Candidate
Accomplishments
Developed Neighborhood Infrastructure program
After personally observing the effects of neglected infrastructure on families in a tour of the Bond community, Commissioner Katz created the Neighborhood Infrastructure program. With interest rates at an historically low level, Commissioner Katz saw an opportunity to change the face of neighborhoods and the way people live in them. 50 million dollars was dedicated to communities across Tallahassee, with an additional five million dollars earmarked specifically for the Bond community. With input from citizens and city staff, 45 projects have been slated for completion.
Provided leadership in streamlining City and County governments
Commissioner Katz demonstrated leadership in finding common sense solutions to issues between governments by successfully negotiating new agreements covering Parks & Recreation, fire services, and sewer and water availability throughout our community. read more
Spearheaded work-force housing
With a shortage in Tallahassee of affordable housing close to work for teachers, police officers, firefighters, government employees and small business owners, Commissioner Katz spearheaded the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, adopted in April of 2005. The ordinance requires developers to plan 10% of housing units in new developments to be priced no higher than $159,378, with an adjustment for inflation. It offers a number of incentives to developers so that the requirements don’t stifle new growth.
Authored compromise for rejuvenation of downtown
Commissioner Katz proposed a compromise on height standards of new building downtown between the Downtown Merchants and Business Association and historic preservation advocates. Ultimately, this proposal was unanimously passed by the City Commission and has opened the door to the new development downtown.
Negotiated successful agreement to bring Danfoss Turbocor to Tallahassee
The Turbocor deal was constructed to limit the city’s financial risk and create a business model that had a good likelihood of success. This will create 150 new jobs and a $10 million payroll added to our community’s strengthening economy.
Worked with ECHO to support homeless and low income families
Under the leadership of Commissioner Katz, Tallahassee’s City Utility Department sponsored a room at Bethany Family Apartments to provide temporary housing for homeless families. Also provided is support finding employment, and education in life and financial management skills in order to help families become independent. Also worked to rehabilitate apartments to provide affordable permanent housing for low income residents.
Negotiated terms of development of Welaunee plantation
Successfully negotiated the purchase of 420 acres of Welaunee plantation for use by the city of Tallahassee. Also negotiated the placement of necessary power line so that it affected the fewest citizens possible.
Professional
Allan Katz, first appointed to the City Commission in May of 2002 then elected in February 2003, is the managing partner of the Tallahassee office of Akerman Senterfitt, one of the largest law firms in the state of Florida.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Katz was Assistant Insurance Commissioner and General Counsel for the State of Florida Insurance Department. He also held positions as General Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives Commission on Administrative Review (1976-1978), Legislative Director for Congressman David Obey (1975-1976) and Legislative Assistant to Congressman Bill Gunter (1972-1974).
He served as the first Chairman of the State of Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association which was a unique Medical Malpractice No-Fault Compensation System. He is currently the co-chair of the Budget Committee of the Democratic National Committee and a member of the DNC Executive Committee. He also served as a member of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, a constitutionally created entity charged with reviewing state tax and budget matters and proposing changes to the state constitution.
Commissioner Katz currently serves on the boards of the Florida Municipal Electric Association and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend.
Education:
• American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, DC , 1974, J.D.
• The University of Missouri-Kansas City, B.A., 1969
Professional Associations and Memberships:
• State of Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association First Chairman
• The Missouri Bar Member
• The Florida Bar Member
• American Bar Association Member
• Florida Municipal Electric Association, Board Member
• The Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, Board Member
• American Bar Association
• Democratic National Committee, Member
• Budget Committee of the Democratic National Committee, Co-chair
Professional Experiences:
• Katz, Kutter, Alderman & Bryant, P.A., Managing Shareholder
• State of Florida Insurance Department, Assistant Insurance Commissioner
• State of Florida Insurance Department, General Counsel
• U.S. House of Representatives Commission on Administrative Review , General Counsel
• Congressman David Obey, Legislative Director
• Congressman Bill Gunter , Legislative Assistant
• Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, Member