Annual Contract to Provide Lobbying Services

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Annual Contract to Provide Lobbying Services

The Mayor and Council of Garden City, Georgia, are seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide professional legislative lobbying and governmental affairs services. The selected consultant will represent the City’s interests before the Georgia General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and various state agencies.

I. Purpose of Representation

Garden City requires an initiative-taking advocate to monitor, report on, and influence state legislation and administrative actions that impact municipal operations, local home rule authority, and the City’s strategic development goals.

II. Scope of Services

The successful proposer will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Legislative Monitoring: Track all bills, resolutions, and amendments introduced in the Georgia General Assembly that may affect Garden City, specifically regarding municipal finance, zoning, public works, and public safety.
• Direct Advocacy: Engage in direct communication with members of the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia State Senate, and executive branch officials to advance the City’s annual legislative agenda.
• Strategic Planning: Assist the City’s Mayor and Council, Director of Governmental Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, and City Manager in developing a comprehensive state legislative platform prior to each session.
• Reporting: Provide weekly written updates during the legislative session and monthly briefings during the interim. Attend Mayor and Council meetings upon request to provide oral testimony or updates.
• Grant & Agency Liaison: Identify state-level funding opportunities and facilitate meetings between City officials and state agency heads (e.g., GDOT, EPD, DCA).

III. Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in governmental affairs or legislative lobbying within the State of Georgia.
• A deep understanding of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and its application to municipal governance.
• A registered lobbyist in good standing with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission.
• Demonstrated success in securing legislative priorities or state funding for municipal clients.

IV. Proposal Requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal containing the following:

1. Letter of Interest: A brief summary of the firm’s philosophy and why they are best suited for Garden City.
2. Professional Profile: Resumes of the principal lobbyist(s) who will be assigned to the City’s account.
3. Statement of Experience: A list of current and past municipal clients and a description of legislative successes achieved on their behalf.
4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: A list of all current clients represented before the Georgia General Assembly to ensure no conflict exists with the City's interests.
5. Cost Proposal: A proposed fee structure (e.g., monthly retainer, annual flat fee) inclusive of all expenses.

V. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

• Experience and history with the Georgia General Assembly (40%)
• Knowledge of municipal law and local government issues (30%)
• References and reputation (20%)
• Cost effectiveness (10%)

VI. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted to Veronica Enoch, Director of Governmental Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, either electronically at venoch@gardencity-ga.gov or at Garden City City Hall, 100 Central Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31405, by 5:00 pm on July 2, 2026. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the best interest of the City.

Garden City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Documents:

• RFP-for-Legislative-Lobbyist(RTF, 16MB)
• Request-for-Proposal(PDF, 79KB)