Why It Matters
The Town of Bennett, Colorado, is entering the federal lobbying arena for the first time, registering Holland & Knight LLP on July 1, 2026. The move signals that local officials are preparing for a competitive fight over transportation funding and federal appropriations as Congress tightens the purse strings.
By the Numbers
Holland & Knight assigned two senior advisers to the Bennett engagement: Alison Wright, a Senior Policy Adviser, and Mara Sheldon, also a Senior Policy Adviser. Wright brings substantial Capitol Hill experience, having served 17 years as Deputy Chief of Staff in former Rep. Ed Perlmutter's (D-CO) personal office from 2007 to 2023. Sheldon has prior government experience but no congressional background on file.
Broader Context
Transportation funding faces significant pressure in Congress. A Senate proposal would cut authorized transportation funding rates by 27 percent compared to the prior year. Federal freight grants have funded Bennett infrastructure projects, including the SH-79 over I-70 Bridge Replacement design. Recommendations to reduce federal bureaucracy are being codified into fiscal year 2026 transportation spending bills, adding urgency to Bennett's federal advocacy efforts.
The Bottom Line
Bennett's decision to hire experienced federal lobbyists reflects the stakes for rural Colorado municipalities in the current fiscal environment. With transportation dollars under pressure and appropriations in flux, the town is betting that insider expertise and Capitol Hill connections will help protect existing grants and secure new federal support for local infrastructure.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article