Title
Consideration of Funding for a Lobbyist
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve $11,000 in funding from Council Goal money to hire a lobbyist and forward to the full Council for approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to fund $11,000 out of Council Goal Money to hire a lobbyist to assist in preparing our 2018 Legislative Agenda.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has operated for several years without the use of contracted services for lobbying during the legislative session. During this time, staff have served in this role, advocating on a project-by-project basis and working with the Association of Washington Cities to provide advocacy on our behalf. Staff have been successful on obtaining smaller levels of funding for projects and providing testimony when needed to help move initiatives forward that benefit the City.
For the 2018 session, the City has a big need for funding for the State Route 101/West Olympia Interchange project, and would like to have additional resources during session to advocate for our City priorities. At the 2017 Council Retreat, Council identified the need for a lobbyist as a priority for consideration.
In talking with our local delegation and other communities, Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs was recommended as a potential lobbyist that could be a good fit for Olympia. Staff reached out to Ms. Ziegler, and she is interested and available to work with the City of Olympia on a contract basis. Her resume is attached. Staff would like to move forward in 2017 to hire Ms. Ziegler so that she may aid the City in preparing its 2018 legislative priorities. We would also like to retain Ms. Ziegler for 2018 as well.
For 2017, staff proposes the use of $11,000 in Council Goal Money as the source of funding fo...
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