Presidio collaborated with a distinguished regional arts-sector nonprofit organization and service provider, a pillar in supporting the arts for nearly half a century in its host city, yet it longed for a more robust presence and a more synergistic relationship with City Hall to catalyze its growth. Despite its rich history and significant contributions to the city’s cultural fabric, the organization needed enhanced strategic communications, public advocacy, and government relations programs to forge stronger bonds with the local government and augment its influence in municipal initiatives.
Presidio meticulously revamped these programs, leveraging the organization’s illustrious history and extensive portfolio to reinforce the city’s endeavors. Our innovative approaches and relentless advocacy culminated in a landmark achievement for the organization: for the first time in its history, direct funding was allocated to it in the city budget. This unprecedented support empowered the organization to significantly broaden its service offerings and amplify its impact in the community.
Presidio joined forces with a regional hospitality industry trade association on the brink of a significant municipal wage initiative campaign. The initiative was already slated for the ballot, and our involvement was pivotal, immediately delving into extensive lobbying and public advocacy efforts. Our objective was to persuade the City Council to opt for a special election, as opposed to adopting the ordinance outright or allocating it to a general election ballot, amidst a statewide tide of similar initiatives. This involved a multifaceted, six-week lobbying endeavor, including briefings, education sessions for association members, and the creation of briefing collateral to articulate their cases effectively to policymakers.
Simultaneously, Presidio spearheaded an eight-week digital advertising campaign, stimulating substantial public response that resulted in thousands of emails from city residents to the City Council. The public urged the council to undertake a meticulous economic analysis of the measure and, subsequently, to organize a special election. This initiative concluded with the City Council commissioning an economic study and eventually mandating a special election. Remarkably, this was a precedent-setting achievement for the hospitality industry statewide, marking the first instance an economic study or special election was sanctioned for such wage initiatives. Presidio’s adeptness in association management and government relations services reinforced our ability to strategically navigate and influence legislative processes so that they aligned with our client’s goals and the broader industry interests.
Presidio collaborated with a renowned national food services provider facing critical operational delays. The client had invested millions in developing and outfitting multiple new sites in Southern California, with significant revenue contingent upon the timely opening of these locations. However, entangled in the intricate web of the permitting process, the sites were pending clearance from the county health department. The situation necessitated swift and effective intervention to prevent any compromise on the investments made and the anticipated revenue.
Presidio efficiently orchestrated outreach, hosted enlightening briefings, arranged comprehensive site tours, and informed both staff and elected officials about the prevailing issues and their potential impacts. Our insightful education and meticulous coordination expedited the clearance process, allowing the sites to open as envisioned. This successful intervention illustrates Presidio’s acumen in navigating bureaucratic complexities and securing operational go-aheads, ultimately safeguarding our client’s investments and revenue expectations. It reflects our commitment to resolving governmental impediments efficiently, ensuring that our clients can focus on their core business objectives without regulatory hindrance.
Presidio had the opportunity to assist a prominent national fast-casual restaurant brand facing permitting delays across various Southern California jurisdictions. The prompt initiation of construction was crucial for the client’s strategic aspirations. We engaged proactively, coordinating efficient communications and workflows among the client’s team, external contractors, and municipal permitting staff. Within four weeks, we resolved the permitting obstacles, allowing construction to begin on schedule.
This engagement underscores Presidio’s dedication to providing reliable public affairs and government relations services, helping our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve their operational objectives. Our approach is focused on fostering productive dialogues and facilitating solutions that align with our clients’ goals, demonstrating our expertise in the field of public affairs and governmental liaison.
