What is the Florida Local Government Coalition?

The FLGC was developed to advocate for local governments by educating residents and sharing

resources among its members. The Florida League of Cities manages the coalition, which now has more

than 25 local government association partners. APWA FL Chapter is a member of the FLGC Steering

Committee with Jim Myers serving as one of the Committee Chairs.

For 2013, the Coalition’s primary initiative is “to help Florida citizens understand, appreciate and

support local government and the services and values these governments bring to millions of lives

each day.” To do this, the collation is launching a public awareness campaign with the theme Local

Government – Quality Services You Can Trust.

To help promote this theme, the official name of the public awareness campaign is “Local Works.” The

Coalition chose “Local Works” for its simplicity, and because the term “works” tends to have a public

services connotation.

On July 25, representatives of the 25+ associations attended a workshop and press conference to kick

off the initiative, coming together for the first time since the group was formed.

Local Works Day, to be held on September 6, 2013, will be a major component of the public awareness

campaign. This is an opportunity for members of the Coalition to engage, educate and interact with their

communities by celebrating the trusted services that local governments provide.

Although this initiative is year-long, Coalition members see it as an ongoing effort. The hope is that all

local government associations will continue to promote this important initiative throughout the year

and beyond. Local governments provide trusted services that millions of Floridians depend on. It’s time

to share our stories.

8/9/13

Local Works Day – September 6, 2013

Local Works Day is a day to celebrate the trusted services that local governments provide to enhance

our communities across the state. This is a time to engage, educate and interact with attendees to

establish dialogue and foster meaningful relationships with community leaders and citizens. For each

association’s event to be a success, participating associations should contribute based on their unique

experiences gained from the exclusive services provided by their diverse memberships.

Messaging should begin well before the date of any planned events – email, social media, website, etc.

Suggested tagline for email signatures or website: Local Works Day – Celebrating the trusted services

that local governments provide to enhance communities across Florida.

Talking points for citizen engagement:

• September 6 (Local Works Day) is a day to bring attention to the hard work that local

government employees do for millions of people each day.

• Local Works Day is about the public works that are easy to take for granted, but which knit our

communities together.

• We are celebrating what is extraordinary about the ordinary.

• We respect Florida’s taxpayers, that’s why Florida’s local government professionals serve our

municipalities with distinction and provide high-quality work that adds tremendous value to our

communities.

• Surveys show local government is the most trusted level of government. It’s because the people

who work at the local level are our friends and our neighbors. They care deeply about our

communities. Often, they personally know the people they serve each day.

• Local Works Day is an opportunity for us to share our vision with the local community, while

showing how our partnership with local governments continues to be vital to Florida’s success.

How does APWA FL Chapter participate?

• Proclamation

o For Immediate Release

• Letters to the Editor

o For Immediate Release

• Social Media Plan and Engagement

o Immediate Development of a plan with a goal to begin engaging target audiences by

August 14, especially for advertising Local Works Day events.

• Local Works Day

o September 6

• Teacher for a Day

o Establish a footprint in local schools and community centers by volunteering early in the

school year. Volunteer work should begin in conjunction with Local Works Day or by

October 1.

• Open House

o Host open houses to follow up with Local Works Day participants and connections made

through school and community center volunteer work. Open houses should be held in

conjunction with Local Works Day or by December 1.