Title
Resolution Approving Service Contract # 2014- 10225 for Federal Grant Fund Lobbying Services
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Jim Westmoreland, City Manager 336-373-2002
Contact 2 and Phone: Mary Vigue, Assistant City Manager 336-373-2002
PURPOSE:
The attached resolution grants the City Manager authority to enter into a two year contract with Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman LLP as federal lobbyists in representing the City of Greensboro's priorities to federal elected officials and agencies.
BACKGROUND:
At the September 11, 2014 City Council Work Session, Craig Saperstein from Pillsbury, Winthrop Shaw, Pittman LLP provided City Council with an update on the firm's work over the past year. Attached is a copy of that presentation. Staff was requested to bring back an extension of the contract. A review of activities, accomplishments and initiatives that have been completed and that are currently in progress is attached to provide detailed information.
A wide array of support services are planned to be provided to the City under the pending contract. Initiatives include: meetings for City Leadership and Washington Staff, fund development for infrastructure for improvements and program development for the proposed Union Square Campus; support of the City's efforts to mitigate food access issues and advocate for grant funding; support the competitive application process and advocate for funding for the Piedmont Triad's Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership; advocate for Greensboro's recently submitted application to the Promise Zones Competition; develop strategies and funding resources with key stakeholders in all forms of local and regional transportation; promote Gateway University Research Park and identify various funding opportunities; identify funding opportunities for Greensboro Fire Department and Police Department to increase capacity; and promote Greensboro in Washington for its business friendly climate and other amenities that make Greensboro attractive for business relocation. The attached proposed scope of work provides more detailed information.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The City of Greensboro will contract for services for $70,200 annually for two years, for a total contract value of $140,400. Under the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greensboro Partnership plans to fund a separate contract with the same scope of work at the rate of $23,400 annually.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
City Council approval for the City Manager or his designee to execute service contract with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP for federal lobbying services is requested.