Urban Policy

Urban Policy

Promote the economic health of cities and improve the quality of urban life.

RSS feed »

4.22 Contact City Commission re: GRU

Exclamation point inside a red triangle

Submitted by Alachua County in April 2024.

Action Alerts

On Thursday, April 18, the city commission discussed verbiage for an ordinance intended to be placed on a ballot referendum at the general election on November 5, 2024. The LWV of Alachua County has a strong stance that voters should have an opportunity to vote on the referendum and that voters should vote “yes”.

The Action Alert ask for this week is twofold...

Read more

President's Message, April 2024

Janice holding sunflower

Submitted by Alachua County in April 2024.

Blog Post

Dear Members,
It’s an exciting time to be a League member. The stature of the League shows itself at the national, state and local levels. One of my proudest moments, both personally and as League president, was speaking before the city commission on March 21, citing the breach of democracy and home rule when the state imposed the GRU Authority on our city. I stated “We have an opportunity to regain democratic processes and home rule in Gainesville. Let's do this...

Read more

4.15 GRU: Let the Voters Decide

Exclamation point inside a red triangle

Submitted by Alachua County in April 2024.

Action Alerts

On Thursday, March 21st, the League of Women Voters led a coalition of organizations, including the Alachua County Labor Coalition, the NAACP and Gainesville Residents United, along with many community leaders in speaking to the city commission. We asked for a referendum on the ballot to repeal the GRU Authority from the city charter. Gainesville City Commission voted 6-0 (Commissioner Duncan-Walker was absent) to begin the process...

Read more

Community Development: Economic Planning/Development

Submitted by in February 2024.

Position

The League of Women Voters of Johnson County believes that economic development in the greater Johnson County area should be a cooperative venture between all governmental entities and the private sector.
See Full Position

Introducing the Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative

Diverse group of women facing the camera along the top with Meet & Mobilize text below in a white background

Submitted by Alachua County in February 2024.

News

The Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative was formed from the Meet & Mobilize event in January. The collaborative is made up of nonpartisan community organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Gainesville Alumnae Chapter, The Visionaires Club, The Links Inc. Gainesville Chapter, and LWV of Alachua County. The aim is to create meaningful partnerships as we enter the 2024 election season through education, engagement and empowerment. It is evident that our voices are more vital when we unite and collaborate; it is a testament to the power of collective action. Working together will strengthen and maintain our democracy and our community.

Read more

Action Alert: Oppose Further Reduction of GRU Transfer by Authority

Action Alert text with black exclamation point in red and white triangle graphic

Submitted by Alachua County in December 2023.

Action Alerts

The LWV of Alachua County has been following the issue of changes to the administration of GRU for nearly a year. It has been our position that the process used by legislators to enact a new law was a breach of democratic processes and the state inserting governor-appointed Authority members as administrators of our municipal utility are a breach of home rule.

Currently, the Authority is discussing reducing and possibly eliminating the already reduced transfer of funds to the city. This would have a detrimental effect on basic city services and the quality of life of Gainesville residents. We have two immediate action items for you.

Read more

Gun Violence Prevention & Safety

The Gun Violence Prevention & Safety Committee was formed to coordinate the League of Women Voters of Alachua County (LWVAC) efforts to reduce gun violence in our community.

Read more

Update on the Lee Property/Hickory Sink Development Issue - 11/13/23

Map of Lee Property and Hickory Sink

Submitted by Alachua County in November 2023.

News

The Lee property development effort has now entered what will likely be a protracted and unpredictable final stage. As many of you know, Special Area Planning, required since 2,279 acres of the 3,006 acres of the Hickory Sink Strategic Ecosystem are within the Lee Property, is in three steps as outlined in the article. The League of Women Voters of Alachua County’s Natural Resources Committee will be advocating for a golf course and supporting infrastructure that sets the standard for environmentally conscious courses nationwide. Simultaneously, we will support the search for conservation easement funding.

Read more

Attendance Requested at Upcoming Public Meeting on the Lee Property

Exclamation point inside a red triangle

Submitted by Alachua County in September 2023.

Action Alerts

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will soon be reviewing proposals for the Lee Property. There are upcoming meetings discussing this property and LWVAC encourages everyone to attend any and all of the meetings.

Read more

Updates on the Lee Property/Hickory Sink Development

Map of Lee Property and Hickory Sink

Submitted by Alachua County in September 2023.

News

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will soon be reviewing proposals for the Lee Property. There are three upcoming meetings discussing this property and LWVAC encourages everyone to attend any and all of the meetings.

Read more

Pages