Season 2, Episode 42 - Navigating Legislative Affairs

Navigating Legislative Affairs

 

In our latest episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson spoke with Brandon Wilson, the Legislative Affairs Specialist for El Paso County, Colorado. Covering everything from the essence of Wilson's job to the importance of citizen engagement in local government, this episode offered a comprehensive look at how legislation impacts the lives of county residents.

A Background in Public Service:  When Brandon Wilson joined El Paso County in August 2017, he brought with him a deep passion for public administration. With an academic background that includes an undergraduate degree in history and a master’s degree in public administration, Brandon’s draw to government work was rooted in the desire to make an impactful difference. His initial role evolved into his current position as the Legislative Affairs Specialist, where he focuses on advocating for El Paso County residents at both the state and federal levels.

The Role of the Government Affairs Department:  The Government Affairs Department at El Paso County is dedicated to advocating on behalf of the county’s interests. As Brandon pointed out, many counties in Colorado lack the resources to establish such a specialized team. El Paso County's Government Affairs team functions to track and analyze legislation, educate policymakers, and support the Board of County Commissioners and residents.

According to Wilson, one of the primary objectives of his team is to monitor legislative activities in Denver and Washington, DC, and to work with a network of stakeholders, including city municipalities and other counties. The team performs an array of tasks including sending out bill reports, conducting analysis, and educating both the county’s leadership and its residents on the contentious legislative environment.

The Legislative Session - A Whirlwind of Activity:  The legislative session in Colorado, as Brandon vividly describes, is akin to “going from zero to 60” and then hitting the brakes just as abruptly. With 120 days of legislative activity, over 700 bills are often introduced annually. Out of these, around 300 bills are closely tracked by the Government Affairs team, and another subset of those is taken up by the Board of County Commissioners for formal positions. The short, intense session demands meticulous tracking, robust analysis, and constant communication with a wide array of stakeholders.

Building Coalition Among Counties:  Brandon also discussed the role of Colorado Counties Incorporated (CCI), an organization comprising 63 out of the 64 counties in Colorado, dedicated to advocating for county interests at the state level. CCI serves as a coordinating body that aids counties in pushing for legislation beneficial to local governments. Even in a politically diverse group, there’s a surprising degree of bipartisanship which Brandon finds encouraging. The collective aim for policies that support local governments often transcends party lines, showcasing unity driven by shared needs rather than political affiliations.

Federal Level Advocacy - A Different Beast:  Advocacy at the federal level operates somewhat differently. Slow legislative processes and unique challenges mean that El Paso County’s federal efforts often focus on grants and specific long-term projects, like the push for Space Command to remain in Colorado Springs. Unlike the relatively brisk pace of state legislation, federal advocacy involves sustained efforts over longer periods and is heavily dependent on building and maintaining relationships with federal delegations and committees.

The Power of Citizen Engagement:  One of the most vital messages Brandon emphasized was the power of citizen engagement. Legislative decisions have profound impacts on daily life, and residents should recognize the importance of their voice in this process. Brandon urged residents to engage with their representatives, participate in public meetings, and take advantage of opportunities to provide input on legislative matters. With mechanisms in place for remote participation and testimonies, especially post-COVID, there are ample opportunities for residents to make their voices heard.

This episode with Brandon Wilson offered a thorough insight into the inner workings of legislative affairs in El Paso County. Brandon and the Government Affairs team's work significantly influences the county’s functioning and highlights the importance of a robust local government framework. Moreover, the power of citizen engagement cannot be overstated; making an effort to be involved can lead to meaningful changes. As we approach an election year, it’s a poignant reminder that every voice matters and every vote counts.