Our government officials and politicians work for us and we deserve to be listened to when we have concerns and issues in our communities. At Magnified Voices we are here to help you make sure lawmakers are held accountable.
Our policy awareness work ensures that elected officials represent community needs and not special interests. We do that by tracking votes, amplifying public voices, and demanding transparency.
We take action by:
- Monitoring legislation that affects housing, education, voting rights, and economic justice
- Publishing scorecards and policy alerts so communities understand how representatives are voting
- Assisting with town halls and forums to build direct channels between communities and decision-makers
Accountability isn’t optional; it’s a foundational part of our democracy. At Magnified Voices, we mobilize civic pressure to make justice-driven governance the standard, not the exception.
More About Policy Awareness
Tampa City Council Meetings
You can find Magnified Voices representatives at many of the Tampa City Council meetings. We are there observing, making public comment, advocating for members of our community, and making sure our government officials are held accountable for the decisions they make. All the decisions they make affect us and shape the future of our community and it is essential that our organization is there to ensure City Council decisions enhance our neighborhoods and our quality of life.
The Council plays a critical role in creating local laws, approving major policies, managing taxpayer dollars and spending, and deciding on land use and development. City Council members also serve as advocates for the residents they represent. Every decision made by the Tampa City Council has the potential to affect thousands of residents. From approving new parks and road improvements to addressing housing challenges and supporting local businesses, the Council’s work touches nearly every aspect of daily life. We encourage people to attend when they can and you can always find meeting dates and times on their website. However, if you need help, we are here for you.
Board of County Commission Meetings
You will also find us at the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings. Similar to the Tampa City Council, they make critical decisions about how to spend taxpayer money, county-wide. They also establish county policies, adopt local ordinances, approve the county budget, and oversee many of the public services that residents rely on every day.
More specifically, the BOCC makes decisions about essential services such as parks, libraries, fire rescue, animal services, public health programs, solid waste collection, stormwater management, road maintenance, and other critical infrastructure. They make important decisions regarding land use, zoning, transportation planning, environmental protection, and economic development.
By attending meetings, we can observe the process, make public comment when necessary, and ensure that our taxpayer dollars are going towards responsible growth for our county. You can find information about the BOCC on their website. If you need support at a meeting, contact Magnified Voices and we’ll discuss the best way we can make sure your voice is heard.