Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Akerman LLP for Federal 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 SUMMARY
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 it needs.
BACKGROUND
In April 2014, the City first entered into an Agreement with Akerman LLP for federal legislative advocacy. The term of the initial Agreement commenced on April 16, 2014 and continued for three years through April 15, 2017. In 2017, the City Council authorized a first amendment to the agreement for an additional three years. In March 2020, the City Council adopted Alameda’s annual Legislative Agenda, which guides the City’s State and Federal legislative efforts throughout the year.
Prior to the initial contract with Akerman being approved, staff issued a Request for Proposals for federal legislative advocacy and from the ten proposals submitted, staff recommended Akerman to represent the City for its federal legislative needs.
The Akerman firm has been in existence for over 90 years. It is a full-service national law and policy consulting firm, employing more than 600 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network for 21 offices located in major U.S. metropolitan areas, including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Akerman offers the stability and depth of resources of a large law firm, paired with the hands-on service, creativity, and aggressive attention of attorneys and policy advisors in its Federal Policy Practice based in the Washington, D.C. office.
Akerman’s Government Affairs & Public policy professionals have extensive experience representing public entities, including cities, counties, ports, and transit agencies. Akerman has longstanding ties to the State of California and has an extensive track record of success working on behalf of California-based clients. Its Federal Policy Practice Group has six attorneys and public policy advisors who specialize in government relations working closely with Senators, U.S. Representatives, Administration officials, and key staff in the Congress and Executive branch. They have extensive experience obtaining federal appropriations and authorizations for public entities, including cities and counties.
DISCUSSION
Staff has been very pleased with the services provided by Akerman since the last amendment was approved in 2017. 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:
1. Alameda Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Facility and Columbarium - Akerman will advocate for the continued appropriations for the project. In addition, it will serve as a liaison between the Washington, D.C. VA offices and the City. The firm will also continue to work with the two California Senators and the Bay Area Congressional delegation on the project.
2. Alameda Point - Akerman will continue to work with the City and any relevant federal agencies related to the transition and development of Alameda Point.
3. Fruitvale Bridge - Akerman will work with the City to develop a plan for the future of the Fruitvale Bridge. Once the plan is in place, Akerman will advocate for it with the Congressional delegation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project will probably need a Congressional authorization through a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and subsequent appropriations. Akerman will work with the City to obtain this legislation.
4. FAA Noise Issues - Akerman will continue to work the City, the FAA, and the Port of Oakland on airplane take-off and landing noise.
5. MARAD Ships - Akerman will continue to work with the City, the Congressional delegation, and the U.S. Maritime Administration to maintain the maximum number of MARAD ships in Alameda.
6. Transportation Funding - Akerman will work with the City to obtain U.S. Department of Transportation funding for ferry service and other transportation priorities.
7. Support for City’s Priorities - Akerman will continue to work with the City to draft letters in support of federal funding programs for local governments. The firm will also keep the delegation informed about the City’s priorities.
8. Letters of Support - Akerman will work with the City to get Congressional letters of support for grant requests made to federal agencies.
Agreement Term and Compensation
The term of the Agreement is for one year, with the possibility to extend for two additional years, and may be terminated before its expiration in accordance with Section 19 of the contract. The Agreement continues the current monthly fee of $7,500 per month for a three year compensation not to exceed $270,000.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Akerman LLP for Federal 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 Akerman LLP for Federal 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 to execute an agreement with Akerman LLP for Federal 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