LAWA to pursue shared lobbying arrangement with City of Fargo, retains previous lobbyist preference

Executive Director Spencer Halverson told the board that Garrison Diversion has hired a separate lobbyist and recommended LAWA secure its own registered lobbyist for the upcoming legislative session. Halverson said the authority would like "to continue working with Terry Evertz, who was the previous lobbyist we partnered with, of Integrity Public Affairs," noting a potential efficiency if the City of Fargo also selects that firm.

The board approved a motion to concur with the procurement strategy and authorized staff to begin good-faith negotiations on a possible administrative services agreement with the City of Fargo if the city pursues the same lobbyist. Board members framed the approach as cost-saving and consistent with maintaining continuity in Bismarck representation.