CC Minutes 02/24/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and access to affordable housing, or that undermines local governments' flexibility to meet their community's affordable housing needs. ~02.6 Continues and increases funding for the Florida Institute of Government's training and research programs, in recognition of the importance of improving local government knowledge and skills. 402.7 Preserves municipal zoning and development code authority over non-profits, including churches and other religious institutions. 402.8 Increases the level of funding for international program grants to cities through the Department of State, and encourages state agencies to create international partnerships between the state and municipalities to promote cultural and economic development. Unfunded Mandates 403 In 1990, the state constitution was amended to limit the Legisiature's ability to pass unfunded state mandates on to county and city governments. Implementation legislation for the amendment is reserved to the Legislature and has not yet occurred. The most important considerations for cities are defining the fiscal impact of proposed legislation and establishing local venues to legally challenge unfunded state mandates. These issues will continue to be a significant priority for Florida's cities. The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that: 403.1 Is consistent with the constitutional unfunded mandate provisions and strengthens the concept that local issues are best resolved atthe local level of government and that prevents attempts to erode municipal Home Rule powers. 403.2 Establishes a state procedure within a specific agency to assess the intergovernmental impact of shifted and diminished federal programs and limits the state's ability to require that municipal governments enforce state policies and programs. 403.3 Ensures that all costs incurred by local governments administering state laws are offset by state revenues. 15 403.4 Provides a new recurring state funding source to help newly incorporated cities prepare compre- hensive plans. 403.5 Provides recurring state funding to support local governments' processing of state-mandated compreI hensive plans and evaluation and appraisal reports. State Agency Rule-Making 404 The Florida League of Cities acknowledges the efforts the state has taken to streamline and im- prove agency ruleImaking procedures. However, it is important that the state continues to respect local Home Rule authority and that cities not be included under the auspices of the Administrative Procedures Act The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that: 404. Redesigns the state agency rule promulgation process into one that is "outcome" rather than "prescriptive" based. 404.2 Streamlines state laws and agency rule procedures regarding municipal comprehensive planning functions. 404.3 Recognizes the unique characteristics of local communities and provides flexibility for local government implementation of municipal comprehensive plans. Public Education 405 The Florida League of Cities believes a strong public education system is essential to building and sustaining Florida's communities. The League supports efforts to enhance the quality of public education, and believes adequate fiscal and material resources should be provided to address, among other issues, school overcrowding, student safety, the expansion of after-school programs, and the shared use of school and municipal facilities. The League further encourages state and local officials to adopt policies consistent with this goal.