Legislative consultant contract vs. in-house grant administration
Summary
The council split 3-2 on renewing David Stewart's $100,000-a-year contract, which has helped land ~$4 million in grants. Opponents want a front-door alternative — possibly a part-time grant administration coordinator as a two-year pilot — and staff will research it for the FY2028 budget.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
$100,000 annually, offset by roughly $4 million in grants won over four years.
Taxpayers, if grant revenue continues to offset local fees and taxes.
Critics argue smaller cities without lobbyist budgets are disadvantaged — and Highland pays a premium for connections.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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