Staff recommends that City Council approve the contract between the City of Billings and Thorn Run Partners for Federal Lobbying Services for $96,000 for three years with two 2-year optional extensions. 

An RFP for Federal Lobbying Services was issued on May 15, 2026 and closed on May 29, 2026. Based on the submissions received, it is recommended that Thorn Run Partners provide Federal Lobbying Services effective July 14, 2026 through June 30, 2029 with two optional renewals of two-years each.

Federal Lobbying Services have been provided by Thorn Run since June 2022 with the current contract extension set to expire June 30, 2026. An RFP was issued on May 15, 2026, closing at 5:00pm MT on Friday, May 29, 2026, with the following criteria:

1.  Length of Contract: three (3) year contract with up to two (2) two-year renewals.
2. Identify and devise strategies to successfully secure federal funding for the CITY.
3. Pursue major funding opportunities and investigate other opportunities. Lobbying CONSULTANT shall research and provide information to the CITY on existing and emerging legislation, availability of funding, distribution of funding, techniques to be used by the CITY to capitalize on opportunities, and examples of successful federal government applications.
4. Monitor bills that may impact CITY interests in accordance with the legislative priorities established by the CITY and provide interpretation and analysis of bills to CITY staff.
5. Work closely with CITY staff to assess the impact of certain bills and administrative decisions and to develop a response from the CITY either in support, opposition, or seek amendments to bills or administrative rules.
6. Provide frequent legislative briefings for key CITY staff, including information regarding major highlights and information on priority bills that require CITY attention.
7. Represent the CITY and meet with legislators, their staff, and governmental agency officials to advance CITY legislative agenda and interests.
8. Testify at committee hearings and other meetings on behalf of the CITY.
9. Track and review press releases, informational bulletins, and other important information released by the federal governments and their agencies.
10. Review and notify CITY staff of relevant federal grants.
11. Advocate for CITY funding in the federal budgets, through grants and legislation, and through any other appropriate means.
12. Work with the CITY staff to secure sponsors for proposed bills and/or amendments to Federal law.
13. Coordinate meetings with Montana legislative delegation as needed.
14. Provide CITY staff with monthly written summary of legislative activities on behalf of the CITY.

The selection committee consisted of Kevin Iffland, Interim City Administrator, Gina Dahl, City Attorney, Jeff Roach, Director of Aviation and Transit, Jennifer Duray, Deputy Public Works Director, and Jessica Fust, Building Official.

Five responses to the RFP were received from the following entities:

1. Acorn Consulting
2. Capri & Clay Government Relations
3. Forbes Tate Partners
4. Gallant Government & Law Group
5. Thorn Run Partners

The responses were scored according to the following matrix:

• Experience representing local governments on federal legislative and funding priorities - 20 points
• Understanding of the City’s needs, priorities, and federal funding opportunities - 20 points
• Qualifications and federal relationships of assigned personnel - 20 points
• Proposed approach to advocacy, communication, reporting, and coordination with City staff - 20 points
• Cost competitiveness and overall value - 20 points

The top two responses to the RFP (Forbes Tate and Thorn Run) were selected based on the above scoring matrix. Interviews were conducted with each of the top two entities on June 11 and June 12, 2026 respectively. Additionally, Thorn Run's record of experience included being on track to have helped the City secure $7 million in funding through Community Project Funding in just two years. Over four years of representation, Thorn Run also helped secure numerous grants while maintaining a consistent focus on the full range of important policy issues affecting the City, from the airport and public works to transportation, public safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, and other issues.

The final selection was unanimous by the selection committee.

The previous contract was $90,000 annually from June 2022 to June 2026, and will increase to $96,000 annually with this contract.
The funding for Federal Lobbyist services is split equally between the Public Works, Aviation and Transit, and Administration Departments, and is budgeted in the FY27 budget. 
Securing a contract for Federal Lobbying services increases possibilities for the City to take advantage of federal funding opportunities and be made aware of impactful federal legislation, which could have significant fiscal effects. 

Mayor, City Council, Administration, and affected departments.

City Council may: Approve the contract or disapprove the contract and provide further direction to staff.