Overview
Andy is very effective in advancing the interests of his clients. He works creatively with clients; finding ways to accomplish their goals that may not have been initially apparent.
Strong relationships with policy makers and staff are critical to his success. Andy sees regular client communication as vital to serving his clients and does so through in-person meetings, regularly scheduled calls/reports, and impromptu updates, especially as the pace of a session picks up around deadlines and adjournment.
Since joining Fredrikson & Byron before the 2015 session, Andy has obtained more capital investment funding for non-profit, local government, and state projects than any other Minnesota lobbyist, including the largest ever local government project funded by the state. He has worked with clients to secure state funding to improve public infrastructure, build and maintain affordable housing, and develop new and improved community amenities. Additionally, he also led a coalition to receive $79 million in new funds for housing developments throughout the state. He also has worked extensively with the state’s economic development agency to support business growth and entrepreneurship in the state’s BIPOC communities.
Prior to joining Fredrikson & Byron, Andy worked eight years at the House of Representatives, including four years as Committee Administrator to the Energy Committee. He staffed the Capital Investment Committee during a biennium that saw the state invest over $1.5 billion in public infrastructure, roads, bridges, and buildings. He staffed the House Legacy and Environment Committees including supporting the interim work of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and the Legislative Energy Commission. Among his other involvements, he aided in negotiations over a Vikings football stadium bill in 2010, staffed environmental committees, the Housing Committee, and the Higher Education Committee.
Services
Experience
Lobbyist
At the Capitol, Andy has worked successfully for clients to:
- Establish the state’s first affordable housing tax credit, increase the influence of affordable housing interests and secure new funds for housing development and supportive services.
- Obtain $300,000 in new operating support for a non-profit providing legal services to children in foster care.
- Push for new policies at the State Board of Investment aimed at supporting veteran, women, and minority owned firms.
Capitol Staff
- Served the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Committee Administrator to the Energy Division and Local Government Division and as a Research Consultant for a wide variety of committees covering issues including capital investment, legacy, environment, energy, housing and higher education.
- Coordinated strategy for passing The 2007 Next Generation Energy Act which established nation-leading energy efficiency objectives and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
- Acquired intimate knowledge of the capital investment process by guiding numerous organizations, advocates and legislators through the process; ensuring their projects received full consideration for funding. Aided leadership during bi-partisan and bi-cameral negotiations to pass over $1.5 billion in capital investments during the 2013-2014 biennium.
- Advised legislators and stakeholders over eight years, including in the use of Legacy funds for establishing new programs and securing first-time funding ranging from large initiatives such as the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission to niche programs such as the small theaters grants.
Campaign Professional
- Assists clients in developing and executing campaign direct mail plans using industry best practices, producing hundreds of flights of mail per election cycle.
- Developed successful groundbreaking campaign plans and grassroots field programs in Minnesota legislative elections. Managed a campaign budget of $2.7 million and also oversaw a 39 person staff while managing relationships with polling, media and direct mailing vendors.
- Implemented a successful get-out-the-vote (GOTV) plan for the most populous region in Virginia.
Credentials
Education
- University of Minnesota, B.A., 2004
Civic & Professional
Professional Activities
- No Coast Workshop, Founder and Owner
- Analyst Institute, Analyst Group Member
- Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member
- Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, Board Chair
- Public Affairs Council, pursuing Certificate in Public Affairs Management
News & Insights
Publications & Presentations
Quoted, “Bottles, Caps and Cans: The State of Booze Bills Before the 2020 Minnesota Legislature,” MinnPost, March 13, 2020
Panelist, “Experts Forum: What’s Next in Affordable Housing?,” Finance & Commerce Panel Discussion, April 2018
Featured in “The Minnesota Way,” Fresh Energy, June 2015