My job, in terms of advocacy, is to work with city, county, state and federal officials on issues dealing with tourism.
Often I get complaints from people frustrated with the process of how city officials write city ordinances.
It is frustrating at times, and it is by no means a perfect process. But, I believe there is a process in place.
The birth of an ordinance begins with a problem, usually an issue arises. The issue comes from people or advisory groups, such as the Tourism Advisory Council on which I serve.
City staff takes the issue and checks all ordinances currently in place. If there is no ordinance that addresses the issue, city staff will start a due diligence process.
That process may include putting together a working group of stakeholders, researching how other cities address the issue and looking internally for possible solutions.
When the city puts together a working group, staff typically invites people who are affected by the issue. It’s a small group so detailed discussion can take place.
I have been a part of working groups representing tourism. Generally, in those working groups, city staff present a draft of the proposal. It’s my job to look closely at the implications for the tourism industry that I represent. Then, I take it back to my board of directors and the stakeholders I represent to receive their input.
The draft will go through several different revisions. Draft after draft.
At this point, it’s back and forth, but nothing is set in stone. From the outside looking in, the trappings here are that some could be worried that what is being proposed is what will be passed. The ordinance has a long way to go yet.
If it’s an ordinance that has generated buzz, the next step might be a public hearing to help shape the ordinance.
After all of the due diligence is done, city staff will write a memo to the mayor and aldermen about the proposed ordinance changes.
Usually five days later, city council will participate in a workshop concerning the ordinance. This involves our elected officials delving into the text and testing whether it will work. At this juncture, they may provide feedback. They may ask city staff to edit the ordinance. They may say they’re not interested in the ordinance at all.
But, if they find no issue with the proposed ordinance, they’ll schedule a first reading during a city council meeting. This is when the public is invited to share their concerns on the record.
If nothing changes, city council will schedule a second reading before council. This is when council will vote for or against. The ordinance will pass if a majority of council votes in the affirmative.
It’s a long and complicated process that is echoed in municipalities across the nation. It’s designed to have multiple, integrated levels to vet proposed city legislation.
With all of the moving parts, the process can have snags along the way. It’s not perfect, but I believe in the process because I know that if I am an engaged citizen, my voice will be heard, at some point along the way, whether I agree with the end result.
If you want to know more about the intricacies of the city of Savannah, the public information office hosts a Citizens Academy where you meet the city staff who originate those ordinances. You can call their office at 912-651-6410 to find out more.
Michael Owens is president/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, the largest non-profit trade organization that supports and represents the tourism industry. Contact Owens at michael@tourismleadershipcouncil.com or by calling 912-232-1223.
