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Committee renews Holland & Knight federal lobbying contract; council requests list of wins
Summary
The committee approved a one-year renewal (with a one-year option) of a $180,000 federal lobbying contract with Holland & Knight and asked city staff to provide a list of projects and earmarks the firm has influenced.
Cleveland — The Committee of Finance, Diversity and Equity and Inclusion on Jan. 13 approved an ordinance authorizing a one-year contract (with a one-year option) between the city and Holland & Knight LLP to provide federal congressional lobbying services.
Why it matters: Council members said the firm has helped the city secure federal funding and open channels within Congress and federal agencies. The contract will continue city-level lobbying efforts in Washington tied to earmarks and federal grant opportunities.
Details: Paul Barrett, director of finance, told the committee the requested contract amount remains flat at $180,000, the same fee the city has paid in recent years. Paul Davis, the city—s representative at the table, said Holland & Knight has helped with grant application reviews and legislative advocacy, citing assistance on recent federal funding for the lakefront and other projects. Barrett and Davis credited the firm with helping secure congressional designated spending and other allocations.
Council follow-up: Council members asked finance staff and the firm to deliver a list of projects and federal wins the firm helped secure, including earmarks and large grants. Councilman Casey and others recommended coordinating the city—s federal lobbying priorities with members of the National League of Cities and other municipal networks to amplify requests.
Outcome: The committee recorded the ordinance as approved; no roll-call tally was provided in the committee transcript. Finance staff will provide the requested list of projects to the committee.
