REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
title
Consider Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC) recommendation to approve and authorize execution of Professional Services Contracts with Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services
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Statement of Issue:
As recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC), approve and authorize the execution of Professional Services Contracts in the amount of $270,000 with Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services and $234,000 with Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services.
Financial Impact:
Sufficient funds for both contracts have been budgeted in the FY26-27 Operating Budget under account no. 10030101.69365. Funding for years 2 and 3 will be included in the subsequent budgets.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $270,000 “Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP for State Legislative Advocacy Services”; and
B) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute $234,000 “Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Stapleton & Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
On September 1, 2026 staff brought forth two 3-year professional service agreements for state and federal legislative advocacy services. After discussion, Councilmember Kennedy made an alternate motion for a 3-year pricing contract with a right to exit the contact at the end of year-2 with no penalty or consequence. At the end of year two, the accomplishments of the contract will be evaluated in order to exercise the third year or exercise the right to exit the contract.
On September 15, 2026, staff brought the two professional service agreements for state and federal legislative advocacy services back to City Council for approval. After discussion, the City Council made an alternate motion to review deliverables from state and federal lobbying services.
The City of Huntington Beach uses state and federal lobbying services to ensure that the City’s interests and priorities are effectively represented before the California Legislature, state agencies, Congress, and federal agencies. At the state level, lobbying services provide on-site legislative advocacy, including monitoring legislation, communicating the City’s positions to legislators and legislative staff, preparing and submitting position letters, and arranging and participating in meetings with individual legislators, legislative committees, and key policymakers. These services allow the City to respond quickly to proposed legislation and regulations that may affect municipal operations, finances, public safety, infrastructure, housing, and other local priorities, while also helping advance legislation that supports the City’s interests.
In the last three years, Kahn, Soares and Conway LLP (KSC) has attended in-person meetings and monthly Intergovernmental Relations Committee meetings; provided a detailed, weekly legislative log during session; assisted with the legislative platforms; issued approximately 80 position letters on pending legislation; and lobbied countless committees and rule makers on behalf of the City. In 2026 KSC assisted the City in the sponsorship of legislation, SB 979 (Strickland) and lobbied agencies across California to support the legislation. In 2024, KSC assisted the City with preparations for the Joint Legislative Audit Committee hearing and attended the hearing with City representatives.
At the federal level, lobbying services are particularly valuable in helping the City pursue Congressionally Directed Spending, also referred to as Community Project Funding (CPF) or federal earmarks, by working directly with the City’s congressional delegation, including members of the House of Representatives and Senate. The City’s lobbyist assists by identifying eligible funding paths, developing competitive funding requests, preparing application materials, coordinating meetings with congressional offices, and advocating for the City’s priorities throughout the federal appropriations process including meetings with members of the Appropriations Committee.
In the last three years, Stapleton & Associates has attended in-person meetings and monthly Intergovernmental Relations Committee meetings; provided a legislative log during session; assisted with the legislative platforms, and provided direct access to policymakers, thereby securing substantial federal funding for Huntington Beach. Since 2021, federal lobbyists have helped secure $1,500,000 from Senator Diane Feinstein for Be Well and in the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act stemming from 2025 CPF project requests, $850,000 was committed by Congressman Dave Min for the Huntington Beach Navigation Center Upgrades and Repairs.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. RCA Contract Agreement Summary
2. Professional Services Contract with Kahn, Soares & Conway LLP
3. Professional Services Contract with Stapleton & Associates