Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Guzman of Sunrise honored with 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for outstanding advocacy and local leadership

Sunrise, Florida – The City of Sunrise proudly announced that Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman has been named a recipient of the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award by the Florida League of Cities (FLC). The award recognizes her tireless efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session to ensure that local voices are heard and that municipal concerns receive attention at the state level.

Deputy Mayor Guzman’s advocacy work focused on amplifying the unique perspectives of Sunrise residents, businesses, and community organizations. By sharing local data, real-world examples, and thoughtful insights, she helped inform state lawmakers, reinforcing the principle that cities should have the authority to address their communities’ needs through local solutions.

“Being named a Home Rule Hero is an honor, because it reinforces the vital role that municipal governance plays in our lives and those of our neighbors,” Guzman said. “This award is a testament to our commitment in Sunrise to solve local challenges with local solutions. It also helps validate the hard work we have been doing—and will continue to do—to advocate for our community at the forefront, ensuring that our residents and businesses have the final say in the decisions that shape our city’s daily life and define its future. I am honored to continue that advocacy.”

Home Rule is the principle that allows a city to respond to the specific concerns of its community with minimal interference from the state government. The Home Rule Hero Award recognizes local leaders, whether elected or appointed, who actively respond to the League’s call to engage with legislators and provide a municipal perspective on critical issues. These leaders help ensure that state policies reflect the realities and priorities of individual cities.

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Deputy Mayor Guzman was first elected to the Sunrise City Commission in November 2020 and secured re-election in 2022. Her leadership emphasizes empowering families, supporting small businesses, championing youth programs, advancing inclusive services, and advocating for public health and safety. Her work during the 2026 Legislative Session reflected these priorities, giving Sunrise a strong voice in shaping legislation that affects the city and its residents.

“Local voices matter, and during the 2026 Legislative Session, these leaders made sure those voices were heard,” said 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 serves as the united voice for municipal governments across the state. The organization promotes local self-government, supports city leaders, and emphasizes the importance of “Local Voices Making Local Choices.” By fostering communication between cities and the state Legislature, FLC aims to ensure that decisions affecting communities are informed by those who understand local needs best.

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Deputy Mayor Guzman’s recognition as a Home Rule Hero highlights both her personal commitment to Sunrise and the broader role of municipal leaders in shaping Florida’s policy landscape. The award underscores the city’s continued dedication to local governance, community advocacy, and citizen engagement, demonstrating that effective leadership often begins at the local level.

For more information about the Florida League of Cities, visit www.flcities.com. To learn more about the City of Sunrise City Commission and its initiatives, please visit www.sunrisefl.gov/commission.