Agenda Item Wording:
title
Federal Legislative Advocacy services agreement – Authorize the City Manager to execute an annual services agreement with Thorn Run Partners for federal 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 Thorn Run Partners for federal legislative advocacy services effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, for a monthly fee of $7,000, plus any pre-approved travel related expenses not to exceed $3,000 annually, with up to four (4) additional one-year extension options.
Summary:
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was recently issued for federal legislative advocacy services given the existing contract for services expires December 31, 2026. Six (6) firms responded to the RFP, and after proposal review and interviews by the review committee members, Thorn Run Partners is recommended as the firm to submit to Council to authorize the execution of an annual services agreement. Thorn Run Partners is the current service provider and has been so since 2018. The annual services agreement would include a monthly fee of $7,000 and may be extended for up to four (4) additional one-year terms with annual Council approval. Additionally, Thorn Run has historically presented annually to the Council an update on Federal legislative matters and sought input for priority matters going into the next year. These in-person presentations require travel-related expenses that the City has reimbursed each year and equate to under $3,000 annually.
Background Discussion:
Thorn Run Partners has served as the City’s federal legislative advocacy services firm since 2018, with a Pa...
Click here for full text