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June 16, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Legislative Advocacy Services: Approve an Agreement with Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP for State Legislative Services
Report Number: 26-0191
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving an agreement with Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP to provide state legislative and advocacy services.
SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista coordinates and implements its Legislative Program with the assistance of a professional legislative advocacy firm to engage at the state level on legislative priorities and policies that advance City interests. The City Manager implements the program that is reviewed and approved by City Council. Current legislative advocacy efforts were launched in August 2021.
To continue and expand these efforts to federal advocacy, the City issued a Request for Pro posals for state and federal legislative advocacy services, and received five (5) proposals. Following review by a selection committee and interviews with respondents, staff recommends selection of Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP for state advocacy services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of P a g e | 2
the S tate CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The City of Chula Vista coordinates and implements its Legislative Program with the assistance of a professional advocacy firm to engage at the state level on legislative priorities and policies that advance City interests. The City Manager implements the program and the Legislative Platform that is reviewed and approved by City Council.
Current legislative advocacy efforts were launched in August 2021 when, after a competitive solicitation process, the City Council approved an agreement with Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP (“Nielsen Merksamer”) to represent the City of Chula Vista in Sacramento. The 2021 agreement expires on June 30, 2026.
Program Highlights
Since the launch of advocacy efforts in August 2021, the City has been engaged in a variety of policy areas and legislation related to university development and higher education, rail grade separations, drones as first responders, card rooms, clean energy initiatives, and more.
In addition to sponsored legislation related to the University District, the City has successfully secured funding with the help of local legislators. Senator Ben Hueso secured $20 million for SANDAG, dedicated to reducing the outstanding debt on the State Route 125 (SR -125) toll road and Senator pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assemblymember David Alvarez secured $30 million for the Millenia Library Building , paving the way for a partnership with San Diego State University’s School of Nursing and Global Campus.
Bidding Process
In anticipation of the end of the contract term with Nielsen Merksamer, on February 20, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. P21 -2026 for state and federal legislative advocacy services. The City received five (5) bids on March 27, 2026. Of those submitting, only two (2) were for state advocacy services.
Ranking Bidder Annual
Total
1 Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, LLP
(Nielsen Merksamer)
$88,800
2 Cris Com $78,000
A selection committee composed of representatives from the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Housing and Homeless Services and the City of Imperial Beach evaluated each proposal based on the criteria outlined in the RFP. The City of Imperial Beach participated in the capacity of evaluating for federal advocacy services.
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Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the selection committee recommends awarding a contract to provide state legislative advocacy services to Nielsen Merksamer.
This item approves a one -year agreement with Nielsen Merksamer for $90,300 and authorizes four (4) additional one-year extension options for a total not-to-exceed of $465,164, if all options are exercised.
Staff will be returning in August with a proposed agreement for federal legislative services.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as result of this action.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The ongoing fiscal impact upon approval of this agreement is detailed below.
All the fiscal year 2026-27 costs have been included in the budget therefore, no additional appropriation is required. Subsequent years’ cost will be incorporated as part of the budget development process.
FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029-30 FY 2030-31
Total
Not-to Exceed
Nielsen
Merksamer $90,300* $90,345 $93,991 $94,040 $96,488 $465,164 * An additional $2,500 has been allocated to the bid amount for pre-approved, reimbursable travel expenses.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Nielsen Merksamer Agreement
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, City Manager
Adrianna Relph, Special Projects and Legislative Manager