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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 17_3/9/2023Agenda Item #17. Regular Council STAFF MEMO Meeting: Regular Council - Mar 09 2023 Staff Contact: Jeremy Allen, Village Manager Department: Manager Update on 2023 Legislative Session At the January 12, 2023 regular Village Council meeting the Village Council passed Resolution No. 03- 23 supporting the 2023 Florida League of Cities Legislative Priorities and Policy positions. Staff has provide a summary update for the 2023 Legislative Session. With Council direction/consensus staff can track additional bills and prepare a resolution in support or opposition of any additional bills. Additional Bill Summaries can be found at https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/advocac -- pages/legislative-bill-summaries HB 0037 Financial Disclosures for Local Officers by Roach Financial Disclosures for Local Officers: Requires specified local officers to file full & public disclosure of financial interests; excludes specified local officers from requirement to file statements of financial interests. Effective Date: January 1, 2024 SIB 0092 Vacation Rentals by Garcia Vacation Rentals; Providing that local laws, ordinances, or regulations requiring vacation rental owners or operators to provide the local government with certain contact information are not prohibited or preempted to the state, etc. SBO102 Housing by Calatayud Housing; Citing this act as the "Live Local Act"; deleting the authority of local governments to adopt or maintain laws, ordinances, rules, or other measures that would have the effect of imposing controls on rents; providing an exemption from ad valorem taxation for land that meets certain criteria; authorizing local governments to adopt ordinances to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for portions of property used to provide affordable housing meeting certain requirements; suspending, for a specified period, the General Revenue Fund service charge on documentary stamp tax collections; authorizing the Governor, under the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, to approve state or local public infrastructure projects to facilitate the development or construction of affordable housing, etc. APPROPRIATION: $711,000,000 HB 0105 Preemption of the Regulation of Vacation Rentals by Basabe Preemption of the Regulation of Vacation Rentals: Provides local laws, ordinances, or regulations requiring vacation rental owners or operators to provide local government with certain contact information are not prohibited or preempted to state. Page 209 of 221 Agenda Item #17. SB 0108 Trees and Vegetation Within the Rights -of -way of Certain Roads and Rail Corridors by Rodriguez Trees and Vegetation Within the Rights -of -way of Certain Roads and Rail Corridors; Providing that the prohibition against the removal, cutting, marring, defacing, or destruction of trees or other vegetation in certain rights -of -way does not apply if the Department of Transportation suspends such prohibition pursuant to a declared state of emergency; requiring the department to adopt guidelines for removal of debris from certain emergencies, etc. Effective Date: 7/1/2023 Current Committee of Reference: Senate Community Affairs Actions SB 0120 Homestead Assessments by Avila Homestead Assessments; Revising the limitation on annual increases of homestead property tax assessments, etc. Effective Date: On the effective date of the amendment to the State Constitution proposed by SJR 122 or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose, if such amendment to the State Constitution is approved at the next general election or at an earlier special election specifically authorized by law for that purpose SB 0122 Revised Limitation on Increases of Homestead Property Tax Assessments by Avila Revised Limitation on Increases of Homestead Property Tax Assessments; Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to revise the limitation on annual increases of homestead property tax assessments and to provide an effective date, etc. SB 0124 Homestead Exemptions for Persons Age 65 and Older by Avila Homestead Exemptions for Persons Age 65 and Older; Increasing the just value limit of real estate eligible for the homestead tax exemption that may be adopted by counties or municipalities for certain persons age 65 and older, etc. Effective Date: On the effective date of the amendment to the State Constitution proposed by SJR 126 or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose, if such amendment to the State Constitution is approved at the next general election or at an earlier special election specifically authorized by law for that purpose SB 0126 Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-income, Long-term Residents by Avila Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-income, Long-term Residents; Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to increase the just value limit of real estate eligible for the homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities to certain senior, low-income, long-term residents, and to provide an effective date, etc. HB 0127 Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Homes for the Aged by Smith Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Homes for the Aged: Revises ownership entities for certain nonprofit homes qualifying for exemption from ad valorem taxation to include certain limited partnerships. Effective Date: January 1, 2024 HB 0131 Recall of County Officers and Commissioners by Rudman Page 210 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Recall of County Officers and Commissioners: Proposes amendment to State Constitution to authorize Legislature to provide by general law for recall of county officers & commissioners. HB 0159 Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-income, Long-term residents by Borrero Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-income, Long-term residents: Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to increase just value limit of real estate eligible for homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities to certain senior, low-income, long-term residents. HB 0161 Homestead Exemptions for Persons Age 65 and Older by Borrero Homestead Exemptions for Persons Age 65 and Older: Increases just value limit of real estate eligible for homestead tax exemption that may be adopted by counties or municipalities for certain persons age 65 & older; requires local government entities to amend or adopt ordinances to comply with this act; provides ordinances are null & void after certain date; provides that recipients of homestead exemptions do not need to submit additional application. Effective Date: on the effective date of the amendment to the State Constitution proposed by HJR 159 or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose HB 0169 Licensed Counseling for First Responders by Lopez (V) Licensed Counseling for First Responders: Requires employing agency of first responder to pay for certain licensed counseling for first responders; requires such counseling to be completed within specified timeframe; prohibits employing agency from requiring first responder to use leave for such counseling; authorizes first responder to select licensed mental health professional; prohibits payment by employing agency for such counseling from creating presumption of compensable occupational disease. SIB 0170 Local Ordinances by Trumbull Local Ordinances; Authorizing courts to assess and award reasonable attorney fees and costs and damages in certain civil actions filed against local governments; requiring a board of county commissioners to prepare or cause to be prepared a business impact estimate before the enactment of a proposed ordinance; requiring a county to suspend enforcement of an ordinance that is the subject of a certain legal action if certain conditions are met; requiring a governing body of a municipality to prepare or cause to be prepared a business impact estimate before the enactment of a proposed ordinance, etc. SIB 0220 Taxation of Affordable Housing by Rodriguez Taxation of Affordable Housing; Authorizing counties and municipalities to adopt ordinances to grant ad valorem tax exemptions to property owners whose properties are used to provide affordable housing; specifying limits on the amount of such exemptions; specifying requirements for ordinances granting such exemptions; specifying duties of boards of county commissioners and municipal governing bodies adopting ordinances granting such exemptions or repealing such ordinances, etc. Page 211 of 221 Agenda Item #17. HB 0229 Taxation of Affordable Housing by Cross Authorizes counties & municipalities to adopt ordinances to grant partial ad valorem tax exemptions to property owners whose properties are used to provide affordable housing; specifies duties of boards of county commissioners & municipal governing bodies adopting ordinances granting such exemptions; requires owners of property that is improperly granted such exemptions to pay owed taxes, penalties, & interest. HB 0235 Alternative Mobility Funding Systems by Robinson (W) Jr. Alternative Mobility Funding Systems: Revises requirements related to agreements to pay for or construct certain improvements; authorizes local governments to adopt alternative mobility planning & fee system; prohibits alternative system from imposing responsibility for funding existing transportation deficiency upon new development; revises requirements for calculation of impact fees; removes ability of local government, school district, or special district to increase impact fees in certain instances; provides requirements for mobility fees -based funding systems, mobility fees & fee increases; specifies criteria to be used in adopting mobility plan & mobility fee for transportation mitigation improvements; prohibits courts from using deferential standard for specified purpose; provides for specified mobility fee credits. SB 0242 Fiscal Accountability by Garcia (1) Fiscal Accountability; Requiring state entities to include any documents submitted which indicate the use of state funds as remuneration under certain contracts, beginning on a specified date; deleting a provision requiring state entities to publish payments on a specified website; requiring that contracts for services executed, amended, or extended beginning on a specified date require contractors to provide specified documentation to be included in the state contracting system and posted to the contractor's website, if applicable, etc. SB 0288 Florida Main Street Program and Historic Preservation Tax Credits by DiCeglie Florida Main Street Program and Historic Preservation Tax Credits; Citing this act as the "Main Street Historic Tourism and Revitalization Act"; providing a credit against the state corporate income tax and the insurance premium tax for qualified expenses in rehabilitating certain historic structures; specifying eligibility requirements for the tax credit; specifying requirements for the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State for evaluating and certifying applications for tax credits; specifying the order in which the credit is applied against the corporate income tax or franchise tax, etc. HB 0359 Local Government Comprehensive Plans by Duggan Local Government Comprehensive Plans: Authorizes certain administrative modifications to capital improvement schedules; provides that prevailing party in challenge to plan or plan amendment is entitled to recover attorney fees & costs; awards attorney fees & costs, including reasonable appellate attorney fees & costs, to prevailing party in challenge to compliance of small scale development amendment. HB 0361 Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates by Robinson (F) Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates: Requires municipality to charge customers Page 212 of 221 Agenda Item #17. receiving its utility services in another municipality same rates, fees, & charges as it charges consumers within its municipal boundaries. HB 0363 Regulation of Single -use Plastic Products by Mooney, Jr. Regulation of Single -use Plastic Products: Authorizes certain coastal communities to establish pilot programs to regulate single -use plastic products; provides requirements for establishing such pilot programs; requires DEP to submit updated retail bag reports to Legislature by specified dates. HB 0401 Sovereign Immunity by Beltran Sovereign Immunity: Revises statutory limits on liability for tort claims against state & its agencies & subdivisions; revises requirements for government entity to settle claim or judgment; revises timeframe within which appropriate agency must make final disposition of claim after it is filed to prevent claim from being deemed denied; revises exceptions relating to instituting actions on claims against state or one of its agencies or subdivisions & to statute of limitations for such claims. HB 0415 Temporary Commercial Kitchens by Porras Temporary Commercial Kitchens: Defines "temporary commercial kitchen"; authorizes Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to adopt by rule operational requirements for temporary commercial kitchen. SB 0458 Wastewater Grant Program by Rodriguez Wastewater Grant Program; Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to provide wastewater grant program grants to projects directed at or focused on a water body included on a specified list of impaired waters, etc. SB 0540 Local Government Comprehensive Plans by DiCeglie Local Government Comprehensive Plans; Authorizing certain administrative modifications to capital improvement schedules; providing that the prevailing party in a challenge to a plan or plan amendment is entitled to recover attorney fees and costs; awarding attorney fees and costs, including reasonable appellate attorney fees and costs, to the prevailing party in a challenge to the compliance of a small scale development amendment, etc. HB 0627 Housing by Busatta Cabrera Housing: Removes authority of local governments to adopt or maintain laws, ordinances, or rules that have effect of imposing controls on rents; provides exemption from ad valorem taxation for land that meets certain criteria; authorizes local governments to adopt ordinances to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for portions of property used to provide affordable housing meeting certain requirements; suspends, for a specified period, General Revenue Fund service charge on documentary stamp tax collections; authorizes Governor, under the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, to approve state or local public infrastructure projects to facilitate the development or construction of affordable housing, etc. HB 0653 Municipal Annexation and Contraction by Canady Page 213 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Municipal Annexation and Contraction: Revises annexation procedures, prerequisites to annexation, & contraction procedures. HB 0833 Vacation Rentals by Duggan Vacation Rentals: Revises provisions relating to vacation rentals including taxes collected by advertising platforms; licensing; local registration; information included on advertising platforms. SB 0882 Local Government Infrastructure Surtax by Brodeur Local Government Infrastructure Surtax; Providing that proceeds of the surtax may be used to maintain infrastructure; providing that surtax proceeds and any interest may be used for the operational expenses of infrastructure; revising the definition of the term "infrastructure" SB 0886 Preemption of Tree Pruning, Trimming, and Removal by Stewart Preemption of Tree Pruning, Trimming, and Removal; Repealing a provision relating to tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property, etc HB 0945 Jupiter Inlet District, Palm Beach County by Snyder Jupiter Inlet District, Palm Beach County: Codifies, amends, reenacts, & repeals special acts relating to Jupiter Inlet District, Palm Beach County; provides purpose & construction. HB 0955 Fiscal Accountability by Persons-Mulicka Fiscal Accountability: Requires state entities to include any documents submitted which indicate use of state funds as remuneration under certain contracts, beginning on specified date; removes provision requiring state entities to publish payments on specified website; requires that contracts for services executed, amended, or extended beginning on specified date require contractors to provide specified documentation to be included in state contracting system & posted to contractor's website, if applicable. SB 1066 Recall of County Officers and Commissioners by Collins Recall of County Officers and Commissioners; Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to provide by general law for the recall of county officers and commissioners, etc. SB 1080 Local Redistricting by Yarborough Local Redistricting; Prohibiting the consideration of the residential addresses of certain persons during the district -drawing process for boards of county commissioners; requiring municipalities to fix the boundaries of their districts in a certain manner; specifying that district changes may be made only in odd -numbered years; prohibiting the consideration of the residential addresses of certain persons during the residence -area -drawing process for district school boards, etc. SB 1110 Term Limits by Ingoglia Term Limits; Establishing term limits for county commissioners; revising term limits for district school board members, etc. Page 214 of 221 Agenda Item #17. This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768- 0443. BUDGET INFORMATION: PROJECT NAME: NA BUDGET: NA ENCUMBERED: NA Proposed: NA PROJECTED TOTAL: NA 23 Legislative Projected Remaining: NA Page 215 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Regular Council STAFF MEMO Meeting: Regular Council - Jan 12 2023 Staff Contact: Jeremy Allen, Village Manager Department: Manager RESOLUTION NO. 03-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE 2023 FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM; PRIORITIZING AGENDA LEGISLATION THAT WOULD (1) PRESERVE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO MANAGE MUNICIPAL REVENUE SOURCES INCLUDING ENTERPRISE FUNDS; (2) PROVIDE A CLEAR AND CONCISE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADOPTION OF MOBILITY PLANS; (3) RESTORE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO FULLY REGULATE SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS, OR AT LEAST CLARIFY THE EXISTING PARAMETERS REGARDING STATE PREEMPTION AND THE ABILITY OF GRANDFATHERED MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS TO BE AMENDED WITHOUT PENALTY; (4) REQUIRE SADOWSKI STATE AND LOCAL HOUSING TRUST MONEY TO BE USED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS TARGETED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF WORKFORCE HOUSING INCLUDING OWNERSHIP AND RENTALS; AND (5) ESTABLISH A STATE-WIDE COORDINATED PLANNING AND PRIORITIZATION APPROACH FOR WATER RESOURCE INVESTMENTS TO FUND FLORIDA'S CURRENT AND PROJECTED WATER NEEDS IN AN EQUITABLE MANNER; FURTHER SUPPORTING THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES' POLICY POSITIONS ON THE TOPICS OF PROPERTY TAX PROTECTION, RESIDENTIAL ZONING, TRANSPORTATION FUNDING, AND WATER / WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR LICENSURE; FURTHER SUPPORTING THE GRANT OF APPROPRIATIONS TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS AT TEQUESTA PARK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Each year municipal officials from across the state volunteer to serve on one of five Florida League of Cities legislative policy committees. The committees address municipal affairs that directly pertain to the governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions, render municipal services, and raise and expend revenues. Protecting Florida's cities from egregious far-reaching attacks on Home Rule powers is always the Florida League of Cities top priority. The committee members meet numerous times to address the following issues affecting municipalities: 1. Finance, Taxation and Personnel (Mayor Young, committee member) 2. Land Use and Economic Development (Manager Jeremy Allen, committee member) 3. Municipal Administration (Village Clerk McWilliams, committee member) 4. Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations, and 5. Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works. Policy committee members help League staff understand real -world implications of proposed legislation, provide a broad spectrum of ideas, and addresses the impact of policy proposals on rural, suburban and urban cities of all sizes. Additionally, the members serve as advocates throughout the year. Page 216 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Resolution 03-23 expresses Village Council's support for the 2023 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Agenda. This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768- 0443. PROJECT NAME: N/A BUDGET: N/A ENCUMBERED: N/A Proposed: N/A PROJECTED TOTAL: N/A Projected Remaining: N/A Resolution No. 03-23 - Supporting FLC 2023 Legislative Priorities legislative -action -agenda Page 217 of 221 Agenda Item #17. RESOLUTION NO. 03-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE 2023 FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM; PRIORITIZING AGENDA LEGISLATION THAT WOULD (1) PRESERVE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO MANAGE MUNICIPAL REVENUE SOURCES INCLUDING ENTERPRISE FUNDS; (2) PROVIDE A CLEAR AND CONCISE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADOPTION OF MOBILITY PLANS; (3) RESTORE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO FULLY REGULATE SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS, OR AT LEAST CLARIFY THE EXISTING PARAMETERS REGARDING STATE PREEMPTION AND THE ABILITY OF GRANDFATHERED MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS TO BE AMENDED WITHOUT PENALTY; (4) REQUIRE SADOWSKI STATE AND LOCAL HOUSING TRUST MONEY TO BE USED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS TARGETED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF WORKFORCE HOUSING INCLUDING OWNERSHIP AND RENTALS; AND (5) ESTABLISH A STATE-WIDE COORDINATED PLANNING AND PRIORITIZATION APPROACH FOR WATER RESOURCE INVESTMENTS TO FUND FLORIDA'S CURRENT AND PROJECTED WATER NEEDS IN AN EQUITABLE MANNER; FURTHER SUPPORTING THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES' POLICY POSITIONS ON THE TOPICS OF PROPERTY TAX PROTECTION, RESIDENTIAL ZONING, TRANSPORTATION FUNDING, AND WATER / WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR LICENSURE; FURTHER SUPPORTING THE GRANT OF APPROPRIATIONS TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS AT TEQUESTA PARK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta wishes to engage in productive, focused dialogue with the Florida State Senate and House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida 2023 Legislative Session will convene on March 7, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta is an active member of the Florida League of Cities and actively support the development of priorities for the 2023 Legislative Action Agenda; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta prioritizes legislation which would (1) preserve municipal authority to manage municipal revenue sources including enterprise funds; (2) provide a clear and concise regulatory framework for the adoption of mobility plans; (3) restore municipal authority to fully regulate short-term residential rentals, or at least clarify the existing parameters regarding state preemption and the ability of grandfathered municipal regulations to be amended without penalty; (4) require Sadowski state and local housing trust money to be used for affordable housing programs targeted to meet the needs of workforce housing including ownership and rentals; and (5) establish a state-wide coordinated planning and prioritization approach Page 218 of 221 Agenda Item #17. for water resource investments to fund Florida's current and projected water needs in an equitable manner; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta further supports the Florida League of Cities' policy positions on the topics of property tax protection, residential zoning, transportation funding, and water / wastewater plant operator licensure; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta further supports the grant of appropriations to fund improvements at Tequesta Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA: SECTION 1. The above recitals are declared to be true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The Village Council supports the formation of the 2023 Florida League of Cities Legislative Platform attached hereto and incorporated as "Exhibit A" as part of the legislative priorities of the Village of Tequesta. SECTION 3. The Village Council hereby adopts as priorities legislation which would (1) preserve municipal authority to manage municipal revenue sources including enterprise funds; (2) provide a clear and concise regulatory framework for the adoption of mobility plans; (3) restore municipal authority to fully regulate short-term residential rentals, or at least clarify the existing parameters regarding state preemption and the ability of grandfathered municipal regulations to be amended without penalty; (4) require Sadowski state and local housing trust money to be used for affordable housing programs targeted to meet the needs of workforce housing including ownership and rentals; and (5) establish a state-wide coordinated planning and prioritization approach for water resource investments to fund Florida's current and projected water needs in an equitable manner. SECTION 4. The Village Council supports the Florida League of Cities' policy positions on the topics of property tax protection, residential zoning, transportation funding, and water / wastewater plant operator licensure as stated in Exhibit "A". SECTION 5. The Village Council further supports the grant of appropriations to fund improvements at Tequesta Park. SECTION 6. The Village Manager is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the members of the Florida League of Cities and all local representatives. SECTION 7. This resolution shall take effective immediately upon its adoption. Page 219 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Priorities: Enterprise Fund Transfers The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS the preservation of municipal authority to manage municipal revenue sources and realize a reasonable rate of return on their proprietary assets, investments and services. Mobility Plans The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that defines and clarifies mobility plans in order to provide a clear and concise regulatory framework for Florida cities to acquire, construct and implement both traditional and alternative modes of transportation. Short -Term Rentals The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that restores authority to local governments for the regulation of short-term rental properties as necessary for quality of life, public safety and the creation of fair lodging standards. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation clarifying that existing, grandfathered municipal short-term rental ordinances can be amended without penalty. The Florida League of Cities OPPOSES legislation that preempts municipal authority as it relates to the regulation of short-term rental properties. Accessible Housing The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that requires all money from the Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Fund be used for Florida's affordable housing programs that are targeted to meet the needs of workforce housing, including home ownership and rental availability. Water Resources Planning and Comprehensive Watershed Management The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation establishing a statewide coordinated planning and prioritization approach for water resource investments that funds Florida's current and projected water needs in an equitable manner and authorizing Comprehensive Watershed Management projects to qualify for funding under the state Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund. Page 1 of 2 Page 220 of 221 Agenda Item #17. Policy Positions: Property Tax Protection The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that maintains an equitable property tax system while preserving a municipality's ability to fund public infrastructure, police, fire, emergency services and other essential services. Any further erosions and/or exemptions on the current property tax structure will unfairly shift the tax burden to the business community, renters and others. Residential Zoning The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that maintains, advances and encourages the fundamental ability for cities to tailor unique land development solutions through local decision -making, preserving the ability for cities to decide how they look and grow. Cities are strong supporters of affordable housing efforts and are best positioned to identify appropriate areas that can support high -density infill redevelopment. Transportation Funding The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation directing the Florida Department of Transportation to provide financial assistance and incentives to develop and implement multimodal transportation plans that optimize different modes of combined transport and are tailored to municipal transportation demands. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS identifying additional transportation revenue to fund innovative infrastructure (e.g., electric vehicles) and transit projects to meet the surging transportation demands driven by growth in population throughout Florida. Water and Wastewater Plant Operator Licensure The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation to address workforce shortages in municipal water and wastewater facilities by: one, defining facility operators as critical and essential workers; two, providing reciprocity with other states for licensure of facility operators; and three, allowing credit toward licensure for military experience and time served performing similar functions and providing flexibility for facilities to use retired or out-of-state operators in emergencies. Page 2 of 2 Page 221 of 221