Serving Our Members Is What the League of Cities Is All About
by Mark Sittig
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At the Florida League of Cities, we are constantly striving to improve the many and diversified programs, products and services that we provide to our membership. In the coming months, we will be showcasing different League departments in Quality Cities to inform and guide you through the benefits each specialty division has to offer.
The League exists to serve municipal governments in Florida. It is important to understand that your feedback and participation in League-sponsored programs strengthens your organization as a whole, thus allowing for continued innovation. Only by being fully informed will you be able to make an educated comparison and take full advantage of all your association has to offer. We encourage you to get involved!
A Brief History
City officials established the Florida League of Cities in 1922 in order to unite Florida’s municipal governments for the purpose of shaping legislation, sharing the advantages of cooperative action, and exchanging ideas and experiences. From a modest beginning of just a few cities and towns, the League has grown throughout the years to include nearly all of Florida’s 408 municipalities as members, and has become one of the largest state municipal leagues in the nation. Membership in the League is open to any municipality or other unit of local government rendering municipal services in Florida.
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Membership Development Department:
A Hub for All Things Member-Related
All League operations are conducted under the guidance of the executive director, appointed annually by the board of directors. The executive director hires departmental directors, who comprise the management team responsible for day-to-day administration of the League.
There are eight departments: Accounting, Executive, Financial Services, Legal, Legislative, Membership Development, Public Risk Services, and Technology Services. Some departments are strictly internal in their operation, while others have daily contact with League members and clients.
Since its responsibilities bring it into frequent contact with member municipalities, let’s take a closer look at the Membership Development Department.
The Membership Development Department serves as the hub for activities related to the League’s membership. Housed within this department are the following:
Conferences and Training
Grants and Technical Assistance
International Relations
Marketing
Membership Database
Membership Outreach
Publications
State Government Liaison
This department also receives and responds to general inquiries and general League e-mail, and serves as a “first stop” for those people wishing for more information about the League and its services.
In addition, three secretariat organizations are housed within this department – the Florida Association of City Clerks, the Florida City and County Management Association, and the Florida Redevelopment Association.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the responsibilities of each of the areas within the Membership Development Department:
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Conferences and Training
The meeting division, working in partnership with other staff, coordinates the League conferences, secretariat conferences, meetings and other activities. Click here for information about upcoming meetings.
In addition, the League works closely with the Florida Institute of Government on training for city officials and city staff. The League offers training to elected city officials through the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) and the Advanced Institute.
The League also offers leadership training in partnership with Leadership Florida through the Local Government Leadership program. This program is held each spring, with participants from city, county and school district governments.
Each year, a Municipal Training Calendar is prepared that lists training opportunities for municipal officials available throughout the state.
Grants and Technical Assistance
The League has developed the following two resources to help Florida’s municipalities locate available grants and technical assistance:
Financial and Technical Assistance for Florida Municipalities – This 370-page resource book provides information on grants, loans, technical assistance and other resources available to Florida municipalities. Copies of the publication are free to members and available for a charge to nonmembers.
Grants Exchange – Each year, representatives from various state, federal, nonprofit and private organizations that provide grants and technical assistance to Florida’s cities are invited to participate in a special session at the annual conference.
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International Relations
The League recognizes the importance of international partnerships. We offer International Round Tables and an International Academy to members, and participate with international programs through the National League of Cities and the International Union of Local Authorities. Within Florida, we partner with the Governor’s Office on International Relations, Enterprise Florida, Sister Cities International, and several regional international organizations. Click here to visit the League's international page to learn more.
Marketing
The League is committed to building and strengthening relationships with members, advertisers, exhibitors and others interested in working with the League. Click here to contact our marketing manager, or call the League at (850) 222-9684.
Membership Database
The League maintains a database of municipal governments known as Cities Contact Manager, or C2M. League members provide information and updates. Mailing labels of member governments are available for purchase. We do not share our database electronically due to the ever-changing membership (elections are held year-round in Florida). The membership also is compiled into an annual directory, available free to members and for a charge to nonmembers.
Membership Outreach
When members need to reach us, this department coordinates those inquiries, whether of a general nature, complaint or compliment. Effective communication is our goal.
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Publications
The League produces many publications for our members, including newsletters, Quality Cities, and special and annual publications. Click here for a list of available publications.
State Government Liaison
The League connects our members with the key contacts in each state agency, especially agency “ombudspersons.”
These are people assigned by the state agency to be the liaison with cities on behalf of the department. We are happy to assist cities directly with any issue or request involving state agencies. We also stay abreast of organizational changes in state government, such as Cabinet reorganization.
If you need additional information, please e-mail the Membership Development staff or call the League at (850) 222-9684. All state agencies and much more are available at www.myflorida.com.
For more information about the League’s Membership Development Department or the Florida League of Cities, e-mail the League, or call (850) 222-9684.
Mark Sittig is marketing manager for the Florida League of Cities.
Reprinted from Quality Cities May/June 2003
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