The Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations recommends that City Council adopt an ordinance approving a restated agreement with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (“Akin Gump”) to advocate for the City before the United States Congress and Federal agencies. The agreement is a one year term with maximum spending authority in the amount of $248,000.
Akin Gump has provided successful federal representation for the City since February 2005. Over the years, the firm has advanced the City’s interests on a broad range of issues including: workforce development, clean air and water, federal flood insurance, water infrastructure, payday lending, NASA and investment in Johnson Space Center, expansion of William P. Hobby Airport for international service, freight rail investment and safety, transportation funding, law enforcement, housing, and disaster assistance.
Akin Gump will continue to assist the City on a broad range of issues involving federal policy, including identifying federal funding for City priorities related to law enforcement, interoperable communications, transportation and rail, housing and economic development, parks, energy efficiency, flood control, and health and human services; advocating for maximum funding for critical programs, including Community Development Block Grants and law enforcement; assisting the City in working with HUD regarding program compliance; ensuring that NASA is sufficiently funded and that Johnson Space Center (JSC) retains missions and contractor work; and pursuing economic development funding for Complete Communities. As in the past, Akin Gump will continue to make the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations aware of developments in Washington that may affect the City and assist in developing strategies to achieve the City’s objectives in Washington, including maintaining frequent communication with members of the Houston Congressional delegation and Executive Branch officials.
Akin Gump will continue to attend meetings held by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and monitor activities of the National League of Cities, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, U.S. Travel Association and other trade associations and coalitions.
Akin Gump shall utilize the services of City certified MWBE firm, the Law Office of Harry Johnson. The use of the Law Office of Harry Johnson will result in 17.5% MWBE participation for this contract, which was established with an 11% goal.