Federal transition, funding pauses and earmark outlook drive timing for Thornton’s DC lobbying trip

Rob, a city staff member, opened the session by introducing the federal legislative guests and the topic: federal legislative update and the proposed Washington, D.C., lobbying trip.

Lynn, a federal legislative consultant, told council the new presidential administration’s actions have created review periods across agencies that are slowing issuance of new notices of funding availability. "We do anticipate, however, a much longer pause on notices of funding availability," Lynn said, describing a phase in which agencies are staffing up, rescinding prior executive orders and issuing new ones that direct agency reviews of programs and regulations. She warned that some grant notices likely will be delayed while agency priorities are re‑set.

The consultants also described a White House action described at the meeting as a federal "energy dominance" emergency that would aim to accelerate permitting for fossil fuel projects and liquid natural gas while pausing or re‑evaluating some renewable programs. Council members asked whether changes at the federal level would automatically change state or local rules; Lynn said those federal permit actions do not automatically alter state or local regulations except where federal funding or permits are implicated.

John, a federal legislative consultant, reviewed the new congressional dynamics and near‑term deadlines, noting Republicans held the White House and both chambers at the time of the briefing. He said Congress must address a continuing resolution that expires March 14 and the federal debt ceiling expected in early summer. "The major focus of the, congress this year is going to be meeting some of the deadlines that we are, going to be up against in the immediate future," John said, summarizing the timing pressure on appropriations and reconciliation strategies.

John highlighted the practical consequences for local projects and earmarks: if Congress falls back to continuing resolutions, some FY25 earmarks included in subcommittee bills may not be retained. He named three earmarks that had been requested for Thornton through Representative Carabello: the North Star Neighborhood Mobility Improvement Project and two items in CJS bills (a Police Mobile Command Center and a Scribe Lab extension). John said the city has already been in contact with newly elected Congressman Gabe Evans and his staff about maintaining earmarks if appropriations move forward.

Council discussion then moved to scheduling a delegation to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal offices. Staff recommended May or June as the most effective window because of transition timing and congressional recesses. Council members expressed a preference for June so the new congressmember would be in office and staff confirmed they will work with members individually to land on dates. Karen, a council member, stated simply, "I would love to do the federal lobbying meetings in DC in June." The council asked staff to return with scheduling options.

Ending

Staff said they will continue monitoring agency and court activity affecting funding pauses, follow up with congressional staff about Thornton’s earmark requests, and coordinate a D.C. trip time window with council members’ schedules. The consultants emphasized that the situation at the federal level was fluid and that staff would update council as confirmations, injunctions, or new notices of funding availability are issued.