Thursday, October 1, 2026
The City of Olympia is seeking a team of experts to help advocate for its priorities in the 2026 legislative session.
The city issued a request for proposals (RFP) from firms with experience in state-level lobbying to represent Olympia before the Washington Legislature.
According to the RFP, the city seeks a “strategic, proactive, and responsive legislative partner to help navigate the complexities of the legislative process and effectively advance Olympia’s policy and funding priorities at the state level.”
The consultant’s primary responsibilities will include advancing the city’s annual legislative agenda, monitoring and analyzing bills and budget items, and providing timely policy analysis and recommendations.
The role also involves cultivating relationships with legislators, state agencies, and the Governor’s Office, preparing testimony and materials for city officials, and maintaining communication with city leadership through updates and briefings.
In addition to advocating for funding and grant opportunities, the consultant is expected to support Olympia’s core values of equity, sustainability, livability, economic strength, environmental stewardship and public safety.
Olympia is looking for candidates with a proven track record of advocating effectively before the Washington Legislature, a strong knowledge of legislative processes and a track record of securing favorable outcomes for cities.
The city is also seeking a team that is responsive during fast-moving legislative developments, accessible to staff and council, and disciplined in executing and reporting on their work.
The contract will not exceed $49,922 per year and is scheduled to begin in November. Proposals are due by Sept. 22 at 4 p.m., with finalist interviews scheduled for October and a tentative selection date of Oct. 27.
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BillString
Oh boy, another soon-to-be annual waste of our tax dollars.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Report this
JohnFronono
So is letting everyone else’s lobbyist spend your tax dollars.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
Acadian04
Just don't hire the stalker guy.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
HappyOlympian
at the the lobbyist will get a good deal out of it.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
Porter
That's not a living wage
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
Mugwump
How many potholes could be filled with that funding? How many sidewalks repaired? How many park trash cans could be emptied? Sheesh. They're called priorities. If we needed any more evidence that the city doesn't need to levy any new taxes this should be it.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
Larry Dzieza
I would hope the city would not hire any lobbyist who illegally use one of the 18 houses in the South Capitol Neighborhood as their place of business. It is so bad that reporters refer to it as "Lobbywood".
Those houses should be for families and not businesses who occupy them for only a few months a year when the legislature is in session.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
ClownPenis88
Bob Ferguson is getting sued by the trump administration for it's lack of enforcement on the states policies. We only need a new gov. Hiring more people to support Bob Ferguson's short falls in policy enforcement issues should not come at our tax dollars expense. I guess there is no cure for insanity on the level of stupidity.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this