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.
body
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 ha...
Click here for full text