Posts in Government Affairs
BG Advisor Note | "New Austin Lobbyist Compensation Complaints" by Andy Cates
BG Advisor Note | "New Austin Lobbyist Compensation Complaints" by Andy Cates

The past two weeks have seen a flurry of activity relating to campaign ethics - from Russian-backed Facebook ads to FEC appointments. But what may seem like a flash in the pan crisis or announcement today will likely have a lasting impact on the future of the Federal Election Commission and the transparency of political campaigns for decades to come.

Let's first look at the nomination by President Trump of Trey Trainor from Austin to fill a seat on the Federal Election Commission. Trainor has played a role in the Texas Republican Party and in the Trump administration, but he is perhaps most notably (in these circles at least) known as one of the lead attorneys for Empower Texans and Michael Quinn Sullivan.

Read More
Government AffairsAJ Binghamandy cates, BG Advisor Note, lobbyingComment
BG Advisor Note | TDS Wants Its Cake and Austin's Too (Andy Cates)
BG Advisor Note | TDS Wants Its Cake and Austin's Too (Andy Cates)

An article appeared in yesterday's Austin Monitor discussinghe ongoing feud between Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) and the City of Austin's lobbying ordinances. 

TDS argues that the no-contact, no-bid process that is in place under city ordinance that prevents current city contractors from discussing potential bids on other contracts with city employees/officials. TDS says that the "prohibited communication" is an unconstitutionally vague infringement of their First Amendment rights, and until the city changes the rules, TDS is lobbying the city to put a moratorium on all waste contracts, effectively freezing the market for all competitors.

Read More
Government Affairs, ProcurementAJ Binghamandy cates, BG Advisor Note, Lobbying, ProcurementComment
BG Policy Note | The Future of Dockless Bike Share in Austin
BG Policy Note | The Future of Dockless Bike Share in Austin

A recent Dallas work trip found us in the middle of a Bikeshare war.

Scattered around the city's core at least three firms, Spin, VBikes, and LimeBike are battling for market share.  Unlike Austin's B-Cycle program, these bikes are dockless and unlockable through an app (though BCycle is rolling out its own version, Dash).  

For the time being the City of Dallas appears to be letting the war play out. There are no conversations of potential pilots, resolutions or ordinances discussions around bikesharing. And it is the only major Texas city that does not operate a BCycle program (the closest one being in Ft. Worth).

Read More
Government AffairsAJ Binghambikeshare, spin, vbikes, limebike, ofo, City of Austin, City of Dallas, Bikes Comments
BG Advisor Note | "The Future of the FEC" by Andy Cates
BG Advisor Note | "The Future of the FEC" by Andy Cates

The past two weeks have seen a flurry of activity relating to campaign ethics - from Russian-backed Facebook ads to FEC appointments. But what may seem like a flash in the pan crisis or announcement today will likely have a lasting impact on the future of the Federal Election Commission and the transparency of political campaigns for decades to come.

Let's first look at the nomination by President Trump of Trey Trainor from Austin to fill a seat on the Federal Election Commission. Trainor has played a role in the Texas Republican Party and in the Trump administration, but he is perhaps most notably (in these circles at least) known as one of the lead attorneys for Empower Texans and Michael Quinn Sullivan.

Read More
Government AffairsAJ Binghamandy cates, BG Advisor Note, FEC, lobbyingComment