The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Executive Director Alex Smith on Monday, July 8, to sign a contract with local lobbying firm Propolis Communications to provide the port with legislative services.
The port had to look for a new lobbyist, as the one the port currently has for the state legislature is retiring, according to Smith.
The contract is for a total of no more than $180,000 and will run from July 15 of this year until June 30, 2027.
The firm will help the port request state funding for capital projects, according to documents prepared for the commission’s meeting. The firm will also support the port in state policies affecting its businesses and will develop relationships with state legislators.
Smith said Propolis Communications is owned by local resident Kelsey Hulsem, who formerly worked with Strategies 360. The executive director added that Hulsem has extensive experience supporting municipalities in legislative advocacy efforts. Hulsem has recently helped Tumwater secure $2 million from the state legislature to purchase mitigation land for its habitat conservation plan.
All commissioners voted in favor of the contract except for Jasmine Vasavada, who abstained from voting. She explained that she hopes to work with other firms who applied for the contract, as she also works as a state-level lobbyist.
Three other firms vied for the contract when the port opened a request for proposals on June 24.
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Boatyarddog
I wish Commish Vasavada would explain further her intentions.
So, she's a state Lobbist, yah the people that helped her get elected knew that.
So, her point isn't clear.
Please explain, Commissioner.
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