The Council's 2009 Corporate Government Relations Washington Office Benchmarking Report contains critical data to aid Washington office managers in managing the performance of their organizations. Based on just-information collected from 80 corporate government relations offices in the Washington, D.C. area, the study contains data outlining organization, structure, resource and staff management; key activities conducted by the function; and interaction between the Washington office, other public affairs functions and entities including associations and coalitions.
In a critical period for efforts to manage the relationship between business and government, this report is an essential tool to help understand how companies are adapting their interactions with policymakers.
Key findings of the study include:
- Despite the economic downturn, companies are finding a presence in Washington to be critical - and are maintaining their staffing and budget levels.
- While anecdotal reports exist about significant budget cuts, it appears that the economic downturn is not significantly affecting lobbying activities, or the utilization of consultants and contract lobbyists.
- Washington offices' utilization of trade groups, business associations and coalitions suggests that expectations for associations and coalitions are changing.
- The Washington office, rather than being exclusively devoted to government relations, is now taking on additional functions.
- As Washington offices diversify their activities, they are emphasizing corporate experience in the selection of the senior Washington office executive - focusing less on Capitol Hill staff and executive agency background.
- Washington offices are beginning to show greater sophistication in how they measure their performance.
An executive summary of the key findings, including relevant data, is available by clicking here.
