TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
DATE:March 25, 2025
SUBJECT: State Lobbyist Services
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve State lobbying services agreement with California Public Policy Group (CPPG), based in Sacramento, CA to provide state legislative advocacy and State funding services in the not-to-exceed amount $95,000 per year for a two-year term, effective April 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027, with the option to extend the contract for up to an additional three years, through December 2030. The total five-year contract shall not exceed $475,000.
2. Approve budget appropriation and authorize expenditure in the amount of $27,500 in FY 2024-25 from A/C #001-0000-311-1000 (General Fund, Fund Balance) to A/C #001-1120-611-5640 (Contract Service Payment to Agencies - Management Fees).
3. Find that approving the contract is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15378(b)(5).
LEVINE ACT ITEM: Yes
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$27,500 Increase to Adopted FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget. $27,500 increase to the Adopted FY 2024-25 General Fund requested from General Fund, Fund Balance is requested to pay for state legislative advocacy services. The budget for the remaining agreement term will be requested during the upcoming biennial budget process.
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BACKGROUND:
Value of Services
A state lobbyist is a valuable asset in supporting local advocacy efforts. Lobbyists extend the City's reach by providing a voice in Sacramento. They monitor and influence policies while addressing local issues and interests. With connections to legislative members, state agencies, and even the governor’s office, they bring significant influence. Their proximity to the Capitol allows them to attend last- minute hearings or negotiate amendments, essential for bolstering the City’s advocacy initiatives.
The City has benefited from state representation throughout the years. For over two decades, the City has been represented by the same State lobbying firm, facilitating meetings, attending legislative hearings, and helping resolve policy, regulatory issues, and the dissolution of its redevelopment agency. The City has successfully pursued legislation (e.g., Auto Leases, No-Low Property Tax, or Tax Equity Allocation) and supported the passage of crucial propositions (e.g., Prop 1A Local Control Measure). As a result of these endeavors, the City derived approximately $5 million annually from both Auto Leases and Tax Equity Allocation for the City’s General Fund and gained some protection against State borrowing.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Issuing a Request for Proposals/Qualifications (RFP/Q) for contracted services is standard practice by the City. They ensure accountability, transparency, and value of service. Recognizing the evolving landscape of the State Legislature and the mandates being placed on cities, the issuance of the State Lobbying Services RFP/Q assures the City has the best representation to help the City meet and respond to growing demands of Sacramento. The RFP/Q allows the City to determine what new service models are out there and provide all qualified lobbyists an equal opportunity to compete for the City's representation.
RFP/Q and Selection Process:
In accordance with Government Code Section 4526 and Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 3-10.401, staff solicited a formal RFP/Q for State Lobbying Services.
Unlike the low bid requirements of the Public Contract Code, contracts for professional, management, general, or special services should only be awarded to firms or persons who have demonstrated an adequate level of experience, competence, training, credentials, resources, staffing, and other professional qualifications necessary for more than a satisfactory of the services solicited. The award of an RFP/Q is based upon a variety of factors that demonstrate best value to the City for the solicited scope of work or service. The cost of the service may State Lobbyist Services
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be considered as one of those factors; however, the lowest cost is not the sole factor in deciding who be awarded the contract.
On October 28, 2024, the City issued an RFP/Q via the City’s e-procurement website. The City also published legal advertisements locally in the Ventura County Star and the Capitol Morning Report in Sacramento.
The City received ten proposals in total, with an additional proposal that was submitted after the deadline and rejected. The selection committee was comprised of individuals from different departments to audit proposals for the City’s overall needs and their departments. Representatives from the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk, Community and Cultural Affairs, Community Development, and Public Works Departments served on the selection committee.
The selection committee reviewed and evaluated proposals based on the following criteria as outlined in the RFP/Q:
a. Understanding of services required by City.
b. Proposed approach in completing the work.
c. Quality, clarity, and responsiveness of proposal.
d. Qualifications and availability of key persons to be assigned to the contract resulting from this solicitation.
e. Number of years of experience the Proposer has in this type of business and with accounts of this size.
f. Demonstrated competence.
g. Experience in performance of comparable work or delivery of comparable goods.
h. Price Submittal and reasonableness of cost.
i. Financial stability.
j. Conformance with the terms of this RFP/Q.
After a thorough review of proposals, the selection committee proceeded with in- person interviews of the top four applicants, complemented by a detailed examination of references
Firm Selected
The committee selected the California Public Policy Group (CPPG) as its top candidate. CPPG, a nonpartisan firm specializing in municipal advocacy, became an independent entity in 2024, having previously operated as a division of Renne Public Law Group (RPLG).
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CPPG is a well-known firm whose core strategy consists of:
•Proactive Engagement
•Creative Solutions
•Adaptability in the Political Process
•Tenacious Work Ethic and Passion for Local Government
The CPPG team has extensive backgrounds as former staff and lobbyists for the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), State Legislature, State agencies, and local government. Recently, the firm acquired a new lobbyist who previously worked for the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and has critical experience in housing and land use policy.
A retired/former Cal Cities Legislative Director/Deputy Executive Director serves as the firm’s senior policy advisor. Founding Partners of RPLG, also serve as strategic advisors. Additionally, a veteran Communications Consultant and former Editor-in-Chief of Western City magazine is part of the advisory team.
CPPG represents 29 cities; two regional airports; and other public-serving agencies including the California Association of Parks and Recreation Districts, California City Clerks Association, and California Association of Code Enforcement Officers. Their ratio of lobbyists to clients is one to six. CPPG’s CEO will be the City’s primary representative and will work directly with the City’s Legislative Affairs Manager.
The firm has expertise in a broad range of issues including:
· Public Safety and Criminal Justice
· Firefighting and Wildfire Prevention
· Transportation Infrastructure
· Water Infrastructure
· Economic Development
· Workforce Development and California Government Operations (GovOps) · Housing and Land Use
· Homelessness and Human Services
· Green Space and Parks
· Clean Energy Infrastructure
· Transit
· Hazard Mitigation
CPPG has established connections with the Governor’s Office and key state agencies, including Caltrans, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and HCD. They also maintain working relationships with organizations such as Cal Cities, the California State Association of Counties, the Rural Counties State Lobbyist Services
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Representatives of California, Urban Counties of California, the California Municipal Utilities Association, the Association of California Water Agencies, the California Special Districts Association, and others. These relationships play a crucial role in coalition building around policies and issues.
Another important service offered by CPPG is grant support. As cities face unfunded mandates or seek outside resources to implement projects or programs, having a firm that aids local funding efforts is a significant advantage. CPPG features a Director of Grant Services and a team of grant-writing consultants. They inform clients of State grant opportunities, assist with State budget requests, and maintain a grant resource library for their clients. Moreover, CPPG performs grant writing services. As part of the City’s contract, CPPG will write up to three state, federal, or non-profit grants per year.
CPPG prides itself on communication and transparency. They will provide the City with regular updates on state and legislative matters. Additionally, the firm will prepare a monthly report detailing all work performed on behalf of the City.
Accomplishments
CPPG has made great strides in its legislative and funding efforts for its clients in just six years of operation. Some key legislative victories include the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 173- a reversal of $20 million in budget cuts in the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. Passage of AB 971- Vehicles: Transit-Only Traffic Lanes. Passage of AB 2715 -Ralph M. Brown Act: closed sessions; AB 107- $3.3 million in Vehicle License Fee Backfill Funding.
CPPG clients were awarded $22.0 million in the Transformative Climate Communities Grant; $12.0 million in one-time state funding for critical infrastructure; $10.0 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant; and $7.0 million from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to fund 12 additional firefighter-paramedics over three years.
State Lobbyist Services
Under the oversight of the Legislative Affairs Manager, CPPG will provide the following services:
1. Identify, monitor, review, and advise City of State legislation, budget impacts, and current issues that may affect the City through analysis via written or electronic notices, updates, or reports while providing recommendations for advocacy.
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2. Assist in preparing and/or reviewing written correspondence, materials, and presentations for advocacy.
3. Assist in the development, proposal, and sponsorship of state bills/amendments as needed to further the City’s goals and priorities.
4. Work with state legislative staff and members to advocate passage of said bills and/or amendments to bills.
5. Monitor and identify state funding opportunities such as state appropriations, grants, and even legislation to fund the City’s annual Legislative Funding Priorities; City Council Citywide Goals and Objectives; and City Council Top Priorities, as identified by the City.
6. Review funding proposals or grant applications to fund City projects and interests.
7. Conduct meetings with appropriate state agencies, legislative staff, and elected officials to convey the City’s interests, concerns, needs, etc.
8. Attend hearings as necessary and provide testimony on behalf of the City. Where appropriate, arrange opportunities for the City to participate in hearing testimonials or submission of comments.
9. Coordinate meetings for City Councilmembers and City staff with appropriate state agencies, legislative staff, and elected officials.
10.Meet regularly with the Legislative Affairs Manager either in person or via conference call to strategize on efforts.
11.Provide an exceptional level of customer service in representing City interests to all state elected officials, staff, and agencies.
CPPG will be supporting a new component for the City:
12. Preparation of up to three grants (federal, state, and non-profit).
To effectively navigate legislative mandates, community initiatives, and large-scale projects, the City of Thousand Oaks requires a strong State lobbyist. Staff recommends City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with CPPG (Attachment #1). CPPG's proven success in representing local governments, coupled with their expertise in advocacy and grant funding, makes them the ideal partner to advance the City's goals.
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LEVINE ACT (California Government Code § 84308):
This item is subject to the Levine Act. City Councilmembers who have received a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant involved in this proceeding may do either of the following: (1) disclose the contribution on the record and recuse themselves from this proceeding; or if applicable (2) return the portion of the contribution that exceeds $500 within 30 days from the time the official knew or should have known about the contribution, and participate in the proceeding.
All parties and their agents/representatives must disclose on the record of this proceeding any aggregated contribution of more than $500 made to any Councilmember within the preceding 12 months. Councilmembers are prohibited from accepting, soliciting, or directing a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) from a party, their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made. In addition, a party, their agent/representative, or a financially- interested participant is prohibited from contributing more than $500 (aggregated) to a Councilmember during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
PREPARED BY: Mina Layba, Legislative Affairs Manager
Attachments:
Attachment #1 – California Public Policy Group Agreement CMO:\150-30\ml\CMO:H:Common/Council Items/2025/032525 State Lobbying Services.doc