Specifications include, but are not limited to: 3.1.1. Provide a wide range of lobbying services to the City at the State level. 3.1.2. Represent the City's interests in the State budget process and seek funding for various projects. 3.1.3. Monitor and analyze State policies, programs, and legislation affecting the City. 3.1.4. Collaborate on the formulation of the City's State policy agenda. 3.1.5. Aid in creating and executing a government relations plan supporting the City’s policy objectives. 3.1.6. Develop annual plans for the City's policy goals, regulatory needs, and funding requirements achievable through lobbying efforts, in collaboration with the City Manager’s Office and City Commission. 3.1.7. Develop and execute strategies to advance the City's legislative goals based on policy direction from City officials. 3.1.8. Act swiftly, as directed by the City, to address fast-changing State developments that impact City policies, budgets and operations. 3.1.9. Actively represent the City's interests in Lansing by engaging with important members of the Legislature and the Governor's Cabinet and staff when required. 3.1.10. Advocate for the City on specific projects, funding opportunities, and legislation. 3.1.11. Monitor legislative and regulatory matters that could affect Kalamazoo. Offer guidance and advice to City leadership as necessary. 3.1.12. Collaborate with the City Manager’s Office to draft written communications expressing the City's stance on legislative, policy, and intergovernmental issues. 3.1.13. Arrange regular meetings between the City and State legislators to build stronger connections and assist State officials in advancing the City's goals and safeguarding its interests. 3.1.14. Manage the logistics for City officials participating in bill hearings, meeting with legislators or administration members, and taking part in legislative or administration work groups. 3.1.15. Conduct research on legislative proposals and executive agency regulations and initiatives for legislative and policy insights. 3.1.16. Use established relationships with executive agency officials to address administrative issues on behalf of the City when needed. 3.1.17. Provide timely financial information related to all lobbying and legislative representation services offered by the firm, to be used by the City in filing mandatory financial reports for lobbying activity on behalf of the City of Kalamazoo; complete and file any necessary licenses or registrations for lobbying work on behalf of City employees. 3.1.18. Fulfill other representation and consulting duties as needed and communicated by the City Manager’s Office.
