TO: Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files, Chief Operating Officer |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Lisa Maher |
Assistant Chief Operating Officer |
TITLE:
title
Approval of the Consulting Services Contract for the State Lobbyist Agreement with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs in the Amount of $79,338
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Requesting Council approval of a Consulting Services agreement to support a state lobbyist to further the City’s goals at the state legislative level and generate revenue. Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs is a bipartisan firm providing legislative and regulatory advocacy and support services, holistic, proactive, and effective approaches to state legislative relations. The total contract for one-year would equal $79,338 after which time the City would evaluate the contract for effectiveness and have the option to extend the contract for one additional year.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan and the City’s Capital Investment Strategy (CIS)
• Required:
Council approval is required for contracts that exceed $50,000
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
The City has been successful in collecting revenue from the state to support capital projects, human services and environmental sustainability projects.
OUTCOMES:
Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations (GTH) provides lobbying and government agency procurement services, developing an unrivaled track record of success and reputation as Washington State’s leading government relations firm. Their expansive bipartisan relationship network spans Washington State’s legislature, executive branch, congressional delegation, and local elected officials.
They have expertise in a wide range of subject areas including taxation, business regulation, procurement, natural resources, local agencies, utilities, transportation, and environment. The GTH scope of work, specific to Redmond, can be found in Attachment A. The contract will be a fixed cost of $6,611.50 per month and is budgeted in the 2025-2026 Budget.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$79, 338 per year
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000290
Budget Priority:
Strategic and Responsive
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/16/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
The contract should be approved as soon as possible so Redmond can continue drafting its State Legislative Agenda and take advantage of funding that may be available
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If the contract is not approved, the City will not use the services of a federal state lobbyist and potentially not take advantage of state funding used for citywide projects.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Gordon Thomas Honeywell Agreement