The Evanston City Council approved a one-year contract with Drexwood Partners LLC for lobbying services, looking to have city funding advocacy in Springfield.
The agreement, which is effective March 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023, was approved on a 5-3 vote at the March 28 meeting – after consideration had been postposed from the previous City Council meeting.
“We do need someone to advocate for us as we’re trying to access state and federal funding,” Mayor Daniel Biss said at the March 14 meeting. “Let’s have someone go advocate for our financial interests so we are accessing every resource that we can to accomplish what we want to accomplish with it.”
Aldermen Devon Reid, Clare Kelly and Peter Braithwaite voted against it.
According to city documents, the lobbyist will work under the direction of the city manager as the city’s liaison with state officials. The lobbyist will also monitor legislation, lobby proposals desired by the city of Evanston and prepare monthly reports for the City Council.
Five firms submitted proposals to the city for the lobby contract, according to city officials: Lowitzki Consulting LLC, The Roosevelt. Group, Drexwood Partners LLC, Vision M.A. I. Consulting and Ice Miller LLP.
According to city documents, the contract with Drexwood Partners LLC is not to exceed $70,000. Evanston will pay for the services from the advocacy services money allocated in the general fund – though only $60,000 had been budgeted for fiscal year 2022. The remaining $10,000 will need to be budgeted in FY23.
Drexwood Partners LLC is a Chicago-based firm that specializes in lobby services. An evaluation committee determined that Drexwood was the most qualified firm of the five proposals received.
Ald. Peter Braithwaite, 2nd Ward, had argued that the scope of work for a lobbyist wasn’t clear enough and it would be better to use an in-house specialist already working for the city.
“It’s not clear what we’re allocating $70,000 for, given the fact that we have people who have served on faith,” he said. “So, I think we’re rushing into it.”
However, other council members said that it is important to have an advocate for funding sources for the city of Evanston.
“We need this type of person whose job is dedicated to projecting our interests out into the world and bringing back to us the benefits of having our presence projected out,” said Ald. Melissa Wynne, 3rd Ward. “I think this is a very good and essential position to have.”
Additionally, Ald. Bobby Burns, 5th Ward, explained that Springfield is a “busy place,” and Evanston needs someone to be aware of all funding sources available.
“We need to find those state and federal funds to do … infrastructure improvement and infrastructure work,” he said. “And if we don’t find the funds, it’s going to fall on us, as a city.”
Emily Little is a freelancer.