Council directs staff to explore federal advocacy services after hearing scope, cost and benefits

Council reviewed options for federal advocacy and grant‑identification services after staff reported two firms — Lone Star Consulting and Kyle Lee & Associates — had reached out following a national conference in Washington, D.C.

Janalee Humbry, assistant to the city manager, described the firms’ services: federal and state funding roadmaps, earmark/appropriations support, grant identification and grant-writing assistance, advisory support, briefing materials and coordination of meetings with congressional offices. Staff said the firms proposed a $4,000/month retainer that would require a budget appropriation.

Council members debated whether the city is well positioned to capture federal appropriations given its representatives’ committee assignments and whether the contract would pay for itself. Several councilmembers said a single large federal award can offset the retainer many times over; others warned against committing funds while the city is managing budget reductions.

Staff said a one‑year contract gives time to evaluate return on investment and that the city-manager has signature authority to enter a contract administratively but that council approval is required for any appropriation. Council asked staff to arrange briefings with the firms so council could hear their work directly and to identify budget options for a possible appropriation.

Next steps: staff to invite firms to present to council or committee, continue outreach with the congressional office to assess receptivity to appropriations, and return with specific contract-length and appropriation recommendations.