HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.7 Motion to accept the renewal agreement with Mac Strategies Group, Inc. for lobbying services for an amount not to exceed $60,000.Subject
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Motion to accept the renewal agreement with Mac Strategies
Group, Inc. for lobbying services for an amount not to exceed
$60,r0000
November 4, 2025 - REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT
PROSPECT VILLAGE BOARD
Professional Services - Public Representation
CONSENT AGENDA
Action Item
Village staff recommend extending the contract with Mac Strategies Group for 2026. Mac
Strategies previously provided the Village with lobbying services at the State Capital in 2025
and 2024. Lobbyists monitor current legislative activity at the State level and recommended
strategies that the Village can implement to address priorities in the Village. Other services
include general representation of Village interests to state officials, testifying at hearings
before the general assembly on Village issues, and providing briefings to the Village on the
progress of key legislative and regulatory items. Some of these key issues included:
• Legislation Updates — Mac Strategies was able to help the Village monitor internal
updates on multiple items relating to various municipal tax changes. Updates have
allowed staff to plan for any potential changes and to game plan hypothetical
situations. The lobbyist was also able to have discussions with elected officials and
voice concerns from staff, an improvement to written communications alternatives.
Additionally, Mac Strategies assisted in communicating with our legislative delegation
regarding Village concerns with dozens of bills filed to enhance public safety pensions.
These bills would have increased the Village's pension liability by millions of dollars.
• Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) — Mac Strategies has provided
information on the progress of legislation and the key State officials involved. Strategy
was given to Village staff on what can be done to help move the legislation in a
direction that benefits Mount Prospect residents. BIPA legislation is the major variable
in the development of the Cloud HQ data center project.
• Tier II Pension Benefits - Mac Strategies continues to work on legislation regarding
Tier II Pension benefits. There are bills proposed each year to enhance Tier II Pension
benefits to mirror Tier I benefits, increasing the burden to fund pensions by
communities throughout the state. The most recent bill, SB 1937, would have a
significant financial impact on communities, while also permanently and significantly
increasing taxpayer costs. The lobbyist was also able to have discussions with elected
officials and voice concerns about whether permanent pension sweeteners being passed
are fair to residents who already face high taxes. Mac Strategies continues to work with
legislators on several amendments to the Illinois Pension Code.
Along with updates on key issues and pushing the priorities of Mount Prospect and its
residents in state politics, the Mac Strategies lobbyist continues to provide regular updates on
all items being considered at the State Level. Allowing Village staff to be aware of trends that
are outside their current purview.
Discussion
Alternatives
1. Approve the proposed renewal agreement with Mac Strategies Group, for lobbying services.
2. Action at the discretion of the Village Board.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Village Board approves the renewal agreement with Mac Strategies
Group, Inc. for lobbying services for an amount not to exceed $60,000.
Attachments
1. MacStrategiesGroup_VillageofMtProspect_20256ontract
11[ac Strategies Group, Inc.
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT LOBBYING SERVICES ("Agreement") is made the
23rd day of October 2025 by and between, the Village of Mount Prospect, an Illinois municipal entity, with its
principal address at 50 S. Emerson Street I Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (hereinafter referred to as the "Client") and
MAC STRATEGIES GROUP, INC., an Illinois Corporation, with its principal address at 53 W. Jackson Blvd,
#550, Chicago, Illinois, 60604 (hereinafter referred to as the "Lobbyist").
WHEREAS, the Client desires to engage Lobbyist to perform legislative advocacy services for the
Client and Lobbyist desires to perform such services on a non-exclusive basis and pursuant to the terms and
conditions set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises hereof and of the mutual promises and
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. Engagement; Scope of Services.
The Client hereby engages Lobbyist to perform the duties set forth in this Agreement. The engagement by the
Client of Lobbyist under this Agreement is non-exclusive and shall not limit the Client's right to engage other
persons to conduct activities on behalf of the Client, nor shall it restrict Lobbyist's right to accept other
engagements so long as such other engagements do not interfere with Lobbyist's ability to perform.
2. Duties and Responsibilities of Lobbyist.
The Lobbyist is engaged to (1) identify, prioritize, monitor and recommend strategy on pending legislation and
regulatory matters in the State of Illinois relating to priorities of the Client including, but not limited to, legislation
providing for the expenditure by the state of funds for capital construction projects; (2) provide legislative and
regulatory representation and establish relationships on behalf of Client before the legislators, Executive Branch
officials and other Illinois governmental agencies; (3) develop and implement strategies to advocate the positions
of Client consistent with its government relations program; (4) prepare correspondence and other materials
needed to support the legislative or regulatory effort; (5) present testimony at hearings before the Illinois General
Assembly and/or prepare others to testify in support and to meet legislators, legislative staff, Executive Branch
officials, Executive Branch staff, and regulatory agency staff as deemed necessary by Client, and (6) provide
briefing reports on key issues, and legislative and regulatory activity on a regular basis.
3. Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements.
3.1. Lobbyist's Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. Lobbyist hereby represents and
warrants to the Client as follows:
(a) Lobbyist shall not hold himself out, directly or by implication, as being an employee or agent of
the Client.
(b) Except as required by law, Lobbyist shall keep confidential the nature and scope of the engagement
as well as its relationship with the Client unless the Client expressly authorizes, in writing, specific
disclosures.
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Strategies
(c) Lobbyist shall return all Client information to the Client, or shall destroy same if directed to do so
by the Client, at the conclusion of the engagement.
(d) This Agreement, when fully executed, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation
of Lobbyist, fully enforceable against it in accordance with its terms. Lobbyist represents that the
execution and performance of this Agreement by Lobbyist will not violate any confidentiality
agreements or restrictive covenants provisions, or agreements.
(e) Lobbyist shall inform the Client immediately if any representation, warranty, covenant, or
agreement contained in Section 3.1 hereof is no longer accurate.
3.2. Client's Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. The Client hereby represents and
warrants to Lobbyist as follows:
(a) This Agreement, when executed, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of the
Client, fully enforceable against it in accordance with its terms. The Client represents that the
execution and performance of this Agreement by the Client will not violate any confidentiality
agreements or restrictive covenants provisions, or agreements.
(b) The Client shall inform Lobbyist immediately if any representation, warranty, covenant, or
agreement contained in Section 3.2 hereof is no longer accurate.
3.3 Conflicts of Interest. While providing lobbying services under this Agreement, Lobbyist shall not
represent any other party whose interests directly conflict with the interests of Client in matters relating
to the Scope of Services outlined in this Agreement. It is acknowledged by both the parties that
representation by Lobbyist of any other unit of local government does not violate this provision, as long
as such representation is not in direct conflict with any interests of Client in matters relating to the Scope
of Services outlined in this Agreement.
4. Compensation.
4.1 Lobbyist shall be compensated in the amount of $5,000.00 per month for the term of the Engagement.
(a) It is the policy of Mac Strategies Group, Inc. to issue invoices on the 0 day of each billable month.
(b) Payment of an issued invoice shall be no later than the last business day of the month in which it is
issued.
5. Term of Engagement.
5.1 The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence on January 1, 2026 and shall automatically
renew annually unless the Term or scope is modified pursuant to agreement of both parties.
5.2 Both parties reserve the right to terminate the terms of this agreement upon providing a written notice 30-
days prior to the date of termination. Upon termination, Client's only obligation shall be to pay for
services rendered by the Lobbyist prior to termination and not yet paid. Lobbyist shall promptly return
any fees previously paid by Client for services that were to be rendered following the date of termination.
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6. Indemnifications.
6.1. Lobbyist shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless, at Lobbyist's sole cost and expense, the Client
and its elected and appointed officers, officials, Village President and Board of Trustees, agents,
employees, volunteers, representatives, assigns, attorneys, or other persons or property standing in the
interest of the Client, from any and all risks, lawsuits, actions, damages, losses, expenses (including
attorneys' fees), claims, or liabilities of any character, brought because of any death, injuries or
damages received or sustained by any person, persons, or property on account of any act, omission,
neglect or misconduct of Lobbyist, its officers, agents and/or employees, or arising out of or in
performance of any provision of this Agreement or the Services provided under this Agreement,
including any claims or amounts arising or recovered under the Workers' Compensation Act or any
other law, ordinance, order or decree, except for injuries and damages caused by the sole negligence of
the Client, or arising out of any breach by Lobbyist of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement contained herein.
6.2. The Client shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Lobbyist and its officers, directors, employees,
agents, parent, subsidiaries and other affiliates, from and against any and all damage, cost, liability, and
expense whatsoever (including attorney's fees and related disbursements) incurred by reason of (a) any
failure by the Client to perform any covenant or agreement of the Client set forth herein, or (b) any breach
by the Client of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein.
7. Independent Status of Lobbyist.
This Agreement establishes the rights, duties and obligations of the Client and Lobbyist and does not create an
employer -employee or agency relationship between the Client, or any entity affiliated with the Client, and
Lobbyist, or any of Lobbyist's employees or agents. Lobbyist acknowledges and agrees that Lobbyist is an
independent contractor to the Client and Lobbyist shall not act as an agent of the Client. As an independent
contractor, Lobbyist shall be responsible for any social security taxes, insurance and any other taxes or fees
that are applicable to him and his employees and agents pursuant to Illinois and Federal laws.
8. Compliance with Applicable Laws.
Lobbyist agrees to comply in all respects with any and all applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding its
conduct, including, but not limited to, lobbying action and registration, and all applicable laws and regulations
related to political contributions and gifts to public officials. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Lobbyist covenants that Lobbyist is in full compliance with the immigration laws of the United States relating to
Lobbyist's employees assigned by Lobbyist to perform services for Client. Lobbyist further certifies that all of
Lobbyist's employees are authorized by law to work in the United States, and that Lobbyist's employees
have presented documentation to Lobbyist that establishes both identity and work authorization in accordance
with applicable immigration regulations. Lobbyist certifies that to the best of its knowledge, information and
belief, after due inquiry, the documentation presented to Lobbyist is genuine and accurate. Lobbyist further
certifies that Lobbyist complies with all federal, state and local labor and employment laws, and wage and hour
laws, as these laws may relate to Lobbyist's employees performing services for Client. Lobbyist represents and
warrants that there are no agreements, orders or other restrictions which would interfere with or prevent
Lobbyist from entering into this Agreement or performing the services and obligations contemplated
hereunder. Lobbyist also agrees to comply with applicable laws concerning lobbyist registration, including the
timely submission of all necessary lobbyist filings required under such laws. Lobbyist shall inform Client if
Lobbyist is required to make such lobbyist filings. Lobbyist shall notify Client if any filing requirements
are applicable to Client itself as a result of Lobbyist's representation of Client under this Agreement and shall
assist Client in satisfying such requirements.
Strategies Group, Inc.
9. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by, and its terms and conditions shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Illinois.
10. Notices.
All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be (as elected by the
person giving such notice) (a) personally delivered, (b) transmitted by postage prepaid registered mail, (c) via
electronic communications, or (d) transmitted by facsimile, with postage prepaid mail information, to the
parties as follows:
10.1 If to Client:
Michael J. Cassady
Village Manager, Village of Mount Prospect
50 S. Emerson Street Mount Prospect, IL 60056
847-392-6000 1 vmokmountprospect.org
10.2 If to Lobbyist:
Ryan McLaughlin
President/CEO, Mac Strategies Group, Inc.
53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois 60604
312-588-4102 1 Eyan macstrategiesgroup.com
Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been
given on the date of receipt if delivered personally, seven days after posting if transmitted by mail, or the date
of transmission for electronic communications, or date of transmission with confirmed answer back if
transmitted by facsimile, whichever shall first occur. Any party hereto may change its address for purposes
hereof by written notice to the other party.
11. Confidentiality.
Any information or materials provided by or on behalf of Client, or created by Lobbyist in connection with the
Services shall be treated as confidential and not shared with any third parties in any manner without the prior
written consent of Client. Upon the conclusion of the Agreement, Lobbyist shall return to Client any materials
that were provided or created in the course of the Agreement, or otherwise dispose of such items as directed by
Client. This obligation will survive the termination or conclusion of the Agreement.
12. Use of Information.
12.1. Any information including, but not limited to, data, business information, technical information,
specifications, drawings, sketches, models, samples, tools, promotional material, computer programs and
documentation, written, oral or otherwise together with analyses, compilations, comparisons, studies
or other documents (all hereinafter designated "Information") furnished to Lobbyist hereunder or in
contemplation hereof shall remain the Client's property or the property of the Client subsidiary or affiliate
which furnished the Information to Lobbyist. All copies of such Information in written, graphic or other
tangible form shall be returned to the Client or such Client subsidiary or affiliate upon request. Unless
such information was previously known to Lobbyist free of any obligation to keep it confidential or has
been or is subsequently made public by the Client or a third party without violation of this Agreement, it
shall be kept confidential by Lobbyist and its employees: and shall be disclosed only upon the prior
written consent of the Client or upon such terms as may be agreed upon in writing by the parties. Any
findings, reports, questionnaires, or other results of this Agreement shall be the exclusive property of
the Client including title to copyright in all copyrightable material and shall be considered a "work made
for hire" in accordance with the copyright statute.
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s Group, Inc.
12.2. Any materials, templates, formula or analytical methodology, used or employed by the Lobbyist during
the course of the engagement including, but not limited to, Lobbyist's own databases, business
information, technical information, specifications, analytical models, tools, promotional material,
computer programs and documentation, written, oral or otherwise together with analyses, compilations,
comparisons, studies or other documents utilized by Lobbyist to perform under this Agreement (all
hereinafter designated "Lobbyist's Information") furnished to the Client or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates hereunder or in contemplation hereof shall remain Lobbyist's property. All copies of such
Lobbyist's Information in written, graphic or other tangible form shall be returned to Lobbyist upon
request. Unless such Lobbyist's information was previously known to the Client or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates free of any obligation to keep it confidential or has been or is subsequently made public by
Lobbyist or a third party without violation of this Agreement, it shall be kept confidential by the Client
and its employees or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and shall be disclosed only upon the prior written
consent of Lobbyist or upon such terms as may be agreed upon in writing by the parties. Compliance by
the Client with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. ("Illinois FOIA") or other
similar "sunshine law," including compliance with an Illinois FOIA request, or an opinion or directive
from the Illinois Public Access Counselor or the Illinois Attorney General under the Illinois FOIA, or
with a decision or order of a court with jurisdiction over the Client, or pursuant to a subpoena, shall
not be a violation of this Section.
13. Miscellaneous.
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written, oral or otherwise, between the parties, and
may be altered or amended only in a writing signed by both parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, no purported waiver by any party of any breach by the other party of its obligations, representations,
warranties, agreements or covenants hereunder shall be effective unless made in a writing, and no failure to
pursue or elect any remedy with respect to any default under or breach of any provisions of this Agreement shall
be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent, similar or different default or breach.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement under seal as of the date first
written above.
Client: The Village of Mount Prospect
By: Michael J. Cassady
(Signature)
Its: Village Manager
Lobbyist: Mac Strategies Group, Inc.
By: Ryan P. McLaughlin
(Signature)
Its: President & CEO