TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Consulting Services Agreement with Governmental Solutions, Inc. for State Advocacy Services
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet can benefit from a professional state lobbyist to ensure our community's priorities are clearly and effectively represented in Springfield. A state lobbyist can assist with the following advocacy tasks:
* Conduct outreach to and educate Joliet's state legislative delegation, relevant state agency staff, and Administration officials.
* Monitor and review proposed legislation and regulations to identify benefits or impacts to City interests.
* Advocate on behalf of the City before state agencies, legislative committees, and the Illinois General Assembly.
* Assist in securing state funding for priority projects.
* Develop and support legislative or regulatory initiatives.
A Request for Qualifications was published in the Herald News on November 11, 2025. Three (3) qualification packages were received and evaluated by staff. Interviews were conducted with two firms on December 16, 2025. Based on the written proposal and interview, Governmental Consulting Solutions, Inc. (GCS) was selected to provide state advocacy services. GCS is based in Springfield, Illinois, and has provided governmental affairs solutions to organizations including municipalities, colleges, businesses, not-for-profits and associations since 2005.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Governmental Consulting Solutions, Inc. will provide state advocacy services for a monthly fee of $10,000.00 as stated in the attached Consulting Services Agreement. The fee and scope of services will be reviewed on an annual basis and the engagement can be terminated at any time with 30 days' notice by the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council adop...
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