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Council approves three lobbying contracts to continue federal and state advocacy
Summary
Council authorized three professional services agreements with government‑affairs firms — Southern Group of Florida, Becker & Poliakoff PA, and Ronald L. Book PA — to provide lobbying and legislative coordination services at monthly costs capped at $6,670 each; council voted 5‑0.
The City Council unanimously approved three professional services agreements to continue the city’s federal and state lobbying and legislative affairs work.
The interim city manager and city attorney were authorized to execute contracts with: Southern Group of Florida Inc.; Becker & Poliakoff PA (federal lobbying continuation); and Ronald L. Book PA (legislative relations coordination). Each contract carries a monthly not‑to‑exceed cost of $6,670. The council waived competitive bidding under Section 7‑120(b) of the city code for these agreements.
Representatives for the Washington DC team (Ference Williams of the Southern Group) briefed the council on likely federal shifts under an incoming administration and recommended the city refine its federal requests to align with new priorities, stressing the importance of tying projects to job creation and clear local support. Williams said the firm planned to return to Washington in coming weeks to seek appropriations guidance and to align the city’s project proposals to federal priorities.
Council members approved the three resolutions on a single vote, 5‑0. The mayor and staff said the contracts will help the city pursue federal appropriations for infrastructure, water projects and other priorities.
