TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City of North Port 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the City of North Port 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the City of North Port 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
• Pros: Ensures that the City of North Port’s State and Federal Legislative priorities represent the priorities of the City Commission, is compiled, and approved before the start of the legislative session.
• Cons: No foreseeable cons are identified with approving the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
Option 2: Revise the City of North Port 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.
• Pros: Allows the City Commission to revise the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities prior to Legislative Action Days so they more precisely reflect the Commission’s direction.
• Cons: No foreseeable cons are identified with revising the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities to reflect the City Commission’s direction.
Background Information
The City of North Port monitors State and Federal legislation throughout the year to identify funding and other opportunities that help meet the needs of the community. The City Commission reviews and adopts legislative priorities in preparation for the State and Federal legislative sessions.
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on October 14, 2025, the Commission discussed desired changes to the 2025 State legislative priorities list, including:
Ø Removal of support for widening and extension of Toledo Blade Boulevard and I-75.
Ø Inclusion of a “Basic Community Needs” section focused on a safe, clean, and affordable community.
Ø No revisions were directed by the City Commission to the federal legislative priorities at this meeting.
These revisions have been incorporated into the attached 2026 State Legislative Priorities document. Attached for reference are the proposed 2026 City of North Port State and Federal Legislative Priorities, along with Sarasota County’s 2026 Legislative Priorities. The City Commission may add, delete, or modify items on the City’s list as it deems appropriate.
Once adopted by the City Commission, the City’s legislative priorities will be submitted to the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. 2026 State Legislative Priorities
2. 2026 Federal Legislative Priorities
3. Sarasota County 2026 Legislative Priorities
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager