Lobbying isn't the problem, corruption is

Let's say you want to build a housing project that caters to the needs of formerly homeless people who are trying to deal with mental illness and drug abuse. First off, thank you — projects like yours may be the best way to combat chronic homelessness and break the cycle of street to jail, then back to the street.

Second, good luck. You're going to have to find a neighborhood in which resistance is weak, and you're going to have to talk the local City Council member into not blocking your project. You've hired an expediter to get your permits moving through the Planning, Building & Safety and Transportation departments. You've got legal counsel. Still, you'd better hire a lobbyist.