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Council hires Welch Group for state advocacy; contract includes quarterly reporting and review options
Summary
The council authorized a non‑competitive contract with the Welch Group for up to $72,000 for government affairs and strategic advocacy, including quarterly reporting to the council. Supporters said outside expertise and existing state relationships were needed; critics sought more transparency on deliverables and conflicts of interest.
The Common Council on Feb. 25 authorized a one‑year, non‑competitive contract with the Welch Group to provide government affairs and strategic advocacy services for Madison, with an option for two one‑year renewals.
The contract, for a not‑to‑exceed amount commonly reported in the meeting as about $72,000, requires quarterly reporting to the council or its executive committee, and staff said the city will only pay for completed, accepted services; the contract language also includes standard conflict‑of‑interest and exceptions language.
Why it matters: city officials said Madison needs professional lobbying help in Madison and at the state Capitol to pursue funding and policy priorities—particularly housing, transit and municipal fiscal relief. Supporters noted that successful advocacy typically requires experienced practitioners with ongoing relationships inside the legislature and executive branch.
Public comment and Council questions: two registrants urged rejection, citing transparency and accountability concerns; others argued the city should instead model Milwaukee’s approach. Several alders asked how conflicts of interest would be handled. The Welch Group’s representative said firms typically wall off lobbyists working on conflicting issues, and the firm told the finance committee that it would not represent the city on landlord‑tenant matters where a conflict exists.
Council action: after discussion the council adopted the substitute authorizing the contract. Staff said the contract will include quarterly reports to the council and that the council would have oversight at renewal points; council members asked staff to work with the vendor on onboarding and regular updates to ensure alders can play an effective oversight and advocacy role.
Ending: Council members said they expect the firm to coordinate closely with city staff and alder offices, and to help build coalitions at the Capitol. Staff will provide quarterly updates and the council can decline renewal if the work does not meet expectations.
