Number of Lobbying Firms in California

Number of Lobbying Firms in California By Chris Micheli

Based upon data compiled by CalMatters, since 2015, there has been a modest growth in the number of registered Lobbying Firms. Under the Political Reform Act of 1974, there are three main entities that are required to register and make quarterly disclosures with the Secretary of State: Lobbyists; Lobbying Firms; and, Lobbyist Employers. We have previously looked at the substantial growth in the number of registered lobbyists based upon data compiled by CalMatters.

The following chart shows the 2-year Legislative Session and the number of registered Lobbying Firms during each of those sessions:

 

Legislative Session

Number of Registered Lobbying Firms

Change in Number of Lobbying Firms Since 2015

2015-16

433

n/a

2017-18

480

+ 47

2019-20

471

+ 38 (9 fewer than last session)

2021-22

458

+ 25 (13 fewer than last session)

2023-24

484

+ 51 (26 more than last session)

Based upon the data from the past decade, there has been about a 12% increase in the number of registered Lobbying Firms in California. In some years, there was a small decrease in comparison to the prior session.

 

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