Committee clarifies testimony procedure, travel guidelines and notes $300,000 for lobbyists

City staff explained the standard process when a council member or staff testifies before the legislature: the relevant department drafts technical comments, the city attorney reviews legal implications, and the Office of Government Affairs synthesizes and finalizes testimony. The traditional turnaround for testimony is 48 hours, but staff warned turnaround can shrink to hours during session.

The committee asked how to keep testimony aligned with adopted city priorities and what to do if testimony veers from the council's positions. Staff said they would intercede in Q&A situations when needed and could follow up with letters or delegation contacts to correct the record. Staff also reiterated travel guidelines and compliance with GSA rules and noted the budget included $300,000 for lobbyist services; procurement will proceed later in the month.

Chair West and other members emphasized the importance of timely delivery of testimony drafts so council members can prepare to testify and asked staff to continue rapid coordination ahead of session.