Title
Continued Advocacy & Legislative Consulting Services
History
On August 12, 2025, the Village issued a Request for Proposals for Advocacy & Legislative Consulting Services. At the November 3, 2025 Village Board meeting, Matthew O’Shea Consulting and Michael Best Strategies were selected and approved to provide these services. Since then, both firms have consistently delivered high-quality work and proven to be effective partners for the Village. Staff recommend continuing services with both firms.
The scope of services includes serving as a liaison with state and local government officials. Activities and tasks include:
-Research, prepare, and advocate for proposals that support the Village’s priorities.
-Position the Village to maximize local, state, and federal funding opportunities.
-Promote the Village’s legislative proposals through communication with state and other governmental officials, including personal contact, position papers, testimony, and other appropriate means.
-Monitor legislation, arrange for bill sponsorship, analyze issues, and brief Village officials on legislative matters.
-Draft legislation in support of the Village’s legislative priorities.
-Prepare monthly informational reports and calls to action during legislative sessions to keep the Village informed of legislative developments and the status of its proposals.
-Perform other duties related to the Village’s intergovernmental relations, including providing counsel, attending meetings, and offering testimony.
Financial Benefits to the Village from Advocacy & Legislative Consulting
Over the past year, the Village’s advocacy partners and staff have advanced key priorities and delivered funding outcomes. Highlights include additional Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) funding committed to the 143rd Street corridor.
• IDOT confirmed funding of more than $30 million in its FY2026-2031 Multi-Year Program for the 143rd Street segment from Wolf Road to Will-Cook Road, including intersection improvements at Wolf Road and 143rd Street.
• For the 143rd Street segment from Southwest Highway to West Avenue, the Village secured a total of $20 million (including a new $8 million IDOT commitment, $7 million Congressional community-funded grant, and $3 million STP), reducing the Village’s funding gap to approximately $3 million.
State Member Initiative Funds Received
As part of the most recent General Assembly session, the Village received State Member Initiative funds totaling $1.9 million supporting local priorities, including allocations for the 143rd Street project and emergency management operations, and a parks grant initiated by Rep. Gill.
Context and Rationale for Continued Services
The continued Advocacy & Legislative Consulting Services are a key component of the Village’s renewed outreach and engagement strategy. These efforts have helped rebuild relationships with state and regional partners and have contributed to recent funding decisions, including IDOT commitments and progress on Cook County roadway projects completed this year.
As an example of this previous strained dynamic, during the rollout of the 2020 Rebuild Illinois $45 billion capital program, Orland Park received no allocation, whereas Orland Hills, approximately 88.5% smaller by population and 94.8% smaller by land area, secured over $8.3 million in state funding.
Financial Impact
The cost to continue services is $5,250 per month per firm, with a 5% annual escalator, under a three-year term.
Estimated annual costs per firm are:
Year 1 - $63,000.00;
Year 2 - $66,150.00;
Year 3 - $69,457.50.
Estimated combined annual costs for both firms are:
Year 1 - $126,000.00;
Year 2 - $132,300.00;
Year 3 - $138,915.00.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the authorization and execution of two (2) contracts to continue advocacy and legislative consulting services with Matthew O’Shea Consulting and Michael Best Strategies as fully presented;
(Full Motion - not necessary to be read)
I move to approve the authorization and execution of two (2) Professional Services contracts to continue advocacy and legislative consulting services with Matthew O’Shea Consulting and Michael Best Strategies for three-year terms, at a price of $5,250 per month per firm with a 5% annual escalator;
AND
To authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts subject to Village Attorney review.