Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to Services Provider Agreement with CA Lobby, LLC, a Municipal Corporation, for California Legislative Advocacy, Increasing the Term by Three Years and Adding $360,000 to the Compensation for a Total Not-to-Exceed $720,000. (City Manager 10021030)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) is currently working with its State lobbyist, CA Lobby LLC, to provide legislative advocacy services and assist the City as it works to advance the City Council adopted Legislative Agenda. Staff is recommending a First Amendment to the Agreement with CA Lobby, LLC to continue this work through December 2028, adding $360,000 to the original Agreement’s compensation, for a total six-year compensation not-to-exceed $720,000.
BACKGROUND
On February 21, 2023, City Council approved a three-year agreement with CA Lobby for State Legislative Advocacy Services. Rosanna Carvacho Elliott has advocated on behalf of the City’s legislative priorities in Sacramento for more than ten years, previously with Brownstein and Clear Advocacy, and currently as a founding partner at CA Lobby, LLC. Ms. Carvacho Elliott has extensive knowledge of the City’s unique issues and policy priorities as well as the California State Legislature’s political and policy landscape.
DISCUSSION
Staff is pleased with the State legislative services provided by CA Lobby, including work that is currently in progress. Staff recommends approving the attached First Amendment to the Agreement that will allow CA Lobby to continue working on behalf of the City.
The following represents an agreed-upon scope of services with CA Lobby to provide the City with legislative advocacy services:
2026-28 California Legislative Advocacy
• Register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State on behalf of the City and lobby the State Legislature, Administration, and pertinent regulatory entities on behalf of the City as they relate to the “Legislative Advocacy Issues” listed below or other issues as directed.
• Provide all lobbying services needed for legislation, including direct communication with legislators, staff, representatives of the Governor’s Administration, and provide testimony when needed.
• Support and assist the City in scheduling meetings with staff, officials, and legislators as directed or as identified as needed.
• Legislative Advocacy Issues:
o Issues and priorities identified in the 2025-26 Legislative Agenda and future amended and adopted Legislative Agendas.
o Any budget proposal that directly impacts the City.
o Any additional positions taken by the City that may not be specifically outlined in the scope of services or Legislative Agenda but approved by Council.
In addition to the issues outlined above and to guide the 2026-28 lobbying services, CA Lobby will provide the following services:
• Work with City staff to draft future Legislative Agendas.
• At a minimum, hold bi-annual meetings with Councilmembers and the Mayor to determine legislative priorities prior to the bi-annual Legislative Agenda update.
• Communication with City staff regarding adopting positions on legislation, including weekly reports of newly introduced bills and bills that have been gutted and amended.
• Distribution of position letters to the Legislature and Governor’s office.
• Weekly bill status update on position bills for inclusion on the City’s website.
• Bi-weekly check-in calls with City staff, with additional calls, as necessary.
• Look for and report to City staff potential funding avenues or other resources available to residents and the City.
The term and compensation of the First Amendment with CA Lobby, LLC is for three years at a monthly fee of $10,000 per month (or $120,000 annually), with a total three-year compensation not-to-exceed $360,000, and the total compensation of the six-year agreement not to exceed $720,000.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement with CA Lobby, LLC for State legislative services.
• Do not approve the Amendment for State legislative services and provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Budget is included in the City’s Biennial Fiscal Year 2025-27 budget under the City Manager budget as a General Fund expense. Future appropriations will require City Council approval.
|
Contract |
Approval Date |
Authorized Amount |
Expended as of 12/17/25 |
|
Original Contract |
2/21/23 |
$360,000 |
$340,000 |
|
1st Amendment |
pending |
$360,000 |
$0 |
|
Total |
|
$720,000___ |
$340,000 |
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a first amendment to services provider agreement with CA Lobby, LLC, a Municipal Corporation, for California Legislative Advocacy, increasing the term by three years and adding $360,000 to the compensation for a total not-to-exceed $720,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Communications and Legislative Affairs Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. CA Lobby, LLC Agreement
2. First Amendment to Agreement
3. Legislative Agenda