Agenda Item Wording:
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Federal Lobbyist Presentation - Receive presentation from Thorn Run Partners on 2025 national legislative activity and authorize option to extend annual contract with this firm for the one remaining year.
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Prepared by: Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.gov, (559) 713- 4190.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council receive the report from Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners, provide any feedback for 2026 federal legislative activity or the City's Federal Agenda, and authorize the option to extend the existing annual contract for the one remaining last year.
Summary:
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 fourth and final option of this contract. The City has used the same lead lobbyist since 2010.
Background Discussion:
Greg Burns will provide an overview of federal legislative activity for the 2025 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, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Manager work directly with Mr. Burns and, when necessary, Mr. Burns meets with and provides insights to other city staff. Some of the items Mr. Burns and Thorn Run Partners have assisted the City with this year include:
- $2 million request for the Groundwater Recharge Basin project in the House version of the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill through the Environment...
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