301 S. Bronough St., Suite 300 ? Post Office Box 1757 ? Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757
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Councilwoman Julie Botel Travels to DC to Advocate for Issues Impacting Riviera Beach, Other Municipalities
Members of the Florida League of Cities Federal Action Strike Team (FAST)
bring local issues to the nation’s capital
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Councilwoman Julie Botel traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and advocate for key federal issues that affect municipalities, including the City of Riviera Beach, Florida.
“It was a very productive trip and I welcomed the opportunity to provide the Legislators with information on the City’s priorities such as Broadband Deployment, Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) concerns, National Flood Insurance Program, and Beach Re-nourishment.”
The City of Riviera Beach was joined by nearly 50 other city leaders from throughout the state in the FLC federal advocacy trip known as the Federal Action Strike Team (FAST) Fly-In. FAST is responsible for advocating the League’s federal priorities to the Florida Congressional delegation.
“The collaboration and effective communication between local, state, and federal government entities are paramount to serving our cities, and the League’s FAST Fly-In event afforded us that opportunity,” said FLC President Greg Ross, Mayor of Cooper City. “We were able to foster direct connections with Florida’s congressional leaders, bolstering the foundation upon which we can build a stronger Florida. We extend our sincere gratitude to the congressional delegation for their engagement.”
During their time in the nation’s capital, local leaders urged Congress to oppose HR 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023, because it would dramatically preempt local authority to manage public rights-of-way and land use for telecommunications infrastructure. In addition, they advocated for a long-term National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization and supporting legislation that would simplify the federal grants process. The group also focused its advocacy efforts on finding a long-term solution to PFAS in soil and water and providing federal liability protection for cities, among other issues.
The success of our Federal Action Strike Team’s latest trip to Washington cannot be overstated,” said FAST Chair Bob Mayersohn, Commissioner for the City of Parkland. “Our trip concluded knowing that whatever the political climate, we have continued to foster stronger bonds with our congressional representatives. It was most evident that they clearly heard our voices on the issues deeply impacting Florida’s cities. It was an honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my municipal peers, advocating for our cities.”
Before heading to Capitol Hill, representatives from the FLC and National League of Cities (NLC) federal advocacy team provided a federal briefing. The group met with most members of Florida’s congressional delegation, including Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.
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Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.
CONTACT: Brittany Collins
Bcollins@rivierabeach.org / (561) 371-1533