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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 STAT...
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