TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an Annual Amount of $56,100 and Authorize City Manager to Execute Any Subsequent Renewals Under the Same Terms and Conditions.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an annual amount of $56,100 and authorize the City Manager to execute any subsequent renewals under the same terms and conditions.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an annual amount of $56,100 and authorize the City Manager to execute any subsequent renewals under the same terms and conditions.
• Pros:
o Outside expertise will assist in developing strategies and advocating for the City’s legislative priorities.
o This annual Agreement comes with a modest cost of $56,100 per year.
• Cons: Staff have not identified any disadvantages to approving the Professional Lobbying Services Agreement.
Option 2: Do Not Approve Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an annual amount of $56,100 and authorize the City Manager to execute any subsequent renewals under the same terms and conditions.
• Pros: The City will not expend any funds on external Lobbying Services.
• Cons: The City will not have external expertise or assistance in the development of strategies and advocating for the City Commission priorities at the legislative level.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on April 9, 2019, the City Commission approved a scope of services and directed the City Manager to pursue negotiation of a new Contract with Greenberg Traurig, P.A. under the competitive exemption for lobbying services per City Procurement Code. The initial three-year Agreement with one three-year renewal, which is now expired.
A new Agreement has been drafted which enables the City of North Port to advance its legislative priorities by leveraging professional lobbying expertise, which helps secure state funding; advocate for key projects; and strengthen relationships with state officials. These efforts ultimately enhance the City’s position and effectiveness in state-level policymaking.
The Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an annual amount of $56,100 and authorize the City Manager to execute any subsequent renewals under the same terms and conditions has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for State Legislative Lobbyist Services for an annual amount of $56,100 and authorize the City Manager to execute any subsequent renewals under the same terms and conditions was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on November 24, 2025, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
The amount of $56,100 is budgeted in account number 001-0100-511-31-00.
Procurement
Procurement of Lobbying Services is being made in accordance with Sec. 2-403 (a)(3)q Exemption of the City’s Procurement Code.
Attachments: 1. 2025 Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services
2. Florida Division of Corporations Documentation
Prepared by: Lori Hollingshead, Business Operations Administrator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager