A detailed look inside

Experience

Since 1992, founder Sandra Hagen Solin has been in the business of politics, legislation and lobbying — culminating in the formation and rapid growth of Capitol Solutions. Through her vision, we have become simply the most effective team at bridging traditional tactics and new demands to achieve results.

Capitol Solutions has grown by representing business and only business. From our very first client to our most recent addition, Capitol Solutions has built a reputation of possessing a comprehensive knowledge of the issues affecting the business community – from tax policy and transportation to health care and labor issues. Further, our team structure delivers experience in a myriad of interests.

Capitol Solutions represents a diverse, yet prestigious, clientele affording us the opportunity to work in a variety of sectors of the business community. We represent trade associations and individual businesses, and everything in between, all with different objectives for their government affairs services. Ultimately, however, their interests are the same—minimizing the impacts of government on their business while maximizing opportunities for growth. Capitol Solutions does not represent government—we lobby government.

Direct involvement with our president

Sandra Hagen Solin, president of Capitol Solutions, started her political career on the inside of the legislative process drafting legislation as a staffer to the legislature. She then moved deeper into government by working for past Colorado Governor Bill Owens, who was at that time a candidate for State Treasurer. Since then, Sandra has navigated the political and legislative waters on behalf of numerous and diverse clients, and that experience is the basis of her unique breadth and depth of issue expertise. Sandra oversees all Capitol Solutions activities and, unlike many firms, is directly involved with all clients.

Relationships

The modern government is a complex interaction of people and process. Relationships make or break success in the legislative arena. That is why we cover all bases and our earned reputation as a respected source of information and responsiveness makes sure you are constantly connected to the right people at the right time.

The Capitol Solutions team has unparalleled, top to bottom, direct relationships with the Governor and his administration, Colorado’s Congressional Delegation and staff and local government leaders. Our relationships and influence throughout Colorado policy leaders spans both sides of the aisle. As such, our relationships allow us to tap the strongest bill sponsors, the strongest amendment sponsors and the strongest coalition partners to achieve our clients’ goals.

Colorado’s policy makers know Capitol Solutions. They trust us. That trust translates into recognition and action on your issues. Our relationships were built by working with key policy makers – not just asking for their vote. A relationship is a two way street – we recognize it and honor it. As a result, we are effective.

Process and communication experts

Years of working in and studying Colorado politics have given us unique insight into the complex process and inner workings of state and local government. We know the process. We know the rules. We know when to jump in and when to jump out to win. When we craft a specific strategy for your specific objective, our experience allows us to anticipate the direction of policy decisions. And that advantage enables us to make quick, critical decisions in a fast moving public policy process. This insight, strategic focus and flexibility is the basis of our modern approach to lobbying and it works to great effect.

Another cornerstone to our effectiveness is the advanced communication we have with our clients. Such communication provides perspective on the current status of your pending matters, and perspective on the political landscape that you face. Communication takes many forms including email correspondence, in-person meetings at the clients’ request, phone calls and weekly reports of activity. This is how we can most effectively counsel you on policy positions and support decisions with position papers that convey and advocate your perspective.

Collaborative approach

Competition was then, collaboration is now. Our relationships and influence are broad and strategic. We can and will leverage relationships on both sides of the aisle to connect you to the Colorado policy leaders you need. Further, we have the demonstrated ability to work with peers and colleagues to get your goals achieved.

Coalition building and mobilization

Legislators are responsive to their constituents like never before. To leverage this new accountability, Capitol Solutions has connections with a broad range of Colorado organizations and individuals, and we can mobilize their credibility and influence to strengthen your case before decision-makers.

For over 13 years, Capitol Solutions has developed strategic relationships built upon trust and integrity. Our coalition connections range from leaders in the business community to leaders of diverse interest groups. On a variety of issues – from increased transportation funding to growth and identity theft -- Capitol Solutions uses the power of coalitions to move your agenda forward, to find legislative compromise, or to prevent the introduction of harmful policy.

Customized strategies

Affecting government is never cookie cutter. Capitol Solutions works hard and talks openly with you to understand the unique challenge ahead and customize an effective strategy for success. As one of today’s leader in the lobbying arena, we know what works and what doesn’t and we will be honest with you at all times.

Proven success

Success in the legislative arena is measured by the strategic passage of legislation as well as the effectiveness of one’s strategic defense. Capitol Solutions has had more than its fair share of bills passed over the years, but much of our success has been strategic defense – often a less tangible measure of success.

Overall, however, Capitol Solutions has posted an 85% record of success. We attribute this success to solid relationships and effective communication.