State Lobbying Services

The City seeks proposals from experienced and qualified State lobbying individuals or firms (“Proposer”) interested in entering into a contract to work collaboratively to address the goals and interests of the City and City Council. The selected proposer will report directly to the Legislative Affairs Manager to represent the City for state lobbying services. Based on the current economy, the City will consider proposals that deliver cost-efficient services without compromising quality.

Currently, the City is not represented by a State lobbyist. Historically, the City has been represented by only one lobbyist. As part of the City’s purchasing practices, it is essential to hold an open proposal process to learn about what prospective proposers offer to support the implementation of the City’s legislative program and achieve its policy and programmatic goals.

As the City celebrates 60 years since its incorporation, it is looking for change with a results-oriented proposer to support the City’s growing needs.

The City of Thousand Oaks is located in eastern Ventura County and consists of 56 square miles. The City population is approximately 122,000. The City is a general law city operating under the Council/Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of five elected members, with one member serving as Mayor on an annual basis. On July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance which will move the City to district-based elections starting in November 2024.

The City has been recognized for its proactive approach in monitoring, advocating, and lobbying for State legislation that directly impacts its operations and service to residents. The City participates in the National League of Cities (NLC), the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) as well as regional organizations that influence local, regional, state, and federal affairs.

In 2005, the City developed a legislative program and designated a full-time legislative manager to coordinate legislative activities. A Legislative Platform (attached as Exhibit A) is presented to the City Council every two years for approval. The Platform features two over-arching advocacy principles to protect the City’s (1) local control and authority, and (2) local budget. Along with these tenets, the City incorporates specific/current issues into the Legislative Platform which are identified by City departments or through City Council goals, local government associations (NLC and Cal Cities) as well as priorities designated by professional organizations (e.g. American Public Works Association, California Transit Association, etc.).

The City also prepares annual lists to identify specific projects and programs seeking State assistance for implementation. The 2024 Legislative Funding Priorities (Exhibit B); along with City Council Citywide Goals and Objectives FY 2022/23 and FY 2023/24 (Exhibit C); and City Council Top Priorities for FY 2023/24 (Exhibit D) serve as the guidance and examples of State funding interests. In 2018, the City Council adopted a community-led visioning program for the next 50 years. The Visioning 2064 Top Ten Principles (Exhibit E) outlines the outcomes of this program.

Each Spring, members of the City Council and the Legislative Affairs Manager travel to Sacramento during the Cal Cities Spring Leadership Summit. The City delegation meets with its State representatives to discuss current legislative issues and local priorities. Throughout the year, the Legislative Affairs Manager meets with capitol staff and local field representatives to reiterate the City’s interests, and challenges and provide updates. As needed City Council members and the Legislative Affairs Manager meet with representatives from State agencies.

Although the City is vigilant about the introduction of potentially harmful legislation it seeks the support of experienced, informed, and pro-active lobbyist partners. Continuous monitoring and analysis to augment the City’s efforts will help keep the City at the forefront by ensuring its interests and concerns are relayed to State policymakers promptly while pursuing efforts to support, amend, or defeat bills.

During recent years, the City has faced growing political and even punitive pressure from the State to address issues that are not traditionally under its purview. Local governments are now forced to develop affordable housing, address homelessness, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These unfunded mandates make the need for strong advocacy efforts more critical. The City also requires a strategic approach to successfully pursue, secure, and maximize its share of resources and grants to implement its priorities, projects, and interests.