Consent - Joe Huss, Asst. City Manager/Finance Director
Title
Title
Approve Contract with Jacobson Law Group
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Executive Summary
Council is asked to approve the contract for federal lobbying service with the Jacobson law Group.
Background
In February staff sent a request for proposals (RFP) for federal agency and congressional lobbying services to 30 different firms; seven proposals were received. Firms were requested to submit proposals for services to secure transportation funding for the reconstruction of Highway 65 improvements in three core areas:
• Advancing policy goals at the federal level
• Identifying federal opportunities that would support the levels of service and quality of programs provided to the residents of Blaine
• Representing the City’s interest before the United States Congress and its committees and before the executive branch of the federal government
The firms were also asked to provide additional federal lobbying services in terms of monitoring relevant or high-priority legislation, reporting major changes and events. In addition, firms were asked to submit information as to how they would support the city identifying and applying for federal grants.
A thorough review of proposals led to five finalists. Online interviews were held, and The Ferguson Group (TFG) was selected. A contract was awarded at the April 4 Council meeting.
TFG immediately partnered with city staff to prepare appropriate documents to pursue inclusion on federal “ear mark” lists (Congressionally Directed Funding). As more was learned about the process, staff and Council identified an additional opportunity to engage the services of The Jacobson Law Group to support efforts to be included on the project lists submitted by the delegation that represents Blaine in Washington. (Congressman Emmer, Senator Smith, Senator Klobuchar.) The joint efforts of Blaine elected officials, staff, TFG, and the Jacobson Group resulted in the TH 65 project being included on lists submitted by all three members of the city’s delegation. The project was then included on the list approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
As the process in Washington continues, we believe both TFG and Jacobson offer valuable support towards the TH 65 project being on the final list of projects approved by the House and Senate. Therefore, we requested a Work Plan from the Jacobson Group, identifying the unique services they can provide in this endeavor. The proposed work plan is attached.
Advocacy services will be billed at a retainer rate of $4,100 per month. The term of the agreement is through December 31, 2022.
Strategic Plan Relationship
By partnering with lobbying firms, relationships are built, and services provided to support the city’s progress on the top priority project, TH 65 reconstruction. Advocacy and grant services are necessary to improve the city’s opportunities to secure over $120 million in federal funding.
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
Federal lobbying expenses were not specifically funded in the 2022 budget. The Finance Director has indicated that general Fund contingency funds are available as a funding source for this contract. Staff also monitors revenue collection trends throughout the year. If revenue collected exceeds amounts, staff would recommend a budget amendment directing funds on hand be used to fund the federal lobbying contract.
Public Outreach/Input
N/A
Staff Recommendation
The total expenditure for this contract in 2022 is unlikely to exceed $50,000, which typically means the City Manager can proceed with authorizing the agreement. Given the high priority of the TH 65 project and the level of involvement and interaction with the City Council, and in the event any additional expenses arise that would cause the amount to exceed $50,000, staff is requesting that City Council authorize by motion the approval of a Government Relations Agreement with The Jacobson Law Group (aka Jacobson, Magnuson, Anderson & Halloran, P.C.)
Attachment List
Jacobson Law Group Work Plan 2022