Government Services, Finance and Lobbying

Government policies, public funding, and regulatory frameworks shape industries, infrastructure projects, and business strategy, while public-private collaboration is essential to advancing economic development. We help businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits structure partnerships, secure funding, and navigate regulatory complexities for projects across industries – driving economic growth and long-term success.

Government guidance to move business forward

Government regulations affect how businesses operate, compete, and grow. We help clients navigate compliance requirements, engage with regulatory agencies, and secure the necessary approvals for their projects and operations. We counsel on:

• Regulatory compliance and licensing – Assisting with licensing, permitting, and regulatory approvals at all levels of government.
• Procurement and government contracting – Structuring agreements, managing bid processes, and ensuring compliance with public procurement laws.
• Municipal governance and reorganization – Advising on annexation, consolidation, and governance strategies that support economic development and efficient service delivery.

Bridging public and private interests

Financing is the foundation of public infrastructure, community growth, and private investment in government-backed projects. Our team works with public entities, private investors, and nonprofit organizations to secure and structure funding for large-scale initiatives, ensuring compliance with evolving financial regulations. We provide guidance on:

• Tax-exempt and taxable bonds – Structuring general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and conduit financings for public projects.
• Economic development financing – Advising on tax increment financing (TIF), industrial revenue bonds, and other funding mechanisms.
• Regulatory and securities compliance – Ensuring adherence to tax laws, securities regulations, and disclosure requirements.
• Debt restructuring and refinancing – Optimizing public sector debt portfolios to enhance financial sustainability

Engaging policymakers, advancing priorities

Government policies and regulations can open opportunities or create challenges for businesses, industries, and public agencies. We help clients advocate for favorable policies, shape legislative initiatives, and engage with government decision-makers to advance their priorities. Our work includes:

• Legislative and regulatory advocacy – Drafting legislation, providing testimony, and advising on public policy initiatives.
• Federal and state government relations – Representing clients before Congress, federal agencies, and the state executive branch in key markets including Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
• Political law compliance – Advising on campaign finance, lobbying disclosure, and ethics regulations.

With a bipartisan team that includes former government officials, policy advisors, and public finance professionals, Barnes & Thornburg delivers strategic legal solutions that help clients successfully engage with government agencies, secure funding, and influence public policy. Whether navigating compliance requirements, structuring public-private partnerships, or shaping legislative agendas, we help clients achieve their objectives in a dynamic regulatory environment.