TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, Chief Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Andrew M. Mize, Legislative & Policy Analyst
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy Services Agreement
RECOMMENDATION
title
Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260203B with Paragon Government Relations to provide federal legislative and regulatory advocacy services to the County. (Fiscal Impact: $120,000 Expense; General Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
body
BACKGROUND
Federal advocacy is a key piece of Napa County's legislative program. The County receives significant funding, both formula-based and competitive, from a range of executive branch departments and more recently, through the Congressionally Directed Spending Program. For example, in Fiscal Year 2023, the County received $4,000,000 for the Napa Valley Vine Trail through Congressman Thompson's office. The federal government is vast and complex, and as a result, many counties retain specialized advocacy or lobbying firms to represent a county's interest, help counties navigate the federal bureaucracy, and advise the organization on developments in the legislative and regulatory arenas that impact the county's operations.
The County conducted a competitive RFP process during August, September, and October of 2025 to select a contractor to provide federal legislative and regulatory advocacy services to the County. After comprehensive review of proposals, Paragon Government Relations was selected as the top proposer. Paragon was selected because of their substantial experience representing Northern California counties and because their staff have significant experience in advising these clients on disaster-related programs, health and human services-related programs, and county transportation-related programs, three key county points of intersection with the federal government. After negotiation, Paragon has agreed to the attached terms. If approved, the contract will commence immediately and extend through Octo...
Click here for full text