title
Approve a four-year contract with Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange, Inc. (SYASL Partners) for the term of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030, for an initial annual contract amount of $150,600, for state legislative advocacy, governmental affairs, strategic policy analysis and public affairs services; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments that remain within budgeted appropriations
body
Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a four-year contract with Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange, Inc. (SYASL Partners) for the term of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030, for an initial annual contract amount of $150,600, for state legislative advocacy, governmental affairs, strategic policy analysis and public affairs services; and
2. Authorize the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments that remain within budgeted appropriations.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Staff is recommending the Board of Supervisors approve a new four-year contract with SYASL Partners, Inc. to provide comprehensive state legislative advocacy, governmental affairs, strategic policy analysis and public affairs services on behalf of Solano County. The Board has historically supported retaining a state legislative advocate to help advance the County’s legislative goals and priorities, maximize benefits to County programs and services for residents and partner organizations, identify funding opportunities, and minimize legislation, budget actions and regulatory proposals that could negatively affect County operations, funding or service delivery.
The overall goals of the County’s state legislative program are to:
1. Influence state legislation, budget actions, administrative and regulatory policies as they relate to County goals and priorities, programs and operations;
2. Support adequate, sustained funding for County programs and operations and identify state funding, grant and budget opportunities; and
3. Maintain positive relationships with the County’s state legislative delegation and their staff, the Governor’s Administration, state agencies, statewide associations, regional partners and other key stakeholders.
Staff recommends Board support for the proposed contract for the following reasons:
1. Required expertise, credibility and access. SYASL Partners has served as the County’s state legislative advocate since 2014 (and as Shaw/Yoder since 2005) and has demonstrated the expertise, credibility and relationships necessary to effectively represent the County in Sacramento. The proposed scope includes monitoring legislation, the State Budget and Budget Trailer Bills, administrative actions, regulatory proposals and executive branch activities; providing timely strategic analysis and advocacy guidance; coordinating with legislative offices, state agencies and statewide and regional partners; and supporting County-sponsored legislation and amendments. Maintaining an experienced advocate also provides continuity as legislative, budget and regulatory issues develop across legislative sessions.
2. Expanded scope of services. The proposed contract updates and broadens the scope of work beyond traditional legislative advocacy to include governmental affairs, strategic policy analysis and public affairs support. In addition to weekly written legislative reports, timely alerts and regular coordination meetings, SYASL Partners will assist with position letters, issue briefs, testimony, talking points, stakeholder and coalition engagement, and strategic communications. Public affairs services may include messaging frameworks, press releases and media advisories, presentations, digital and social media content recommendations, and communications counsel related to significant legislative and policy matters.
3. Continuity of critical legislative services. The four-year term runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030, providing continuity across two two-year State legislative sessions. The contract will support the County throughout the annual legislative and State Budget cycles, including the Governor’s Budget, May Revision, Budget Act and Budget Trailer Bills, legislative committee and floor deadlines, and gubernatorial consideration of legislation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The proposed sole source contract with SYASL Partners, Inc. is $12,550 per month, or $150,600 annually, through December 31, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, the rate will be adjusted annually to reflect the most recently published Consumer Price Index inflation rate for the Western Office of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The base four-year amount before CPI adjustments is $602,400. County-approved travel, meals and lodging expenses necessarily incurred in connection with the contract are reimbursable in accordance with the County’s Travel and Business Expense Policy. The legislative program is intended to support additional funding opportunities and cost avoidance for Solano County.
The cost of preparing this report and compiling the information is a General Fund cost. Funding for the contract is provided through the County Administrator’s Office and is subject to annual appropriations approved by the Board of Supervisors. Compensation and payment provisions are outlined in Exhibit B of the contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
While staff is recommending that the Board approve the proposed contract, the Board may consider the following alternatives:
1. Direct staff to negotiate additional terms for the contract and initiate desired changes; or
2. Not approve a new contract.
Alternatives 1 and 2 are not recommended because maintaining continuity in state legislative representation and governmental affairs services will support the County as it addresses legislative, budget, regulatory and policy matters affecting County programs, services, funding and operations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposed contract for appropriate content and form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION