Page 3 - MDLC_Legislative Action2015_F

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Miami-Dade County League of Cities supports legislation that empowers municipalities to expand the economy through job creation and business development. • Support reauthorization of the Florida Enterprise Zone Program, which has been effective at promoting economic development in low and moderate income communities. The MDCLC recognizes the importance of economic development tools, including the enterprise zone provisions. Nowhere in Florida has this tool been utilized more effectively from South Beach, to Wynwood to Homestead. The provisions that govern enterprise zones are up for sunset and bar positive action will end in 20l5. The MDCLC urges the retention of some sort of economic development tool that accomplishes the same goals as the enterprise zones, whether it be a totally revamped program or portions of the current program. There must be ROI and accountability - but there also must be tools to continue to permit underserved and underemployed areas utilize these incentives to develop new business. • Support full funding of the Film Industry incentive and to extend additional tax credits to the flm industry. • Support legislation, which encourages use of public private partnerships with maximum local control. • Support the current statutory language governing Community Redevelopment Areas. INFRASTRUCTURE The Miami Dade League of Cities supports legislation to implement the terms of Amendment 1. The Florida Water and Land Conservation Amendment (“Amendment 1”) dedicates funds to protect Florida’s water, wildlife habitat, natural areas, and parks now and for future generations. It provides funding to acquire, restore, and manage conservation lands, including lands protecting water resources and drinking water, wetlands, forests, rivers and beaches, fsh and wildlife habitat, recreation lands, parks, and urban open space. Amendment 1 calls for renewed state spending on water and land conservation that will help Florida’s environmental and economic future by acquiring and managing conservation lands, restoring and protecting water resources, providing areas for recreation, and keeping working lands, farms, and forests as part of Florida’s rural landscapes. The intent of the Amendment, as ratifed by 75 percent of Florida voters, is to restore spending for the highly successful group of long-standing programs already authorized in Florida statutes. The voter-approved constitutional mandate can be met by restoring and enhancing funding to existing water and land conservation programs, including Florida Forever, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Florida Communities Trust, and the Rural and Family Lands Program. 3