At its Sept 5, 2023 meeting, the Golden Valley City Council approved a contract for professional services with the law firm Berglund Baumgartner & Glaser (BBG) for prosecution services. The firm will work with the City's legal department to prosecute petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor cases on behalf of the City while embedding equity through new strategies to traditional approaches.
The City Council directed staff to develop and issue a RFP for prosecution services as part of its annual goal setting process. Since 2019, the City has been working toward issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) for all contracts in an effort to ensure high-quality services at competitive prices and equitable access to contracting opportunities. Based on staff's review of City records, it appears this is the first time in approximately 30 years the City has sought competitive bids for prosecution services.
BBG’s key staff has decades of experience providing municipal prosecution services and shares the City's commitment to community-based philosophies and restorative justice principles. The firm currently serves 15 municipalities across four metro area counties, including Hennepin County. In addition to meeting the City’s legal, equity, and budget considerations, the firm's key staff also has experience developing and implementing specialized programming to improve community safety and wellness. This includes more equitable approaches to traditional prosecution, as well as diversion and restorative approaches.