Workshop Item Michelle Wolfe, City Manager
Title
Title
2022 Lobbying Contract and Legislative Priorities
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Background
Lobbying Contract:
The city contracts with the firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen (LGN) for state lobbying services. For the past three years, the annual cost paid to LGN for lobbying services has been $36,000. LGN has submitted three options for a new contract:
1 Year $36,000 (2022)
2 Years $36,000 (2022), $38,000 (2023)
3 Years $36,000 (2022), $36,000 (2023), $40,000 (2024)
In reviewing proposed costs, staff believes they are reasonable as proposed. We have not had an increase since first engaging with the firm for lobbying services. In checking with six other metro suburbs, our cost is in line with what other cities are paying.
Staff has discussed these options with Mayor Sanders and recommends a two-year contract. The annual cost is within the City Manager’s authority to approve per purchasing guidelines, however, Council consensus to move forward with this recommendation is desired prior to approval.
Attached is a draft Retainer Agreement letter from LGN. Two notes:
1. The draft attached would be for a two-year agreement; if Council prefers one of the other options, the language regarding term and costs will be updated appropriately.
2. I have requested that LGN add language that we included in the 2021 Agreement as follows:
“The City and LGN commit to developing a work plan for the 2022 and 2023 Minnesota Legislative Sessions, which will articulate the City’s legislative priorities in addition to Highway 65 infrastructure improvements and outline the City’s expectations for LGN with regard to providing updates and progress reports to the city.”
In 2021, the city developed a Legislative Priorities document and included goals, tasks, and activities for the lobbying firm to perform in pursuance of those priorities (attached). This document served as the work plan for LGN.
LGN has submitted a year end summary of 2021 achievements (attached). While not all the specific items in the work plan were performed, ultimately it was a successful year. Some of the items were unable to be completed due to the pandemic, and others were modified based on how the year was progressing.
Legislative Priorities:
Attached is a draft of 2022 Legislative Priorities. Changes include:
• The request for funding a Regional Public Safety Training Facility has been removed. Chief Podany and Chief Smith met with north metro chiefs and the group decided that this project should be delayed.
• The language supporting businesses in light of pandemic-related closures has been deleted.
• Director Haukaas updated language related to the Highway 65 priority
• A new item was added regarding a cap on Park Dedication fees
• Other minor updates such as dates, names, etc.
A one-page infographic document was created to highlight the 2021 priorities (attached). This was presented in meetings with legislators and other stakeholders. We will update the infographic once council has approved the 2022 legislative priorities.
The lobbying team will attend the February 7 Workshop to discuss the legislative priorities and strategies for 2022.
Staff Recommendation
1. Is Council supportive of a two-year agreement with LGN for lobbying services?
2. Is Council comfortable with the legislative priorities for 2022?
Attachment List
• 2022 Retainer Letter from LGN - two year
• 2021 legislative priorities/work plan document
• LGN letter, 2021 achievements
• Draft 2022 legislative priorities
• 2021 infographic