The Association Alliance Committee was formed in 2007 with the stated goal of bringing like-minded organizations closer and becoming more involved in legislative affairs. The Committee attends various conferences and legislative events in addition to meeting with legislators in Tallahassee. The Committee is responsible for forming the Florida Chapter’s Legislative Position Paper every year. Prior to the start of the Florida Legislature we distribute the Position Paper to Legislators and their staff in addition to meeting with them to discuss our concerns. By creating more awareness in Tallahassee of the issues that effect public works we are able to better influence policy. Using alliances formed with other associations that are already active in legislative affairs has helped us to get up to speed much faster than if we were going it alone.

In addition to our Legislative activities we have continued to form alliances with other public works oriented associations while building on our existing alliances. These partnerships are valuable in both expanding the influence of APWA and furthering our educational mission. By working with other associations we can reach more potential members and corporate sponsors. In the future we see tremendous opportunity in teaming with other associations to provide more value to our respective membership and thereby increase membership retention for both organizations. Doing so will help to dampen the impact the current budget crisis has had on all of these types of associations.