FOR: Economic Development Committee April 28, 2021
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Alexander Hamilton, Interim Community Development Director
FROM: Sean Grayson, Acting City Manager
Title
Request the Economic Development Committee Consider Recommending the Release of a Request for Proposals for State Government Relations and Lobbying Services.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City utilizes the services of a Federal Lobbyist through a contract with David Turch and Associates. The City and Utility Authority participate in various state and federal legislative advocacy groups such as the League of California Cities. The nearby cities of Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Victorville, Jurupa Valley, and Barstow use the services of Gonsalves & Son; the City of Chino Hills uses Townsend Public Affairs; the cities of Ontario and Riverside use ARC Strategies; and the City of San Bernardino recently transitioned to a new firm. The City of Rialto does not have a contract for services for lobbying at the State of California level. For the benefit of the City, the Economic Development Committee and staff it has been requested that the City seek cost and options for State government relations and lobbying services.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
To staff's knowledge, the City has never retained a state lobbyist on general matters. However, there are a number of advantages of hiring a state lobbyist. For instance, lobbyists
* Are professionals in their field, providing expertise in legislative strategy and technique to facilitate legislation through the process.
* Can quickly respond to issues and can assist the City in providing appropriate communication to key legislators and regulators.
* Can identify where leverage needs to be applied and can point out pitfalls, because lobbyist understand the political climate in the state.
* Can monitor the legislative process in an efficient and accurate manner.
* Understand how legislation is formulated and can a...
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