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Council renews Hempstead consulting agreement for state advocacy amid debate over airport focus
Summary
The council approved a contract with Hempstead Consulting not to exceed $93,500 to continue state-legislative advocacy; some council members argued for an airport-focused specialist instead, but a majority favored retaining Hempstead's broader advocacy service.
The Des Moines City Council voted 6–1 on Oct. 9 to renew a contract with Hempstead Consulting for state-level legislative advocacy, authorizing the city manager to sign an agreement not to exceed $93,500.
The item appeared on the consent agenda and was pulled for discussion by Council member Harris, who said she had been "hinting for a while" that the city should retain a specialist focused on airport advocacy because of the scale of airport-related issues. Harris argued that a one-year generalist contract may not provide the subject-matter expertise needed for large, complex matters.
Council member Mahoney and others defended Hempstead's record. Mahoney said Hempstead had been a "valuable asset" in Olympia and cited the consultant's connections and past results, stating: "For every thousand dollars we paid him, he's virtually brought us back a million." Deputy Mayor Steinmetz likewise praised Hempstead as a bipartisan, respected advocate in the legislature and said the city could hire additional experts for highly technical matters if needed, but that eliminating the contract would be unwise.
After discussion, Council member Mahoney moved to approve the agreement and Council member Neding (recorded on the record as second earlier in the consent motion) seconded; the motion passed 6–1 with Council member Harris recorded as opposed.
The contract scope is for legislative advocacy at the state level (generalist) rather than a dedicated airport lobbyist; staff and several council members noted the city already has legal counsel and an airport committee to work with the port and legal specialists. The council recorded no additional amendments at the meeting; the city manager was authorized to sign the contract substantially in the form submitted.
