A group appointed to study inter-governmental relations recommends that Mayor Alvin Brown create a citywide Office of Government Relations to be run by an experienced leader and staff.
It would house the existing Duval Delegation Office, Legislative Affairs and the City Council liaison and would work with authorities, agencies and neighboring cities and counties to lobby on state and federal levels.
The Inter-Governmental Relations Transition Committee reported that the office should “centralize activities, enhance relationship management and direct influencing and advocacy” with area cities, counties, independent authorities, as well as state executive and legislative branches, federal executive agencies and the U.S. Congress.
“The ultimate goal is to streamline the efforts and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s inter-governmental relations,” said the report.
The committee recommended that the proposed office be created immediately so it could establish relationships with elected officials, related agencies and governmental organizations.
It said the partnering organizations would include, but not be limited to:
• The seven counties of Northeast Florida: Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns.
• Municipalities including Baldwin, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach.
• The Duval Delegation Office.
• Independent agencies, such as the JEA, Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority and Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
“Inter-governmental relations by definition comprise a core function of local government,” said the report. “As such, this function must be fostered, supported and included within the office of the mayor in the City of Jacksonville.”
The committee said that to conserve resources, the other six Northeast Florida counties should join with the Duval office in Jacksonville to represent their interests and provide support for the retention of state and federal contract lobbyists to represent the City and the other governments that join.
The committee recommends the recruitment, selection and appointment of an experienced leader and appropriate staff, including a grant administration position.
It said an additional staff person, separate from the contract lobbyist, would remain in Tallahassee during the legislative session and during all legislative committee weeks.
It also said relationships with the independent authorities would provide “early focus” on mayoral appointments for board vacancies.
“Intergovernmental relationships also must be fostered with counties with which we share the St. Johns River,” the committee said, as well as with other large metropolitan areas in the state.
Among its suggestions is development of a work plan for mayoral involvement in the independent authorities, including initial “state of the world” briefings followed by quarterly briefings and participation in “high profile” activities of the authorities.
It also recommends continued membership in associations, particularly the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and it recommends joining the Florida League of Mayors and the Florida Council of 100.
It also suggests retaining the investment in LobbyTools to track legislation. LobbyTools is based in Tallahassee and provides legislative research, tracking, news and analysis services.
The committee considers the recommendations to be cost-saving measures because the City will coordinate with the independent authorities, other counties and agencies.
“By consolidating efforts with other entities, the City will save funds used toward direct advocacy and can allocate those resources elsewhere,” said the report.
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Inter-Governmental Relations Transition Committee
Co-Chairs: Cyrus Jolivette and Florida Rep. Mike Weinstein
Members: Michelle Barth, Carolyn Chatman, Jay Demetree, Ken Hamilton, Jimmy Midyette, Michael O’Malley, Dylan Rumrell, Penny Thompson, Chuck Young