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Board approves Paragon Government Relations federal advocacy contract for Lake County
Summary
The Board approved a professional federal lobbying agreement with Paragon Government Relations in a not-to-exceed amount of $187,660, enabling the county to secure federal representation for upcoming priorities and the January 28 governance workshop.
The Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 14 to approve an agreement with Paragon Government Relations to provide federal legislative and regulatory advocacy services for the County of Lake. The contract was approved in a not-to-exceed amount of $187,660 and allows the county to begin work ahead of its governance workshop on Jan. 28.
Staff summary: Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein told the board that the county ran a competitive Request for Proposals and convened a selection panel including city and county staff; Paragon emerged as the top-ranked firm. The agreement includes a $7,000 monthly retainer and reimbursement for travel and direct expenses when Paragon personnel must travel to California on county business. Paragon currently represents the California State Association of Counties and other California counties, and the firm said it would manage potential conflicts of interest with other clients in coordination with county staff.
Board questions and public comment: Supervisors asked about conflict management since Paragon represents multiple counties; Paragon responded that potential conflicts would be raised promptly and handled through notice and coordination. A public commenter asked that the contract include explicit deliverables and timelines; staff said the board—s priorities and policy direction (set during the governance workshop) will determine Paragon—s work plan.
Outcome: The board approved the agreement and authorized the chair to sign. No protest was filed during the statutory protest period.
Why it matters: The county will now have dedicated federal advocacy capacity in Washington, D.C., to press for funding and federal policy priorities that affect Lake County projects and programs.
What to watch: County staff said Paragon could begin work in advance of the Jan. 28 governance workshop and will follow the board—s direction on priorities.
