Request for Proposal (RFP) for Lobbyist Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Lobbyist Services: Illinois Tax Credit Designation including, but not limited to, the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program (RE-HTC) within Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zones

Issued By:
City of Sterling
212 3 ^rd Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
815-632-6621
sterling-il.gov
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Date Issued: 11/6/2024

Proposal Submission Deadline: 12/6/2024

The City of Sterling is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified lobbyists or lobbying firms to assist in obtaining an Illinois Tax Credit Designation including, but not limited to, the River Edge Historic Tax Credit Program (RE-HTC) within the Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zones Designation for the City of Sterling. The designated lobbyist will advocate for our project with relevant elected officials and state agencies to secure the official designation, as well as associated funding or regulatory benefits. This RFP outlines the scope of work, required qualifications, and submission requirements.

II. Project Overview

The River's Edge Redevelopment Zone Designation aims to recognize and protect the Rock River's unique environmental, recreational, and cultural significance. Achieving this designation will unlock opportunities for community development, conservation, tourism, and economic growth in an area that has been blighted due to global changes that negatively affected the past manufacturing that once dominated Sterling’s riverfront.

Three large manufacturers occupied the core of Sterling’s riverfront for nearly a century: Northwestern Steel & Wire, National Manufacturing and Lawrence Brothers. While portions of the former Northwestern Steel & Wire are currently being turned into public space, the former National and Lawrence sites are both unique architectural sites, that through adaptive reuse, can save the historical character of the riverfront while providing new uses for the community.

The Northwestern site has received a No Further Remediation letter, allowing for public use as a park that is currently under construction. Next door, the former owner of the National site has completed most of their obligated remediation measures. The City has remediated a portion of the site and will be completing the remaining buildings over the next 2 years. Portions of the site should be eligible for a No Further Remediation letter in 2025. Lawrence Brothers is being remediated presently under a USEPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant.

The City has partnered with a developer to market these sites for reuse, but the cost to rehabilitate in an area with depressed values makes a difficult case for attracting private investment without some forms of assistance. The City and its development partners believe the designation of Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zone is the lynchpin to attracting private investment to this area of Illinois.

III. Scope of Work

The selected lobbyist will be expected to:

1. Develop and Implement a Legislative Strategy:
   • Identify key legislative and executive contacts and potential bill sponsors
   • Recommend legislative measures/language and administrative actions that will lead to the River's Edge Designation
   • Assist in crafting advocacy materials, including briefing documents, presentations, and public testimony
   • Propose a schedule for securing the Designation
2. Engage Key Stakeholders:
   • Build relationships with elected officials, elected officials’ staff, State agency representatives, community leaders, and stakeholders who can influence the River's Edge Designation
   • Facilitate meetings, presentations, and briefings with government officials and decision- makers while advocating for the inclusion of the City of Sterling into the River's Edge Designation
3. Secure Designation and Regulatory Support:
   • Recommend legislation language, bill sponsors and tactics to receive the Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zone designation for the City of Sterling
   • Advise City of Sterling officials in navigating the legislative processes, including meetings and deadlines

IV. Proposal

Respondents should submit:

• Cover letter introducing your firm or yourself
• Statement of Qualifications
  1. Lobbying Experience: Proven experience in advocacy and lobbying, particularly with agencies and the Illinois legislative and executive bodies.
  2. Record of Lobbying Performance: Success in securing the same or similar designations, funding, or policy victories related to Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zones, Tax Credit programs or other funding for Adaptive Reuse projects.
  3. Familiarity with Sterling or similar downstate communities that have endeavored on similar goals.
  4. Approach used in similar successful lobbying efforts.
• List of local governments previously represented and recommendations
• Billing rate structure

Submit qualifications to:

City Manager Scott Shumard

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212 3 ^rd Avenue

Sterling, IL 61081

All proposals must be received by December 6, 2024.

The City of Sterling is eager to keep our riverfront redevelopment moving forward and working together to achieve the River's Edge Designation for the benefit of our downstate Illinois community. More information on the key areas of the riverfront redevelopment, where the designation is most crucial, can be found here: https://www.riverfrontreimagined.com/

Respectfully,

Scott Shumard City Manager City of Sterling