Agenda Item Wording:
title
State Legislative Advocacy services agreement - Authorize the City Manager to execute an annual services agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni for state legislative advocacy services effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, for a monthly fee of $7,000 with up to four (4) additional one-year extension options.
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Agenda Date: 11/16/2026
Prepared by:
John Lollis, Assistant City Manager, John.Lollis@visalia.gov, 559-713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an annual services agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni (NMPGL) for state legislative advocacy services effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, for a monthly fee of $7,000 (plus an average monthly expense of $200 specifically for assistance with lobbyist activity reporting required by the State) with up to four (4) additional one-year extension options. Additionally, any travel related expenses associated with pre-approved trips to the City of Visalia would be reimbursed.
Summary:
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was recently issued for state legislative advocacy services given the existing contract for services expires November 30, 2026. The City’s current services provider, NMPGL, was the only firm to provide a proposal. NMPGL has been the City’s state legislative advocacy services provider since 2011. The annual services agreement would include a monthly fee of $7,000 (plus an average monthly expense of $200 specifically for assistance with lobbyist activity reporting required by the State, which is separated as it is not a lobbying service itself) and may be extended for up to four (4) additional one-year terms with annual Council approval. Additionally, any travel related expenses associated with pre-approved trips to the City of Visalia would be reimbursed.
Background Discussion:
NMPGL has served as the City’s state legislative advocacy services firm since 2011, with a Partner in the firm, John Moffatt, having served as the City’s lead lobbyist and assisted by Senior Counsel Michelle Rubalcava and Senior Legislative Advocate Geoff Neill. In its proposal, NMPGL proposes that Rubalcava serve as lead lobbyist and assisted by Neill and Moffatt. The City’s current agreement with NMPGL expires November 30, 2026, and has been approved by Council each year since 2021 after the last RFP was issued.
A RFP was recently issued for state legislative advocacy services, to which only NMPGL provided a proposal. NMPGL has been consistently responsive to City issues, up to date on state legislation as it moves through various committees to the Assembly and Senate and to the Governor, and are well informed on state legislative matters and represented the City’s interests in Sacramento well.
It is recommended that NMPGL continue to serve as the City’s state legislative lobbyist and authorize the City Manager to execute an annual services agreement with four (4) additional one-year extension options with annual Council approval
Fiscal impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
The annual services agreement amount remains the same as the current year and is contained in the current budget.
Prior Council Action:
March 2, 2026 (25-0528)
January 21, 2025 (24-0538)
February 5, 2024 (24-0027)
February 6, 2023 (23-0024)
April 4, 2022 (22-0039)
January 18, 2021 (21-0593)
Alternatives:
Per Council direction
Recommended Motion (and alternative motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to execute an annual services agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni for state legislative advocacy services effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, with a monthly fee of $7,000 (plus an average monthly expense of $200 specifically for assistance with lobbyist activity reporting required by the State) with up to four (4) additional one-year extension options, and any travel related expenses associated with pre-approved trips to the City of Visalia would be reimbursed.
Environmental Assessment Status:
N/A
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review:
N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/21/2026
Attachments:
Draft Service Agreement
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Select all that apply.
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