Tacoma City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday that will direct nearly $320,000 toward legislative lobbying services over the next two years.

The first resolution awards a $163,680 contract to Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs for legislative lobbying services in the Washington State Legislature. According to documents prepared by city staff, the city requires additional, year-round resources and expertise to address legislative issues that arise in Olympia and potentially impact Tacoma City Hall.

The second resolution awards a $155,239 contract to Simon and Company for legislative lobbying services in Washington, D.C. According to documents prepared by city staff, Simon and Company has represented the City of Tacoma for several years, is well acquainted with the city’s issues, and has represented Tacoma’s interests before Congress, the Administration, and Federal regulatory agencies. The firm also provides assistance to councilmembers and city staff when they travel to Washington D.C. on city business.