FAC’s 2015 Legislative Day will be held Thursday, March 26 at the FSU Turnbull Conference Center in Leon County. Commissioners and staff are encouraged to come to Tallahassee to assist in the lobbying efforts to protect home rule and prevent unfunded mandates. The day begins with an update on what is happening with the legislative session and the afternoon is spent lobbying local delegations.  An evening reception honoring the Legislature will be held the day before on Wednesday, March 25th.  The hotel room blocks and registration will open by February 9th.

Today, FAC's executive committee met with executive committee members of the Florida League of Cities and Florida School Boards association to discuss the upcoming legislative session and the share issues facing counties, cities, and school boards.

The Officers received a comprehensive overview of Florida's economic Outlook by Amy Baker the Coordinator for the Office of Economic & Demographic Research.  She shared tha Florida's economy was rising but at a much slower pace than we saw prior to the Great Recession.

This week in Alachua County, FAC hosted a workshop open to all 58 new Commissioners elected to office in November.  The 1 ½ day workshop was designed to help newly elected officials gain a better understanding of a wide range of topics important to their new roles such as:    

•          Role and Authority of a County Commissioner
•          Ethics and Sunshine Laws
•          How to Run A Successful Meeting
•          Work Effectively with County Staff
•          Media Training
•          Effective Leading and Governing

 Commissioners heard presentations from guest presenters such as former Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala; Bob Nabors and Heather Encinosa from Nabors, Giblin and Nickerson; Vince Long, County Administrator, and Herb Thiele, County Attorney, from Leon County; Dr. Rod Closer from University of Florida IFAS Extension; and Sheriff David Shoar and Michael Wanchick, County Administrator, from St. Johns County, as well as an introduction into work of the Association by FAC staff.  The New Commissioner Workshop provides 6 hours of core credits towards the County Commissioners’ Certification Program.