The Pecos City Council on Jan. 9 authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement with EMC Strategy Group LLC for government relations, state and federal lobbying and external affairs services.

City Manager Charles Leno said the city has budgeted funds and listed roughly 16 priority items the city expects to pursue in the legislative session. He said time is of the essence as the Texas legislative session is underway and that EMC will provide state- and federal-level representation. "One thing about the company that is extremely beneficial is they are state certified lobbyists and federal lobbyists," Leno said.

Ernie Gonzalez, a principal of EMC, spoke to council about the firm's experience. He described EMC as a bipartisan, woman-owned, veteran-led family firm with staff who have worked on Capitol Hill, and said EMC currently represents several cities and an economic development corporation in the region. "We serve as an extension of the city manager's office and also the city council," Gonzalez said, describing monthly visits to Pecos and regular reporting to the city manager and council.

Why it matters: Council and staff said a professional lobbyist will help the city track and influence legislation and appropriations at both the state and federal level, including transportation, natural resources and economic development priorities.

Council action: Councilman Graham moved to authorize the city manager to enter the agreement; Councilwoman Seals seconded. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff noted minor typographical errors in the engagement letter that the firm agreed to correct.

Contract details and reporting: Gonzalez said EMC will file required ethics reports and provide monthly updates to the city manager and the council; he said the firm will be in Austin and Washington, D.C., as necessary and will prioritize relationship-building with committee chairs and appropriations officials relevant to Pecos' priorities. The transcript does not include the dollar amount of the contract in the public discussion.