HdL Companies and Civitas, two firms specializing in local government services, have aligned their expertise to offer comprehensive solutions for public sector leaders in community development, funding, and compliance.

HdL Companies, recognized on the GovTech 100 list, provides revenue management, tax and fee administration, economic development, and compliance services to over 900 local government agencies across the U.

S., with over $4 billion recovered for these agencies. Civitas, an internationally recognized consulting law firm, specializes in developing and advocating for tourism and travel promotion funding strategies, having worked with more than 200 destinations across the U.

S. and internationally to create legislative pathways and sustainable funding solutions.

While operating independently, their recent collaboration highlights how their complementary capabilities can benefit local initiatives. Andy Nickerson, CEO of HdL Companies, stated, “Our work with Civitas ensures that local leaders have access to complete, trusted solutions—from district formation to tax administration.”

An example of this collaboration is the Santa Barbara Wine Preserve, a Wine Improvement District launched by local vintners in Santa Barbara County. Approved in early 2025 after years of stakeholder engagement, the district began levying a 1% assessment on in-state wine sales to fund marketing and outreach efforts aimed at elevating regional branding and promoting wine tourism. Civitas led the legal framework and formation strategy, while HdL Companies was selected to administer the collection of these fees, ensuring accurate revenue tracking and compliance. This partnership established a funding model designed to support wineries of all sizes and offers a blueprint for other communities.

This type of operational alignment, where one firm supports policy and district design and the other manages compliance and financial continuity, is increasingly vital as local governments face staffing constraints, expanded mandates, and complex public-private partnerships.

Both firms also contribute to educating public sector leaders. Civitas has published several White Papers and partnered with industry colleges to provide information to the tourism sector. HdL Companies hosts ongoing consensus forecast webinars and reports, offering frameworks for managing fluctuating retail sales tax receipts and aligning stakeholders around sustainable funding.

John Lambeth, Founder and CEO at Civitas, commented, “By aligning our efforts where it makes sense, we make it easier for local agencies to pursue bold ideas with confidence.”