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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 2nd, 2025
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval for a Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC for State and Federal Legislative and Lobbying Services.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this request is to secure dedicated, professional representation at the State and Federal levels to effectively advocate for the City's legislative, budgetary, and policy priorities. The City of Aurora has significant interests in areas like infrastructure funding, legislative authority, and grant acquisition that require active engagement with the General Assembly, state and federal agencies, and the U.S. Congress. Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC will serve as the City's "eyes and ears" to provide strategic intelligence, identify short- and long-term funding trends, and secure opportunities that directly benefit the city's operational budget and capital projects.
BACKGROUND:
The City requires a professional lobbying and legislative consulting firm to effectively navigate the complex political and regulatory landscape in Springfield and Washington D.C. Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC was selected through a competitive evaluation process based on their experience, established relationships, and strategic plan.
DISCUSSION:
These services are a reduction in costs while maintaining excellent and responsive services. Stratagem Consulting Group manages identification and acquisition of external funding and grants (federal and state) that reduce the burden on local property taxpayers for major City initiatives. The firm will also ensure state and federal legislation does not negatively impact the City's ability to govern or manage its finances. The firm will also support in pursuing the City of Aurora's Legislative agenda.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The cost for the Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group LLC is $10,000.00 per month, resulting in a total annual cost of $120,000.00. This change in lobbying service providers yields an estimated annual cost savings of $47,849.04 compared to the previous contract, representing a significant fiscal benefit to the City. The contract is for a not-to-exceed amount of $120,000.00 for the term of the agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval to enter a Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC for State and Federal Legislative and Lobbying Services for the annual amount of $120,000.00, with a commencement date of January 1, 2025
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC for State and Federal Legislative Consulting Services.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined a need for representation with the State and Federal legislative bodies to advance and lobby the City's legislative and regulatory agenda and monitor legislative and regulatory initiatives which impact the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City of Aurora, to enter into the proposed Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, which commences on January 1, 2025, for a term of twelve (12) months at a monthly fee of $10,000.00, ($120,000.00 annually); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1: That the City Council hereby approves Exhibit A, the Professional Services Contract with Stratagem Consulting Group, LLC for State and Federal Legislative and Lobbying Services for a twelve (12) month term in a not to exceed amount of $120,000 annually.
Section 2: That the City Council authorizes the Mayor, or his designee, to execute Exhibit A.
Section 3: That, if any section, paragraph or provision of this Resolution shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the invalidity or unenforceability of such section, paragraph or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Resolution.
Section 4: That all prior Resolutions and Ordinances in conflict or inconsistent herewith are hereby expressly repealed only to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
Section 5: That this Resolution shall be in effect immediately from and after its passage and approval.