Workshop Item Michelle Wolfe, City Manager
Title
Title
Lobby Contracts: 2022 Year in Review and 2023 Contracts
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Background
The City of Blaine contracts with three firms for lobbying services; one for state lobbying, the other two for federal lobbying. The topics for this workshop, relating to each of the three firms, are as follows:
• Review 2022 year-end reports, outlining the activities and accomplishments
• Proposed 2023 work plans
• 2023 contract review
Contracts:
The current retainer with Lockridge Grindal Nauen (LGN) for state lobbying services is effective until December 31, 2023. The 2022 contract fee was $36,000 and the 2023 fee will be $38,000. LGN has been lobbying for the city since 2018. 2023 will see the first contract increase since 2018.
The Federal Lobbying services contract with The Ferguson Group is set to expire on December 31, 2022 but is renewable at the same rate of $5,000 per month for 2023.
The existing retainer with Jacobson, Magnuson, Anderson & Holloran (Jacobson) will expire on April 30, 2023. The monthly fee is $4,100.
Staff Recommendation
All three contracts fall within the City Manager’s approval authority. However, Council consensus is requested to affirm proceeding with contract renewals as follows:
1. 2023 full-year contract with TFG for federal lobbying services at $5,000 per month.
2. 2023 contract through April with Jacobson at $4,100 per month.
Staff also requests feedback regarding the 2022 year-end reports and 2023 work plans.
Attachment List
1. LGN Legislative Report
2. Legislative Priorities 2023/LGN Work Plan
3. Jacobson 2022 Report and 2023 Work Plan
4. TFG 2022 Review
5. TFG 2022-2023 Federal Agenda