About Filament Strategies
Founded by former California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, Filament Strategies, LLC. is a California-based political and public policy consulting company. Filament Strategies provides strategic policy and political guidance to businesses and organizations seeking to effect public policy in the legislative or regulatory arenas. Filament Strategies provides everything from basic issue analysis, monitoring, and reporting to full-service political and policy representation. Additionally, Filament Strategies provides political branding, strategic messaging and communications services. We raise the profile of companies, campaigns, businesses and nonprofits among specific targets, including legislators, regulators, staff, advocacy communities and the public. Utilizing the experience gained through more than 20 years of work in the political and policy arena, we develop the strategy and advise clients on how best to achieve their mission, identify and capitalize on positive business opportunities, and minimize adverse outcomes.
About Our Founder
While serving in the Legislature, Mr. Levine was an integral part of the Assembly Speaker’s leadership team, participating in decision-making at the highest level of state government, collaborating with legislators, the Governor, and interested parties to shape California policy. Mr. Levine was known for tackling some of the most challenging and significant statutory policy changes every year He authored numerous pieces of historic legislation which became national models in many policy areas. Mr. Levine served as the Chair of the Committee on Utilities and Commerce and has developed significant policy expertise in energy, telecommunications, and technology issues.
Mr. Levine is also an avid runner. In 2007 he ran in the Boston Marathon and finished in the top 10 per cent of the field. He also has run numerous other marathons including the Los Angeles Marathon, California International Marathon and the Napa Marathon. He also enjoys, cycling, skiing, and golf. He was a long-time coach for the Latino Junior Golf Association and has coached many other youth sports including basketball and Little League Baseball.
Mr. Levine, 46, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Riverside, and in 2005, Mr. Levine was given the “Outstanding Young Alumnus Award” from the University. After working in politics and policy for a few years Mr. Levine went back to school, attending California State University, Sacramento for a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration. Mr. Levine lives in Sacramento with his wife and two daughters, along with their dog and cat. He is a member of the U.C. Riverside School of Public Policy adivsory board, and sits on the Board of Directors of The California Emerging Technology Fund and the B Street Theatre as well as several other non-profit organizations.
About Our Name
The name "Filament Strategies" comes from one of Mr. Levine's most well known pieces of legislation, the Lighting Efficiency Act. The Lighting Efficiency Act called for greater efficiency for all light bulbs. The legislation served as the basis of a federal energy bill which was implemented the following year.
Prior to the implementaion of the Lighting Efficiency Act, lighting accounted for 20% of residential electricity bills. The lighting efficiency act changed that by increasing the efficiency of all light bulbs.
But the name represents much more than that. It was suggested by our friend and colleague, Joe Rodota, owner of Forward Observer. Joe observed that, while the legislation improved manufacturing standards, the dialogue surrounding the legislation also created world-wide recognition of a problem and solutions as far away as Australia. The name "Filament Strategies" represents technology, efficiency, ideas and change. Additionally, it represents one of our best skills, the ability to craft a message and generate attention for an issue.
Once we had the name, our excellent designers came up with the idea of using a Compact Flourescent Bulb, which has no filament, as an ironic twist of the old notion of a lightbulb appearing over someones head to represent an "inspired idea or thought". And that is what we do at Filament Strategies. We employ creative thinking to develop a winning strategy to solve problems for our clients or to help illustrate their positive attributes.