STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Core - Organizational Support
AGENDA DATE: August 27, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Government Affairs
EXECUTIVE: Ahmad Goree
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a two-year professional services contract in the amount of $340,000.00, with one two-year renewal option in the amount of $340,000.00 with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for federal legislative consultant services - Total not to exceed $680,000.00 - Financing: General Fund (subject to annual appropriations)
Body
BACKGROUND
CapitalEdge Strategies LLC, led by Ralph Garboushian, operates a Washington D.C. office dedicated to monitoring federal actions that impact the City of Dallas. Mr. Garboushian works directly with the Texas Congressional delegation and senior officials in the Administration to promote and protect the City’s interests and priorities. The firm also collaborates with national municipal organizations including the National League of Cities (NLC), the US Conference of Mayors, and the International City County Management Association to ensure these entities are informed of Dallas's positions and policy goals.
Under its contract with the City, CapitalEdge maintains regular communication with the City staff through phone calls, in person visits, written reports, bulletins, and memorandums. The firm provides federal issue briefings to Councilmembers during NLC meetings or as requested and supplies supplemental information to help interpret the implications of federal legislation and regulations. It also delivers timely updates on federal grant opportunities, often based on direct contact with program managers, to support the City’s funding applications.
CapitalEdge has consistently facilitated connections between Dallas leaders and key members of the federal government and has provided strategic guidance on engaging with major agencies including the United States Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Homeland Security, the Federal Transit Administration, and the White House.
The firm has represented the City of Dallas in Washington D.C. as a member of the Texas Cities Legislative Coalition since 1987. Other coalition members include the cities of Arlington, Austin, and Denton.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On October 23, 2019, the City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2019-20, by Resolution No. 19-1678.
On October 28, 2020, the City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2020-21, by Resolution No. 20-1707.
On October 13, 2021, the City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2021-22, by Resolution No. 21-1668.
On October 26, 2022, the City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2022-23, by Resolution No. 22-1636.
On October 11, 2023, the City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 by Resolution No. 23-1398.
The Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Affairs was briefed on the "Consideration of the Federal Lobbyist Contracts" on August 5, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$14,166.67 |
$170,000.00 |
$495,833.33 |