Markus Videnieks

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Markus Videnieks brings more than 20 years of public policy and communications experience to benefit Smart Policy Group clients with expert strategic guidance on legislative and issue campaigns. From helping clients fund institutional priorities through the Congressional appropriations process to guiding them through complicated regulatory matters at the Agency-level, Markus helps SPG clients find wins in DC.

He has worked extensively on legislative and regulatory efforts within the rapidly growing renewable energy field, helping clients navigate rulemakings and legislation particularly focused on the conversion of organic matter into energy and reusable byproducts. He has also guided dozens of clients through the annual appropriations process to leverage Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) toward the completion of publicly-beneficial projects. Markus has also focused on transportation policy, including safety regulations and environmental impacts. For four years he managed a school transportation industry-wide coalition in which he led national advocacy campaigns, held major public events featuring Cabinet officials, and interacted with the press.

Earlier in his career, Markus also spent a decade at one of Washington’s largest and most recognized lobbying firms, where he helped clients concerned with transportation, energy, education, and municipal matters secure legislative victories in Washington, often through the appropriations process.

Additionally, Markus has worked on a number of political campaigns, which underlie his belief in teamwork and responsiveness. In 2020, he was the Virginia Organizing Director for Tom Steyer for President, where he managed state-wide outreach efforts. He has also worked for the Maryland Democratic Party and volunteered on many other races.

A lifelong resident of the DC area, Markus’s first job was as a Senate Page in high school. He is active in Latvian-American and Baltic-American organizations, and a dedicated fan of Maryland football and basketball. He has a Political Science degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids.