Title
Discussion and Possible Action on General Services, Agreement No. AGR 25-64 with Maki Campaign Services in the Amount of $695,292.00, plus Applicable Gross Receipts Tax, for the Purpose of State Lobbyist Services for a Term of Seven (7) Years and Budget Revision 2026-08
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Agreement No. AGR 25-64 with Maki Campaign Solutions in the Amount of $695,292.00, plus Applicable Gross Receipts Tax, for the purpose of State lobbyist services and I, further move, that Council approve Budget Revision 2026-08 and include Attachment B as part of minutes of this meeting.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve this Contract for General Services and necessary budget adjustment as requested.
Body
Lobbyist services are focused on specific areas of advocacy for Los Alamos County. The State Lobbyist, specifically, provides coverage of legislative and state agency issues on a near-daily basis depending on the issues at hand. During the state legislative interim period between June and December, tracking issues, talking with legislators and agencies, discussing possible capital outlay with various officials are all activities the state lobbyist would engage in immediately. The foundation for the legislation period is developed during this period. During the legislative session period, effective lobbyists do more than attend committee meetings, they continue to develop relationships with legislators, other issue stakeholders, agencies, and many others in addition to finding novel ways toward attaining goals. The State Lobbyist Request for Proposal (RFP) outlined the scope of work which included the following:
--Provide assistance in setting the annual State Priorities Agenda by providing insight on the upcoming legislative session
--Represent the County on legislative matters and issues at the New Mexico Legislature to further the County’s stated interests with legislators, the Governor, and key staff as needed
--Recommend and assist in obtaining sponsors and co-sponsors for any County legislative bills as well as work to obtain the support of legislators to enhance passage of its bills
--Represent the County with executive agencies when related to legislative issues
--Monitor legislation for any issues that may pertain to Los Alamos County operations and information on the political environment especially as it pertains to Los Alamos interests
--Monitor legislation identified by the Los Alamos Public Schools Administration, and the Los Alamos Public School Board which affect the County goals of improving education in the County
--Be available for interaction with the County Council. Method of interaction shall be at the direction of the County Manager or the Contract Manager and may include virtual meetings, phone calls or in-person meetings as necessary
--Host Legislative dinner for local legislators, County Council members, School Board Members and designated County staff
--Attend interim committees as necessary and appropriate and meet with the Contract Manager, County Manager, and Council Working Group as appropriate
Three proposals were submitted and found to be responsive. The evaluation team have selected Maki Campaign Solutions as the preferred offeror due to their experience, ability to render services as requested, and references. For this proposal, Maki Campaign Solutions and Otero Consulting
presented a joint proposal to serve as Los Alamos County’s contracted State Lobbyist. Together, the firms bring over 45 years of combined experience in public policy, strategic advocacy, and legislative engagement across New Mexico. This partnership offers Los Alamos County a complementary blend of deep institutional knowledge, trusted bipartisan relationships, and modern, data-informed advocacy methods.Overall, the evaluation team found this offeror would provide the Los Alamos County Council the best service based on their success with other clients as well as their strategy and work methods.
Attachment A shows the services agreement with Maki Campaign Solutions.
Attachment B shows the corresponding budget revision.
Alternatives
Council could not approve this service agreement which would cause the County to continue without these services or ask for changes to the agreement.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
Fiscal year 2026 will have a budget adjustment that includes a carryover from previous years of $53,045 and an addition of $51,000. There is minimal staff impact.
Attachments
A - AGR 25-64 Maki Campaign
B - Budget Revision 2026-08