State Government Relations
On-the-ground resources that drive state and local policy outcomes
All politics are local. As one of the most widely recognized and respected law and policy firms in the country, we have an expansive network of relationships where business interests intersect with local politics.
We know the stakeholders. And how to reach them. Through years of both public service and engagement, we have established strategic connections with, governors, state attorneys general, legislators, mayors, county commissioners, city council members and state and local associations. Whether we need to meet with key decisionmakers; monitor, pass or kill legislation; or advance policy issues—our team will rise to the occasion. We facilitate relationships between industries and local governments, opening channels of communication and collaboration and leverage our connectivity to create a better working atmosphere for businesses engaging in state and local politics. This complements our federal-level advocacy, allowing us to provide strategic insights on government relations engagement at every level throughout the lifecycle of an issue.
Our 50-state approach
Legislative Monitoring
Brownstein serves as an early warning system for policy shifts, legislation and funding opportunities that may benefit or hinder our clients’ operations. We identify issues of importance, monitor relevant legislation and provide reports about bills and updates in real time to our clients. We tailor updates on policy and legislative developments to define their specific impact. We also provide strategic advice, analysis and recommendations when important developments occur. In addition to monitoring legislation, we are able to work with clients to introduce, amend, kill or pass legislation.
Relationship Building
- National, Democratic and Republican Governors Associations (NGA, DGA, RGA)
- National, Democratic and Republican Associations of Attorney Generals (NAAG, RAGA, DAGA)
- National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL)
- Community Leaders of America (CLA)
- Western Governor Association (WGA)
- GOPAC
- American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
- Attorney General Alliance (AGA)
Issue Advocacy & Management
We view ourselves as a strategic extension of our client’s team. We understand our client’s needs and goals and collaborate with them to successfully execute their policy positions. Laying the groundwork with governors, attorneys general, legislators and mayors for any proposed legislation or internal administration policies and rulemaking that advances short- and long-term priorities is crucial to success. Our representation will be one of education and advocacy – by researching and determining established positions, we develop a thoughtful strategy that educates key stakeholders and drives home the importance for responsible and appropriate legislation and local action.
High-Level Political Insight
Brownstein is one of the most politically engaged firms in the advocacy industry, and we regularly host fundraisers and meet-and-greets with key leaders and their staff to educate, inform and encourage meaningful discourse. Our team also includes several skilled strategists whose combination of experience and connectivity will yield dividends for your organization now and in the future.
Coalition Building
Brownstein builds broad and diverse coalitions that can amplify our clients’ voice and impact the opinions of key decisionmakers. We identify and connect clients with third parties, including organizations and trade associations that are needed to build coalitions at the local and national level.
Election Counsel
The business of campaigning requires a sophisticated understanding of corporate entities, campaign finance, tax and contract law with an acute eye for anticipatory litigation and media scrutiny. Our counsel serves two roles, first it minimizes the risks to the overarching national team by ensuring aggressive compliance with federal campaign finance, ethics and tax laws. Second, our election counsel molds each state and local campaign to fit compliance requirements, report necessary campaign finance reports and operate within the legal ethics of each state.
Helping an EV start-up Navigate Environmental Policy
Following the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, an electric vehicle (EV) start-up sought to utilize the funds made available by the federal government to build-out electric vehicle charging stations across the nation. They brought the Brownstein team on to provide strategic guidance on how to make this happen. From relationship-building with local, state and federal stakeholders to helping sift through complicated rules and laws related to land-use code, tax policy and zoning, our team drew on its expansive policy knowledge and 50-state approach to inform the company’s business decisions. This included working through challenging issues as municipalities considered the impact an EV charging station would have on their local communities.
Solution-oriented Approach Allows Apparel Businesses to Thrive
As states began to ban PFAS from consumer products, the outdoor apparel industry was hugely impacted as PFAS are often used to achieve water-repellency. Leading outdoor brands are committed to eliminating PFAS from products, but making the switch from long-used chemicals to innovative, safe and sustainable chemicals takes time. That’s where Brownstein came in. Working with local and federal government officials, our team helped obtain additional time to comply with regulations. This meant products already produced could be sold and the company had until 2025 to find alternative solutions to PFAS. We continue to track environmental policy issues that could impact the apparel industry across the country.
Our Team
Department Chair
Office Managing Director
Office Managing Partner
Related Practices
