New State Lobbying Firm, Retains Federal Advocate in Unanimous Vote by Elk Grove City Council

The Elk Grove City Council unanimously approved new contracts for the city's federal and state government relations services during its June 24 meeting, retaining its longtime federal lobbying firm while selecting a new firm to represent the city before the California Legislature.

The council approved a three-year, $183,000 contract with Van Scoyoc Associates to continue providing federal government relations services and a two-year, $120,000 contract with Capitol Advocacy for state government relations services. The recommendations followed a competitive request for proposals process overseen by an ad hoc committee consisting of Vice Mayor Darren Suen and Councilmember Rod Brewer.

Community Engagement and Government Relations Manager Christal Love-Lazard said the city had worked with the same state and federal lobbying firms for approximately two decades and determined it was time to open the contracts to competition.

"We had had the same federal and state government affair representation for many, many years," Love-Lazard told the council. "This was an overdue, very important process to open up the RFP, see what else is out there."

The city received proposals from five firms for federal services and six firms for state services before narrowing the field through interviews conducted in April and May.

Love-Lazard said the committee recommended keeping Van Scoyoc because continuity is critical for long-term federal funding efforts.

"The federal program is slower and those projects span so many years, sometimes even decades," she said. "This continuity is really important for our federal relationship in Washington."

According to the staff report, Van Scoyoc has represented Elk Grove since 2006 and helped secure $3.64 million in congressional-directed funding over the past three years for five city projects, including transportation, public safety and infrastructure improvements.

The committee recommended replacing longtime state lobbyist Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, which had represented the city since 2002, with Capitol Advocacy.

Love-Lazard said the larger firm brings broader expertise and relationships that better match Elk Grove's growth.

"They represent interests around energy, technology and healthcare," she said. "They often see legislative trends before they hit the municipal sector."

She added that the firm's strategic guidance would help the city become more proactive "reflecting the fact that we are not a tiny little city anymore and we are the second largest city in the region."

Capitol Advocacy lobbyist Sam Mahood told the council his firm would focus on strengthening relationships with lawmakers and state agencies while helping position Elk Grove for future funding opportunities.

"We want to make sure we're keeping you all up to date and engaging where necessary," Mahood said, noting the city would face a new legislative session with thousands of bills beginning next year.

The federal contract maintains the city's current $5,000 monthly retainer through August 2029, with up to $1,000 annually for approved travel expenses. The state contract also carries a $5,000 monthly retainer for up to two years.

Funding for future years remains subject to annual City Council budget approval.