The City of Sunrise, Florida along with the Florida League of Cities (FLC) together announce that Commissioner Neil C. Kerch is distinguished with a 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session. Commissioner Kerch worked tirelessly throughout the 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.

"It is a privilege to be considered a Home Rule Hero, because I’ve always felt a fundamental duty in Sunrise to find the very best local solutions that our residents and businesses deserve," said Commissioner Neil C. Kerch. "This recognition by the Florida League of Cities validates that part of municipal leadership is defending our City’s authority to do what’s best for the local community. I remain deeply committed to keeping our neighbors’ voices central in every decision, ensuring that local voices have the power to define and protect Sunrise’s future."

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address a community’s specific concerns 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.

Commissioner Kerch was elected to the Sunrise City Commission in March of 2013, re-elected in 2014 and 2018, and returned to office without opposition in 2022. He has three guiding principles as an elected official, which are: follow your vision for the city, serve with integrity, and deliver results.

“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.”

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 on FLC, visit www.flcities.com. For more information about the City of Sunrise City Commission, please visit www.sunrisefl.gov/commission.