Dorn Policy Group

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What is the Difference Between Direct Lobbying and Grassroots Lobbying?

In today’s exceptionally competitive society, there is a high demand for government relations professionals. Their advocacy can provide much-needed support for businesses, both big and small, on policies that may impact their operations. This is achieved through strategic lobbying efforts designed to promote specific interests in the best possible manner. However, people do not often realize there are two different types of lobbying: direct lobbying and grassroots lobbying. But what are the differences between these approaches to advocacy, and how can they benefit your organization? 

As a top Arizona lobbying firm, we utilize both direct and grassroots lobbying strategies to obtain the results our clients require. Read our article below and learn which type of lobbying works best for your business! 

What is Direct Lobbying?

This form of lobbying involves organizations directly relaying their position on issues to lawmakers and other government officials. Additionally, it involves an attempt to influence policies by further engaging with policymakers. The lobbyist will typically be somebody who is a part of the company affected by the policy, or an independent lobbying firm advocating on behalf of the company. Direct Lobbying is what most people picture when they think of lobbying. 

To achieve the best results, direct lobbying involves:

  • Verbal and written communications
  • Electronic and social media communications
  • Attending a meeting with policymakers
  • Speaking on the phone with lawmakers

There are several critical tasks that lobbyists must complete in order to achieve their objectives. First, they must build a professional relationship and explain the issue at hand. Second, they must prove their expertise by providing quality data and further build credibility in favor of their issue. Lastly, they provide additional assistance to policymakers, oftentimes helping draft new legislation to ensure there are no loopholes. 

What is Grassroots Lobbying?

Similar to direct lobbying, grassroots strategies attempt to influence laws passed by policymakers. However, this strategy differs from direct lobbying because it rallies the public around a specific policy issue. Instead of engaging with policymakers, they engage with the community to contact lawmakers and government officials to influence policies. This technique is especially prominent in non-profit organizations.

Moreover, to be considered grassroots lobbying, organizations cannot express their opinion on issues, and urge their members to contact policymakers. This is considered direct lobbying. Grassroots lobbying strategies adopt strong communication techniques to ensure their message resonates with the public. This may involve publishing open letters, creating an online petition, organizing a demonstration, or utilizing social media to bring awareness. 

Another key difference is that grassroots lobbying must abide by spending restrictions enacted by the Public Charity Lobbying Law. The law was designed to protect non-profits from losing their non-profit status by allowing them to spend 5% of their revenue on lobbying. Organizations must elect to use the Public Charity Law to increase their lobbying spending from 5% to 20% for the first $500,000 of revenue. While 20% can be spent on grassroots lobbying at a time, 100% can go towards direct lobbying efforts.

Direct Lobbying and Grassroots Lobbying with Dorn Policy Group, Inc.

Founded over 20 years ago, Dorn Policy Group, Inc. was founded on the belief that integrity, tenacity, and client results should be the cornerstones of quality government relations. We go into every lobbying strategy with this mindset to ensure we obtain the results our clients require. That is why we utilize direct lobbying and grassroots lobbying strategies to paint our client’s needs in the best possible light. Contact Dorn Policy Group, Inc. today and learn how our team of government relations specialists can help your business stay on top of issues that matter to you.

 

Public-Private Partnerships working on a government project

3 Benefits Public-Private Partnerships Have on Government Relations

There has been a shift in government interest relating to public-private partnerships (P3s). A P3 involves the collaboration between government agencies and private-sector companies to finance, build, and operate different projects. This typically involves critical elements of local communities, such as public transportation networks, parks, and convention centers. Many people are unaware of what public-private partnerships are, and how they can benefit local infrastructure. 

As one of the top government affairs firms in Arizona, we work hand-in-hand with government agencies and private-sector businesses. Many essential elements of Arizona’s robust communities have benefited from these public-private partnerships. 

Public-Private Partnerships Benefit from Risk Transfer

One of the most significant advantages P3s have is the transferring of financial risk from taxpayers to investors. Common risks include overrun project costs, change orders, delays, and anything else that may increase the cost of a project. In a traditional scenario, the project risks are on the financial shoulders of the taxpayer. 

The private sector is typically more amenable and motivated to assume these financial risks since it affects their bottom line. They are contractually obligated to deliver the project on-time and on-budget or face financial repercussions. Companies will have great incentives to deliver on their end of the project, while government agencies benefit from their services.

Bundling is a Huge Benefit for Local Government Projects

In a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contract, the private sector partner is responsible for all aspects of the project. Combining these functions together into one contract is referred to as bundling. In traditional procurements, companies will bid on each individual function in order to provide their services for government projects. 

Through public-private partnerships, government agencies appreciate that the private sector is the primary company working on their projects. There is a shared interest in ensuring the project is completed in an effective and timely manner. Additionally, the private sector will be responsible for overseeing the project to meet high standards of design and construction. Poor quality of work can lead to an increase in maintenance costs and create challenges down the line. Government entities can avoid this by working with private-public partnerships to ensure a high-quality product. 

Public-Private Partnerships Enhance Capital Opportunities

Unlike traditional procurements, P3s are financed by equity and debt. Infrastructure projects are funded through government revenue and may limit the agency’s ability to raise enough capital for the project. Introducing equity not only increases the project’s potential size but also considers equity funds to deploy into the project. Equity funds include:

  • Institutional funds
  • Insurance funds
  • Pension funds
  • Private equity funds

Dorn Policy Group Can Assist in Developing Potential Partnerships

As one of the premier Arizona lobbying firms, Dorn Policy Group is proud to introduce government entities to hard-working companies. With over five decades of combined government relations experience, we know how to put our client’s best interests forward. Contact us today and learn how our knowledgeable staff can help you. 

Arizona license plate

Arizona Looks to Reduce Crime With House Bill 2262

Our team has been working with a number of organizations and lawmakers on issues that impact our local communities. One proposal that we have been working closely on is House Bill 2262. This bill would bring a retro look to modern license plates, and provide new design options for motorists. Additionally, the new technology will enhance license plate visibility and reduce Arizona’s crime.

Background to House Bill 2262

According to the National Sheriffs’ Association, motor vehicles are involved in 70% of serious crimes in the U.S. It is not uncommon for suspects to use their car in criminal activity, and sometimes the only way to identify criminals is by their license plate. However, license plates are not always legible and law enforcement officers have a much more difficult time finding the suspect. While many use automated license plate readers, the technology can have trouble detecting older license plates. 

What the Bill Hopes to Accomplish

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. and other stakeholders are advocating for HB 2262 to protect and benefit law enforcement efficiency. The importance of license plate legibility cannot be overstated. It provides law enforcement and good samaritans with the ability to quickly read a license plate after a crime is committed, which often impacts how quickly Arizona crimes are solved. That is why we would like to introduce new legacy license plates for vehicles from 1973 to 1996. 

The designs would resemble plates that were previously used in the State:

  • Copper background with green lettering per the appearance of plates issued from 1973 to 1980.
  • Maroon background with white lettering per the appearance of plates issued from 1980 to 1996.

House Bill 2262 would bring a retro look to modern license plates and allow consumers to choose one or more designs. These plates would not only attract and retain collector car hobbyists, but provide stronger visibility for other drivers and law enforcement. We expect these new plates would be an excellent solution to increasing public safety and reducing crime.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Will Continue to Fight For House Bill 2262

We believe House Bill 2262 will have a significant impact on Arizona communities statewide. As one of the top Arizona lobbyists, we strive to develop a strategy to ensure policies like these are seen by lawmakers. We believe in the work we do and with our assistance, your voice will be heard by those who matter. Contact us today to learn more about House Bill 2262, or if you would like assistance in reaching local lawmakers.

stethoscope and heart next to an insurance health claim form on a blue background

Case Study: School of Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Program

Here at Dorn Policy Group, Inc., we are hard at work for our clients during the 2021 Legislative Session. We are highlighting one of our clients, the School of Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Program, at the Arizona Heart Foundation. The Arizona Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the on-going fight against cardiovascular disease. Their main vision and goal is to provide complimentary ultrasound screenings to underserved and/or at-risk adult populations throughout rural Arizona counties. But how do they plan to accomplish this? That is where Dorn Policy Group, Inc. steps in.

The Project

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States? Every year 1,000,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. The School of Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Program is trying to identify those residents who are at risk. Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is helping them capture funding to provide complimentary screenings for those in rural Arizona who may not have immediate access to health care services. 

As the COVID-19 situation evolved, residents in rural and lower-income areas requested scans; however, they were unable to make the drive to Phoenix. Residents throughout Arizona were hesitant to visit their local emergency rooms or hospital setting in fear of contracting COVID-19, leaving them at risk for undetected cardiac and vascular disease. 

Rural Arizonans are at Risk

The Arizona Department of Health Services 2019 Burden Report states that in 2017, seven Arizona counties i.e., Mohave, La Paz, Apache, Gila, Cochise, Graham, and Yavapai, had higher cardiovascular disease death rates (per 100,000 population) than the average Arizona state rate.

The Coconino County 2017 Annual Report states that 30% of residents receive public health insurance, and 1 in 6 residents do not have health insurance at all. This number equates to 100,000 people. The burden of caring for this population rests solely on the State, costing Arizona a large sum of money every year in health claims.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc.’s Impact

Where do we come in? Our lobbying team facilitates the relationships between governmental health agencies and tribal leaders to identify at-risk populations. From there, we identify possible funding mechanisms for the School of Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Program to perform screenings to those populations that are at risk. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable. However, it is costing the State of Arizona $4 billion every year because it is the most expensive disease to care for. The screenings will help catch cardiovascular disease early, thus saving lives and money. 

We Can Partner with You Too

At Dorn Policy Group, Inc., our specialty is shaping policy for our clients that decision-makers understand and can support. For 20 years, we have partnered with our clients to ensure success in their business by lobbying at the Federal, State, County, Municipal, Tribal, and District level. We want to ensure a brighter future for the people in our community and in our government. Contact us today to learn more about shaping government policy.

Two government lobbyists shaking hands over house bill 2262

Why Do Cities and Towns Hire Lobbyists

Oftentimes, people associate lobbying with big corporations, organizations, or businesses in Washington, D.C. However, there are other types, such as intergovernmental lobbying. 

Intergovernmental lobbying means that cities, counties, and states allocate both resources and funding in order to achieve their specified goals with regard to other levels of government. While this type of lobbying is not well-known, similar to lobbying for small businesses, intergovernmental lobbying can prove to be very beneficial. It has become increasingly popular with over $77 million being spent in 2015 alone, compared to the $150 million spent between 1998-2008. 

Reasons Why Cities and Towns Hire Lobbyists

There are plenty of reasons as to why cities, towns, counties, and states would want to hire lobbyists. Just like every business and organization has different needs, all levels of government also have issues that affect their industry. 


Some of these issues include:

  • Unemployment
  • Infrastructure
  • Housing
  • Public Safety
  • Immigration
  • Drug Abuse Prevention
  • Budget
  • Tribal Land Issues
  • Minimum Wage Rate
  • Transportation
  • Education

Whether it is a small town in Alaska avoiding unincorporation or San Antonio getting a new courthouse, there are plenty of benefits that come from local governments hiring lobbyists. 

Additionally, cities and towns hire lobbyists to push back against state laws that limit their jurisdiction. With so much legislation being introduced at the state level, local governments can have a hard time finding the time to be there and represent their interests. By hiring a lobbyist, these government entities can get a seat at the table and have their voices heard. With governmental procedures sometimes being slow and taking longer than desired, lobbyists can speed up the process by influencing key policymakers in the approval or disapproval of certain bills. 

In the end, it is about being represented in front of the people that matter and have your voice heard. Just like big corporations and organizations are represented in Washington, D.C., towns, cities, and states can be represented as well, which can bring real benefits and change to their communities. 

Dorn Policy Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based professional lobbying and public affairs firm, Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribes. Working with both Republicans and Democrats, as well as Independents, we will provide you with the best strategic counsel to advance and reach your objectives. Contact us today to get started!

Dorn Policy Group Team

How to Hire a Lobbyist

Hiring a lobbyist can be a crucial step in trying to achieve a business objective or goal. By hiring a lobbyist, you can ensure that your voice will be heard and that you and your company will get a seat at the table. 

While it is true that lobbyists advocate on behalf of big corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations can also greatly benefit from their services. A lobbyist’s expertise and influence can most certainly persuade key decision-makers in favor or against legislation that directly affects your interests. 

Therefore, before taking on the process of hiring a lobbyist, it is important to understand what makes a good lobbyist, as well as what services you will receive, to ensure their qualifications align with your end goals.

 

How to Find a Good Lobbyist

When beginning the search to find an effective lobbyist for your company or organization, the first step is to make sure they serve the industry you are in. You will want to hire a lobbyist who knows the ins and outs of your industry, and understands the policy and regulations behind it. Additionally, you will want to find out their areas of expertise, as this can also vary. 

Finally, look at their overall experience, whether it be with previous clients, projects, or even previous careers. Lobbyists who were once public officials or lawmakers have a big advantage, as they possess years of insider information along with strong connections and relationships with key policymakers.  

 

Who Can Hire a Lobbyist?

There are no restrictions when it comes to who can hire a lobbyist. Corporations, small businesses, and non-profit organizations can all benefit from the skills of a lobbyist. The end goal for each lobbyist is to advocate on your behalf for or against issues that directly impact you and your business. These lobbyists can help you navigate the legislative world while communicating your position on specific issues as clearly as possible. In general, lobbyists make the process of lobbying much smoother than if you were taking it on by yourself.

 

Questions to Ask a Lobbyist

As you narrow down your candidate choices, these are a couple of questions that will be helpful to ask when selecting a lobbying firm or a single lobbyist. Asking questions can help you decide if your end goal is compatible with their expertise, making the process much simpler and straightforward.

How many staff members do you have?

This will help you get a sense of how big or small the firm is, as some lobbyists work as a one-person team while others work in firms with over 50 lobbyists.

How many clients do you currently work with?

Just like knowing how many staff are available, it is important to know how many clients they currently have. This can help you get a better understanding as to how much time, effort, and resources they have available to achieve your objective. 

What is your background?

This question will give you a better idea about their past experience, whether it is in different industries, job fields, or otherwise. Knowing the background of lobbyists can help you decide if they are a good match. 

Dorn Policy Group Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based lobbying and public affairs firm, we provide our clients with strategic counsel to advance our client’s ultimate goals. Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribes. Contact us today to learn more about how Dorn Policy Group can help you achieve your goals.

Two professionals who are in lobbying are working in an office

Advocacy Versus Lobbying

Even though a lot of the time lobbying and advocating can work hand in hand, there are still key differences that make them separate. Therefore, it is important to understand what advocating means, what lobbying is, and how they differ from each other.

What is Advocacy?

In simple terms, advocacy means the backing and support of any sort of cause, idea, or legislation. This can be done through public campaigns educating individuals on a certain topic, sharing positive outcomes of specific issues, and the overall recommendation of issues that will be affecting certain individuals and the community around them.

What is Lobbying?

Lobbying on the other hand can be defined as the act of influencing politicians, public officials, and key policymakers in favor or against certain legislation. Not only that but it can also be broken down into two further categories.

Direct: This is what most people think of when discussing lobbying activities, having communication with policymakers in hopes for them to vote against or in favor of particular legislation.

Grassroots: This means enticing the public to contact public officials in hopes of influencing key policymakers. 

Advocacy Vs. Lobbying Examples

Here are some common examples to help distinguish between advocacy and lobbying.

Advocacy

  • Educating members of the public or politicians why a certain cause is important for the community.
  • Using social media to voice your opinion on specific issues.

Lobbying

  • Asking a member of congress to vote for or against a particular piece of legislation.
  • Using social media to ask members of the public to contact their elected officials to pass or deny current or pending legislation.

Dorn Policy Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based professional lobbying and public affairs firm, Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including Federal, State, county, municipal, district, and Tribal government entities. Working with both Republicans and Democrats as well as Independents, we will provide you with the best strategic counsel to advance and reach your objectives. Contact us today to get started!

Tom Dorn

Arizona Legislative Session 2021

2020 was a unique year with the global pandemic and presidential election. As we start to see the ramifications, we need to understand where we were and where we are going in Arizona politics. This affects everyone, especially those who own a business, medical practice, or are a member of an association. 

Tom Dorn, President of Dorn Policy Group, recently spoke about the 2021 Legislative Session and what is in store that impacts the healthcare industry. 

LISTEN NOW

Tom Dorn on the 2021 Legislative Session - Arizona Physician Podcast

To give you a brief recap:

Election Results

  • The House stayed Republican, despite all the efforts and money the Democrats put into campaigning.
  • The Senate remained in Republican control, despite the Democrats picking up one seat.

Potential Issues

  • With regulations like masks and limiting the number of people together, how are we going to operate at the Capitol? This brings up constitutional issues because the public is potentially being prevented from participating in the legislative process.

The Future of Arizona’s Economy

  • The state of Arizona is in a good financial place. Arizona did not ask for a bailout from the Federal Government as a result of Governor Ducey’s rainy day fund.
  • The growth in Arizona’s economy will fund the government and grow infrastructure for the healthcare industry. It opens new opportunities for healthcare providers to open medical practices here. 

How to Make A Difference 

  • To let your voice be heard, partner up with associations or organizations in your industry that have already established credibility. For example, if you are in the medical field looking to bring an issue to the Legislature, partnering with the Maricopa County Medical Society gives you a feasible chance. 

When Does the Legislative Session End in Arizona?

  • Right now, we don’t know! Arizona may opt to have a shortened Session like in 2020, where all that is discussed are the necessary items, which means the Legislature could adjourn as early as February or March. 

Partner with a Premiere Arizona Lobbying Firm

At Dorn Policy Group, we want your voice to be heard. While the government players propose bills to become a law, shouldn’t you have a say as well?

We can help you shape the future of your organization. Partner with us today!

Register as a lobbyist

What Are the Requirements to Register As a Lobbyist?

Before participating in any lobbying activities, advocates should review the rules for the state or local government in which they operate in.  Under certain circumstances, advocates for an issue, cause, or organization may not need to register. The qualifications for registering as a lobbyist often depend on the statutory definition of the occupation in each state. The information a registering lobbyist must provide also varies from state to state.

What Are the Requirements to Register As a Lobbyist?

In order to meet the required threshold to register as a lobbyist, all of the following criteria must be met, according to Section 4 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

Monetary Threshold

  • Lobbying firms must file a registration for each client whose lobbying activities exceed $3,000 during a quarter
  • Organizations who use in-house lobbyists must file a single registration if the total expenses for these lobbying activities exceed $13,000 during a quarter

Time Threshold

If lobbying activities constitute at least 20% of an individual’s time, then this meets the time threshold to register. 

According to the 2 U.S.C. § 1602(7), lobbying activities are defined as “Lobbying contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research, and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the lobbying activities of others.”

More Than One Lobbying Contact

Lobbyists who have made more than one lobbying contact meet the requirement to register. This means any lobbyists who have made contact with a covered official more than once. This does not mean the number of covered officials they’ve made contact with, but rather the exchanges and forms of communications that have been made between lobbyists and officials.

Lobbying contact is defined by the 2 U.S.C. § 1602(7) as “Any oral or written communication (including an electronic communication) to a covered executive branch official or a covered legislative branch official that is made on behalf of a client with regard to:”

  • The formulation, modification, or adoption of federal legislation (including legislative proposals).
  • The formulation, modification, or adoption of a Federal rule, regulation, executive order, or any other program, policy, or position of the United States Government.
  • The administration or execution of a federal program or policy (including the negotiation, award, or administration of a Federal contract, grant, loan, permit, or license).
  • The nomination or confirmation of a person for a position subject to confirmation by the Senate.

When Do Lobbyists Need to Register?

Lobbyists should register within 45 days of meeting all required criteria under the Lobbyists Disclosure Act. Preferably, registrations should be filed once services are retained and lobbyists expect the following:

  • To make more than one lobbying contact.
  • Lobbying activities to account for more than 20% of their time working for the client.
  • Expenses to surpass the monetary threshold of $3,000 for lobbying firms and $13,000 for in-house lobbying services.

Disclosure of Foreign Entities

Additionally, each registration must disclose information from any foreign entity that holds at least 20% equitable ownership in the client or any affiliate of the client that is required to be reported. Furthermore, any foreign identity that directly or indirectly plans, supervises, controls, directs, finances, or subsidizes the activities of the client or affiliate of the client must also be reported by providing the following information:

  • Name of foreign entity
  • Address
  • Principal place of business
  • Any amount greater than $5,000 contributing to lobbying activities

Lobbying in Arizona

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Arizona defines lobbying as the following:

  • A means to attempt to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by directly communicating with any legislator or attempting to influence any formal rulemaking proceeding pursuant to Chapter 6 of this title or rulemaking proceedings that are exempt from Chapter 6 of this title by directly communicating with any state officer or employee.
  • A person who is otherwise required to be registered as a lobbyist for compensation pursuant to this article attempting to influence the procurement of materials, services or construction by an agency, including the Office of the Governor.

Information Needed to Register

Registrations filed in the State of Arizona must contain the following information for each entity.

Principals

  • Name and business address of the principal. 
  • Name and business address of a person who is the designated lobbyist for the principal, regardless of whether such person is engaged to lobby for compensation. 
  • Name and business address of each lobbyist for compensation or authorized lobbyist employed by, retained by, or representing the principal. 
  • For each lobbyist for compensation, designated lobbyist or authorized lobbyist that is not an individual, the name and business address of all employees of that lobbyist who lobby on the principal’s behalf.
  • Nature of the primary business or activity, issue, interest, or purpose of the principal. 
  • Duration of the engagement of any lobbyist. 
  • Description of the expenses for which each lobbyist is to be reimbursed by the principal. 
  • Listings of the state entities the lobbyist has been engaged or designated to lobby including the legislature and state agencies, boards, commissions, or councils.

Public Bodies

  • Name and business address of the public body. 
  • Name and business address of a person who is the designated public lobbyist for the public body, regardless of whether this person is engaged to lobby for compensation. 
  • Name and business address of each authorized public lobbyist employed by, retained by, or representing the public body. 
  • For each designated public lobbyist or authorized public lobbyist that is not an individual, the name and business address of all employees of such. designated public lobbyist or authorized public lobbyist who may lobby on the public body’s behalf. 
  • Description of the expenses for which each designated public lobbyist and authorized public lobbyist is to be reimbursed by the public body.

Lobbyists

  • Name of the lobbyist for compensation, designated lobbyist, or designated public lobbyist. 
  • Business name and address of the lobbyist for compensation, designated lobbyist, or designated public lobbyist. 
  • Statement that the lobbyist for compensation, designated lobbyist, or designated public lobbyist has read the lobbyist handbook.

Dorn Policy Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based professional lobbying and public affairs firm, Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribes. Working with both Republicans and Democrats, as well as Independents, the Dorn Policy Group will provide you with the best strategic counsel to advance and reach your objectives. 

Contact us today to get started!

Industrial land usage

3 Reasons Why Business Owners Should Hire Lobbyists For Zoning Regulations

Businesses often find it difficult to navigate around zoning regulations on certain areas of land. Zoning is the process by which local policymakers restrict the use of the property and provide allowable land uses within its jurisdiction. As a growing business, you may be faced with zoning restrictions that may impede your ability to thrive. By partnering with a lobbying firm, you can stay ahead of the curve by having a team of advocates work on your behalf. We’ve highlighted some areas below that business owners may face when encountering zoning restrictions.

Avoid Expensive Land Use Costs

While costs can vary depending on the land and its regulations, the approval to use certain land can be costly. According to the Independent Institute, many applicants may spend $5,000 to $20,000 to gain approval for a basic conditional use permit. Not to mention the additional fees that might be incurred for transportation engineers or environmental consultants. 

Lobbyists can fight on the business owner’s behalf by voicing their grievances and using communication skills to sway legislators’ decisions. It’s difficult for small businesses to reach policymakers, so lobbying firms can be the link that brings the two together.

Influence Regulations to Avoid Fines

Another important aspect business owners must consider are regulations on what businesses can be established in the area. For example, in the case of Adrian Hernandez v. City of Hanford, a furniture business owner was cited for violating an ordinance limiting furniture stores to an area of 2,500 square feet. Laws like this aren’t uncommon, and if business owners are not careful, they can be hit with hefty fines. 

Your business is your livelihood, and you can’t afford to be fined for running your business. Through strategic planning and issues management, lobbying firms can help you move forward.

Help You Navigate Through Relocation and Licensing

If you’re a growing business and are looking to relocate, it may be beneficial to have a group of advocates on your side. Not only do agencies help influence government officials to reconsider zoning and land use regulations, but they can provide the necessary resources in relocation and licensing. Not to mention their ability to find resolutions in a quick, positive manner. 

Influence Zoning Regulations with Dorn Policy Group

Zoning ordinances can be complex to understand and may hinder the business owner’s ability to thrive. By partnering with a lobbying firm, they can avoid costly fines and influence key policymakers to revise regulations in favor of the business owner. As one of Arizona’s top lobbying firms, Dorn Policy Group has the expertise to assist in any matter relating to land use and zoning ordinances. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.

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