Michael W. McKinney is a founding partner and president of Capitol Core Group. He is nationally recognized as an accomplished lobbyist for large and small corporate clients, non-profit associations, and public agencies. He has also managed a variety of successful political and issue-based campaigns. McKinney leads a government relations firm that has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness at influencing state and federal policy makers on behalf of its clients. The firm’s efforts have affected a wide range of significant legislation and regulatory decisions and have secured government funding for various client projects. Capitol Core offers particular expertise in the water, energy, land use, infrastructure and land use arenas.During his almost three decades as a lobbyist, McKinney has managed government relations for one of the nation’s largest utilities, served as a legislative staff member, and represented clients ranging from FortiFi to NextEra Energy. His experience includes lobbying before the United States Congress, multiple state legislatures, state and federal regulatory agencies, more than 200 local Southern California governments, and organizations ranging from the American Legislative Exchange Council to the National Convention of State Legislators. McKinney is also well regarded for his political strategy work. He led one of the largest successful municipal recall campaigns in California history and has influenced public policy debates on issues ranging from telecommunications competition and energy efficiency to alternative teacher credentialing. He has appeared in a variety of prestigious publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times to The New Yorker, as well as PBS Newshour and major California radio.McKinney holds a bachelors degree in political science and a masters degree in public administration and policy.