to Tallahassee will provide valuable perspective to lawmakers as they consider issues that will impact our cities, towns and villages.”
Nearly 200 city officials, including 48 mayors, are expected to participate in Florida League of Cities 2017 Legislative Action Days.
The events begin Tuesday, March 21, with an opening luncheon and legislative briefing at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Tallahassee followed by meetings with lawmakers at the Capitol. In addition to meeting with state lawmakers, attendees will also hear from such speakers as Sen. Jack Latvala, Rep. Kristin Jacobs, Rep. Danny Burgess, Rep. Jayer Williamson and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.
For more information about Florida League of Cities, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
