REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 27, 2017
FROM: BRUCE RUDD, City Manager
City Manager's Office
BY: JOHN ELLIS, Government Affairs Manager
Office of the Mayor
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a three-year agreement with two (2) one-year extensions mutually agreed to by the parties with Simon and Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $194,999.88 for lobbying and legislative services in Washington, D.C.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a consultant services agreement with Simon and Company, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $194,999.88 for professional lobbying and legislative services in Washington D.C., and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Office of the City Manager and Mayor seeks City Council approval for a professional consultant services agreement with Simon and Company, Inc. uniquely qualified to perform professional lobbying and legislative services in Washington D.C.
BACKGROUND
Since beginning operations in 1987, Simon and Company has developed a successful track record helping local governments to take advantage of opportunities and solve problems within the federal legislative and executive branches. The City's relationship with Simon and Company has proven fruitful as the firm has grown to understand the many local needs and challenges, an understanding that only comes with a longstanding working relationship.
Simon and Company has represented the City of Fresno at the national level in Washington D.C., providing assistance in legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, federal grants and program development, and special projects. During its time representing the city, Simon and Company has successfully assisted in securing more than $60 million in federal appropriations.
Having a federal lobbyist has allowed the City to:
? Compete for scarce resources;
? Have access to a newly elected President and his Cab...
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