Agenda Item Wording:
title
Federal Lobbyist Presentation - Receive presentation from Thorn Run Partners on 2023 national legislative activity and authorize City Manager to extend annual contract with this firm for one additional term.
body
Deadline for Action: 12/4/2023
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number: Devon Jones, 4190
Department Recommendation:
Receive report and authorize the extension of the Thorn Run contract for an additional program year. The current contract was approved on December 6, 2021, beginning
on January 1, 2022, with the option of up to four (4) additional 1-year options. This will be the second of the options exercised (two more options remaining).
Background Discussion:
Greg Burns will provide an overview of federal legislative activity for the 2023 session and some of the strategies his firm employs as a legislative advocate for the City. Mr. Burns has come each year to Council to present an overview of the previous legislative session, to discuss the activity of interest to the City, and to give an overview of the legislative and regulatory environment at the Federal level. Mr. Burns has been a very responsive representative for the City and has helped to establish contacts and gain insights from various federal agencies and officials on matters affecting the City. The City Manager and Economic Development Manager work directly with Mr. Burns and when necessary, Mr. Burns meets with and provides insights to various other city staff.
Some of the issues Mr. Burns and Thorn Run Partners have assisted the City with
this year include securing an initial authorization for $959,752 in Congressionally-directed spending for the City’s Groundwater Recharge Basin F Project and ongoing monitoring of the National Flood Insurance Program to help ensure thousands of additional residents do not have to purchase costly flood insurance. Other ongoing efforts include helping to secure federal grant dollars, ensuring continuation of the alternative fuel tax rebate, fighting against significant daily rate increases by the National Park Service, and working on a host of other issues in the City’s best interests.
A contract for federal lobbyist services is in place with Thorn Run Partners and allows for up to four additional consecutive annual terms, “at the City’s option and upon mutually agreeable terms”. Staff is requesting Council approval to execute the contract option for 2024.The City has used the same lead lobbyist since 2010.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no change to the annual contract amount from the prior year.
Prior Council Action: December 19, 2022 - authorized first contract extension with Thorn Run Partners
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Per Council Direction
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to receive the federal lobbyist report and authorize the extension of the Thorn Run contract for an additional program year.end
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Visalia 2023 review ppt., Thorn Run contract extension request letter