Insights & Analysis
Perspectives on government relations profession, domestic & international policy, and strategic affairs from the Alpha Strategies team and affiliate partner organizations.
13 posts
What a Lobbying Retainer Actually Buys (And What It Doesn't)
If you're about to sign your first Washington retainer, here's the honest version. A retainer buys capacity in the room where policy moves — not a guaranteed outcome.
What Dare County Actually Needs from Washington
Dare County's federal policy needs aren't abstract. They're measured in closed lanes, stalled ambulances, and a tourist economy that runs on one vulnerable road.
Why Mid-Tier U.S. Robotics Manufacturers Keep Losing in Washington
Mid-tier American robotics manufacturers don't lose in Washington because their tech is weak. They lose because the policy map is built for primes and hyperscalers. Here's what actually moves your P&L on the Hill.
Boutique vs. Big Firm: Why the Right Size Matters in Government Relations
The largest lobbying firms offer name recognition and deep benches. But for clients who need direct partner access, strategic agility, and undivided attention, a boutique firm changes the equation entirely.
Time to Power: What Hill Energy Staff Should Watch on AI Load
AI did not create America''s power crunch. It made the timeline impossible to ignore. The scarce product is firm megawatts delivered on a usable clock — what operators increasingly call time to power.
Some Key Takeaways from a Recent Meeting with a Data Center Developer
The riskiest moment in a data-center deal is not the ribbon-cutting — it is the press release. Before the next campus announcement, boards should pressure-test five critical questions.
Series A Is Too Late
Founders tend to get serious about government relations during Series A — and that is often the worst possible moment. If the U.S. government is your customer, your regulator, or the thing that can kill distribution, GR is part of go-to-market.
Submit a 2026 Top Lobbyist Award Nomination
The 2026 Top Lobbyist Awards recognize advocacy leadership on merit. Learn why timely, specific nominations help outstanding professionals receive the recognition they have earned.
Top Policy Issues to Consider as Congress Returns from Recess
As members of Congress return to Washington after the August recess, a packed legislative calendar awaits. Here are the top policy issues advocates, businesses, and stakeholders should be watching closely.