The 2015 Legislature will convene on January 5, 2015.  The City of Billings traditionally hires a lobbyist to represent its interests during the legislative session.  In order to guide that lobbyist, the City Council is being asked to adopt its legislative priorities and an issues list (attached).  This practice has existed for many years.  The City's lobbyist, Ed Bartlett, presented a draft set of priorities and issues to the Council at its November 17 work session.  In response to comments made at that meeting, staff has revised a few issues and is now presenting the final document to the City Council for its approval.

City Council may:

• Approve the recommended legislative priorities and issues, or;
• Revise and approve the amended priorities and issues, or;
• Disapprove the priorities and issues and advise staff and lobbyist on future actions.

There is no direct financial impact from this action.  The City budgeted $45,000 in FY 2015 for its lobbying activities.  City staff and City Councilmembers will periodically travel to Helena to represent the City and its interests.  Those expenses will be covered by each department's annual budget.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached lists of 2015 legislative priorities and issues.