Title
Professional Federal Lobbying and Advocacy Services Agreement (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to approve the execution of a professional federal lobbying and advocacy services agreement.
Explanation
The City has retained the services of Marilyn Berry Thompson, with the firm of MWW Group, Inc., as a special lobbyist in Washington, D.C. in connection with matters concerning the City on behalf of its General Government and Utility.
City of Gainesville’s Agreement for Professional Federal Lobbying Services will end on September 30, 2016. This role and the services provided have been extensively and regularly reviewed following their initiation in 1994.
The Lobbyist provides lobbying and advocacy services and monitors U.S. Congress on important legislative matters that could affect the City in areas of housing, economic redevelopment, taxation, revenue distribution, transportation, environment, utility regulation, telecommunications, homeland security and other areas.
The City agrees to compensate MWW Group, Inc. at a fee of $113,000 for the City's General Government, and $30,000 for Gainesville Regional Utilities, for a combined annual fee of $143,000. The Lobbyist will continue to pay all expenses without reimbursement.
The brief Summary of Federal Lobbyist Services (attached) provides a more detailed description that highlights over $70 million in federal relations outcomes and activities in five key areas: 1) Community Development and Parks; 2) Economic Development and Special Projects; 3) Housing and Homeless; 4) Criminal Justice; and 5) Transportation.
This agreement has one significant change from the previous agreement. The consultant firm is requesting reimbursement for transportation services between legislative and lobby meetings. If it is determined that transportation services are needed due to restrictions around certain Federal buildings or for other logistical issues, City staff can request that the consultan...
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