RFP - Lobyist ServicesRequest for Proposals
for
Lobbyist Services
August 4, 2015
phone 760.777.7000
web www.la-quinta.org
address 78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
O
Gem of the Desert
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) OVERVIEW
The City of La Quinta requests proposals from qualified organizations/individuals to
provide lobbying and legislative representation services that enhance the City’s legislative
program and advance the City Council’s legislative policy positions. Recently, the City updated
its legislative policy guide (Attachment 1), which is a road map in navigating the legislative
landscape. The City’s guiding principles for these efforts are as follows.
1. Enhance Local Authority
2. Sustain Fiscal Responsibility
3. Foster Economic Development
4. Promote Health and Wellness
5. Support Public Safety
6. Encourage Preservation of Environment
The City is seeking a strategic partner to bolster its legislative efforts that can identify trends in the
legislative arena and craft a strategy to achieve the City goals.
ABOUT THE CITY
La Quinta has a progressive Council, quality management and first-class City services. World-renowned as
a destination for art, health, golf and well-being, La Quinta continues to identify new ways to reinvest in its
community to enhance its status as “The Gem of the Desert.” The City takes a business approach to running
municipal operations. City management is customer service focused, and rewards high performance,
creative thinking and teamwork. The City is centrally located within the Coachella Valley economic sub-
region. The Coachella Valley is a 2,500 square-mile economic sub-region of Riverside County, California,
and consists of 9 incorporated cities including: Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho
Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella and portions of the unincorporated County of
Riverside. The City represents 35.55 square miles with a permanent population of 38,475 and a seasonal
population adding approximately 16,000 with a population density of 1,082 and 1,532 per square mile,
respectively. The resident base represents a median age of 45.6 and an average household income of
$93,091. Incorporated on May 1, 1982, the City has grown to include 25 golf courses, 11 parks and miles of
biking/hiking trails and is a Healthy Eating Active Living city. The City maintains an active relationship with
the League of California Cities, works on legislative coalitions with other municipalities, and utilizes its legal
services firm to assist on legislative activities.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The chosen organization/individual must be well versed in Federal and State legislation, able to properly
represent the City and its interests, and advocate for legislation that aligns with the City’s Legislative Policy
Guide. The services the City is seeking will include the following:
1. On an annual basis, work with the City to update its legislative program to look at upcoming legislative
trends. This will assist the City in pro actively addressing legislation, topics, or issues that unfold in
advance of the coming year.
2. Undertake advocacy, including strategy development and all related activities to attain the objectives
of the City. Related activities to include meeting with legislators and staff, drafting legislative
amendments, coordinating testimony at legislative hearings and administrative agencies, attending
phone 760.777.7000
web www.la-quinta.org
address 78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
O
Gem of the Desert
meetings and otherwise representing the City’s positions. Organize advocacy trips
to promote the City’s projects and priorities.
3. Review all proposed, introduced, and amended legislation, and proposed and adopted
administrative rules and regulations, to determine its impact on the City and recommend
positions to be taken on the legislation.
4. Provide monthly electronic reports on status of legislation and other related matters such as bill
language and committee analysis, an annual report giving an overview of the completed and a forecast
of important issues in the upcoming year.
5. Coordinate and cooperate with other organizations, municipalities, companies and firms having similar
legislative objectives as the City. Where appropriate, advocate positions on legislation and work to
secure language in law that will advance the City’s interests.
6. Regularly communicate with the City to assess legislative options, analyze legislation and discuss policy
objectives including review and input into the City’s legislative policy guide. Present legislative issues to
the full City Council as needed/upon request.
7. Participate in regular planning and coordination meetings with City staff.
8. Undertake advocacy on technical matters, compliance reporting and associated activities.
9. Identify available programs that provide funding or grants for City projects and services and provide
assistance in preparing applications.
10. Assist the City in securing Redevelopment Agency funding by lobbying for the City’s interests to the
Department of Finance (DOF) and other legislative platforms.
11. Prepare and file all applicable Fair Political Practices Commission lobbying documents and reports within
all applicable deadlines, per the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974 as amended. Provide the
City notification of any changes or modifications that may be pertinent.
TIMELINE
RFP available on the City’s website or via email August 4
Deadline for written questions regarding RFP August 13
City’s responses to questions due to vendors Within 24 hours
Proposal response due date August 18
Interviews of considered vendors Week of August 24
Finalists selected interviewed by the City Council September 15 City Council Meeting
phone 760.777.7000
web www.la-quinta.org
address 78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Gem of the Desert
O
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (See Attachment 2 for Proposal Format)
Submit proposals electronically via e-mail or thumb drive. All documents submitted must
be in PDF format. Proposals must bear electronic signatures. Submit proposals to:
City of La Quinta or: dkinley@la-quinta.org
City Manager’s Department Subject: RFP – Lobbyist Services
Attn: Doug Kinley
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
SUBMISSION RESTRICTIONS
No oral, text, fax, or telephone proposals or modifications will be considered. Proposals received after the
due date and time will be returned unopened.
QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
Any request for clarification or other questions concerning this RFP or attachments must be submitted via
e-mail to dkinley@la-quinta.org.
phone 760.777.7000
web www.la-quinta.org
address 78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Gem of the Desert
O