HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - FED ADVOCACY SVCSO
Agenda Item: 6
1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: �1 A11�44_1)
DATE: December 13, 2022
SUBJECT: FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES: MMO PARTNERS
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
Award a two-year contract to MMO Partners for federal advocacy services for the period of
January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, concurrent with the term of the I I8th Congress,
in the amount not to exceed $77,000 annually.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents
subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita (City) retains the Washington, D.C. based firm of MMO Partners,
formerly known as Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell, for federal advocacy services. MMO
Partners' current contract with the City expires on December 31, 2022, concurrent with the
conclusion of the 117th Congress.
The recommended action is to award a two-year professional services contract with MMO
Partners for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, concurrent with the term
of the upcoming I I8th Congress.
During the upcoming session of Congress, federal advocacy activities will focus on working with
the City's federal delegation and their staff to inform them of the City Council's federal
legislative priorities, particularly as outlined in the adopted 2023 Executive and Legislative
Platform.
With unprecedented funding opportunities established through recent congressional action,
a majority of federal advocacy will be spent working with the City's federal delegation and
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administrative staff on securing federal investments for local projects. Additionally, City staff
will continue to work with MMO Partners on matters to safeguard or advance the City's goals,
consistent with the City Council's adopted policies. This includes coordination with the City's
federal delegation to secure enactment of legislation designating the Rim of the Valley Unit of
the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and protecting local authority of the
installation of communications equipment and leasing of public infrastructure in the public right-
of-way.
During the most recent contract period, MMO Partners worked with the City to establish positive
relationships with the City's federal delegation and administration. Specific accomplishments
include securing over $2.5 million in the Federal Appropriations Act of 2022 for two City
projects that will improve local traffic circulation; developing advocacy strategies that
successfully supported the passage of the Rim of the Valley Preservation Act in the House of
Representatives and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and arranging
briefings with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency on
opportunities for federal investments towards City projects, including the transition to a
hydrogen fuel cell transit fleet and the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Program.
The firm also provided significant technical assistance and strategic advice on implementation of
the American Rescue Plan Act. MMO Partners supported the City during the COVID-19
pandemic in ensuring the City had full access to all federal resources related to COVID-19
response and served as a valuable resource for City staff.
MMO Partners' retainer will remain at the same compensation level as their current contract:
$6,000 per month plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, which are not to
exceed $5,000 annually. This results in an annual contract maximum of $77,000. The overall
contract authorization for the two-year period is $154,000.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funds for federal advocacy services are contained in the adopted Fiscal Year 2022-23
budget in City Manager's Office Contractual Services expenditure account 1001100-516101.
Funding for the contract in subsequent fiscal years is contingent upon future budget
appropriations by the City Council.
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