Training and Technical Assistance
The League holds its three-day annual conference in August. In addition to the business meeting and election of officers and Board members, there are workshops, plenary and general sessions, and many opportunities for members to learn and share information about municipal issues and operations.
Each November, the League holds a legislative conference to adopt a policy statement to guide the League’s advocacy efforts for the upcoming session of the state Legislature. Click here for more information on the League's conferences or e-mail the Meeting Planning Division.
The League and the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government co-sponsor two training programs – the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) and the Advanced Institute. During these intensive training sessions, city officials learn tools and information to assist them in effectively meeting the requirements of their elected role. Click here to e-mail the Membership Development Department.
Periodically, the League will hold other workshops and seminars for our members on current municipal issues. These meetings are advertised on the Web site and in League publications. Click here to view the events calendar.
In addition, each year the League publishes the Florida Municipal Training Calendar, a “one-step” informational resource for municipal training opportunities. Click here to request a print version.
Publications
The League publishes a newsletter, the Datagram, twice a month. It provides brief summaries of information of interest to municipal government.
The Legislative Bulletin, published throughout the Florida legislative session, is a summary of the Legislature’s work each week, with action steps specified for members to help with advocacy.
Quality Cities, the League’s magazine, is published every other month. Every other year, the League produces the City Innovations Showcase, which features new ideas from our members in a wide variety of issue areas.
In conjunction with the annual conference, the League compiles and publishes the annual Financial and Technical Assistance for Florida Municipalities handbook, which provides information on state and federal agency programs that assist our members. Click here for more information.
In addition, the League prepares a Membership Directory each year, and other special and annual publications as needed.
Click here for a list of League publications.
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Providing Cost-Effective Programs and Products to Local Government
The Florida League of Cities provides many innovative and cost-effective programs and products for local governments, including:
Department of Public Risk Services/Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) - The trust, governed by elected officials, is a non-assessable, non-profit, tax-exempt risk-sharing pool that offers liability, property, health and workers' compensation programs to governmental entities. Its superior financial security, presently highlighted by $260 million in assets and more than $35 million in surplus, has produced exceptional claims-paying ability and equity returns for participants. Click here to read additional information about the Department of Public Risk Services.
The Department of Financial Services offers the following programs:
Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT) – a pooled investment program authorized under Section 163.01 Florida Statutes, that offers low-cost, high-quality investment options for surplus or pension dollars. The trust is governed by elected officials.
Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPT) – designed to provide all components of total pension administration services. The fund offers customized defined benefit plans, comprehensive defined contribution and deferred compensation plans with on-site, one-on-one employee education and advice. The trust is governed by elected officials.
Florida Municipal Loan Council (FMLC) – a pooled fixed rate loan program that provides qualifying cities a lower cost of issuance, longer amortization schedules and higher credit ratings. The League handles all administration, hiring of professionals, continuing disclosure, investment of proceeds and arbitrage rebate calculations.
Master Lease Purchase Program – provides tax-exempt fixed rate equipment financing that allows qualifying local governments to establish a "master" set of documents one-time that can be used in subsequent fiscal years to add additional equipment to the "master lease" subject to annual credit review.
Financial Technical Assistance Program – a training program in the areas of management and budget issues, program-performance budgeting, local-option gas tax computation, local-option sales surtaxes, franchise fee analysis, municipal utility tax, municipal service taxing (or benefit) units, etc. Training is available on-site and can range from one-on-one training to a workshop session with staff and elected officials.
Click here to read additional information about the Financial Services Department.
The Technology Services Department provides consulting services to assist members with questions about computer software and equipment, Web site development and other technology issues. Technology Services also offers BetterPlace, designed to assist governments in handling requests and complaints from citizens, and GovDeals, a government auction site for the disposal or purchase of surplus equipment. Click here to read additional information about the Technology Services Department.
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