NSDA's Federal Advocacy transition comes at an exciting moment for special districts, as federal legislation important to local governments continues to gain momentum. On March 18, the bipartisan H.R. 2766 advanced through the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, passing with a strong bipartisan vote and moving one step closer to full consideration in Congress.

The legislation would ensure special districts are clearly defined as units of local governments—an issue that affects tens of thousands of critical service providers across the country.

Manatt brings extensive experience representing state and local governments at the federal level. The firm’s Government Advocacy and Contracting practice includes a bipartisan team working across federal, state and local policy issues.   Senior Managing Director Eve O’Toole brings more than two decades of experience advocating for cities, counties and public sector agencies on issues including infrastructure, water, housing, public safety and local finance. Manatt’s team also includes Senior Advisor Mark Ritacco, who previously served as Chief Government Affairs Officer for the National Association of Counties, where he led federal advocacy for more than 3,000 county governments nationwide.

“NSDA is deeply grateful to Paragon Government Relations for their partnership and strategic guidance since the earliest days of our organization,” said NSDA Board President Ann Terry. “Joe Krahn, Tom Joseph and Hasan Sarsour built the ground-game to establish NSDA’s presence in Washington and played a key role in building relationships and advancing policies important to special districts. As NSDA continues to grow nationally and our federal advocacy efforts expand, we are excited to begin this next chapter with Manatt and their experienced bipartisan government affairs team.”

NSDA extends its sincere appreciation to Paragon Government Relations and its leadership team—Joe, Tom, and Hasan —for their strategic support and partnership over the past six years. Their guidance helped establish NSDA’s federal advocacy presence and laid the foundation for the organization’s growing influence on Capitol Hill.