Chicago, Illinois · Government Affairs Consulting

Advancing policy. Building partnerships. Delivering results.

DNS Strategies is a Chicago-based government affairs consulting firm that helps nonprofits, educational institutions, municipalities, associations, and businesses navigate government, influence public policy, and achieve meaningful results.

Government doesn't have to be complicated. With the right strategy and relationships, opportunities become outcomes.

Schedule a Consultation Our Services

$8M+

Secured in state appropriations

10+ yrs

In government affairs & policy

Core advocacy disciplines

Statewide reach, Chicago rooted

Our Mission

To help organizations navigate government, influence public policy, and build strategic partnerships that strengthen communities through thoughtful advocacy, collaborative leadership, and results‑driven government affairs.

§1 — About

A boutique firm built on relationships, not just lobbying.

DNS Strategies is a boutique government affairs and public affairs consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations navigate government with confidence — becoming an extension of your leadership team.

Founded by Danielle Nicole Stanley, the firm was built on the belief that successful advocacy requires more than lobbying — it requires strategic thinking, trusted relationships, authentic community engagement, and a clear understanding of the legislative process.

We partner with organizations to develop customized advocacy strategies, build influential coalitions, strengthen relationships with policymakers, and advance initiatives that improve communities throughout Illinois and beyond. Whether advocating for legislation, securing public investment, or navigating complex policy issues, DNS Strategies becomes an extension of your leadership team.

✦Customized advocacy strategies
✦Senior-level expertise
✦Bipartisan relationship building
✦Direct access and responsive communication
✦Thoughtful policy analysis
✦Proven legislative experience
✦Long-term partnership focused on measurable results

Danielle Stanley, MPA, Founder and Principal of DNS Strategies, standing in front of a state capitol building

Danielle Nicole StanleyFounder & Principal

More than a decade of experience in government affairs — trusted advocate with extensive experience navigating the Illinois General Assembly, state agencies, constitutional offices, county, and municipal governments.

Has helped secure more than $8 million in state appropriations and public investments, supporting affordable housing, higher education, workforce development, and community development across Illinois.

Helped lead passage of Illinois' MAP Grant Pay It Forward Act, removing the requirement for students to repay MAP grant awards later deemed ineligible through no fault of their own.

✓BA, Political Science & Legal Studies — University of Illinois Springfield
✓MPA — University of Illinois Springfield
✓Edgar Fellow Alumni, Class of 2025
✓IWIL (IL Women's Institute of Leadership), Class of 2016

CTA Citizens Advisory Board

§2 — Services

Eleven disciplines. One coordinated strategy.

Developing and executing legislative and regulatory strategies before state, county, and local governments — from the statehouse to the neighborhood.

Government Affairs

Developing and executing legislative and regulatory strategies before state, county, and local governments.

Legislative Advocacy

End-to-end legislative execution, from strategy to testimony.

Bill development & tracking
Sponsor recruitment
Committee preparation
Regulatory engagement

Budget & Appropriations Advocacy

Identifying funding opportunities and advocating for operating and capital investments through the state budget process.

Public Affairs Strategy

Comprehensive advocacy campaigns that align policy, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Coalition Building

Building partnerships among organizations, businesses, associations, community leaders, and policymakers to advance shared priorities.

Issue Advocacy

Educating policymakers and stakeholders while building support for legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Grassroots & Grasstops Engagement

Advocacy campaigns that activate community members, organizational partners, business leaders, and decision-makers.

Community Engagement

Meaningful partnerships with residents, neighborhood organizations, civic leaders, and local stakeholders.

Strategic Communications

Messaging built for policymakers and the public alike.

Talking points & policy briefs
Op-eds & testimony
Fact sheets

Stakeholder Relations

Cultivating productive relationships with elected officials, agencies, community organizations, and industry leaders.

Public Policy Analysis

Monitoring legislation, identifying emerging policy trends, and advising on strategic opportunities.

§3 — Our Approach

Relationships drive results.

Every successful advocacy campaign begins with understanding your mission and ends with measurable outcomes — tracked the way a bill moves, stage by stage.

Introduced

Discover

We listen first. Understanding your organization, goals, challenges, and opportunities allows us to develop strategies tailored to your mission.

In Committee

Develop

We create customized government affairs and public policy strategies designed to achieve your legislative, regulatory, and funding objectives.

On the Floor

Engage

We connect organizations with policymakers, agency leaders, community partners, and stakeholders to build momentum and advance priorities.

Enacted

Deliver

We execute every strategy with integrity, responsiveness, and a relentless commitment to achieving results.

§4 — Contact

Let's build your government affairs strategy.

Whether your organization is pursuing legislation, seeking public funding, navigating government, or strengthening relationships with policymakers, DNS Strategies is ready to help. We welcome the opportunity to learn about your organization and discuss how our strategic advocacy can support your goals.

Schedule a Consultation

FirmDNS Strategies, LLC

LocationChicago, Illinois

Phone(708) 829-1960

Emaildanielle@dnsstrategies.com

Strategic Growth Solutions