By Terry Atchley, County Manager, Hardee County
The FCCMA November webinar delivered a goldmine of information for city and county managers looking to enhance their legislative advocacy skills. A distinguished panel of experts shared their knowledge and experience when it comes to successfully securing funding for local projects.
Panelists:
- Terry Atchley, County Manager, Hardee County
- Casey Cook, Executive Director, FCCMA and Chief of Legislative Affairs, FLC
- Former State Senator, Denise Grimsley
- Marty Mielke, Chief Legislative Aide for Senator Grall
Introduction
In today’s complex political landscape, securing state funding for local projects is a delicate balancing act. A recent FCCMA webinar, “Successful Legislative Relationships: Securing Funding for Local Projects,” shed light on the strategies and tactics employed by savvy local leaders. Former State Senator Denise Grimsley and other seasoned experts provided invaluable insights into building strong relationships with legislators and advocating for critical funding.
This information is incredibly timely as Florida is gearing up for its legislative session. Local leaders and government officials are preparing to engage in advocating for their communities in hopes of securing funding for essential projects. The insights provided in this article are directly related to the challenges and opportunities they face in the current political climate. It is crucial for local leaders to understand the importance of building strong relationships with legislators, effectively communicate the needs of their communities, and navigate the complex state budget process in order to achieve successful outcomes.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
The Power of Personal Relationships: Cultivating strong relationships with legislators is paramount. Regular communication, transparency, and genuine rapport are essential ingredients for successful advocacy.
Understanding the Legislative Process: A deep understanding of the state budget process is crucial. Knowing the timing of key decisions, the influence of committees, and the priorities of legislators can significantly impact the success of funding requests.
Effective Storytelling: Crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the impact of a project on the community is key. Stories that resonate with legislators and their constituents are more likely to secure funding or move forward as potential new legislation.
The Art of Lobbying: While lobbying can be a powerful tool, it’s essential to approach the practice with integrity and respect. Building trust and credibility with legislators is more important than using aggressive tactics.
The Role of Local Government Organizations: Joining forces with other local governments and organizations can amplify the voice of a community and increase the chances of securing funding.
Senator Grimsley said, “Making the time to build relationships with your elected officials and their staff is critical to painting the big picture of your community. I believe that time invested in these activities will prove to be fruitful for your community.” By getting to know your local politicians and their assistants, you can help them better understand the overall needs and goals of your community. This time investment will ultimately benefit your community by leading to increased support and funding for important projects.
“Understand the role of the legislative aide. Build a relationship with staff as well as the members,” said Marty Mielke, Chief Legislative Aide for Senator Grall. Ask anyone about who holds the keys in this process. Aides will offer valuable insights, assist with policy development, and influence decision-making. By building relationships with both legislative staff and elected officials, you can increase your chances of getting your message heard and your priorities addressed.
Conclusion
Navigating the state budget process requires a combination of skill, persistence, and strategic thinking. By building strong relationships, understanding the legislative process, and effectively communicating the needs of their communities, local leaders can increase their chances of securing critical funding for local projects. As the experts emphasized, successful legislative advocacy is not just about asking for money; it’s about building partnerships and creating a better future for the community.
