From the President

Leading through constant change

Society is experiencing significant changes right now, and our municipal officials are leading their communities through these everchanging times. As one mayor said, “We’re the faces and the voices of our communities, and our leadership will be instrumental in bringing our communities together in order to move ahead.” Despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past year and a half, I am confident about the future of Florida’s cities.

Our cities stand to receive billions in aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These essential funds will help support the recovery of our communities. (See p. 34 for more on ARPA.) Thanks to the Florida League of Cities, we have a grants program to help us administer the funding. In the first three months of the eCivis grants program, 137 cities have signed up, 7,600 grants have been viewed, and cities have saved 250 grants to receive updates on directly to their inbox. (To learn more, visit flcities.com/grants or email flcgrants@ecivis.com.)

I’m excited for what the future holds for the League and each of us. Together with your municipal leadership and the Florida League of Cities by our side, we can build on our strong foundation and be even more impactful in the coming year – our 100th year.

We’ve begun to carefully resume in-person events, including the League’s Annual Conference where we shared ideas, named the winner of the E. Harris Drew Municipal Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrated our Home Rule Heroes and set the agenda for the 2022 Legislative Session. (For more on the annual conference, see p. 36.) At the 2021 Legislative Conference, we set the foundation for cities’ involvement in the legislative process and announced the League’s grassroots advocacy program, Local Voices United. (For more information on Local Voices United, see below and p. 30.)

Stronger together!

Phillip Walker

President Philip Walker, Commissioner, City of Lakeland

LOCAL VOICES UNITED

The Florida League of Cities has launched Local Voices United. This grassroots advocacy program will arm municipal officials with the tools and resources they need to engage Florida’s residents in promoting local decision-making. To learn more, visitlocalvoicesunited.com.