Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a Service Provider Agreement with Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. for Federal Legislative Services for a Term of 26 Months at a Compensation Not-to-Exceed $7,000 per Month with an Option to Extend for Two Additional Years for a Total Compensation Not-to-Exceed $350,000. (City Manager 10021030)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) requires dedicated federal representation to advance the priorities outlined in the City Council’s Legislative Agenda. This report recommends the appointment of Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. (CSS), a specialized intergovernmental affairs firm, to provide federal advocacy, grant identification, and regulatory monitoring for the City. The proposed agreement spans an initial 26-month term at a monthly retainer of $7,000, with an option for two one-year extensions. This strategic partnership ensures Alameda remains competitive for federal funding and maintains a strong voice in Washington, D.C.
BACKGROUND
City Council adopted the 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda in February 2025. This document serves as a roadmap for the City’s state and federal advocacy efforts. By maintaining a formal Legislative Agenda, City staff and the Mayor and City Council can react quickly to emerging issues, ensuring the City is engaged in legislative matters that reflect the City Council’s strategic priorities.
About Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. (CSS)
CSS is an intergovernmental affairs firm based in Washington, D.C., with a nearly 40-year history of representing local government entities. CSS is solely focused on the federal concerns of cities, transportation agencies, and housing authorities.
Originally founded as Simon & Company, Inc., the firm transitioned to its current name following the acquisition by Jennifer “Jen” Covino in 2019. Ms. Covino has been with the firm since 2011 and leads a team of experts. CSS currently represents several neighboring entities, making them uniquely qualified to serve the City:
• City of San Leandro
• City of Newark
• Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC)
Key full-time personnel supporting the City of Alameda in the development and implementation of a federal legislative platform include Jen Covino, President; Aly Hernandez, Senior Associate; and Stephanie Carter McIntosh, Administrator.
DISCUSSION
Throughout the year, the City’s Communications and Legislative Affairs Director works alongside registered state and federal lobbyists to prepare updates to the Legislative Agenda, review and consider taking positions on legislation, sponsor new legislation when needed, advocate on behalf of the City for funding and resources, implement regulations, and engage with lawmakers and key government staff and stakeholders.
The City is currently in need of a federal lobbyist and CSS is uniquely positioned to fulfill this role by advancing the following work in Alameda:
• Intergovernmental Relations: Establishing and enhancing relationships with the Administration, Members of Congress, and other appropriate stakeholders
• Legislative Monitoring and Advocacy: Tracking bills throughout the legislative process, articulating positions, and working with Members of Congress, staff, committees, and coalitions to influence language or outcomes
• Regulatory Analysis: Reviewing proposed rule makings, assessing and communicating potential local impact, and drafting and submitting public comments
• Federal Funding Opportunities: Identifying federal resources including grants, earmarks, tax credits, and credit assistance available to advance local projects or initiatives, offering consultation to local staff, and advocating for proposals
• Coalition Building Activities: Working with nonpartisan organizations, particularly intergovernmental associations, in support of or in opposition to policy proposals
• Executive Communications: Drafting communications on behalf of the Mayor and/or Council or the City Manager to articulate positions on federal deployments, announce local initiatives, or respond to national matters of concern
Terms and Compensation of Agreement
The attached Agreement is for an initial term of two years beginning November 1, 2025, and extending to December 31, 2027, with two optional one-year extensions with the Interim City Manager’s approval, for a total of four years.
The services listed above will be compensated at a rate of $7,000 per month. Each month, work may begin only with the approval of the Communications Director.
1. Year 1 (Nov 2025-Dec 2026): $98,000
2. Year 2 (2027): $84,000
3. Optional Year 3 (2028): $84,000
4. Optional Year 4 (2029): $84,000
Total compensation shall not exceed $350,000.
ALTERNATIVES
• Execute an agreement with Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. for federal legislative services.
• Do not approve the attached agreement and provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Initial funding for this agreement is included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City Manager’s budget as a General Fund expense. No additional budget appropriations are needed at this time.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code and supports the City’s Strategic Plan. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report. However, without federal advocacy services, the City may not be successful in applying for and securing federal funding that leads to a positive climate impact.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a Service Provider Agreement with Covino Smith & Simon, Inc. for federal legislative services for a term of 26 months at a compensation not to exceed $7,000 per month with an option to extend for two additional years for a total compensation not to exceed $350,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Communications and Legislative Affairs Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. CCS Agreement
2. 2025-26 Legislative Agenda