Contact: Shani Stinson, Marketing Specialist,
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency: (239) 321-7100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CRA Chair Teresa Watkins Brown honored with 2026 Home Rule Hero Award: Florida League of Cities recognizes CRA official for advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 23, 2026) – The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Fort Myer, Community Redevelopment Agency Chair, Teresa Watkins Brown with a 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session. Watkins Brown worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices by sharing insights, local data, and real-world examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities.
“Local voices matter, and during the 2026 Legislative Session, these leaders made sure those voices were heard,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “By engaging early, often, and thoughtfully, they helped elevate the municipal perspective and reinforce the importance of local decision-making. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and are proud to recognize their advocacy on behalf of Florida’s cities.”
“It is an honor to be recognized as a Home Rule Hero,” said Watkins Brown. “Strong communities are built when local leaders have the ability to respond directly to the needs of the people they serve. I remain committed to advocating for policies that protect local decision-making and strengthen neighborhoods across Fort Myers.”
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
Teresa Watkins Brown serves as Chair of the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board, where she plays a key role in guiding strategic investments and initiatives that support economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. A dedicated public servant and community advocate, Watkins Brown has been instrumental in advancing policies that promote equitable development, strengthen local businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, transparency, and sustainable community development.
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com
ABOUT THE FORT MYERS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)
Since 1984, the CRA has managed redevelopment trusts to revitalize blighted areas in the City of Fort Myers. This reinvestment can take the form of public infrastructure, residential and commercial grant programs, public arts, affordable housing development, safety initiatives and historic preservation.
If left under-resourced, parts of our city risk remaining overlooked, affecting community spirit, and slowing economic growth. This lack of redevelopment doesn’t just impact current residents—it also discourages potential new businesses and families from making our city their home. Imagine a city where every neighborhood is a beacon of growth and community spirit—a place where residents enjoy sustainable, thriving spaces and businesses benefit from a vibrant economic environment. This is the future we’re creating. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency was created in 1984 by the City of Fort Myers, Florida, under Florida Statute Chapter 163. The Fort Myers City Council members, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners, oversee the Agency’s programs and policies. The Fort Myers CRA office is located at 1400 Jackson Street in the historical downtown River District.
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