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Council authorizes agreement with Cochran and Associates for state lobbying
Summary
Council approved a month-to-month contract with Cochran and Associates to provide state lobbying services through February 28, 2026; staff said the firm has state-level experience and does not represent neighboring communities.
The West Melbourne City Council on March 4 authorized the city manager to execute a month-to-month agreement with Cochran and Associates for state lobbying services, effective March 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026.
City staff said the prior municipal lobbyist left the business and recommended Cochran and Associates after meetings and references. Staff said Cochran has experience securing state appropriations for large water and stormwater projects in other Florida jurisdictions and would not represent neighboring municipalities, a factor staff said gives the city a focused advocate.
City Manager Tom Rohde told the council the firm was responsive and willing to hold pricing similar to the prior arrangement. Rohde and council members also reviewed the return on investment from recent lobbying: staff said the city spent about $24,000 last year on lobbying and cleared roughly $1 million in state appropriations. Council emphasized that the agreement is month-to-month and can be terminated on 30 days' notice.
Council Member Austin Gaylord moved to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; Diana Adams seconded. Council approved the motion by voice vote; the record shows the motion carried 7–0.
Council members asked staff whether the firm would seek both state and county assistance for projects; staff said the agreement covers state and county matters but not federal lobbying. Members asked whether the firm’s Tampa base was a concern; staff replied Cochran maintains statewide representation and can travel as needed for Brevard County matters. Council discussed past efforts to secure state and federal funds for the water plant and staff confirmed a $5 million federal appropriation request has been submitted to the congressman's office as part of parallel funding efforts.
The agreement comes as the city continues to submit project packages (water-plant, Westbrook flood-risk reduction and Technology Drive infrastructure) for state consideration.
