TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
DATE:August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Amendment to Federal Lobbyist Services Contract RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve First Amendment to federal lobbyist services agreement with Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc. (Washington, D.C.), to increase administrative service fees by $3,500 annually beginning with the remainder of the current term, and extending the term of the contract for an additional 12 months to December 31, 2026, for a new total not-to-exceed amount of $438,000.
2. Authorize additional appropriation in the amount of $3,500 for FY 2025-26 and $3,500 for FY 2026-27 from A/C #001-0000-311-1000 (General Fund, Fund Balance) to A/C #001-1120-611-5640 (Contracted Services - Management Fees).
3. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act
LEVINE ACT ITEM: Yes
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$3,500 Increase to Adopted FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget and $3,500 Increase to Adopted FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget. $7,000 requested from General Fund, Fund Balance to pay for increase in administrative contract costs for $3,500 for FY 2025-26 and $3,500 for FY 2026-27. Additional funds for the remaining contract term will be requested during the upcoming biennial budget process.
Amendment to Federal Lobbyist Services Contract
August 26, 2025
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BACKGROUND:
The City has had a federal lobbyist for over 17 years and is currently represented by Van Scoyoc and Associates, Inc. (Consultant) with the support of James Crum, Senior Vice President, and Maggie McGrane, Director of Government Relations.
Having a federal lobbyist in close proximity to the nation’s capital is extremely beneficial. Lobbyists are an “extension of the City” and can advocate in person on pressing issues, obtain clarification on federal applications, and seek positions on policies. City staff often rely on their immediate intervention to assist when they cannot get through to the right agency contact or have a deadline to meet.
The Consultant has proactively monitored legislation and identified federal funding opportunities such as legislation, federal appropriations, federal earmarks, and grants to fund City’s Legislative Funding Priorities, City Council Goals, and any other interests identified by City departments. They have assisted in preparing and/or reviewing funding proposals or grant applications. They also attended hearings and briefings as well as conducted meetings with federal agencies, legislative staff, and elected officials to communicate City’s interests, concerns, needs, etc.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Since the start of the new White House Administration in January 2025, federal lobbyists have worked overtime reviewing executive orders and policies, doing research, and taking more meetings based on the numerous, significant policy changes and the loss of key federal agency staff.
The original contract allotted $1,500 in administrative fees, which includes travel to Thousand Oaks, local meetings, office expenses, and preparation and reproduction of materials for congressional members and agencies. During the 2024 contract cycle, the Consultant exceeded its administrative fees and absorbed the costs.
As the environment in Washington, D.C. continues to evolve and a new White House agenda unfolds, it is anticipated that the Consultant will continue to be flooded with additional responsibilities in supporting the City’s needs and advocating for policies and future funding. The existing administrative fee is not sufficient to cover the expenses related to extra duties.
The current outlook for federal operations and funding in six months has demonstrated a major shift in priorities and operations:
Amendment to Federal Lobbyist Services Contract
August 26, 2025
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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which includes nearly $1.2 trillion in state and local investments, is set to expire in September 2026. This means there are still significant opportunities for funding available over the next two years.
The White House reprogrammed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) with a new abbreviated deadline, impacting the $369 billion in energy and climate change programs that offer opportunities for the City.
The recently enacted 'One Big Beautiful Bill' or H.R. 1 mandates the clawback of unobligated grant funding, compelling cities and states to expedite grant application processes to secure their allocated awards.
White House executive orders, such as the "Unleashing American Energy EO," called for an immediate "pause" on the disbursement of funds from programs like the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. These actions aim to align federal spending with new policy priorities. This has resulted in unexpected delays with the CFI grant by Ventura County/City of Thousand Oaks of $12 million for regional Level 2 and Level 3 electric chargers.
The President’s FY 2025-26 Budget is proposing significant cuts to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as well as HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and in some cases, outright elimination. This is part of a broader budget strategy that seeks to reduce federal spending and shift responsibilities to states and local governments.
The White House is proposing to cut the overall budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by nearly half. This includes significant reductions and restructuring of other crucial programs like rental assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Rental Assistance) and homelessness assistance grants (Continuum of Care).
The White House is proposing significant cuts and reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of its FY 2025-26 budget proposal and broader policy agenda. These changes are driven by a philosophy of reducing federal spending, shifting more responsibility to state and local governments for managing threats and hazards with potentially less direct federal intervention or funding.
The additional funds being requested will ensure that the Consultant has the necessary resources it needs to address the new challenges and landscape in Washington, D.C., in supporting the City’s needs and concerns.
Amendment to Federal Lobbyist Services Contract
August 26, 2025
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The City awarded its contract with Van Scoyoc and Associates, Inc. in January 2023 for a three-year term, with the option to extend it for an additional two years. The total contract term is five years.
City and Consultant are both desirous of exercising the first optional extension of the Contract, which expires on December 31, 2025. Despite the City Manager's authority to extend the contract, staff is seeking City Council approval at this time (Attachment #1). This will optimize efficiency and prevent the need to execute a second contract amendment in December. The new term will begin January 1, 2026.
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 goals:
B. Provide municipal government leadership which is open and responsive to residents, and is characterized by ethical behavior, stability, promoting public trust, transparency, confidence in the future, and cooperative interaction among civic leaders, residents, business representatives, and staff, while recognizing and respecting legitimate differences of opinion on critical issues facing the City.
Amendment to Federal Lobbyist Services Contract
August 26, 2025
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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.
F. Provide and enhance essential infrastructure to ensure that the goals and policies of the Thousand Oaks General Plan are carried out and the City retains its role and reputation as a leader in protecting the environment and preserving limited natural resources.
PREPARED BY: Mina Layba, Legislative Affairs Manager
Attachment #1 – First Amendment to Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc.
Agreement
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