HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - MMO PARTNERS CONTRO
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item: 5
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: December 10, 2024
SUBJECT: FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES: MMO PARTNERS CONTRACT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Award a two-year contract to MMO Partners for federal advocacy services for the period of
January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, concurrent with the term of the I I9th
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, 2024, concurrent with the
conclusion of the 118th Congress.
The recommended action is to award a two-year professional services contract with MMO
Partners for the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, concurrent with the term
of the upcoming I I9th 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, as outlined in the adopted 2025 Executive and Legislative Platform.
With recent district -based funding opportunities established through congressional action,
a majority of federal advocacy will be spent working with the City's federal delegation and
administrative staff on securing federal investments for local projects. Additionally, City staff
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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 expanding the Santa Monica Mountains
National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor.
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 approximately $8.8 million in the Federal Appropriations Act of 2023 and 2024
for three City projects that will improve local traffic circulation and traffic safety. Additionally,
MMO Partners has assisted the City in developing advocacy strategies related to supporting and
amending the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act, including arranging briefings with
committee consultants and the offices of the chairs of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee and House Committee on Natural Resources.
The 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 2024-25
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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