Ojai council hires Kiley & Associates for federal advocacy in push for earmarks and grants
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Summary
Council approved a one‑year federal advocacy engagement with Kiley & Associates capped at $36,000 to identify earmark and grant opportunities; consultant Jason said earmark requests begin in March and selections could be known by June with final funding decisions by year‑end.
The Ojai City Council on Jan. 27 approved a federal advocacy agreement with Kiley & Associates, a Washington, D.C.‑based firm, to pursue earmarks and other federal funding opportunities for city projects.
City Manager Ben Harvey and consultant Jason of Kiley & Associates described the engagement as a short‑term pilot intended to identify projects that align with the city’s priorities — emergency readiness, stormwater/culvert projects and other infrastructure — and to pursue earmarks and grants. The contract is capped at $36,000 per year, with the firm proposing a discounted $3,000 monthly retainer.
Consultant timeline and expectations: Jason told the council that members of Congress typically accept earmark requests in March and that Ojai could learn whether an earmark submission is selected by late spring (June) and, if successful, see funding work its way into law by the end of the year. Jason said Kiley & Associates has strong relationships with appropriations staff and is prepared to help Ojai ‘stand out’ for projects.
Council discussion: Members asked whether staff already worked with the city’s congressional offices; staff said district staff respond to constituent matters but that the city lacks dedicated capacity to navigate earmark cycles and federal funding opportunities. Council members debated cost versus likely return and whether state funding should remain the priority; proponents called the engagement a pilot likely to pay for itself if it secures significant earmark dollars.
Public input: Speakers supported targeted federal advocacy to access funds for stormwater and emergency‑preparedness projects; one resident sought more detail about the retainer and billing but staff said the $36,000 cap was the full annual commitment and that the firm had already provided some pro bono assistance.
Outcome: The motion to approve the contract passed on roll call. Staff will work with Kiley & Associates to prioritize project lists and begin federal outreach ahead of the March earmark window.
Clarifying details - Contract cap: $36,000 (staff described the arrangement as a discounted retainer at roughly $3,000 per month under the proposed term). - Anticipated earmark timeline: consultant said requests begin in March; selection likelihood known by late spring (June); final appropriations could occur later in the year. - Intended projects: stormwater culvert work, emergency readiness (sirens/message boards), and other city‑prioritized infrastructure (to be refined with staff).
