Reingold Launches Community and Government Relations Division

This month Reingold joins just a handful of U.S. firms that specialize in helping universities and other private-sector institutions build mutually beneficial partnerships with their local communities. Led by Michael Akin—former George Washington University assistant vice president for government, international, and community relations—our new division will offer proven strategies to not only respond to community needs, but also cultivate community and government support.

The community and government relations division also will help businesses interested in locating or expanding in the Washington metropolitan area navigate government agencies and earn community buy-in for proposed projects. The division will draw on Reingold's long history of engaging leaders and communities in Maryland, Virginia, and the District—as well as Akin's outstanding success in fostering positive relations between GW University and its neighbors, city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. In fact, on May 2 the D.C. City Council adopted a formal resolution to acknowledge Akin's contributions to positive and collaborative community action.

Reingold's approach to community and government relations will be unique. "A lot of firms are hired to advertise the good things their clients do, but strong community and government relationships demand more than touting good works," Akin says. "Instead of simply telling everyone that a university or business is a good neighbor, Reingold can help it be a good neighbor."