cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 13, 2021
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving an extension of an agreement with Bukola Bello for Lobbying Services on behalf of the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora has been represented by Dan Shomon, Inc. (DSI), and has been since 2006. A request to extend Dan's contract is also up for consideration for the Finance Committee as well.
In early 2020, the city began to explore the idea of adding a member to our lobby team. After interviewing several candidates, Bukola Bello of Vision M.A.I. was selected. Her contract was initially to be considered by the committee in March but was put on hold due to the pandemic until August of 2020 and was renewed for the full 2021 year. City staff would like to extend her agreement for the 2022 year.
DISCUSSION:
The initial goal of adding a member to the lobby team was to modify our legislative approach and increase our presence in Springfield. The plan was to divide issues between Dan and Bukola to ensure we had appropriate coverage and representation and were able to respond to the changing needs and demands of Springfield.
The evolving demands presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic changed our initial plans, but the addition of Bukola to the city’s lobby team proved to be invaluable. The 2021 year saw Bukola focusing heavily on the police reform legislation, which remains a significant focus going in to 2022 as well. Bukola also continues to work to move Aurora initiatives forward, arranging meetings in Springfield with Speaker Welch and other key legislators. She also coordinated a Legislative Reception on behalf of Aurora, providing staff the opportunity to network in person and focus on relationship building for Aurora.
There are no significant changes to the 2022 agreement. Funds have been budgeted at a rate of $3,000/month in account #101-1002-413-32.20. The 2022 agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This extension, if approved will have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully requested this item be forwarded from the Finance Committee to the Committee of the Whole.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing a one-year extension of an agreement with Vision M.A.I., LLC for the governmental affairs consulting services of Bukola Bello.
body
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 has determined that it is in the best interests of the citizens of Aurora to enter into an agreement with Vision M.A.I., LLC for the government affairs consulting services of Bukola Bello.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the attached contract with Vision M.A.I., LLC for the 2022 calendar year.