- This event has passed.
LEON COUNTY INDIVISIBLE MONTHLY MEETING
April 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
FOURTH THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH-Join us for a thought seeking program! We will bring you speakers, panel discussions, actions and ideas to help fight to keep our Constitution and Freedom!
Disappearing Home Rule, No More Local Quality of Life
Major property tax reforms have been proposed by the Florida Legislature under the banner of affordability. Various House Joint Resolutions that would require voter approval did not pass the regular 2026 legislative session (neither did a balanced budget!) but the prospect of a Special Session looms and promises to “pick up the fight” are already featured in some political campaign rhetoric.
While cuts to homesteaded property taxes sound enticing, elimination or severe reductions in this most reliable source of revenue would present major blows to a local government’s ability to provide core services and infrastructure to their own constituents. As noted by the Florida League of Cities:
“Cities are at the heart of Florida’s success, delivering essential services such as clean water, safe neighborhoods, emergency response, and waste collection. These services aren’t political; they’re fundamental, funded locally and managed transparently by leaders closest to the people.”
Further, if the same quality of life residents chose is to be maintained, more property tax revenues would need to be levied on non-homestead properties with expected increased costs to businesses and their customers, and to landlords and their tenants – effectively crippling the local economy and shifting cost burdens to those least able to pay.
Leon County Indivisible is pleased to welcome Mr. Jeff Branch, Director of Field Advocacy and Emergency Management for the Florida League of Cities and Executive Director of the Florida League of Mayors to our next Monthly Meeting Thursday, April 23, 6 PM at the Florida People’s Advocacy Center 603 N Martin Luther King Blvd.
Mr. Branch will share his extensive knowledge and insights into the array of property tax proposals from the 2026 legislative session and what may be upcoming. Bring your curiosity and your questions!
For more information, the Florida League of Cities has considerable Property Tax Toolkit resources online: Let Local Voices Decide including Data by City. See you 6 PM on April 23rd at Florida People’s Advocacy Center 603 N Martin Luther King Blvd!
Jeff Branch is an accomplished political professional with 19 years of experience. He currently serves as the Director of Field Advocacy and Emergency Management for the Florida League of Cities and as Executive Director of the Florida League of Mayors. A native of Watertown, New York, Jeff graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in 2005.
Throughout his career, Jeff has held diverse roles in Florida politics, including Senior Legislative Advocate for the Florida League of Cities, where he managed transportation and intergovernmental relations issues. He has also worked in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, served as Deputy Political Director for Alex Sink’s gubernatorial campaign, and was Political Director for Patrick Murphy’s U.S. Senate campaign. Most recently, he worked for Congresswoman Val Demings.
Jeff is deeply committed to community service and education. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Bethune-Cookman University, where he chairs the Institutional Advancement Committee. Additionally, he is a board member of Leadership Florida and serves as President of Leadership Florida’s Connect Class 12. Jeff resides in Tallahassee with his three children.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
May: Voter Registration and Rights- Ion Sancho
June: Fascism-Ted Duggan