Lady Lake Mayor Ed Freeman has been appointed Heartland League of Cities president, representing Lake and Sumter counties in the Florida League of Cities.
Freeman, a resident of Water Oak, will lead the Heartland League of Cities, which is a regional association of municipalities within Florida, serving as a local arm of the larger Florida League of Cities, promoting local self-governance, collaboration, and advocacy for the needs of cities and towns in the central Florida region (often called the “Heartland”) through education, shared resources, and representation on state issues.
His leadership comes at a time when communities face the threat of potential loss of property taxes and the undermining of the concept of home rule.
“No single city can solve these challenges alone. But together—through collaboration, shared learning, and collective advocacy—we are powerful. That is the role of the Heartland League of Cities: to be a trusted partner, a strong advocate, and a place where cities come together not to compete, but to lift one another up. As president, my commitment is simple and firm. I will work to ensure that every city—large or small—has a voice at this table,” Freeman said.