news-record.com

In a new twist on the old adage, apparently it's necessary to spend money to get money -- at least when the federal government is involved.

Greensboro City Manager Rashad Young proposes that the city set aside $60,000 to 80,000 in a tight budget for a Washington-based lobbyist who would navigate the D.C. bureaucracy and come up with unused federal dollars for worthy projects.

Such an arrangement is paying off for other area cities including High Point, where officials credit their $120,000 annual investment for claiming millions in grants.

Ideally, local municipalities would rely on the state's congressional delegation to show them how to tap the federal spigot. Senators and representatives can help, but their staffs may lack resources and expertise in finding funds buried in spending bills.

Also, gerrymandered districts can include several major cities, making it tough to choose one over the other. Those of Reps. Mel Watt and Brad Miller are good examples.

While at first glance the pickings look ripe, any contract City Council considers must include performance measures. If the lobbyist delivers as hoped, it will end up being money well spent. If not, don't renew.

Unfortunately, parochial interests hold sway. Even though most federal grants are doled out regionally, cities within a region often compete to get them. It makes more sense for communities to work together and share costs. However, that rarely happens.

For Greensboro, one avenue worth pursuing is working closely with the local Greensboro Partnership, which focuses on economic issues. Perhaps there could be a sharing of lobbyist costs or even using a qualified person already on staff.

Young's first task would be finding money in a bare-bones budget. If he can do it, the arrangement may well pay dividends. It's worth a try.