Fort Lauderdale 2013 Legislative Priorities and Funding Requests
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
2013 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES AND FUNDING REQUESTS
This document reflects the official position of the City of Fort Lauderdale regarding issues and pending legislation that would impact the operation of local government. It also provides priorities for the pursuit of funding for various City initiatives. The City of Fort Lauderdale will endorse and support legislation that will:
1. Permit municipal government to make necessary changes to local law pension plans
2. Support expansion of passenger rail options
3. Promote improved water quality and quantity
4. Increase resources for urban transportation needs
5. Provide for local regulation of short term rental properties
6. Preserve and/or enhance municipal home rule
7. Restore funding for State Housing Incentive Program (SHIP)
8. Expand resources for beach revitalization and re-nourishment
9. Support municipal government initiatives to curb homelessness
10. Enhance municipal participation in state environmental permitting processes
11. Ban the manufacture, possession, distribution, purchase, or sale of synthetic drugs
12. Encourage energy development and conservation and the development and implementation of alternative energy sources
The City of Fort Lauderdale will oppose any legislation that will:
1. Create unfunded mandates
2. Restrict or decrease allocation of red light camera revenues to local governments
3. Decrease the City’s tax base through manipulation of tax exemptions on properties
4. Modify, restrict or eliminate the City’s ability to levy, collect or spend franchise fees, communications service taxes or local business taxes
The City of Fort Lauderdale will seek financial support for the following initiatives:
1. Crime reduction
2. WAVE development
3. Transportation enhancements specifically focused on greenways and complete street initiatives
4. Beach re-nourishment
5. Juvenile Justice programs
6. Flood prevention and hazard mitigation
7. Riverwalk enhancement and activation
8. Promotion of Fort Lauderdale’s marine industry
9. Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure improvements