ARPA, DEI and Grassroots Advocacy

President Walker announces vision for the League

by Kelli Gemmer, Florida League of Cities

Despite the obstacles that cities are facing, Florida League of Cities President Phillip Walker is confident about the future and is focused on the issues impacting Florida cities. “I believe we’re in a tremendous position to be stronger and more impactful in the coming year, and I look forward to building on the foundation that’s already been laid,” he said.

During his one-year term as President, Walker will focus on helping to inform municipal officials on the tremendous opportunity surrounding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts for cities; and promoting the League’s new grassroots advocacy program.

Local leaders across the nation have faced unprecedented challenges, and ARPA offers a critical lifeline for cities reeling from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. For the first time, the federal government is giving direct allocation to cities before the money is spent through ARPA’s Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund. Municipalities in Florida have been allocated a combined $2.9 billion in direct relief funds.

“What a great opportunity!” said Walker. “We can make significant improvements, repair infrastructure, expand broadband access, increase affordable housing and more using these funds.” (For more information on ARPA and how cities can use relief funds, see p. 34. Also, read the cover feature in the third quarter issue of Quality Cities magazine at bit.ly/3fszM6W.)

Another focus for Walker during his presidency will be promoting the League’s DEI resources. “This important topic is near to my heart,” said Walker. “We have an opportunity to broaden our perspectives. We can increase the representation in our cities.” (Video recordings of FLC’s 2021 Annual Conference workshops on “Understanding and Fostering Racial Equity: A Conversation” and “Breaking Down the American Rescue Plan Act: What Cities Need to Know” are available for purchase at flcities.com/annualconference.)

And finally, Walker plans to highlight the importance of grassroots advocacy. Using past President Tony Ortiz’s “Building Stronger Cities” initiative as a springboard, the League launched a grassroots advocacy brand at the FLC Legislative Conference. “We’ve gained momentum from past President Ortiz’s campaign; we’ve launched a field advocacy department,” said Walker. “Now the League is perfectly positioned to engage residents even more. It’s ‘local voices making local choices’ come to life.”

The grassroots advocacy program, Local Voices United, will arm municipal officials with the tools and resources they need to engage Florida’s residents even better than before. (See p. 30 for more information on Local Voices United.)

“As you can see, we are in a tremendous position to be stronger, louder and more impactful in the coming year,” concluded Walker. “Our residents are eager to get involved, and we will lead the way.”

Kelli Gemmer is the Assistant Editor for the Florida League of Cities.