State officials are not always familiar with the intricacies of governing a city, and it can be extremely difficult for city officials (other than mayors of large cities such as Dallas or Houston) to establish direct lines of communication with state officials and Legislators. Letters and emails sent by the city to state officials often receive no response.

For that reason, Lewisville City Council has retained a registered lobbyist on behalf of the city. Her duties include:

• Helping the city draft and seek passage of bills important to Lewisville (usually one or two per session);
• Communicating the city’s position on issues and bills to legislators, state officials, and state agencies.
• Helping arrange meetings between city officials and state officials, and facilitating committee testimony by city representatives.

Brandi Bird was first retained by City Council in 2021. Her current contract was executed in July 2021.

Temporary Contract:

Lewisville has joined with multiple other Texas cities in a group called CASTLE that is working in opposition to Comptroller Rules 3.334 implemented in 2020, and now in opposition to HB-4072 and other legislation in the current session attempting to move Texas to destination-based sourcing for sales tax. It is estimated that the changes in HB-4072 would cost Lewisville more than $10 million in annual sales tax revenue.

The current fee arrangement has the City of Lewisville reimbursing the City of Coppell for costs incurred. Lewisville pays a pro-rata share of the attorney and consultant fees provided to CASTLE.

The attorney used by CASTLE is:

James Harris
Thompson & Knight, LLP
1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500
Dallas, Texas 75201

The Consultant used by CASTLE is:

John Kroll
HMWK, LLC
1212 Guadalupe Street, Suite 1003
Austin, Texas 78701

As of December 20, 2022, the City of Lewisville has paid $48,104.40 for its participation in CASTLE. That includes $15,545.91 paid to HMWK and $32,558.49 paid to Thompson & Knight.