STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: October 28, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Government Affairs
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize a professional services contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC to provide federal legislative services to the City of Dallas for the period November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021 - Not to exceed $160,000.00 - Financing: General Fund
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BACKGROUND
CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC, led by Ralph Garboushian, operates a Washington, D.C. office which monitors federal action affecting the City of Dallas, working with the Texas Congressional delegation and the Executive Branch to advance City interests and priorities. In addition, the office works closely with national municipal organizations, including the National League of Cities (NLC), the United States (U.S.) Conference of Mayors, the International City-County Management Association, and others to make sure they are aware of the City's positions and agendas.
Under the contract, CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC contacts City staff regularly by telephone, through visits to Dallas, written reports, bulletins and memoranda. Briefings on federal issues are presented to Council members during meetings of the NLC, as well as at any other time requested by the City. Supplemental information necessary to understanding the effect and impact of federal legislation and regulations is also provided. Timely information about government grant programs, frequently based on personal contact with federal program managers, is sent directly to the appropriate staff to facilitate Dallas funding applications.
CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC has frequently assisted the City by connecting high-level members of the Administration with Dallas leadership. CaptialEdge Strategies, LLC has also advised on working with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Homeland Security, Federal Transit Administration, and the White House.
CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC has represented the City of Dallas in Washington, D.C. as part of the Texas Cities Legislative Coalition since 1987. Other participants in the Coalition include the cities of Arlington, Austin, and Denton.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Legislative Ad Hoc Committee was briefed on October 10, 2016.
On October 26, 2016, City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2016-17, by Resolution No. 16-1745.
The Legislative Ad Hoc Committee was briefed on December 10, 2018.
On December 12, 2018, City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2018-19, by Resolution No. 18-1817.
City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on October 18, 2019.
On October 23, 2019, City Council authorized a contract with CapitalEdge Strategies, LLC for FY 2019-20, by Resolution No. 19-1678.
City Council will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on October 23, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$160,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |