## City of Blaine ## City Council Workshop August 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM ## Blaine City Hall ## 10801 Town Square Drive NE ## Blaine, MN 55449 ## AGENDA ## NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.01 of the Blaine City Charter, a Council Workshop meeting is scheduled for the following purpose: 1. Call to Order ## 2. Roll Call ## 3. New Business ## 3.1. 2026-385 State Lobbying Agreement Discussion ## Sponsors: Scott Johnson, Director of Administrative Services ## 4. Other Business 5. Adjournment Page 1 of 3 ## City of Blaine ## Staff Report ## File Number: 2026-385 ## Agenda Date ## Status August 17, 2026 ## In Control ## File Type ## City Council ## Workshop Item New Business - Erik Thorvig, City Manager, Scott Johnson, Director of Administrative Services Agenda Item # 3.1 ## State Lobbying Agreement Discussion ## Executive Summary ## Background The city's current state lobbying contract expires at the end of 2026. The current contract is with Lockridge, Grindal, and Nauen. Requests for proposals were solicited in June for lobbying services in 2027 (and beyond depending on the length of contract). The firms who responded to the RFP are Lockridge, Grindal, and Nauen, and Capitol Hill Associates. Below are the proposed RFP amounts: Lockridge, Grindal, and Nauen - $38,000 per year Capitol Hill Associates - $42,000 per year Staff has requested two 20-minute presentations from the firms who responded to the RFP. Staff will request the firms leave the workshop after their presentations to allow for City Council discussion/direction on the top choice. A formal contract will be considered at a later date. ## Strategic Plan Relationship ## Board/Commission Review ## Financial Impact Page 2 of 3 ## Public Outreach/Input ## Staff Recommendation Discussion and provide feedback regarding state lobbying services. ## Attachment List ## None Page 3 of 3