State Advocacy by Citizens and Neighborhood Associations

1. State Advocacy by Citizens and Neighborhood Associations Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference Kelly Harris-Braxton, Esq. Harris-Braxton Consulting, LLC Executive Director and COO Virginia First Cities September 23, 2011

2. Effective State Advocacy for Local Neighborhood Leaders • Know your state senators and delegates and their politics • Schedule a meeting if you do not know your state representatives • Familiarize yourself with top issues affecting your community • Share your top state priorities • Gather statistical data if possible, not just anecdotal

3. Effective State Advocacy for Local Neighborhood Leaders • Talk to the press – editorial boards, etc. • Participate in strategic Press Events, demonstrations, letters to the editor to bring attention • Coalesce with organizations working on the issues when possible • Call, email, write and visit state legislators BEFORE the General Assembly Session in January • Draft speakers/voters to testify before legislative committees

4. Effective State Advocacy for Local Neighborhood Leaders • Use your leverage, relationships, etc. to get the message out to your neighbors and business community members • Work with established coalitions • Familiarize yourself with the state’s legislative tracking site: legis.state.va.us • Share legislative information with your neighborhood associations and encourage their involvement

5. Examples of Local Grassroots Success: Derelict Structures Law of 2009 • Original Portsmouth and Norfolk request • Dillon’s Rule prohibits local governments from enacting local legislation when it has not been specifically given the authority to do so • Genesis at the community level – citizens fed up with blighted properties and their economic and social impact • Citizen association made compelling presentations before state Housing Commission, Commission work groups, city etc. • City brought to statewide organizations

6. Derelict Structures Bill Provisions • Gives localities the authority to require removal and repair of buildings that are declared derelict • The key provision defines derelict buildings as buildings, that might endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare and have been: (i) vacant, (ii) not boarded up in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider for a continuous period in excess of six months. • The new law will further authorize local governments to incentivize owners' timely submission of a plan for demolition or renovation by providing real estate tax abatements and fee refunds.

7. Education Funding – Local Composite Index Funding - 2010 • LCI determines the percentage of state funding localities receive • Recessionary real estate decline dramatically impacted k-12 education formula for most localities outside of Northern Virginia • Certain localities and organizations were not willing to take a position because of differing positions • Citizen participation was critical to saving $129 million in education funding in 2010 and $64 million in 2011 • Citizens flocked GAB, holding rallies and making contacts with legislators • Pressure from citizens in the press and clear fiscal impact data had greatest impact

9. Your Voices are Needed • Find state issues that motivate and inspire you to action • You know how to impact local policies, use your knowledge to impact the level of government most able to increase revenue and make changes: The State • Work together to improve your communities