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State and federal lobbying update and local newspaper partnership highlighted in Hopewell meeting
Summary
DBS Public Affairs reported progress raising Hopewell's profile in Richmond and pursuing federal earmarks for multiple local projects; Good News USA proposed a partnership to distribute a monthly positive-news newspaper in the city.
Representatives from DBS Public Affairs — managing partner Ulysses Jack Howard with Ida McPherson and Rich Williams — updated council on state and federal advocacy efforts. McPherson said DBS narrowed the city’s legislative agenda for the session and worked with the treasurer’s association and staff to identify alternatives to a charter amendment. She said the firm has raised the city’s visibility in Richmond.
Rich Williams gave figures for federal requests the firm is pursuing on the city’s behalf: about $1.7 million for Heritage Avenue flood mitigation, $1.0 million for police department citywide technology upgrades, $1.2 million for community center updates, and about $1.7 million for citywide pump station improvements. Williams said DBS is in close contact with congressional staff and senators to press the requests and suggested more council participation in Richmond outreach could help.
Separately, Dionne McWilliams, owner and editor of Good News USA (Flavor News), presented a proposal to partner with the city to distribute a positivity-focused monthly newspaper. She said the paper highlights community achievements, school and youth stories and business spotlights and asked for city help getting copies into city facilities and public locations.
Council members praised the outreach and discussed follow-up steps; no council vote was required for the presentations.
