Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP for State Legislative Services for a Term of One Year, with the Possibility to Extend for Two Additional Years, for a Total Three Year Compensation in an Amount Not to Exceed $270,000. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMARY
The City of Alameda (City) adopts an annual Legislative Agenda that is sent to the City’s Federal and State lobbyists so they can work toward meeting the City Council’s established priorities. In addition to the continuation of this work, as the City continues to respond to COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of our employees and community members, the work being done by our State and Federal lobbyists is critical to ensure the City is allocated the funding and resources itneeds.
BACKGROUND
The City requires a legislative advocate to represent the City’s interests at the regional and State level in order to ensure its positions are reflected when legislation is considered or introduced that may have a significant impact on the City. Legislative advocacy efforts are also needed to pursue funding opportunities when they arise. Finally, the City needs advocacy around specific projects and programs, including the City Council priorities, to ensure Alameda’s needs and interests are represented. The City's current contract with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP (Brownstein) was last amended in 2017.
DISCUSSION
Staff has been very pleased with the work performed by Brownstein. For a new agreement with Brownstein, the following represents an agreed upon scope of services, which also includes the flexibility to address the City’s most pressing needs as they arise, for example seeking COVID-19 related reimbursement and funding opportunities:
• Clean-up legislation related to the California’s Surplus Land Act to ensure the successful development of Alameda Point.
• Funding from future transportation bond measures such as FASTER Bay Area, specifically for expanded ferry service in Alameda and alternative/active transportation.
• Affordable housing issues, including legislation to restrict local control on issues such as zoning, permitting, accessory dwelling units, etc.
• Tenant protection legislation and initiative measures.
• Legislation affecting emergency medical services (EMS) contracting.
• Legislation and initiative measures pertaining to the recycling of single-use plastics.
• Efforts to address the closure of recycling centers and consumer CRV redemption sites.
• Funding for coastal cities to address climate change impacts and sea level rise.
• Support and funding for clean air centers, particularly in vulnerable communities.
• Additional funding to address homelessness.
• Legislation related to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which may impact the City.
• Legislation to address the youth vaping epidemic.
• Efforts to reduce gun violence and promote gun safety.
• Monitoring regulatory changes and legislation regarding cannabis, including, but not limited to, state-run cannabis banking.
• Any budget proposal that directly or indirectly impacts the City.
• Any additional positions taken by the City that may not be specifically outlined in the scope of services.
• The 2020 Legislative Agenda.
Agreement Term and Compensation
The term of the Agreement is for one year, with the possibility to extend for two additional years, and the Agreement may be terminated before its expiration in accordance with Section 19. The Agreement continues the current monthly fee of $7,500 per month, for a total three year compensation not to exceed $270,000.
ALTERNATIVES
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Brownstein for State and regional legislative services for a term of one year, with the possibility to extend for two additional years.
• Do not approve the agreement and provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This one-year Agreement is for $90,000. If extended for two additional years, the total cost would be $270,000 over three years. The $90,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Mid-Cycle budget as a General Fund expense.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(2).
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no climate impacts from entering into this agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Brownstein for State legislative services for a term of one year, with the possibility to extend for two additional years, for a total three year compensation not to exceed $270,000. .
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends authorization for the City Manager to execute an agreement with Brownstein for State legislative services for one to three years.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Nancy Bronstein, Acting Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Agreement
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager