Advocacy & Lobbying for the Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association
(The Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association (OCHLA) was formerly known as the Anaheim/Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association.)
Presidio partnered with the Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association—a key industry trade group representing hospitality stakeholders across Orange County—to confront a challenging municipal wage initiative advanced by UNITE HERE. With the measure already slated for the ballot, our team launched a dual-track campaign combining strategic lobbying with laser-focused public advocacy.
Lobbying & Strategic Engagement
Over six intensive weeks, we targeted decision-makers at the City Council level. Through high-impact briefings, tailored education sessions for association members, and persuasive collateral, we articulated the economic pitfalls of the proposed wage ordinance championed by UNITE HERE. Our clear mandate was to push for a special election—an approach that would force a deeper, more rigorous economic evaluation rather than a straightforward ordinance adoption or a general election vote.
Digital Mobilization & Public Advocacy
Parallel to our lobbying efforts, we executed an eight-week digital advertising campaign that mobilized thousands of city residents. The campaign generated a significant public outcry, driving residents to contact the City Council and demand a detailed economic analysis and the organization of a special election. This groundswell of community input was instrumental in shifting the Council’s perspective.
The Outcome
Our combined strategy compelled the City Council to commission an economic study and ultimately mandate a special election—a groundbreaking outcome for the hospitality industry in California. This result not only protected our client’s operational interests but also set a new precedent for addressing ordinances advanced by UNITE HERE.
The Presidio Advantage
This case study highlights Presidio’s unmatched ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Our deep understanding of municipal ordinances—especially those influenced by organizations like UNITE HERE that challenge the hospitality sector—allows us to craft strategies that protect and advance our clients’ interests in even the most challenging landscapes.
