Message from President Gil Ziffer

Over this past year, we have seen state lawmakers repeatedly discuss the role of local authority, trying to shift many hometown responsibilities to the state. One-size-fits-all proposals by the Legislature will not fix or help our neighborhoods meet new challenges nor create opportunities. As we prepare for the 2018 Legislative session, our message to the legislature must not waver.  Let cities work. Together, we must stand up for the right of our communities to determine their own destinies. Join me in taking these key actions now to ensure we are ready to confront and defeat legislative attacks against Home Rule.

Gil Ziffer, President Florida League of Cities

Take Action Now!

Schedule Time. The most persuasive messages come from familiar faces. Now is the time to connect with members of your legislative delegation. It is important to know when they will be in the District and when they will be in Tallahassee. Make appointments, invite them for coffee, give them on a tour of new projects in your city, speak at your local Legislative Delegation meetings. The more legislators see you and learn about the ways you are working to improve services and the quality of life for your citizens, the more they will want to support your city’s goals. Interim Committee Schedule Local Legislative Delegation Meetings

Prepare Yourself. A key to success is knowing the issues and how they affect your city. Work with your city staff to determine how the League's legislative priorities will specifically impact your city. The more information you can provide on the local impact, the more effective you will be with your legislators. However, be concise. The key to influence is not volume, but precision. And don't forget, the League is your resource. Do not hesitate to contact our Legislative team if you have questions on legislative issues or need additional information. 2018 Legislative Issue Briefs 2018 Legislative Action Agenda Preparing for Session Webcast Advocacy Tips & Resources Contact us.

Make the Ask. When communicating with legislators to discuss specific issues, tell them what you want them to do. Be sure to provide enough information so the issue is understood and then make the ask. Do not assume they will support your position by the strength of your argument or because you had a pleasant conversation. Be specific in your ask and give them the opportunity to say yes. Sample "ask" in support of local self-government: Will you oppose legislation that limits Floridians’ constitutional right to govern themselves under municipal Home Rule Powers? Will you oppose legislation that would interfere with or intrude into municipal finances? It's also a good idea to request their cellphone number. That's an "ask" they should say yes to and it will definitely be useful in building your relationship with that legislator!

Share What Happens. We have a great team of lobbyists in Tallahassee who are constantly communicating with legislators. Knowing when you call, write or visit with a legislator on a specific issue and what the outcome of that contact was helps our lobbyists be more effective advocates for our issues. The League is creating an easy-to-use, online submission form to help you help them. This "Advocacy in Action Report" will also enable the League to track our individual advocacy efforts – helpful for identifying Home Rule Heroes. Until then, reach out to Allison Payne and she can help keep you and our team at the Capitol connected. Do you want to become a Home Rule Hero?

Now is the time to get engaged. Now is the time to take action.

#LetCitiesWork