MAYOR-ELECT BROWN RECOMMENDATION FORM

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Committee: Inter-governmental Relations Transition Policy Committee Date Approved by Committee: August 8, 2011 Recommendation(s):

Inter-governmental relations by definition comprise a core function of local government. As such, this function must be fostered, supported, and included within the Office of the Mayor in the City of Jacksonville. In support whereof, this committee recommends: A) Establishment of a city-wide Office of Government Relations. B) Establish and improve existing relationships with other government entities. C) Recruitment, selection and appointment of an experienced leader and appropriate staff for the above. D) Establish on-going positive relationships with Independent Authorities and provide early focus on mayoral appointments for upcoming vacancies on their respective boards. E) Foster established relationships with staff of local elected officials. F) Develop a work plan for mayoral involvement with the Independent Authorities. G) Continue memberships in Associations. H) Retain the investment in Lobby Tools. 4. Brief Description A) Establishment of a city-wide Office of Government Relations to centralize activities, enhance relationship management, and direct influencing and advocacy with local (cities and counties and independent authorities), state executive and legislative branches and federal executive agencies and the United States Congress. The Office of Government Relations will serve as the

consolidated unit which will house the Duval Delegation Office, Legislative Affairs and the City Council Liaison. B) In order to conserve resources, seek to establish relationships with other government entities (including, but not limited to Baker, Clay, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties) to join the Office of Government Relations to represent their interests and provide support for retention of contract lobbyists (state and federal) to represent the City and other governmental entities joining the enterprise. C) Recruitment, selection and appointment of an experienced leader and appropriate staff for the above, including a grant administration position. An additional staff person, separate from the contract lobbyist, shall remain in Tallahassee for the duration of legislative session and during all committee weeks in order to manage the lobbying team and direct advocacy efforts. D) Establish on-going positive relationships with Independent Authorities and provide early focus on mayoral appointments for upcoming vacancies on the respective boards. In addition, adhoc inter-governmental relationships also must be fostered with counties with which we share the St. Johns River, and other large metropolitan areas around Florida. E) Foster established relationships with staff of local elected officials. Federal, state district and regional directors in local offices can be an excellent resource for local governments, and thus should be included in communication. F) Develop a work plan for mayoral involvement with the Independent Authorities including initial state of the world briefings, subsequent quarterly briefings and participation in high profile Independent Authority activities as recommended by the respective Independent Authorities chairmen and executives. G) Continue memberships in Associations, particularly the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, and join the Florida League of Mayors and the Florida Council of 100. H) Retain the investment in Lobby Tools to track critical legislation. Seek associate licenses to diminish costs. 5. Organizations or agencies that will implement and coordinate program:

The city-wide Office of Government Relations will coordinate with Independent Authorities to implement the City's agenda to put forward to the legislative delegation. 6. Budget:

The Inter-governmental Relations transition policy committee finds these recommendations to be cost-saving measures, as the City will be coordinating and collaborating with Independent Authorities, counties within the north-east region, and independent agencies. By consolidating efforts with other entities, the City will save funds used towards direct advocacy and can allocate

those resources elsewhere. As the consolidated effort continues with other areas, each of the entities will contribute and share costs. The ultimate goal is to streamline the efforts, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Citys inter-governmental relations. The Office of Government Relations, by encouraging cooperation in the competition for scarce resources, positions the City of Jacksonville in a posture to maximize available opportunities for all. 7. Recommendation implementation timeline:

It is recommended that the proposed office be created immediately, as to establish relationships with elected officials, related agencies and governmental organizations. 8. Stakeholders of recommendation/partner organizations for implementation:

All entities involved in the proposed enterprise will become stakeholders and partners in the efforts, including but not limited to the following: Seven counties in the North-east Florida region, as per the Chamber of Commerce (Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties) Municipalities, including Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach. Duval Delegation Office Contract lobbying firms Independent Agencies, such as JEA, Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority and Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

_________________________________________________ Committee Co- Chair

June 29, 2011 ________________________ Date

State Representative Michael Weinstein _________________________________________________ Committee Co- Chair

June 29, 2011 ________________________ Date