Author: Damola Ogundipe

  • The Hidden Cost of Treating Policy Tracking as a Standalone Function

    The Hidden Cost of Treating Policy Tracking as a Standalone Function

    Most organizations track policy change. Far fewer are actually prepared for it.

    In many companies, legislative and regulatory monitoring still lives in isolation, managed by government affairs teams, summarized in memos, and circulated after key decisions have already been made. Meanwhile, risk, compliance, and legal teams are working off separate systems, often reacting downstream once policy changes have already created exposure.

    That disconnect is costly.

    When policy intelligence isn’t integrated into enterprise risk and compliance workflows, organizations miss early signals, underestimate impact, and struggle to translate external change into internal action. Bills become risks too late. Regulations trigger scrambles instead of plans. Leadership gets updates, but not answers.

    This is the gap we set out to solve at Plural and why bringing policy intelligence together with enterprise GRC is so powerful.

    Policy change is not just a monitoring problem. It’s a risk identification, prioritization, and execution problem. The organizations that manage it best are the ones that connect policy signals directly to business impact, internal controls, and decision-making workflows before compliance deadlines loom or enforcement begins.

    That belief is what led to Plural joining SAI360. Together, we’re focused on helping government affairs, legal, and compliance teams move from fragmented monitoring to a more connected, proactive approach to regulatory risk.

    If your organization is still managing policy change outside of its core risk and compliance systems, it may be time to rethink the model.

    We’re actively talking with teams who are ready to do just that. Reach out to us today.

    Ready to see what your team is missing?

    Plural Legislative Intelligence powered by SAI360 gives government affairs teams real-time visibility into state and federal legislative activity — with AI-powered bill analysis, viability signals, and stakeholder engagement workflows built in. 

    And it’s the only platform that combines with integrated compliance workflow. Learn more by scheduling a live walkthrough.

    Get a Live Walkthrough

  • Why Policy Intelligence Belongs Inside Enterprise GRC

    Why Policy Intelligence Belongs Inside Enterprise GRC

    I’m excited to share that Plural has been acquired by SAI360.

    From the beginning, Plural was built around a simple observation: policy change doesn’t live in isolation. Legislative activity, regulatory rulemaking, enforcement signals, and political momentum increasingly shape real business outcomes, often faster than traditional risk and compliance systems are designed to handle.

    At the same time, enterprise GRC platforms are being asked to do more than document risk. They’re being asked to anticipate it.

    Bringing Plural together with SAI360 is about closing that gap.

    Policy tracking has historically lived with government affairs teams, while GRC systems have lived with legal, compliance, and audit. In practice, those worlds collide every day. Whether it’s a bill that creates new operational risk, a regulation that triggers internal controls, or an enforcement trend that demands executive attention. Yet most organizations still manage these signals in disconnected tools and workflows.

    By combining Plural’s real-time policy intelligence and AI-driven insights with SAI360’s enterprise GRC platform, we’re creating a more connected approach: one where policy signals flow directly into risk assessment, compliance planning, and decision-making, earlier, faster, and with clearer business context.

    For organizations navigating complex regulatory environments, this isn’t just about better monitoring. It’s about turning policy change into a strategic advantage.

    If you’re rethinking how your organization tracks, interprets, and acts on regulatory risk, we’d love to start that conversation.

    Ready to see what your team is missing?

    Plural Legislative Intelligence powered by SAI360 gives government affairs teams real-time visibility into state and federal legislative activity — with AI-powered bill analysis, viability signals, and stakeholder engagement workflows built in. 

    And it’s the only platform that combines with integrated compliance workflow. Learn more by scheduling a live walkthrough.

    Get a Live Walkthrough
  • 10 Ways to Drive Corporate Advocacy & Influence Public Policy

    10 Ways to Drive Corporate Advocacy & Influence Public Policy

    Staying ahead in today’s fast-changing regulatory world isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Businesses that engage in public policy early and often can protect their interests, shape better laws, and create a more predictable environment for growth. Whether it’s at the state or federal level, making an impact means using the right strategies and tech tools to stay informed and take action.

    Why Corporate Advocacy Matters

    If businesses don’t speak up, someone else will define the rules. Smart advocacy helps companies not only defend themselves from bad policies but also push for reforms that support innovation and economic growth.

    How to Influence Public Policy

    1. Build Real Relationships with Lawmakers
      Relationships matter. Regular check-ins with legislators and their staff—whether through meetings, briefings, or events—help keep your issues on their radar.
    2. Mobilize Your Network
      Employees, customers, and industry partners can be powerful advocates. Organizing email campaigns, petitions, and outreach efforts can drive real impact.
    3. Join Forces with Others
      Coalitions amplify your voice. Teaming up with trade groups, industry peers, and advocacy organizations increases your leverage with policymakers.
    4. Back It Up with Data
      Lawmakers respond to facts. Using hard data—on jobs, economic impact, and consumer benefits—makes it easier to get them on board with your policy priorities.
    5. Engage Regulators Early
      Many key decisions happen outside of legislatures. Submitting public comments, attending hearings, and working with regulatory agencies can help shape policies before they’re finalized.
    6. Leverage Unconventional Influence Channels
      Sometimes, the best way to sway policymakers is indirectly. Working with local media to push op-eds, strategically placing think tank studies, or even engaging in high-profile social media conversations can create pressure without direct lobbying.
    7. Influence Political Fundraising Networks
      While direct contributions are one approach, getting involved in fundraising events, hosting industry roundtables with candidates, and helping shape donation narratives can build long-term goodwill.
    8. Activate Micro-Influencers in Key Districts
      Legislators care about their constituents. Identifying and engaging local business owners, civic leaders, and well-connected individuals to push your message within their circles can create grassroots momentum.
    9. Deploy Shadow Advocacy
      Sometimes, the best advocacy doesn’t come directly from a corporation. Funding third-party research initiatives, supporting academic studies, or backing citizen-led policy groups can shape legislative perspectives in subtle but powerful ways.
    10. Use Software to Supercharge Your Advocacy Efforts

    How Software Can Supercharge Advocacy

    Legislative tracking tools are game changers. Keeping up with bills and policy changes in real-time means businesses can move quickly instead of playing catch-up. That’s where Plural comes in.

    Why Plural’s Bill Tracking Software is a Must-Have

    Plural gives businesses an AI-driven edge when it comes to advocacy. Here’s how it helps:

    Instant Bill Tracking:

    Get real-time updates on legislation that matters to you at both the state and federal levels.

    Custom Alerts & Reports:

    Set up notifications for key policy developments and generate reports that keep leadership in the loop.

    Know Your Lawmakers:

    Dive into voting records, sponsorships, and policy trends to engage with the right people at the right time.

    Streamlined Collaboration:

    Keep your team aligned with centralized data, shared insights, and easy-to-use tools.

    With Plural, businesses can stop reacting and start leading the policy conversation.

    The Bottom Line

    Regulations and policies are always evolving, and if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. 

    By combining smart advocacy tactics with tools like Plural’s bill tracking software, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and actively shape the policies that impact them. Advocacy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring long-term success in a world where policy decisions can make or break industries.

    Explore the Power of Plural — Schedule a Consultation
  • Why Do Presidents Use Executive Orders?

    Why Do Presidents Use Executive Orders?

    President Trump’s recent flurry of executive orders is making us consider: how do executive orders impact public policy?

    What is an Executive Order?

    Executive orders are a mechanism presidents use to steer the federal government. Unlike laws passed by Congress — which require debate, compromise, and approval from both chambers — executive orders are mandatory directives that have the effect of law. They allow presidents to act swiftly to clarify or implement existing laws; an option when time or congressional gridlock limits progress.

    So, why do presidents lean on executive orders? Simply put, they’re a tool for efficiency. 

    Whether responding to a national emergency or advancing policy goals that can’t wait for legislation, these orders allow the executive branch to stay agile. Of course, their power has limits: they can’t create laws, and courts can strike them down if they overreach. We’ve seen this happen before across presidential administrations. 

    To understand where executive orders fit in the broader governance landscape, it’s helpful to compare them to other governance tools: 

    • Congressional legislation lays the foundation, creating enforceable laws. 
    • Federal agencies then build on that foundation, crafting regulations and rules to operationalize those laws. 
    • Executive orders typically offer presidents a way to guide agencies in how they enforce these regulations or address pressing issues. If courts believe that an EO is overreaching and attempting to create a law, it will most likely be stricken down. 

    Trump 2025

    President Trump’s recent series of executive orders demonstrates their strategic value. In less than a week, he’s targeted issues ranging from government transparency to energy independence. While these moves are definitely energizing supporters, they’re also sparking debate over the balance of power and the potential for overreach.

    Some Recent Executive Orders from President Trump:

    • Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy: This executive order mandates the release of all remaining classified documents related to JFK’s assassination. It’s a move aimed at fostering transparency and addressing public curiosity, though exceptions remain for records that might jeopardize national security.
    • Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity: This order directs federal agencies to prioritize fairness and merit in hiring and contracting. By scrutinizing existing diversity, equity and inclusion policies, it seeks to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, emphasizing qualifications over identity-based preferences.
    • Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing: This directive calls for an overhaul of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. It challenges the efficacy and cost of these initiatives, emphasizing measurable outcomes and refocusing resources on merit-based practices.
    • Securing Our Borders: Bolstering border security is the centerpiece of this order. It allocates resources to physical barriers, enhances surveillance, and streamlines asylum processes, aiming to address illegal immigration and human trafficking.
    • Unleashing American Energy: This executive order removes obstacles to domestic energy production, fast-tracking permits and reducing regulatory red tape. It’s a nod to energy independence and innovation, balancing economic growth with environmental considerations.

    Executive orders usually go into effect as soon as the president signs them, unless the order says otherwise. Sometimes, if the EO is more complicated or requires extra steps, like creating new regulations or getting funding, it might take a little longer to fully roll out. But in most cases, the order takes effect right away or within a short period of time.

    white house plural policy

    Interested in learning more about monitoring public policy?
    Explore Plural’s AI-powered legislative and regulatory analysis tools.

  • Unlocking the Power of AI for Modern Lobbyists

    Unlocking the Power of AI for Modern Lobbyists

    Lobbying is all about staying informed, crafting compelling arguments, and building relationships with key stakeholders. With the rapid growth of AI tools, lobbyists now have access to solutions that can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in unexpected ways. While traditional policy tools are helpful, thinking outside the box and leveraging non-obvious AI-native tools can set you apart. Here’s how AI can revolutionize your lobbying efforts—plus how Plural Policy is designed to support your success.  

    1. Real-Time Legislative Monitoring

    Staying up-to-date on legislative developments is critical, but it doesn’t always have to come from traditional tools. Consider Zapier, an AI-native automation tool. Integrating legislative updates (e.g., RSS feeds from government websites) with platforms like Slack or email allows you to automate real-time notifications on topics relevant to your work.  

    Another unexpected tool is Perplexity AI, a conversational search engine. It uses advanced AI to pull answers from verified sources, helping you quickly research legislative issues, historical trends, or policy precedents without wading through multiple sources.  ‘

    2. Relationship Building with Legislators  

    Building rapport with lawmakers often requires understanding their interests and priorities. AI tools like Crystal Knows analyze publicly available communication styles (emails, speeches, and social posts) to provide personality insights. This lets you tailor your messaging to resonate with each legislator, making your outreach more personal and persuasive.  

    For broader relationship management, consider Motion, an AI-powered calendar and task organizer. It uses machine learning to optimize your schedule, ensuring you have enough time to prepare for meetings, send timely follow-ups, and manage all the moving pieces of advocacy work without missing a beat.  

    3. Synthesizing Information Quickly 

    Sifting through legislative documents, committee reports, and amendments can be daunting in lobbying. This is where Plural Policy excels. Our platform uses AI to distill complex legislative texts and session activities into concise, actionable insights. By reducing information overload, Plural helps you focus on what’s critical, enabling you to craft strategies and act swiftly.  

    For further synthesis, Otter.ai, a transcription tool, can help transform recordings of hearings, interviews, or internal team meetings into searchable, shareable notes. This ensures you’re always aligned on key points without relying solely on memory.  

    4. Identifying Stakeholder Networks 

    AI tools built for social analysis, like Node XL, leverage machine learning to map connections between individuals and organizations. While originally designed for sales, Node can identify potential influencers or allies in advocacy campaigns by analyzing publicly available data and relationship pathways.  

    Why Plural Policy?  

    While these tools bring unexpected value, Plural Policy is built specifically to tackle the challenges lobbyists face. We synthesize legislative information, provide real-time monitoring, track critical developments across federal and state jurisdictions, and help you prioritize what matters most. You can create a cutting-edge lobbying strategy that drives results by fully utilizing the Plural platform, and/or stacking together some of these non-obvious AI tools. 

    Pro Tip: Creativity Meets Strategy  

    The most successful lobbyists aren’t just tech-savvy—they’re creative. Think beyond traditional tools, integrating AI products that streamline your workflow, enhance your outreach, and deepen your understanding of the political landscape. AI is here to make you more efficient, but it’s your unique expertise and personal touch that will truly set you apart.  

    Ready to harness the power of AI for advocacy? Contact us to discover how we can support your success.  

  • How to Fundraise After the Election.

    How to Fundraise After the Election.

    Now that the 2024 election dust has settled, it’s time for nonprofit advocacy groups to look ahead. With the outcome decided at the top of the ticket and down-ballot, it’s crucial to think about what this means for your mission and how you’ll raise the funds you need to make an impact. Whether you’re advancing a policy agenda or defending against changes that could set things back, here’s how to get the ball rolling on your post-election fundraising.

    1. Understanding the Election’s Impact on Your Mission

    First things first, take stock of how the election results affect your work. Whether you’re a state-based group or focused on national issues, donors want to know how the outcome shifts your priorities. Be clear with donors and supporters about how the election results will impact your issues and the urgency it presents. 

    • If the new administration(s) aligns with your goals: Now’s the time to build on that momentum while you can. Tell your donors that, with their help, you can secure real wins in policy.
    • If your organization faces challenges with new policies: Emphasize the urgency of keeping up the fight. Let donors know that without their support, important progress could be at risk.

    Donors will be recalibrating their priorities too, so the more you can show how these changes impact your cause, the better. And remember, new donors might pop up that are looking to support organizations like yours that are working on policy issues you’ve been focusing on. 

    2. Craft Appeals That Highlight an Offensive or Defense Strategy

    It’s helpful to be clear with supporters about whether your group is on the offense (pushing for new policies) or defense (protecting what’s already in place). Both strategies work, but they call for different tones:

    • Playing Offense: Focus on the excitement and potential of creating change. Show donors that their support could lead to major wins and help shape a better future.
    • Playing Defense: Here, you’re aiming to build urgency. Give a glimpse of what could happen without intervention and how their support is critical to keeping positive policies in place.

    Making your strategy clear helps donors feel like they’re part of something purposeful and timely.

    3. Tailor Your Approach for State-Based vs. National Advocacy

    If you’re a state-based advocacy group, you’ll likely have different fundraising needs and goals than a national organization. Tailoring your approach can make a real difference:

    • State-Based Groups: Lean into the local impact. Make it clear how state policies hit home for people in your community and why their involvement matters. Donors often feel more connected to causes that affect them locally, so put your impact front and center.
    • National Groups: Focus on the bigger picture. Show how federal policy changes ripple across the country, and build a sense of unity around shared values. Working with partner organizations can also bring in supporters who might be less tied to local issues but still passionate about the broader cause.

    4. Leverage Plural Policy to Amplify Your Goals

    For advocacy groups, Plural Policy is a game-changer in navigating the post-election landscape. This platform allows you to track policy developments in real-time, connect with other organizations working toward similar goals, and identify decision-makers to engage for your cause. Here’s how Plural Policy can support your mission:

    • Track Legislation: Plural’s tools let you monitor the status of key bills and policy updates that matter to your organization. This can help you adjust fundraising asks in real time based on new developments and create a more responsive, informed strategy.
    • Coordinate With Allies: Plural Policy makes it easy to connect with like-minded groups and build coalitions, especially for issues that require a unified voice. This can boost your credibility, amplify your message, and bring in donors interested in seeing broad impact.
    • Identify Key Decision-Makers: With Plural Policy’s decision-maker data, you can focus your advocacy on the people and offices that matter most. Show donors that their support enables you to reach the right influencers and build relationships that will move the needle.

    Using Plural Policy isn’t just about staying informed; it’s a powerful way to drive results and keep donors engaged with relevant, timely actions.

    5. Re-Engage Supporters With Post-Election Updates

    After an election, people are tuned into political outcomes and ready to get involved. Use this time to re-engage your donor base. Send personalized thank-you emails, share an updated mission statement, and lay out specific plans for the coming year. Show them how their past support has made an impact, and outline what’s next with their continued help.

    6. Go Digital With Social Campaigns and Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

    Digital campaigns are where it’s at. Launch targeted emails and social media posts to reach supporters where they’re already spending time. Encourage people to set up peer-to-peer fundraisers, which can bring in new donors through personal networks and expand your reach without extra cost.

    The post-election season is a prime opportunity to fundraise and set the stage for the coming year. Whether you’re on the offense or defense, your strategy should lay out your group’s focus, connect with supporters’ values, and use this unique moment to build support. By adjusting your tactics based on whether you’re a state-based or national group—and by leveraging tools like Plural Policy—you’ll be well-positioned to make the most of this pivotal time. To talk to one of our policy experts, contact us today.

  • Try Plural for Free: The Future of Transparent Democracy

    Try Plural for Free: The Future of Transparent Democracy

    Making democracy more accessible and transparent is at the core of our mission. We founded Plural because we are committed to breaking down barriers and making legislative tracking and analysis available to all. We are thrilled to announce that we are now offering a version of our bill tracking platform at no cost.

    Now anyone can search and keep track of the bills that matter most. Whether you are a policy professional, researcher, student or concerned constituent, you can now access to bill data in a single, easy-to-use tool. We’ve taken the ethos of our popular OpenStates.org website and combined it with the innovation and attractive user experience of our platform.

    For example:

    • A Policy Associate at a state government agency keeps track of bills that could impact how the agency works. Currently, the Associate learns about relevant bills from legislative staff on her team. Or, she checks the state legislative website each day. With Plural, the Associate no longer needs to rely on the unpredictable cadence of word-of-mouth updates. She no longer has to do manual searches on a clunky, outdated website. She can do quick and easy searches in Plural, finding what she’s looking for. The Associate can sign up to receive alerts when there are new bills introduced related to her searches. She’ll get automatic updates whenever there’s a change in status on any bills her team is interested in.
    • A Director of Government Affairs analyzes bill text and communicates with internal stakeholders. Currently, the Director searches for and downloads bill text on the federal website. He does a manual, side-by-side comparison of the different versions of text to identify changes. Through Plural, the Director can find the full text of the latest version of the bill with markup text. Plural makes it quick and easy to spot changes in bill text.
    • A lobbyist spends most of their days in face to face meetings with legislative staffers. They are sometimes alerted to meeting opportunities at the last minute, leaving them little time to prepare. Researching the relevant legislator’s past policy positions and current priorities takes time. However, this knowledge is the key to effective meetings and actionable steps forward. With Plural, the lobbyist can quickly and easily find key legislator data. This includes committee membership, bill sponsorship information and vote history. Now, they will walk into meetings able to speak confidently and strategically about how the legislator’s interests align with their policy priorities.

    Worried that a free tool won’t be robust and accurate? The old rule of “you get what you pay for” is a thing of the past. In fact, many leading technology companies offer a free version of their software. Plural uses the most comprehensive data set and is the most intuitive and easy to use on the market. Plural scrapes data more frequently than competing products. We use a custom cadence that’s catered to each legislature. You’ll never get caught with out-of-date data.

    Once you create a free account and start using Plural, you can upgrade anytime. You’ll gain access to tools like workspaces, priority alerts and professional support, making it easy to collaborate across teams. Our AI-powered tools help you identify bills in different jurisdictions that share similar text. With the power of AI, it’s also possible to discover which bills are likely to gain momentum and adapt your strategy accordingly. Plural is perfectly suited for top performing policy professionals and teams.

    Leading organizations trust Plural for their professional legislative tracking and monitoring. Our partners include the Associated Press, Google and advocacy organizations across the globe.

    Create a free account today and see how easy it is to get and stay ahead. It’s like having a team of researchers, attorneys and experts working for you around the clock… without the price tag.

    TRY PLURAL FOR FREE
  • How to understand AI for Public Policy

    How to understand AI for Public Policy

    Technology now, more than ever, is moving at a rapid pace. Every morning I come across a new blog post or article about artificial intelligence that makes my head spin. As the CEO of Plural, keeping up with the latest developments and identifying how they can be translated to Plural’s commitment to innovation is challenging, fun and exciting. In this post, I’ll share how we constantly adapt our business, product and company to account for AI. I’ll also share strategies we’ve implemented to position ourselves for long-term success in this new age of AI.

    How Will AI Change Businesses?

    History has shown us that when a transformative technology is introduced, many existing businesses will die and new businesses and industries will emerge. I think this situation is a little different. Generative AI is without a doubt transformative, and many jobs, businesses and industries will end, but only if they refuse to adapt. Executives and entrepreneurs that leverage AI to transform and reinvent their business will be successful. Making those strategic decisions takes courage – there are inherent risks when disrupting yourself.

    There are three general buckets to consider when thinking about how AI will change business as we know it:

    1. Operational Transformation: Outsource repetitive tasks to AI tools and bots. Processes that are not optimized can be identified, analyzed and improved. This might involve identifying redundancies, low technology utilization, or suboptimal workflows.
    2. Decision-Making Transformation: As a society, we’ve used data for millennia to help guide our decision making. We’ve gotten better and better at it. AI will allow us to quickly analyze larger volumes of data and extract subtle patterns. This will allow for more accurate predictions and better decisions.
    3. Product Development Transformation: AI will accelerate product development, leading to unprecedented innovation. This includes gathering new ideas, speeding up the time from idea to product, and gathering feedback and iterating.

    Short-Term Strategies for AI Adoption

    Identifying and acting on low-risk opportunities to implement AI-powered features is essential. It’s also necessary to invest in your team by fostering a culture of learning and AI adoption. Empowering your team to build and have that muscle will pay off for your organization. See below for my tips:

    • Educate and train your team on AI concepts, benefits and the potential impact of AI on their roles
    • Help them upskill and leverage AI tools for their roles
    • Encourage your employees to take time to learn about new AI-based products to help them do their jobs

    You also need to set clear policies and norms – what’s okay to do using AI, and what’s not okay. Leaders aren’t going to get it right every time — we’re all learning! Critically thinking about AI and sharing those learnings with your stakeholders puts you on the right track.

    Long-Term Strategies for AI Adoption

    Crafting an internal philosophy and strategy that either puts your business in the driver’s seat of building the future or for the future is critical. Start by gaining a solid understanding of AI’s benefit and applications. Next, identifying areas within your business and industry where AI can be implemented. With this exercise, you can start laying the foundation that you’ll need to adapt and transform your business. Every business is unique, so how you think about AI should be unique and will help you reach business goals.

    Balancing the Benefits and Risks of AI

    The benefits of AI rival only its risks and unintended consequences – it’s as exciting as it is terrifying. The benefits of AI are obvious. We have the ability to not only access all of the information in the world, but we can pick out the sliver of information needed at the right time. Because of this, we’ll improve health outcomes, understand our environment better, create more wealth, and increase the pace of scientific breakthroughs.

    But the risks and potential consequences (many of which we can’t even begin to predict), is what we all need to do a better job talking about. In my opinion, the biggest risk is losing a sense of what’s “real” and what’s AI generated, with the first big test being the upcoming US presidential election. As a society, we’ve been struggling for the last several years to agree on facts and truth. Adding unregulated AI-generated content and misinformation to the internet will only add fuel to the fire. At Plural, we spend a lot of time thinking about the negative consequences of AI to our domain of public policy. As a business leader or entrepreneur, you should be doing the same.

    Adapting your business to the tidal wave of AI is a necessity. It can also be transformative if you’re willing to adapt, do the hard strategy work and experience some short-term pain for the long term payoff. Staying on top of everything that is new with AI seems like an impossible task. Investing in short-term wins while prioritizing the future is what will separate mediocre business leaders from excellent ones. This isn’t just about keeping up with the competition; it’s about leading the charge and shaping the future of your industry.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT AI in public policy