Services
Government Relations
Capalino+Company is one of the most highly respected lobbying firms in New York with recognized expertise in all aspects of administrative and legislative processes. Our services in this sector include:
- City Budget / Not-for-Profit Funding
- Community Advocacy
- Concessions / Franchises
- VENDEX Questionnaires & Contractor Rehabilitation
- Landmark Approvals
- Legislative Advocacy
- Licensing / Permitting
- Regulatory Issues
With decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of virtually all City and State governmental agencies, boards and legislative bodies, the firm navigates the complexities of government to deliver pragmatic, cost effective results to clients. In advising clients on how to formulate and achieve specific government relations objectives, our overriding goal is to enhance their reputation with public sector decision makers. We want public officials in City Hall, the agencies, and the City Council to have a strong understanding of each client’s mission and unique value proposition. We begin each engagement by helping clients define their message and advising them on strategically aligning communications content or program initiatives with relevant governmental objectives. Pursuing governmental approvals or resources that may be accessible to clients requires careful analysis of regulatory and legislative issues to ensure that clients are well prepared to participate in the public approval process. We insist on providing accurate, credible information to key elected officials and their staffs and in building coalitions with interest groups that share common objectives with our clients.
As advocates for our clients’ projects, positions on policy issues, or funding requests, we have an uncompromising standard: we devise innovative and sophisticated approaches to achieve practical and cost effective results. Capalino+Company believes client involvement in all aspects of government relations advocacy is critical for success.
Specific services we provide in this practice area include:
City Budget / Not-for-Profit FundingThe New York City government spends billions of dollars each year in capital and operational support of not-for-profit organizations. With a FY 2007 operational budget of $53 billion, the City funds a variety of social services, health care and cultural activities. The amount of funding is determined through a year-long negotiation between the Mayor and the New York City Council.
Capalino+Company serves its clients by advocating on their behalf for City contracts and grants. We advise our clients on the various funding opportunities and lobby the Administration, City Council and Borough Presidents to consider our clients’ requests.
Community Advocacy New York City is home to unique, diverse communities. These groups, in general, have a need to advocate to the government for a variety of purposes whether it be land use, budgetary or a matter that effects the neighborhood.
Capalino+Company represents communities to advocate on their behalf before government agencies to address issues facing their neighborhoods. Capalino+Company works with communities to analyze how to most efficiently and effectively reach government decision-makers in order to effectuate or prevent change.
Concessions/Franchises In order to obtain a concession or franchise in the City of New York, a business must obtain approval by the City’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC). FCRC is empowered under the New York City Charter to review and approve franchisees and franchise agreements for the City. In order to secure this approval, a business is required to appear at a public hearing, secure a determination by FCRC that the agency proposing the concession or franchise is compliant with its RFP guidelines, is approved by the Mayor, and is registered by the City Comptroller.
In some cases, a governing resolution must be passed by the New York City Council to allow an agency to issue an RFP for a franchise.
Capalino+Company works with its clients throughout the entire concession/franchise review process by advising its clients on strategy to expedite the approval process or advocating on their behalf before key government decision-makers in the process.
VENDEX Questionnaires & Contractor Rehabilitation Pursuant to Procurement Policy Board Rules, the City of New York may only award contracts to responsible contractors. This determination is made, in part, based on a contractor’s response to the City’s Vendor Information Exchange System (“VENDEX”).
In some cases, following a determination of responsibility, contractors may be deemed “non-responsible” for a variety of reasons.
Capalino+Company advises clients on responding to VENDEX questionnaires and, in cases where contractors are deemed non-responsive, assists them in rehabilitating their status with the City in order to qualify for City contracts.
Landmark ApprovalsThe New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (“LPC”) is responsible for identifying and designating the City’s landmarks and the buildings in the City’s historic districts. The Commission also regulates changes to designated buildings.
Capalino+Company advises clients on securing LPC approval for its projects. This includes securing favorable community support for projects by advocating for a positive resolution from the local Community Board.
Legislative AdvocacyThe New York City Council is the law-making body of the City of New York. The City Council is comprised of 51 members from 51 Council districts throughout the five boroughs. Most of the Council’s legislative work is done in Committee where proposed laws are debated and members of other government branches and the public are given a chance to comment.
Capalino+Company works closely with its clients to analyze potential issues in legislation introduced by the Council and to identify legislative solutions to issues facing its clients. Capalino+Company works with its Clients throughout the legislative process to ensure a timely and successful result.
Licensing/Permitting In order to legally conduct business in the City of New York, a company must secure all necessary permits or licenses. Examples include:
- A real estate company that must secure the appropriate permits from the NYC Department of Buildings in order to construct a building;
- A restaurant that must secure a sidewalk café license from the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs in order to serve food on the sidewalk outside its establishment; and
- A nightlife establishment that must secure a liquor license from the New York State Liquor Authority in order to operate a nightlife establishment.
Capalino+Company works with its clients to analyze its licensing and permitting needs and to secure the approvals of all necessary documentation in order to properly conduct business in New York City.
Regulatory IssuesIn order to conduct business in the City of New York, businesses must comply with a number of regulations governing the operations of their businesses. Each City agency initiates and enforces it own regulations.
Capalino+Company serves its client in this area by advising it on the regulations facing the client’s operations and advocating on the client’s behalf to ensure agency approval that it is in compliance, should an agency express concerns.