REGION 2020: STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
WHAT
• To develop a region that achieves regional governance with Home Rule that
is equitably funded, fosters cooperation, promotes efficiency, shares resources,
and engages in regional issues while maintaining local identity.
• To
develop a region that establishes and implements a long-term plan to improve,
expand, and maintain
infrastructure and services while anticipating
long-term
growth and challenges in regional cooperation.
WHY
• To establish a government that is accountable, responsive, proactive, and
efficient. To expedite the implementation of regional goals.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• Citizens
• County and city government
• Legislators
• Businesses
• Regional planning commissions
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Citizens
• County and city governments
HOW
Strategy
Create an inclusive process that results in the development and adoption
of Home Rule for the region. Develop a Home Rule proposal applicable
to all counties and implemented on a county-by-county basis with the
support of
local officials, legislators, and citizens.
While efforts to achieve Home Rule continue, the Regional Roundtable
of Elected Officials will act as a voluntary regional forum to discuss,
plan
and implement
cooperative efforts in the areas of infrastructure, delivery of
services and growth.
Action Steps
Region 2020 will convene a Home Rule Implementation Team that includes
citizens, elected officials, and business leaders.
The Home Rule Implementation Team will hire a professional staff
with expertise in governmental matters and research to:
1. Oversee the development of one or more Home Rule models for
discussion.
2. Meet with groups of local officials in each county to discuss
Home Rule models and develop a Home Rule proposal for each
county.
3. Invite officials from around the region to speak at each
meeting of the Home Rule Implementation Team to discuss their
priorities
and preferences
on Home Rule.
4. Meet with working groups from other areas of Alabama who
are working on Home Rule proposals to share ideas, expertise,
and
strategies.
5. Seek the support of local officials, legislators, and
citizens through a low-key, grassroots, consensus-building
approach.
6. Petition the state legislature for adoption of proposals
developed and approved by each county.
Region 2020 will work with the Regional Roundtable of Elected
Officials to formalize their activities into a voluntary
regional forum to
replace, analyze
and make recommendations on issues important to the region
with respect to facilities and services.
Role of Region 2020
• To convene the Home Rule Implementation Team.
• To
continue to convene and staff meetings of the Regional Roundtable
of Elected
Officials
to address
issues and projects of regional cooperation.
Cost
$50,000 to $100,000
