HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 06 11 Awards & Presentations 301 Advocacy PlannerDear Municipal Leaders,
Now that the 2012 Legislative Session is completed, it's time to look ahead to 2013, and begin our
advocacy efforts for next year. Effective advocacy begins and ends right at home in your cities, so
there's no better time to start than today.
By fostering and building a positive relationship with our state leaders, we can insure they fully
understand and respect the unintended consequences of unfunded mandates and preemption of Home
Rule Authority. Building those relationships is important now more than ever as serious candidates
for state office seek the support and assistance of our local leaders.
Strengthening our partnerships strengthens the voices of cities throughout Florida during the Legislative
Session. But it's only by working together through on -going advocacy that we can affect positive change
in our state.
The enclosed Advocacy Checklist provides just a few examples of effective advocacy strategies
you can begin immediately. In addition, the Florida League of Cities is also developing several new,
advocacy initiatives in 2012 which are designed to help local elected officials become more engaged
with their state leaders. A brief outline is included in the packet. As more information and programs
are developed, we will keep you informed.
Kathy Till, a former local elected official in Apopka, is working with the Florida League of Cities as
an Advocacy Consultant, and is ready to help you develop an Advocacy Plan that works for you and your
community. She can be reached at 407-484-3597 or advocacy4citiesgaol.com
We look forward to working with you, and please don't hesitate to contact Kathy or myself with any
questions.
Respectfully,
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Legislative Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
President Patricia J. Bates, Mayor, Altamonte Springs
First Vice President Manny Marono, Mayor, Sweetwater Second Vice President P.C. Wu, Councilman, Pensacola
Executive Director Michael Sittig General Counsel Harry Morrison, Jr.
301 South Bronough Street, Suite 300 Post Office Box 1757 Tallahassee, FL 32302 -1757
(850) 222 -9684 Fax (850) 222 -3806 Web site: www.flcities.com
Building State & Local Government Partnerships
Advocacy Planner
ADVOCACY CHECKLIST TO GET YOU STARTED
Send a note to your legislator thanking them for their support of cities (where appropriate) or
discreetly tell them you are aware of when they voted against cities ... hold them accountable!
If you will have a new legislator as a result of redistricting, (and you support the candidate),
offer to walk a precinct with them in your city.
Invite them to an upcoming council meeting to publicly thank them for their support of cities
(where appropriate)
Invite legislators /candidates to attend meetings on intergovernmental policy
Invite legislators /candidates to visit project facilities (water treatment, CRAB, transportation
projects)
Brief them on what is going on in your city — Add legislators to your city mailing list for
important issues.
Identify and engage community leaders and groups (who are active on legislative issues) to
educate and create alliances.
Invite them to do a joint presentation to business /civic groups about issues affecting local
residents and /or businesses
Plan to attend Candidate Forums when scheduled for your region
Start gathering data of returning issues for the 2013 Session such as Municipal Pension
Reform, Red Light Camera Programs, Local Business Tax, etc.
Host a Meet -n -Greet for your Legislators and key community leaders and activists
Does your city have local business incentives? If so, share with your Legislators how they are
being utilized and applied and how it has helped your community prosper.
Take your Legislators on a tour of your city — water treatment plants, community
redevelopment areas, new businesses, parks and recreation, etc.
Invite your Legislators to a meeting with your senior staff to discuss what's happening in your
city, challenges facing your community and the state, what their role is in your city
If your city has a local newspaper, facilitate a meeting between the editor and your Legislator
(particularly if you will have a new Legislator)
If you give citizen awards, invite your Legislators to attend
Invite Legislators to ribbon cuttings, grand openings of new businesses
What's coming in 201
• Candidate Forums and /or Open House Events for State House &
State Senate Races
• Advocacy Guide for Elected Officials
• Becoming a member of the Legislative Committees
• Advocacy Training in a city near you
• Advocacy Workshop at Annual Conference in August
• Monthly Advocacy Tips at: www.flcities.com
The Florida League of Cities, Inc.
301 South Bronough Street, Suite 300
Post Office Box 1757
Tallahassee, FL 32301 -1757
(850) 222 -9684 or 1 -(800) 432 -8112
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