96151-007.0 RFP Document (PDF, 551KB)

1. INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan (City) is dedicated to advancing the interests and welfare of its residents and recognizes the critical role that legislative advocacy plays in achieving these goals. To this end, the City is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced lobbying firms to provide comprehensive lobbying services primarily with the Michigan Legislature and other State government bodies and agencies.

As we navigate a complex and ever-changing legislative landscape, we aim to collaborate with a skilled and dedicated lobbying partner who shares our commitment to the growth, well-being, and vision of our community (see www.kalamazoocity.org and www.imaginekalamazoo.com for more information on our city, our values, and vision). This RFP invites interested parties to submit their proposals for consideration to represent the City in advocating for our interests, priorities and securing funding.

It is the City’s intention to have a qualified firm selected and working in the first quarter of 2024.

2. CONTRACT PERIOD AND EXTENSIONS

The contract shall be in effect for a one (1)-year period commencing on Consultant’s receipt of Notice to Proceed from the City. The City may opt to extend this contract for four (4) additional one (1)-year periods. All extensions shall be upon mutual agreement of both parties made in writing.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The selected consultant will be expected to provide the services identified below. The items listed represent the minimum services expected to be performed. In your response to the Request for Proposals (RFP), identify other related services that you will provide, if applicable.

3.1. General Lobbying Responsibilities

3.1.1. Provide a wide range of lobbying services to the City at the State level.

3.1.2. Represent the City's interests in the State budget process and seek funding for various projects.

3.1.3. Monitor and analyze State policies, programs, and legislation affecting the City.

3.1.4. Collaborate on the formulation of the City's State policy agenda.

3.1.5. Aid in creating and executing a government relations plan supporting the City’s policy objectives.

3.1.6. Develop annual plans for the City's policy goals, regulatory needs, and funding requirements achievable through lobbying efforts, in collaboration with the City Manager’s Office and City Commission.

3.1.7. Develop and execute strategies to advance the City's legislative goals based on policy direction from City officials.

3.1.8. Act swiftly, as directed by the City, to address fast-changing State developments that impact City policies, budgets and operations.

3.1.9. Actively represent the City's interests in Lansing by engaging with important members of the Legislature and the Governor's Cabinet and staff when required.

3.1.10. Advocate for the City on specific projects, funding opportunities, and legislation.

3.1.11. Monitor legislative and regulatory matters that could affect Kalamazoo. Offer guidance and advice to City leadership as necessary.

3.1.12. Collaborate with the City Manager’s Office to draft written communications expressing the City's stance on legislative, policy, and intergovernmental issues.

3.1.13. Arrange regular meetings between the City and State legislators to build stronger connections and assist State officials in advancing the City's goals and safeguarding its interests.

3.1.14. Manage the logistics for City officials participating in bill hearings, meeting with legislators or administration members, and taking part in legislative or administration work groups.

3.1.15. Conduct research on legislative proposals and executive agency regulations and initiatives for legislative and policy insights.

3.1.16. Use established relationships with executive agency officials to address administrative issues on behalf of the City when needed.

3.1.17. Provide timely financial information related to all lobbying and legislative representation services offered by the firm, to be used by the City in filing mandatory financial reports for lobbying activity on behalf of the City of Kalamazoo; complete and file any necessary licenses or registrations for lobbying work on behalf of City employees.

3.1.18. Fulfill other representation and consulting duties as needed and communicated by the City Manager’s Office.

3.2. Required Communications

3.2.1. Keep the City Manager’s Office updated in real-time on news from the State that affects the City.

3.2.2. Keep the City Manager’s Office and City Commission informed about legislative decisions or regulations impacting the City, providing monthly updates and being available for meetings as needed.

3.2.3. Between monthly legislative session reports, give timely updates to the City Manager’s Office via phone, email, or text regarding priority and interesting legislation developments for the City staff to share with the Mayor, City Commission, and City Manager.

3.2.4. Be accessible to offer advice through in-person meetings, virtual meetings, phone calls, texts, or emails promptly.

3.2.5. Attend State task force/work group meetings, bill hearings, and committee meetings to represent the City effectively, and provide timely written summaries to the City Manager’s Office.