DEPARTMENT: Intergovernmental Relations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S) IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Federal Representation Services Contract Assignment
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the assignment of the federal representation services contract with Venable LLP, approved in Ord. 2015-05-21-0425, to Downs Government Affairs. Venable has agreed to the assignment due to conflicting interests between municipal clients and for-profit clients. Thomas C. Downs will continue as lead advocate for the City for the remainder of the contract term.
BACKGROUND:
The City of San Antonio has retained consultants to represent its federal interests in Washington, D.C. since 1994. Increasingly challenging budget constraints make it imperative for local communities to have strong advocates at the federal level. Consultants enhance the City's ability to communicate with federal officials on San Antonio's priority issues and communicate regularly with City Council and staff on issues in the City's Federal Legislative Program.
On May 21, 2015, City Council authorized a professional services agreement with Venable LLP, Ordinance 2015-05-21-0425, for an initial term of 2 years, with a two-year performance based extension at the City's option. Thomas C. Downs was the lead consultant on the contract.
Venable recently underwent changes in leadership and strategic direction. The partnership decided that the interests of represented municipal clients are at odds with the interests of other, for-profit, clients. Thomas C. Downs resigned from the Venable partnership effective December 31, 2015 and is taking the municipal government and public entity government affairs practice to the newly formed Downs Government Affairs. Venable LLP no longer has an interest in representing the City of San Antonio and has agreed to assign the agreement to Downs Government Affairs.
Downs Government Affairs is a firm dedicated to innovative intergovernmental affairs ...
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