Government Affairs Lingo

Government Affairs Lingo:
Jargon. Every industry and profession uses its own language. The world of lobbying and government is no different. Here's our starter list of public policy/government words for local government:

6-month Planning Calendar: A calendar that reflects what the City Council plans to work on over the next half-year.

Advocacy:
Activity aimed at influencing public policy. For instance, the Chamber's advocacy program involves committees tracking local ordinances (Local Legislative Affairs Committee), state and federal legislation (Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance), a contract lobbyist in Denver working closely with legislators and their staffs, issues research, publications, a member activation tool called NCLAaction.net, direct contact with elected officials, and staff and public testimony.

Amendment:
A change offered by City Council Members to a proposed Ordinance or Resolution.

Boards and Commissions: The City of Fort Collins has approximately 30 volunteer groups advising the City Council on various issues. The groups are appointed by the City Council.

City Charter:
Also just called ”˜the Charter,' this is the constitution of the local government.

City Code:
The body of adopted ordinances that guide actions by city staff, council and the public.

Consent Calendar:
This is a time-saving mechanism that allows the grouping of multiple items that are considered routine / non-controversial on a Regular City Council Meeting agenda into one motion.

Council Agenda:
Refers to the City Council's agenda for regular meetings or work sessions.

Council Chambers:
The auditorium type room at City Hall at 300 LaPorte in which the City Council conducts its Regular Meetings.

LLAC:
This is the abbreviation for the Chamber's Local Legislative Affairs Committee. The group meets weekly and has been empowered by the Board to take positions for the Chamber on all matters, except for issues on the ballot.

Lobbying:
Lobbying is a form of advocacy with the intention of influencing decisions made by the City Council and legislators and officials in the government.

Ordinance:
A local law passed by the City Council. It requires two readings, which means it must be on the agendas of two duly-announced Regular Council meetings to allow adequate time for public input.

Public Interest Group:
This definition needs to be read in conjunction with the one for Special Interest Group. Someone or a group of persons working on behalf of or strongly supporting a particular cause claim they are working on behalf of the public interest, while usually accusing their opponents as representing special interests.

Regular Council Meeting:
These meetings are the first and third Tuesday evening of the month and are for the purpose of formally considering and adopting Ordinances and Resolutions by the City Council.

Resolution:
A non-binding vote that expresses the intent of the City Council. A resolution only requires one vote, called a First Reading.

The Council:
This means ”˜the Fort Collins City Council,' a seven-member body elected by Fort Collins citizens. Six of the members are elected from districts and the mayor is elected citywide.

Work Session:
These meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday evening of the month and are for the purpose of allowing the City Council to informally discuss issues.