Proposed Amendment to Section 6.3 of the
Palm Beach County Charter

 
The  November 4, 2008 election will include the following proposal to amend the Palm Beach County Charter.  The Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commence Board of Directors has not taken a position on this amendment. However, we do want to make you aware of the issue.
 
Ballot Title
REQUIRE BOTH COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL APPROVAL OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS AFFECTING MUNICIPAL POWER OR FUNCTION
 
Ballot Language
Shall the Palm Beach County Charter be amended to have charter amendments that are approved by a majority of Palm Beach County voters take effect in a municipality only if the amendment is also approved by a majority of voters in that municipality, when the proposed amendment transfers or limits a municipal service, function, power or authority?
____ Yes
____ No
 

PROS

• City residents need to have a separate voice in their own affairs.
• One size does not fit all when it comes to state mandates, and it doesn't fit when it comes to county mandates, either.   
• The proposal protects local citizenry in cities, towns and villages from unwanted county-wide mandates such as, for example, a voter-approved referendum on uniform police or fire protection standards for the entire county.   

CONS

• A countywide perspective or County control is necessary on major issues that affect all Palm Beach County residents - traffic performance standards, for example.
• The proposal may prevent efficiencies that could otherwise be realized from economies of scale or uniformity.
• The proposal unnecessarily creates potential for confusion or conflict among neighboring residents based solely on jurisdictional boundaries.

The following state constitutional amendments will also be on the ballot November 4th. Click each title for more information.

Housing Employment Report

The Regional Business Alliance has contracted with the FIU Metropolitan Center to update an assessment of the affordability gap and current profile of the workforce and combine findings into a report on behalf of our region.
 
The results of this new housing and employment report will be released to the public on November 12, 2008. Note that this is a "working meeting" targeting influential community leaders. Please consider participating in the discussion intended to develop a public-private action plan. Please also share this information with colleagues and other organizations concerned about our future housing market.
  
For more information, contact Maria Woodson 561-684-1551, ext. 21