2022 Florida City Government Week

Ways to engage your legislators this year

by Eryn Russell, Florida League of Cities

Florida City Government Week is a time for cities across the state to celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal government. This weeklong annual event hosted by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) will be held October 17-23, 2022.

Whether your city plans to host a town hall for residents, share city resources on social media or adopt a resolution, there are many ways your city can invite local representatives and senators to participate in Florida City Government Week. As a result of redistricting, your city’s House and Senate district may be changing (see p. 42). This would be a great opportunity to engage potential new legislators who may not be familiar with your city. Below are a few ways that your city can plan to engage legislators.

ADOPT A RESOLUTION OR PASS A PROCLAMATION

Explain the importance of Florida City Government Week to residents at a Council meeting by adopting a resolution or passing a proclamation. Include the important relationship between the state and municipal government, and encourage your legislators to pass a proclamation of their own.

OFFER TOURS OF CITY HALL

Host an open house at City Hall or city facilities/departments. Hold tours so that attendees can meet city employees to learn about the services the city provides. Invite your legislators to join the tour so that they can understand what services and programs you offer to residents.

The City of Crestview Fire Department visited pre-K and elementary schools during Florida City Government Week.

Photo Courtesy of City of Crestview

SPONSOR A CONTEST

Coordinate with area schools for an essay or poster contest. Students could be recognized at a city council meeting and their schools, and their winning entries could be publicized on social media and the city’s website. Ask your legislators to get involved by making the winner’s presentation at their local office or inviting them to make a special announcement on social media.

CHAMPION LOCAL DECISION-MAKING

Talk to your residents about the importance of local decision-making. Send officials and staff to speak to schools or civic clubs or share resources on social media. Resources geared toward citizens can be found at localvoicesunited.com. Invite your legislators to learn about local priorities for your city and what the priorities mean to your community.

Don’t forget! Remember to tag us @FLCities and use the hashtag #FLCityWeek when sharing on social platforms.

Eryn Russell is an Ambassador at the Florida League of Cities.

Tips to Engage Your Community

There are several ways to engage your community during Florida City Government Week.

STUDENTS:

▸ Coordinate a story hour at a library, city hall or recreation center.

▸ Send guest speakers to schools and after-school programs.

▸ Bring police, fire or utility vehicles to area schools or recreation centers.

City of Stuart Commissioners and staff read “The City That Talks” to students at local elementary schools.

Photo Courtesy of City of Stuart

ADULTS:

▸ Host an open house at city hall or city facilities.

▸ Host a trivia game on social media, and partner with a local business for a prize.

▸ Develop a citizens’ academy. Check out flcities.com/citizens’-academy for more information.

The City of Winter Haven hosted a tour of the City’s water plant for residents during Florida City Government Week.

Photo Courtesy of City of Winter Haven

BUSINESSES AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

▸ Host a “Coffee with a Council/Commission Member or the Mayor” at a local business.

▸ Host an open house with a chamber of commerce.

▸ Sponsor a community service day.

The City Council of Orange City hosted “Cookies with the City Council.”

Photo Courtesy of City of Orange City

For more ideas, visit bit.ly/3wOQDtS.