State Association Lobbyists

[Tyler Brown]

Do any of your state associations have a lobbyist on staff or contract for state / local legislative needs?

[Laura Meyer]

Hey, Tyler! Yes – the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) has a lobbyist on contract to support them/their member CDs with legislative priorities. They meet with legislators on behalf of WACD, provide advice/recommendations/tips to the membership, and keep members updated, such as through weekly blogs like this one: https://hub.wadistricts.org/2022/01/week-0-general-legislative-review/. I’m sure someone at WACD would be happy to chat with you if you have questions – let me know if you’d like me to connect you.

[Jake Wilson]

Neither association in MO keeps lobbyists on staff or puts any significant funds towards contractors for that purpose. Though technically not lobbying, they do host an annual “Education Seminar” in the Capital. The seminar is open to all district boards and staff, in addition to state legislators.

[Kent Zimmerman]

Nebraska’s association has lobbyists on contract. Dean Edson is the Executive Director of thhe Nebraska Association of Resources Districts and you may reach Dean at: dedson@nrdnet.org

[Christopher Pettit]

Tyler…give me a shout to discuss if you like. 850-519-4356

[Mark Bostrom]

Yes. The Montana Association of Conservation Districts has historically hired a lobbyist/political advisor on a short-term contract each biennial legislative session. They are a 501(C)(3) so have limited allowance for lobbying/advocacy.

[David Copeland]

Several of the associations we work with at the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) either have a lobbyist on staff or contract out. This includes the Minnesota Association of SWCDs, Association of Minnesota Counties, and Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts.

[Trey Lam]

Tyler,
Yes the Oklahoma Association hires a contract lobbyist. They have for several years.

[David Williams]

The Executive Director of the NC Association of SWCDs is a registered lobbyist.

[Crystal Rosen]

Tyler,
In Idaho our Conservation Districts have statewide association that all districts participate in, The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD). IASCD employs an executive director who is a registered lobbyist. You can find more information on Idaho’s district association set-up at IASCD.org

[Bill Smith]

South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Angela Ehlers is the state association registered lobbyist for SDACD.

[Rob Hamilton]

Ohio association has hired a lobbyist in the past. The director also has legislative contacts and works through other groups such as farm bureau when there is an issue or need for legislative change

[John Switzer]

Yes, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts recently hired a new Executive Director with a legislative advocacy background and included duties around legislative advocacy in his job description. Prior to that the association had contracted with a lobbying firm that also represented the Michigan Association of Counties and the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners. Happy to chat if you have additional questions Tyler.

[Ashley Henderson]

Alabama’s association director is a registered lobbyist and they have a contract lobbyist as well. We have considered hiring a governmental affairs person part-time.

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