Government Relations and Public Policy
Businesses turn to Phelps’ strong legislative and community connections to shape public policy, secure funding and ensure regulatory compliance as they expand. Our team leverages strong relationships with state and local decision-makers to influence policy changes that impact our clients’ industries and support their growth plan.
Our seasoned lawyers partner with clients ranging from multinational corporations to local nonprofits to develop a strategy from each project’s outset that identifies opportunities and mitigates risk. We properly position clients and build consensus to pave the way for progress and policy change when needed. We are experienced at structuring public-private partnerships and complex procurement agreements, supporting networks that bring private-sector skills and government resources together. We also foster relationships between clients, stakeholders and policymakers to shape issues that advance client and community goals.
When competitive state and local grants are at stake, companies rely on our knowledge of the government funding process to guide them through requests, applications, hearings and regulatory approvals. We’ve helped clients across a wide range of industries further multimillion-dollar innovations through public funding and partnerships, including in:
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- Broadband
- Communications
- Education
- Goods and services
- Health care
- Renewables
- Technology
- Transportation
- Utilities
Our advocacy experience extends across the region and to the highest levels of government. We understand how policy is developed and the constraints faced by legislators and regulators. We use this knowledge to help industry leaders manage dynamic political landscapes and make sure their interests are represented as public policy develops.
Services
- Business development
- Coalition building
- Contract negotiation, bidding oversight and dispute resolution
- Contract and funding procurement
- Corporate branding and positioning
- Governmental affairs
- Grassroots and community relations
- Land use, permitting and zoning issues
- Legislation analysis and drafting
- Legislative and administrative lobbying
- State and local grant programs
- Political campaigns and fundraising
- Public-private partnerships (P3)
- Public policy and strategy development
- Regulation analysis and challenges
Experience
Government Funding Requests
Managed the project and funding requests for two multimillion-dollar grants through the Department of Health for a hospital client, allowing the client to make capital improvements to the hospital and support a program for expectant mothers.
Legislative Advocacy
Secured legislative approvals and multiyear, multimillion-dollar budget through Tennessee General Assembly for Department of Health safety-net fund and pilot program between state and local university to expand dental care provider training and patient access across 33 counties in East Tennessee.
Public-Private Partnerships
Procured $2.5 million state investment in public-private partnerships between Tennessee universities and Knoxville-based biopharmaceutical company to develop innovative animal health drug products and treatments for serious cancers and disorders.
Community Initiatives
Helped to establish multimillion-dollar fund in Tennessee to secure financial resources for safety-net hospitals to provide trauma care, support community outreach and conduct valuable research.
Innovative Appropriations
Secured $150 million tech appropriation funding opportunity for client within higher education system.
Public Policy
Guided major telecommunications providers through Tennessee-based legislative initiatives concerning financial incentives, licensing, regulations and consumer protections.