ADVOCACY
LEGISLATURE
How to Make Your Voice Matter Advocating for Home Rule can start with a friendly chat
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single conversation might not change a legislator’s mind about issues that matter most to Florida’s cities. But as part of an ongoing relationship, it can make a critical difference. Earlier this year, Jolien Caraballo, Second Vice President of the Florida League of Cities and Councilwoman for the City of Port St. Lucie, spoke with Rep. Dana Trabulsy from Fort Pierce via Zoom as a part of the League’s Legislative Action Week. This educational session on effective advocacy can be accessed through the League’s Online Learning Library at gotostage.com/channel/flcities. It illustrates how a friendly chat and an update with a legislator provides an opportunity to emphasize the League’s priorities, even as bills are being debated, amended and voted up or down. First, a bit of context. Caraballo remarked that this was just one of many conversations she has had with Trabulsy – beginning when the first-term legislator was running for office. That relationship doesn’t mean Caraballo was campaigning for Trabulsy. Caraballo actually had a good relationship with the incumbent, whom Trabulsy defeated. As a city official and League officer, Caraballo doesn’t take a partisan role. She is simply pro-Home Rule and pro-city. “Regardless of who’s elected, I need to be able to work with that individual,” Caraballo said. Those friendly conversations built a 42 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021
by Scott Dudley Florida League of Cities foundation for advocacy, making legislators such as Trabulsy more likely to take some time during a hectic legislative session to talk about the League’s priorities. Knowing that time was of the essence, Caraballo got right to the point in her Zoom call. She mentioned a bill in which the state would preempt, or take away, the right of cities to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO. The conversion of single-family homes to shortterm rentals can change the character of a neighborhood, but cities wouldn’t be able to control them through zoning. “Supporters of the bill will claim that this bill is about property rights. And you know what? They’re right,” said Caraballo. “But neighbors next door see the problems of these properties and also have property rights.” Caraballo asked Trabulsy to support the bill as amended, which removed some restrictions on cities. Trabulsy hedged, noting that her constituents have strong views on both sides and differing bills were still in flux. (Short-term rental bills ultimately did not pass in this legislative session.) Caraballo then pivoted to a different issue: why the League wants cities to be able to regulate home-based businesses. A home business could include activities that affect neighbors, such as a car
mechanic with spare parts on the front porch and debris in the yard. “I’d like to have further conversation with you on that and learn a little bit more from your perspective,” Trabulsy responded. Then Caraballo let Trabulsy make her own pitch, asking, “How can we help Rep. Trabulsy be successful this session?” The conversation ended on a high note. While this conversation addressed specific bills and League positions, it wasn’t just transactional. It was a building block for the future, an example of building relationships that strengthen advocacy for cities. “I’m looking forward to us continuing to be friends together of this League and getting Home Rule protected,” Caraballo said. “And together, we’re going to continue to better serve our constituents, in the state and in our city.” To set the groundwork for having conversations like this one during session, it’s key to work on those relationships now. By meeting and talking with legislators, by inviting them to city events, you start to build trust. That trust will be a key reason your state legislator takes your call, listens to you and considers cities’ needs during the upcoming legislative session. Scott Dudley is the D i re c t o r o f Fi e l d Advocacy for the Florida League of Cities. QC
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