Orland Park hires two legislative consultants to pursue state and federal funding priorities

The Orland Park Committee of the Whole authorized one-year engagements with two consulting firms, Matthew O'Shea Consulting and Michael Best Strategies, each not to exceed $60,000, to provide legislative and advocacy support at state and federal levels.

George (village manager) told trustees the hiring is intended to bolster the village's presence in Springfield and Washington as the village pursues major transportation and infrastructure priorities, including multi-million-dollar projects such as improvements along 140th Street. The village will set legislative priorities at a future meeting and expects the consultants to advocate on the board's approved priorities.

Trustees debated the process and the timing: some trustees said priority-setting should precede vendor selection and asked for clearer performance benchmarks and monthly accountability; other trustees argued the village needs on-the-ground representation in Springfield given the competitive funding environment. Trustee Healy raised reputational questions about one consultant's past public associations; Trustee Katsenas asked for vendor resumes and clearer deliverables. Mayor Dodge noted that key members of the recommended teams live in Orland Park and that local representation in Springfield could help the village's funding prospects.

The committee approved both agreements by roll call (five ayes, two no votes). Staff will bring a set of legislative priorities to the board and the consultants will be asked to work to those priorities and provide regular reporting.