Title
Discuss and consider action on existing and proposed legislative advocacy agreements.
Summary
This item has been included on the agenda for review and action regarding the selection of a legislative advocate. The City currently contracts with Focused Advocacy to provide legislative advocacy professional services. City Council added to the City’s 89th Legislative Agenda the introduction and passage authorizing it to retain 100% of state sales, use, and hotel occupancy taxes generated by a hotel project, along with eligible tax proceeds, for 10 years from the project's initial occupancy, as outlined in Rule 3.12 after approving their agreement with Focused Advocacy. Focused Advocacy requested to amend the current agreement to account for this legislation and expanded scope. This has been added to the agenda for City Council consideration.
Additional options for a legislative advocate were requested. Searle Strategies and HillCo Partners both provided proposals.
The proposal from HillCo Partners addresses the Qualified Hotel Project and TxDot Toll Revenue projects, not to exceed $150,000. The fee shall be paid in 6 monthly payments of $25,000 for the period of the agreement.
The proposal from Searle Strategies addresses the Qualified Hotel Project and TxDot Toll Revenue projects, not to exceed $80,500. The fee includes a onetime additional expenses cost of $500 and a monthly retainer of $20,000 per month for the period of the agreement.
Prior City Council Action
July 14, 2020 - City Council approved a proposal for legislative advocacy services from Focused Advocacy and authorized the City Manger to execute the final agreement.
September 27, 2022 - City Council approved a 24-month agreement for legislative advocacy services from Focused Advocacy and authorized the City Manager to execute the same.
September 24, 2024 - City Council approved a Full Service Legislative and Regulatory Consulting Services Contract with Focused Advocacy in an amount not to exc...
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