Welcome from Network Co-chairs Abbie Evans and Kaylyn Tinsley
It’s been a rollercoaster ride in federal lobbying work in recent years: divided government, partisan infighting, democracy under threat, an insurrection, and a global pandemic, to name a few. It seems to me that the Congressional new normal – post-insurrection and since the start of COVID – will be the biggest difficulty for our profession to navigate in the months and years ahead. Perhaps even more difficult than the obvious challenges that a divided government may offer. There are more unknowns and fewer reliable goal posts for lobbyists and advocates as they navigate bills and funding negotiations, and what feels like an ever-shorter period of time when members of Congress aren’t actively running for reelection and may be open to exploring a policy solution or strategy as a course of business.
I’m interested in hearing and learning from all of you about how your organizations and companies are dealing with this new normal. What strategies do you employ at the start of a newly divided government?
None of these are new in and of themselves, but they appear to have reached a new level of intensity. The rollercoaster ride continues.[/vc_toggle][lvca_spacer]
Your thoughts and feedback are welcomed on this new journey we are embarking on, so please reach out anytime with your insights so we can adjust and grow to meet the needs of the Network – a place where I hope you all find great resources and support, not only from the phenomenal Council staff, but also our fellow government relations peers.
Along the way, I have met some amazing and talented colleagues that have taught me so much about the function of state and local government relations. These colleagues have ultimately become dear friends. Year after year we prepare for another tidal wave of state legislative activity – the calm before the storm – and then the wave hits and it’s a scramble to try and keep up with the flurry of filed state legislation, the various deadlines , and all in a mad dash to sine die. To my fellow state and local government relations peers in the trenches, I see you! It’s mid-March, but June is right around the corner. Hang tight![/vc_toggle]
Letter from Staff Government Relations Expert
Anna Platt
Public Affairs Council
Hello Government Relations Network! I’m delighted to serve as your Government Relations contact at the Public Affairs Council. I have very much enjoyed meeting and interacting with so many of you since I joined the Council in June 2022, and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to help you further excel in your roles. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to share anything I (or any of my Council colleagues) may be able to assist you with – we are here to help!
How Our Network Has Evolved
[vc_single_image image=”124356″]Last year, what was previously the Public Affairs Council’s State and Local Government Relations Network rebranded to the Government Relations Network. It made sense to us to expand the Network to formally include federal government relations. The Council remains committed to providing resources, expertise, and much more for the entirety of the government relations community.
We are excited to officially launch the Network for 2023. We have an exciting lineup of in-person and virtual activities planned, including our recent “Speed Dating”-style networking event (see the recap below). Watch your inbox for upcoming announcements about Network lunch and learns, a happy hour, and much more. Your feedback about the Network is also always welcome – feel free to reach out to Anna Platt.
Government Relations Salary Survey
[vc_single_image image=”114526″]Late last year, the Public Affairs Council released its annual PAC, Grassroots, and Government Relations Salary Surveys. In the Government Relations Salary Survey, 70% of respondents said that public policy was one of their government relations responsibilities in their current role, followed closely by issues management, coalitions, and federal government relations. Other key findings in the report – 26% of respondents reported having 20+ years of experience as a government relations professional but 37% of respondents said they have been in their current role less than two years. Want to learn more?
Notes from Our “Speed Dating” Networking Event
[vc_single_image image=”123932″]Last week, local Government Relations Network members and others attended the first Network event of the year, enjoying meeting each other in short, timed “speed dating”-style conversations. While the format was different, attendees enjoyed connecting with peers and exchanging ideas and best practices. We enjoyed seeing everyone who joined us! Be on the lookout for information about the next Network event.
What's Ahead
[vc_single_image image=”113918″]- Virtual Workshop: U.S. House and Senate Boot Camp
- Virtual Workshop: High Impact Lobbying – Skills, Secrets and Techniques
Government Relations resources, discussions and more can be found on Council Connect. This is a free platform for Council members. Learn how to access Council Connect.