*Authorize contract with Thorn Run Partners, LLC for City representation at the Oregon State Legislature and with the executive office of the Oregon Governor not to exceed $360,000

The purpose of this Ordinance is to authorize a two-year contract for representation at the Oregon State Legislature and with the executive office of the Oregon Governor to advance the City’s priorities as covered in the City of Portland’s 2023 State Legislative Agenda. The Office of Government Relations (OGR) State Relations Team had a sudden and acute staffing shortage that resulted in inadequate staffing levels for the upcoming legislative session. The representation the Office of Government Relations State Relations Team provides is vital to the City’s ongoing efforts to humanely and effectively address homelessness and improve public safety within the City of Portland as well as continue operations for various City bureaus. Due to this shortage, Mayor Ted Wheeler, Commissioner-in-Charge of the Office of Government Relations, declared that emergency procurement procedures were warranted under Portland City Code 5.68 for Professional, Technical and Expert Service Contracts and directed the Office of Government Relations and the Chief Procurement Officer to begin emergency procurement proceedings per Portland City Code 5.33.130. On January 12, 2023, following consultant selection proceedings under Portland City Code 5.33.130, Mayor Ted Wheeler authorized the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to execute a contract with Thorn Run Partners for representation for the City of Portland at the Oregon State Legislature and with the executive office of the Oregon Governor for an amount not to exceed $360,000 for a period of two years.

The financial impacts are short-term. There are impacts to the budget and to the appropriations to the State Relations Program in the chart below. Additional spending of existing resources will occur and the Office will require new program funding to support this legislation. The project estimate level of confidence is certain. The legislation results in a new financial obligation through a contract with an external vendor. The outcome of lobbying and advocacy efforts on several items in the 2023 State Legislative Agenda could have a direct or indirect impact on City finances by defending existing revenue streams and potentially expanding funding opportunities for programs facilitated by the city, programs that support Portlanders, and initiatives to address the urgent needs the City faces in homelessness, public safety, behavioral health, and affordable housing.

This ordinance will allow for work to continue on the City’s 2023 State Legislative Agenda. OGR worked with bureau liaisons, city attorneys, the Office of Equity and Human Rights, council offices and bureau subject matter experts to research and vet concepts for inclusion in the 2023 State Legislative Agenda. Bureaus were required to submit a racial equity analysis as part of issue proposals, assess the nexus of issue proposals with the City’s adopted core values, and engage with bureau equity managers and/or equity practitioners. OGR met with representatives of community-based organizations to share preliminary concepts, learn about their priorities, and develop strategies for collaboration. Multiple initiatives in the agenda will result in OGR working with coalitions to implement the agenda, including those led by BIPOC and frontline communities. OGR also met with members of the Portland legislative delegation, key legislators from around the state, and other governments as part of vetting, coalition building, and understanding the 2022 state legislative landscape.