ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request for the Following:
A. APPROVE a CONTRACT with VINCENT R. WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES to Serve as the City’s LOBBYIST in the State of Illinois, in the Amount of $4,600.00 per Month, and to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Necessary Documents; and
B. APPROVE a CONTRACT with TURING STRATEGIES to Serve as the City’s LOBBYIST in the State of Illinois, in the Amount of $3,680.00 per Month, and the Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Necessary Documents.
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BACKGROUND: The City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a firm to represent the City of Peoria in the State capitol. A state lobbyist helps City staff and elected officials craft and advance legislation and identifies potential funding opportunities that could benefit Peoria. The RFP included the following Scope of Work:
1. Advise City of the political and financial feasibility of the legislative platform and develop appropriate strategies in consultation with City staff including, but not limited to, drafting City specific legislation, facilitating coalitions to advance any introduced legislation and guiding legislation through the legislative process, resulting in the passage of said legislation. Advise on presentation (organization, formatting, etc.) of legislative materials and assist in drafting materials and correspondence to support advocacy for legislative platform.
2. Proactively identify and analyze potential impacts of State budget proposals and pending legislation on the City and advocate accordingly. Assess legislative bills to determine the key pieces of legislation that should be brought to the City’s attention.
3. Represent the City of Peoria in terms of communicating the City’s legislative platform and position on State budget proposals and legislative bills to various stakeholders (Governor, local and other members of the Legislature, Committee staff, state agencies, other communities, advocacy groups, etc.), including writing letters of support/opposition and verbal communication (in person, meetings, testifying in Committees, etc.).
4. Assist the Mayor, members of the City Council and City staff develop the annual legislative agenda.
5. During the legislative session, participate in periodic conference calls with the City Manager to review activity and plan for the upcoming weeks.
6. Create written report (monthly summary) regarding advocacy activities and participate in meetings as called via teleconference.
The RFP was sent to ten firms and placed on the City’s website. Five firms submitted proposals. With additional state and federal funding available, staff would recommend that the City retain two firms, Vincent R. Williams and Associates and Turing Strategies, to work collaboratively on the City’s behalf. Having two firms is not unique. Peoria County currently retains two firms to advocate upon the County’s behalf. The attached contracts are for one year with three option years.
Vincent R. Williams and Associates is an MBE. 55.55% of this engagement would be performed by an MBE.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Both firms agreed to an 8% reduction in their proposed rates. Vincent R Williams and Associates would be paid $4,600 monthly and Turing Strategies would be paid $3,680 monthly. The total annual cost of the dual engagement would be $99,360. Funds are available in account 101-6010-503999.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: N/A
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City will retain the services of both firms for Lobbyists.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City will not retain a Lobbyist for 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Vince Williams and Associates 03693-330930
Turing Strategies Applied for
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City
2. Safe Peoria
3. Grow Peoria
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Keep taxes and fees competitive.
3. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office