OUR SERVICES
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & LOBBYING
Lasting policy flows from experience, and we know Colorado politics–past and present–allowing us to successfully manage an issue from the source and throughout its course. The long-term and extensive relationships we have built with legislative leaders and major political players on both sides of the aisle, ensure we will get you where you are going.
We believe one of the most important objectives when it comes to lobbying is to generate meaningful discussions with legislators to help them understand complex policies and all of the possible impacts. The solid relationships we have built over the years with lawmakers, regulators and staff allow us to not just set up meetings—we have their ear and have earned their respect. Legislators know that we will shoot straight, with them and with our clients, and will explain all sides of a debate. This allows us to manage an issue from beginning to end, from drafting a bill on our client’s behalf, to securing passionate sponsors, to counting the votes and securing the governor’s signature. We expertly navigate clients through the legislative process and avoid rough waters.
STRATEGIC POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN COUNSEL
While others play checkers, we play chess–inside and outside of the state capitol building. We have our ear to the ground and can provide clients with the straight-forward, strategic advice they need to pass bills, shape policy, elect candidates, win ballot initiatives, and move the needle.
The political winds both inside and outside the state capitol building can change drastically from cycle to cycle, from session to session, from week to week, and even from hour to hour. Headwaters is so close to the ground that we can measure that up-to-the-minute political environment and provide clients with strategic advice and counsel on when or if to run a bill, go to the ballot, or run for office. We are constantly re-evaluating the landscape and looking upstream, so that we can fight for the best possible outcome.
We also operate with a bird’s eye view. We look at the whole board and see all of the risks and all of the opportunities. We know all of the players and understand their goals, motivations, and pain points. This allows us to strategically connect the dots and leverage the right amount of pressure for success.
Political Giving: Identifying and supporting candidates who support your goals is one of the most effective ways of creating change. We provide tactical advice and create political-giving strategies for clients who are looking to develop political engagement plans. Whether you have a small political program or a large one, we can help you understand which races are worth investing in and which ones aren’t.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH & REGULATORY MANAGEMENT
Legislators pass bills but what happens when it gets to the Governor’s desk? Or to the regulators that will be implementing the critical policy we fought to pass? Our friends and allies in the Governor’s office, cabinet, and state agencies allow us to fix issues before they become problems.
Legislators pass, amend and kill bills, but the Governor’s support or opposition plays a critical role in the real life applications of your legislation. Through our strong relationships within the Executive Branch we aren’t just able to influence whether a bill is vetoed or signed into law, we can help ensure that state agencies implement your policy in an effective and meaningful way. Our extensive understanding of and connections within the Governor’s cabinet allow us to address problems that can often be solved simply and away from the chaos of the Senate and House floors. These include rulemaking fixes, implementation of existing policy, and the interpretation of specific regulations. Sometimes the best way to solve puzzles is quietly and carefully.
COALITION BUILDING
Who do you need at the table? Headwaters provides the strategic guidance and the connections you need to create a collaborative, comprehensive, and effective coalition to move clients closer to their goals.
Our expert understanding of Colorado politics and all of the players allows us to build and manage the strategic and influential coalitions you need to achieve your legislative or campaign goals. We are able to identify and recruit key partners—such as advocacy groups, industry leaders, community organizations, and grassroots and grasstops supporters—and align their priorities through comprehensive planning and coordinated action. By facilitating regular communication, managing diverse interests, and driving collective engagement, we can ensure the coalition remains focused, effective, and responsive to evolving political dynamics.