HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01867 Back-upDOUGBRUCE
A S S OA T ES
October 16, 2006
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones, Chair
Southeast Overtown/ Park West and
Omni Redevelopment Agencies
49 Northwest 5th Street, Suite 100
Miami, FL 33128
Dear Commissioner Spence -Jones:
Over the last five years, Doug Bruce & Associates has provided effective
representation before the Florida Legislature, and liaison services with the Executive
Branch of the State of Florida on behalf of the Southeast Overtown Park West and Omni
Redevelopment Agencies. During this time, we have engaged on specific and general
governance issues pertaining to the Miami CRA and other redevelopment agencies.
Overriding these issues has been the constant conflict between the Association of
Counties and the League of Cities over the limitation of the authority of CRA. We have
coordinated with the League to protect Miami's CRA in this debate, securing protective
grandfathering language (2001-06).
Additional efforts of engagement during the course of the contract include:
• Investigating sales tax incentives for construction of Art and Science Museums,
as have been successfully obtained by professional sports franchises. (2001)
• Reinstating the Miami Parking Surcharge following a circuit court finding of
unconstitutionality. (2001)
• Securing an amendment to CRA law enabling areas which are "governmentally
owned with adverse environmental conditions" to be qualified for inclusion in a
CRA. (Bicentennial Park). (2002)
• Securing an amendment to include "inadequate parking facilities, roadways,
bridges, or public transportation facilities" within the definition of "blighted
areas" for purposes of forming a CRA. (2002)
• Assisting in the historic grant application submittal for restoration of the Ward
Boarding House. (2003)
• Facilitating meetings with local legislators in advance of unfavorable press
stories relating to the CRA. (2003-06)
• Facilitating tours of the CRA area with local legislators, county and city
officials. (2004-06)
P.O. Box 10855 (32302) ig 106 SOUTH MONROE STREET M TALLAHASSEE, FL 32301
(850) 402- 1900 N FAX (850) 402-1653 HDBRUCE@EARTHLINK.NET
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
October 16, 2006
Page 2
• Assisting in the recruitment of the Florida Redevelopment Association's 2006
Annual Convention to the City of Miami, which will occur October 17-20, 2006.
(2005)
• Participating in securing passage of affordable housing legislation. (2006)
Doug Bruce has been involved with the Florida Legislature for over 35
years, as a staff member in the House of Representatives (3 years) and Staff
Director in the Senate (2 years), and as an effective advocate for major private and
public interests. (30 years)
Clients include:
Gold Coast Beverage Distributors
Miami River Commission
Motorola
Osceola County
Progress Energy
Rinker Materials Corporation
The Florida Bar
The Haskell Company
The Villages at Lake Sumter
Toys R Us
Wakulla County
White Rock Quarries
Doug Bruce & Associates maintains an office two blocks from the Capitol
and has one of the most credible reputations among lobbyists in the state.
Experiences and relationships gained over a 35-year legislative history
provide a unique set of skills and attributes. These have been employed to the
benefit of the Southeast Overtown Park West and Omni Redevelopment Agencies.
Looking forward, the City is seeing many exciting construction projects
within the CRA. Perhaps, the most difficult challenge will be the provision of
affordable housing for workforce and low-income citizens.
The Florida House of Representatives has created the Select Committee on
Affordable Housing. We have met with its chairman and staff and attended the
committee's initial meeting in Tallahassee. Furthermore, we have facilitated a
meeting for board member, Linda Haskins, to meet with Representative Dan Gelber,
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
October 16, 2006
Page 3
local delegation member and member of the Select Committee. Commissioner
Haskins briefed Representative Gelber on our goals and objectives, and discussed
proposals to be considered. The Select Committee will be conducting hearings
around the state in preparation for the 2007 Legislative Session.
As the board determines its 2007 legislative agenda, options for addressing
the affordable housing issues should take precedence.
I am available to the Commission in formulating the legislative agenda for
the Southeast Overtown Park West and Omni Redevelopment Agencies.
It has been an honor to represent the agencies these past five years. I look
forward to assisting you in providing a very vital service to the future of the City of
Miami and Miami -Dade County.
Respectfully submitted.
•
H. DouYas Bruce
HDB:jk
Cc: Members of the Board
Mr. Jim Villacorta
•