State Lobbying
The County contracts with Ken Melton & Associates for lobbying and consulting services related to state government. The Melton & Associates team consists of Ken Melton, Sherry Melton, and Andy Chase. The firm’s responsibilities include advocating for Mecklenburg County’s legislative agenda, monitoring actions of the
General Assembly that would impact the County, and assisting in regulatory and policy matters before state agencies. The County pays $60,000 per year for this service.
The legislative agenda process for each long session (odd number years) begins in October with a request to department directors for proposed legislative items. These proposals are reviewed by the Executive team and a staff recommendation is made to the
Board of County Commissioners at the December meeting. In addition to recommendations from staff, commissioners can also consider legislative agenda items suggested by board members.
Upon adopting the legislative agenda in final form, the BOCC presents the agenda to the Mecklenburg Legislative Delegation at a breakfast in January. County staff and Melton & Associates will work with legislators to have bills drafted, introduced and moved through the legislative process.
In addition to specific pieces of legislation, the BOCC will be asked to approve broad guiding principles which staff can use to respond to legislation that would impact the county but is not on our agenda.
During the legislative session, Ken Melton & Associates provides staff with weekly updates.
NCACC
In addition to the County’s legislative agenda, the County works closely with the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). The NCACC typically takes the lobbying lead on items of statewide impact. Commissioners are encouraged to engage in activities sponsored by the NCACC. The County pays membership dues of $68,345.
Federal Lobbying
The County contracts with Smith, Dawson & Andrews (SDA) for federal lobbying services. Jim Smith serves as the principal contact for Mecklenburg County. SDA advocates for the policies that provide greater flexibility to local governments as well as any specific initiatives approved by the Board of County Commissioners. SDA also assists the county with making connections throughout the administration to assist with grant opportunities. The County pays $96,000 per year for this service.
NACo
Smith, Dawson & Andrews works closely with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to advocate on federal policy issues that impact all county governments. NACo takes the lead role in lobbying on legislation of national significance. NACo also hosts a legislative conference and annual conference each year that Commissioners can attend. The County pays membership dues of $14,648.
Mecklenburg County Government Affairs Liaison
Starla TannerLegislative Affairs Liaison
980.314.2884 (phone)