In Oregon, our Salem team brings a collaborative, relationship-driven approach that connects policy, funding, and community impact. They partner with clients to navigate systems, build coalitions, and elevate community voices, especially in challenging budget environments.

Their work reflects a broader S360 approach. Advocacy does not begin and end during session. It requires ongoing engagement, clear strategy, and trusted relationships to help ideas move forward.

In Washington, our Olympia team brings that same perspective, combining policy expertise, communications, and on-the-ground insight to guide clients through fast-moving legislative dynamics and support meaningful outcomes. This work reflects our full-circle approach, connecting government relations, communications, research, and community engagement to support clients at every stage of the legislative process.

What Happened in 2026

The 2026 sessions in both states wrapped in early March, shaped by tight budgets, federal uncertainty, and a continued focus on affordability.

Budgets drove much of the conversation in both states. In Oregon, lawmakers spent the 35-day session working to close a roughly $900 million gap. Lawmakers from the majority party worked together to identify priorities and hold difficult conversations on solving the states most pressing problems. Ultimately, this resulted in the passage of far-reaching bills and budget decisions that did not seem possible at the start of session.

Washington faced their own budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion, which sparked debates about spending, revenue, and long-term sustainability.

Across both states, federal actions added complexity and urgency, influencing decisions on everything from tax policy to health care and public safety.

Focus on Affordability and Stability

Cost of living remained a top priority.

Washington lawmakers focused on housing, taxes, and maintaining services, while Oregon advanced policies to protect health care access and improve affordability for residents.

In both states, the emphasis was on sustaining core programs while managing financial constraints.

Key Takeaways

Practical decision-making shaped outcomes
Lawmakers focused on what could be delivered in a constrained environment, often prioritizing preservation over expansion.

Federal uncertainty is reshaping state policy
Both states passed measures to respond to current and potential federal actions, signaling a more proactive approach.

Big questions remain
Long-term funding, infrastructure needs, and affordability challenges are still unresolved and will carry into future sessions.

Looking Ahead

Navigating a legislative session takes more than tracking bills. It takes a 360°  understanding policy, public sentiment, and stakeholder dynamics, and bringing those pieces together to guide decisions in real time.

As both states look toward the next cycle, continued budget pressure and political turnover will shape what comes next. For organizations and communities, staying engaged and informed will be key.

Strategies 360 will continue to support clients across the region by connecting insight, strategy, and engagement to help bring priorities to life and deliver meaningful results.

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A government relations professional’s role is to help public and private sectors understand each other, which can be harder than it sounds. Government officials operate under constant scrutiny. Every decision must account for legal requirements, budget constraints, public accountability, and competing interests. Meanwhile, businesses move fast, need clear answers, and have bottom lines to meet. Someone who understands both sides can help public officials see the real-world impact of their policies while simultaneously helping businesses grasp why governing requires trade-offs and caution.

As an S360 Partner with a career bridging public and private interests, Dan Musgrove knows that, done right, government relations is not about pushing an agenda; it’s about building partnerships through mutual understanding.

Building Understanding

Trust doesn’t happen overnight. You earn it by showing up prepared, being honest, and focusing on solutions instead of problems. Dan’s goal for his clients is to prepare them to make the most informed choices about how to engage with government entities and lawmakers. He works to spot issues before they become crises and to shape outcomes that make sense politically and practically.

Dan believes that listening yields more understanding. For his clients, this helps them get to know their public counterparts better and to enhance the partnerships built across sectors. He also knows that when you communicate without jargon, you can connect private-sector expertise and public priorities. That’s when real progress happens; policy that works, with results that matter to communities and organizations alike.

Lessons Earned Through an Impactful Career

There’s an ancient Taoist proverb: “All things return to their source.” For Dan, that could not be truer. He traces his success as a government relations strategist back to his earliest job and to a simple belief: government employees are public servants and honoring that role matters. Respecting the work taking place in government every day is, in Dan’s view, the foundation of effective government relations.

Beginning his legislative advocacy as one of those public servants, first at the City of Las Vegas and subsequently creating the Office of Intergovernmental Relations at Clark County, gave him insight into the responsibility of governing. That perspective now translates into problem-solving strategies he uses for the clients he represents today at Strategies 360.

“It is crucial that when we come to our government partners, it is in fact, about partnering,” said Dan. “Let’s figure out a solution rather than remain focused on the problem. Help our policymakers navigate complex challenges in a way that serves both the public interest and the practical needs of the organizations we represent.”

Dan knows from experience that this mindset builds trust, leads to better outcomes, and ultimately creates lasting relationships that make progress possible.

Now, as a Partner at S360, he applies his earned knowledge to lead the next generation of great government relations professionals. Encouraging strategic discipline and a commitment to service that shaped his own career, Dan acts as a mentor for S360’s team of government affairs professionals. He takes pride in passing on practical wisdom to help the team deepen their skills.

Looking Forward – How to Engage with the Public Sector

While legendary Nevada State Senator Bill Raggio may not have been the first to say, “If you aren’t at the table, you’re going to be on the menu,” the moment he shared that advice with Dan left a lasting impression. It crystallized a core principle of effective government relations in Dan’s mind: engagement matters. Being present, informed, and actively involved in the process isn’t optional. It is how interests are protected, voices are heard, and outcomes are shaped rather than endured.

Dan supports his clients with an understanding of the process and public needs. Then he gets them to the right tables, at the right times, to make practical impacts that matter. He knows that meaningful outcomes rarely happen by accident—they happen when you show up prepared and engaged in the process.

If you don’t find Dan at work, look for him outside exploring and enjoying the road or pathway less traveled.

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Behind every policy shift, campaign, and successful project are people working thoughtfully and intentionally to move change forward. The Strategists series introduces you to the 360° perspective of our team members who bring expertise, creativity, and purpose to their work, and who are committed to making an impact for the communities they serve. 

The Olympia Team’s 360° Perspective on Advocacy, Strategy, and Progress 

Legislative session moves quickly. Committee hearings overlap, schedules shift by the hour, and meaningful conversations often happen wherever time allows – sometimes in hearing rooms, sometimes in hallways, and often in the brief moments between votes. For our team in Olympia, being our client’s best advocates means staying agile while keeping their priorities at the forefront. 

As Vice President of Government Relations in Strategies 360’s Olympia office, Grifynn Clay leads advocacy and strategic engagement efforts across state, local, and tribal policy landscapes. Grifynn brings deep expertise in political strategy, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement developed over years across the public, private, and political sectors.  

Our Manager of Government Relations, Mike Snodgrass, leverages his deep Olympia roots and relationship-building skills to advocate year-round with legislators and executive agencies. After being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Mike served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He then spent years building relationships as the South Sound and Olympic Peninsula Outreach Director for Senator Maria Cantwell, connecting constituents, local governments, and organizations with federal decision-makers. 

Pictured from Left to Right: Grifynn Clay, Mayor Don Vanney of Arlington, WA, Mike Snodgrass, and Arlington City Admin, Paul Ellis.

For the Washington state government relations team at Strategies 360, legislative session requires a deft hand with juggling priorities. With 34 standing committees and limited weekly hearing slots, the team tracks multiple hearings to stay current on bill movement, legislator comments, and shifting levels of support. 

Short Session and Policies We’re Following

Short legislative sessions present additional challenges. As the second half of the biennium, these sessions focus on adjusting budgets to real revenue and updated projections. New funding is more competitive, and large projects are less common. Messaging must be clear, benefits well defined, and expectations aligned with fiscal realities. 

This year, budget pressures and emerging tax proposals shape nearly every discussion. Through it all, our strategists remain focused on progress: supporting safer infrastructure, economic development, housing, and job creation across Washington. 

Between meetings, Grifynn and Mike’s preparation is fueled by Marconi’s Italian Subs and an almost encyclopedic ability to recognize legislators and staff on sight. 

Change isn’t one big moment; it’s built through preparation, timing, and consistent advocacy, often one conversation at a time. 

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Winer joined S360’s Washington, DC office on July 1 from Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz’s office

Seattle, WA— Nationally respected political and legislative strategist Andy Winer is joining Strategies 360 as Senior Vice President for Federal Relations, bringing more than three decades of experience in politics, federal service, government relations and the law.

Andy was most recently Chief of Staff to Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), whom he had served since 2013, shortly after the Senator took office. He will co-lead S360’s DC office with Senior Vice President Tylynn Gordon, who has led Strategies 360’s federal relations practice for the past 12 years.

“Andy was essential to my public service success, and I know that his unique combination of skills and knowledge will be an asset anywhere he goes,” said Senator Schatz.

“With roots in Hawaii and deep experience in the Senate and federal agencies, Andy will offer our clients unparalleled insight, acumen and strategic understanding – regardless of the issue,” said Strategies 360 founder and CEO Ron Dotzauer. “Andy further solidifies our position as the ‘Best in the West’.”

Andy will be based in D.C., but work with Strategies 360’s offices across 12 western states, including in his home state of Hawaii. Though Andy has worked on myriad issues, he is particularly well-versed in policies involving appropriations, telecommunications, climate change, health, tourism, and indigenous peoples.

“Andy has the perfect mix of campaign savvy, government know-how, issue expertise, and Western ties to complement and grow our already strong federal relations practice,” said Gordon.

Prior to joining Senator Schatz’s office, Andy was a political consultant based in Hawaii. He headed Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Hawaii in 2007-8, led strategy for Schatz’s successful 2014 and 2016 campaigns, and was a senior adviser to Mazie Hirono’s (D-HI) successful campaign for the Senate in 2012.

From 2009 -2012, Andy was the Director of External Affairs and Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Washington, DC. In addition to coordinating engagement strategies throughout the agency, he was heavily involved in inter-agency outreach following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Andy practiced law in Hawaii for over 20 years. He founded and served as Managing Partner at Winer, Meheula & Devens. He earned a B.A. in political science and history from UCLA, and J.D from the University of California’s Boalt Hall School of Law.

Andy can be reached at andyw@strategies360.com.

About Strategies 360: With offices in 12 Western states and Washington, D.C., Strategies 360 is the leading public affairs, communications, research, and marketing firm in the west. The firm also owns and operates its own in-house creative design and marketing practice, The Hilt. With experts drawn from the worlds of government, politics, the news media, quantitative and qualitative research, advertising, marketing and design, S360 crafts and executes the strategies that help clients succeed.

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Amy Ruiz brings the experience and leadership of a 15-year career in journalism, city policy, communications and campaign direction to her work for S360 clients, offering strong tactical and strategic counsel. In her tenure at Strategies 360, Amy has represented a diverse slate of clients on local transportation, technology, smart cities, housing and development issues.

Dave Hunt brings a wealth of knowledge about Oregon’s public and private sector to his work for S360 clients. Dave leads Strategies 360’s Oregon state government affairs team. Prior to joining S360, Dave represented Clackamas County in the Oregon House of Representatives for a decade, serving as Democratic Leader, Majority Leader, and Speaker of the House.

Erik Sten is a collaborative and strategic political leader, skilled manager and communicator who led Portland as it worked to build a vibrant city that meets the needs of all citizens. After leaving City Hall, he built a business that partners with government to address persistent problems using market mechanisms.

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Former TechNet VP to lead S360’s office in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO – Strategies 360, recognized as the leading public affairs firm in the western United States, is thrilled to announce today the hiring of Andrea Deveau, who will lead the firm’s growing practice in Sacramento.

Andrea joins the Sacramento team as a well-known and highly effective advocacy veteran with deep expertise in energy and technology policy. Andrea most recently served as Vice President of State Policy and Politics for TechNet, where she led the group’s state lobbying efforts since 2016. Under Andrea’s leadership, TechNet’s 50-state advocacy program achieved numerous wins on advanced energy, privacy, security, future of work, and education. Last year alone, Andrea oversaw efforts on 490 bills in 47 state houses, achieving a 92 percent success rate.

“Andrea has truly transformed our state program and cemented TechNet’s standing as a lobbying and political powerhouse in state capitals across the country, especially in Sacramento, California,” said Linda Moore, President, and CEO of TechNet. “Without Andrea’s leadership, our state program would not be what it is today — the tech sector’s preeminent policy and advocacy group on the state level.”

Click here for more on Andrea’s background and biography.

Andrea’s addition to S360 builds on the firm’s rapidly expanding practice in Sacramento, which has coupled highly-skilled government affairs professionals with S360’s well-established public opinion and marketing services in California.

“Strategies 360 is built around providing our clients with the best and the brightest, and there isn’t a better person in the world to lead our growth in Sacramento,” said Strategies 360 Co-founder and CEO, Ron Dotzauer.“Andrea Deveau has a proven track record and an unmatched ability to secure advocacy wins in any environment. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Andrea will be leading the S360 team in Sacramento, which includes Vice President Greg Hayes, Vice President of Policy and Communications David Richey, and Director of Government and Public Affairs Tatiana Stewart. The firm also expanded its practice in Los Angles in early 2018 with the hiring of Senior Vice President Larry Chung and Senior Director Nella McOsker.

With offices in 12 Western states and Washington, D.C., Strategies 360 is the leading public affairs, communications, research, and marketing firm in the west. With experts drawn from the worlds of government, politics, the news media, quantitative and qualitative research, advertising, marketing and creative design, S360 crafts and executes the strategies that help clients succeed.

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SACRAMENTO – Strategies 360 (S360), recognized as the top, leading-edge public affairs firm in the western United States, announced today the opening of its Sacramento office to join its offices in 12 western states, and the addition of a veteran strategist to lead its existing Los Angeles office.

Leading the Sacramento office is well-known legislative and public affairs consultant Justin Fanslau, joined by long-time communications consultant Greg Hayes and experienced legislative advocate Alicia Priego. S360 also announced that one of Southern California’s top public affairs advisors, Larry Chung, has joined the team to lead its Los Angeles office. S360 is the first public affairs and lobbying firm to offer a complete in-house digital and communications practice and will be combining that with its new team members’ experience to offer a first-of-its-kind public affairs resource for clients seeking to impact California policy and regulation.
Fanslau has carved a niche in the technology sector assisting many startups navigate the legislative and regulatory environment in Sacramento. He is the principal outside advocate for TechNet, which is the bipartisan network of technology CEOs that promotes growth in the innovation economy. Fanslau’s political experience includes work both inside and outside of the Capitol. He served as Legislative Director for Senate President pro Tempore-elect Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and as Campaign Manager for Assemblymember Adam Gray (D-Merced). His background also involves experience with housing and the environment, and consulting with California’s building and construction trades unions.

Joining Fanslau is Greg Hayes, who has a diverse business, public and governmental affairs background. Hayes has been lobbying in recent years for a variety of private sector clients in the entertainment, financial services, natural resources, and technology

sectors. Prior to that, he served as Communications Director for Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). Hayes also was an entrepreneur in the green technology and financial service spaces, helping to commercialize the nation’s first high-solid organic waste-to-energy system. Early in his career Hayes worked in the California Senate and most notably as Press Secretary to Senator Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) both in the Capitol and in Torres run for California Insurance Commissioner.

Rounding out the new Sacramento team is lobbyist Alicia Priego. Priego joins Strategies 360 with 15 years of state government affairs experience with expertise in energy and transportation policy. She most recently worked for Sempra Energy and previously served as Legislative Director for Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose). Priego also serves on the board of California Women in Energy.

Chung, who will be leading S360’s Los Angeles and Southern California offices, specializes in public affairs and government relations. Prior to joining the team, Chung spent several years consulting in technology, entertainment, and telecommunications to Fortune 10 companies. He also served as a senior aide to California Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez providing strategic counsel and coordinating all communications between internal and external stakeholders for the administration. He currently serves as an appointee of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon on the California State Bar Lawyer Assistance Oversight Committee and as an officer and board member for the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles.

S360’s expansion in California builds on the firm’s existing footprint in the Golden State, bringing highly-skilled government affairs capabilities to S360’s well-established public opinion research and marketing services in California. The four new hires will be joining the existing S360 team in California, including Senior Vice President of Research, Drew Lieberman, who leads the firm’s top-flight public opinion research practice out of San Diego, CA.

With offices in 12 Western states and Washington, D.C., Strategies 360 is the leading public affairs, communications, research, and marketing firm in the west. With experts drawn from the worlds of government, politics, the news media, quantitative and qualitative research, advertising, marketing and creative design, S360 crafts and executes the strategies that help clients succeed.

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• Charters Survey Results Memo – Political analysis
• 16-095 – March Charter Schools Survey – Toplines

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Previously, he served as Spokesman and District Coalitions Director for Congressman Raul Labrador (R-ID), based in DC and Boise. Phil served as a floor whip for the Donald Trump campaign during the Republican National Convention, and an informal advisor to President-elect Trump’s Idaho campaign. In DC, Phil will offer strategic counsel to and lobby on behalf of Strategies 360’s clients.

“With both experience in and insight into the President-elect and his team, Phil will be a tremendous asset to the entire Strategies 360 family and its clients during the transition and into the new administration,” said Ron Dotzauer, CEO and co-founder of Strategies 360. “Phil will work with our already talented DC team, with whom he already enjoys a close professional relationship. We look forward to his continued outstanding work on behalf of our firm and clients.”

In Idaho, Phil managed a diverse portfolio of clients for Strategies 360, both as a registered state lobbyist and as a communications specialist. In 2014 Phil was honored by the Idaho Press Club with first place awards on behalf of his clients for Best Public Affairs Campaign and Best Media Campaign. In 2015 he was again awarded by the Idaho Press Club first place for Best Public Affairs Campaign, Best Editorial Writing and Best Brand Management.

“Phil complements our existing team very well, and strengthens our bipartisan and bicameral approach to public policy and advocacy,” said Brad Mollet, Senior Vice President in Strategies 360’s DC office. “With Phil on board, Strategies 360 will be well-positioned in the new Congress and when President-elect Trump takes office in a few weeks.”

Prior to his work in Rep. Labrador’s office, Phil served as Communications Director for the Idaho State Senate Majority and as a key aide to Lt. Governor Brad Little, for whom he acted as liaison to Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s staff. He also worked extensively on western policy issues for both Rep. Labrador and Lt. Governor Little. Before moving to Idaho, Phil spent 12 years in London where he owned and operated a music marketing and promotion agency with a diverse book of clients including the Black Keys and Brian Wilson. He and his firm were recognized with numerous gold and platinum record awards.

Phil holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Seton Hall University.

With offices in 12 Western states and Washington, D.C., Strategies 360 is the leading public affairs, communications and research firm in the West.

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