Backs to Business

Review Summary
What. The disconnect between business and local government lobbies.
Issue. Legislative programs of local government groups largely ignore state leaders' biggest priorities: jobs and the economy.
Impact. Local government lobbies' failure to see the big picture could dampen recovery.

Jobs and the economy head the list of legislative priorities of both the Legislature and Gov. Charlie Crist — and arguably the people of Florida.

But you won't find the words “jobs” or “economy” in the legislative priorities of the primary lobbying groups for local governments. What you will find in this devastating economic downturn is a focus on growth management and environmental planning.