State_Governmental_Relations_Services_-_Scope_of_Work.pdf

State Governmental Relations Services – Scope of Work

Legislative Session Scope

A. Prior to Legislative Session, Lobbyist will meet with the Mayor’s Office to assist, advise, and strategize in the preparation of the annual legislative agenda by identifying key issues of concern and priority and develop a specific and proactive strategy for that particular legislative session.

B. Lobbyist, in conjunction with the Mayor’s office, will assist in development and implementation of a strategy for the support, opposition, or amendment of potential and pending legislation that may impact City of St. Petersburg Government.

C. Prior to the Legislative Session, Lobbyist will provide relevant information to the Mayor’s Office and City Council to inform them of the priorities of Leadership in the House and Senate and Governor’s office to address areas of concern or support and develop an effective advocacy strategy on behalf of the City.

D. Once the session has commenced, Lobbyist will provide regular updates and track all legislation that has been identified as relevant to the City.

E. Lobbyist will work with the Mayor’s Office to review all filed, active, and pending legislation and amendments and provide analysis and additional information as needed.

F. Lobbyist, in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office, will assist in development and implementation of a strategy for the support, opposition, or amendment of potential and pending legislation that may impact the City.

G. As needed, Lobbyist will work with the Mayor’s Office to draft legislation and assist in moving that legislation through the process by finding a sponsor and co-sponsor in both chambers, scheduling committee hearings, testifying before committees as necessary and educating legislators on issues of importance to the City.

H. Lobbyist will assist the Mayor’s Office in completing annual priority budget appropriation requests and secure sponsors in both chambers to file such requests.

I. Lobbyist will work with the Mayor’s Office to develop, advise and advocate for specific legislative appropriations.

J. Lobbyist will notify the City of relevant activities of the Revenue Estimating Conference and how it may affect the state budget and the City priorities.

K. Lobbyist will attend all relevant legislative appropriations committee meetings and subcommittees.

L. Lobbyist will work with the Governor's Office of Policy and Budget to advocate on behalf of the City’s appropriation requests in an effort to gain support and develop strategies to avoid veto.

Overall Advocacy Strategy Scope

A. Lobbyist will work with the Mayor’s strategic initiatives and develop an advocacy plan that creates momentum and fits within trends at the state level to ensure the best chance of legislative support and success for City priorities.

B. Lobbyist will advocate before the Legislature, Governor, and other State agencies as necessary on behalf of the City during the annual Regular Legislative Session, Special Session(s), Interim Committee meetings, and with the City and other city, County, and Tampa Bay Legislative Delegation meetings as needed.

C. Lobbyist will work with the Mayor’s Office to identify additional relevant state, federal and local funding opportunities, and aggressively advocate for such funding.

D. Lobbyist will work in collaboration with the City’s Federal Lobbyist to identify and pursue grant opportunities that involve Federal monies.

E. Lobbyist will work with all relevant state agencies on the City’s behalf and when grant applications are under consideration by such agencies, take the appropriate steps necessary to obtain favorable consideration of such applications.

F. Lobbyist will identify additional funding opportunities within State Agencies and advocate on behalf of the City for such.

G. Lobbyist will act as the liaison with the City’s legislative delegation and assist with the delegation in any matter.

H. Lobbyist will coordinate efforts with partners, stakeholders, and associations throughout the year when their priories align with the City’s.

I. Lobbyist will facilitate meetings and discussions with the St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and Tampa Bay Legislative Delegation, House and Senate Members, Legislative staff, the Governor and Cabinet, Executive Staff and State Agencies as necessary throughout the year.

J. Lobbyist will work closely with the Florida League of Cities and the St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and Tampa Bay Legislative Delegations, as well as the House and Senate Leadership to educate, inform and influence them on issues of significance to the City throughout the year.

K. Lobbyist will monitor agency rulemaking and advise of any relevant proceedings or changes.

L. Lobbyist will collaborate on efforts throughout the year with relevant partners and associations, including but not limited to the Pinellas County School Board, Pinellas County Government and municipalities, the City of Tampa, and the University of South Florida, when their priorities align with the City’s priorities.

M. Lobbyist will attend semi-monthly grant strategy meetings to provide feedback and strategic support.

Informative / Education Scope

A. Lobbyist will attend in person, or virtually, all relevant local meetings related to the City’s state policy and funding concerns.

B. Lobbyist will provide additional services such as electronically forwarding, on a daily basis if necessary, relevant newspaper articles, analyses, and important governmental announcements.

C. Lobbyist will take an active role in the education of the Mayor’s Office and provide regular and consistent input and feedback on State Legislative affairs and issues of statewide importance to better inform City staff.

D. Lobbyist, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, will prepare the following forms of research and information:

1. Analysis of budget requests and forecasts for policies and programs of importance to theCity;

2. Reports of, and testimonies from, relevant committee hearing and markups;

3. Memos on pertinent State initiatives or topics;

4. State agency and departmental regulations, guidelines, directives, and other instruments of administrative policy;

5. Grants and other funding opportunities for proposed City projects;

6. Technical reports and memoranda affecting City operations and fiscal conditions;

7. Copies of proposed legislation and associated reports;

8. “White Papers” and materials geared toward elected officials and their staffs that justify the City’s objectives in simple and straightforward language, providing the State Legislature and Governor’s office with the information they need to be successful on the City’s behalf;

9. Any necessary forms for appropriations or authorizations requests.

E. Lobbyist will attend City Council meetings and other meetings as requested by the

Mayor to report on activities.

F. Lobbyist will maintain a visible presence in the City and will be available to present an annual legislative overview report, at the beginning of each fiscal year as well as forward-looking State Affairs reports, to the Mayor’s Office and City Council.

G. Lobbyist will meet with the Mayor’s Office and relevant staff at workshops, committee meetings, and staff meetings as requested.