CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: JANUARY 13, 2026
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH TOWNSEND
PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR STATE ADVOCACY SERVICES
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM# 08
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve a First Amendment to Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs (TPA), increasing the term by an additional one-year optional renewal and increasing the total not to exceed amount by $90,000 from $270,000 to $360,000, for supplemental state advocacy services; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to administer the agreement under the terms and conditions of the Agreement.
DISCUSSION:
The city has contracted with TPA for strategic funding advocacy services on and off since September 2015, with their current agreement terminating on January 15, 2026.
Throughout our time working with TPA, they have effectively advocated on behalf of the city securing support and funding for city projects and services.
Over the past number of years, TPA worked with city staff and several members of the city’s legislative delegation to advocate for direct funding for several of the city’s priority projects in state budgets. In conjunction with TPA and grant consultants, the city successfully secured funding for the following projects:
FY 2023/24
Store One - $1 million
Mobile Family Resource Center - $1.5 million
Haskett Library - $300,000
Looking ahead, several state-level funding opportunities could support investments aligned with the city’s priorities. The state’s Cap-and-Invest program remains a significant source for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and benefit communities. Additionally, Proposition 68 continues to offer funding for natural resources, water, parks, and climate resilience, with potential future appropriations creating opportunities to advance projects that improve access to open 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
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Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5165
Fax: (714) 765-5164
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First Amendment to Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for State Advocacy Services January 13, 2026
space, clean drinking water, and long-term sustainability goals. TPA will continue to work with staff to advocate within the state budget process, engage with legislative and Administration stakeholders, and identify opportunities to position priority projects for consideration under Cap-and-Invest–supported programs and Proposition 68–related funding as they become available.
Furthermore, TPA assisted in advancing legislation and state budget requests to secure funding for California’s largest cities to help address issues surrounding homelessness.
These efforts culminated in the creation of the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) in 2018. Building on the success of the HEAP program, the State, through AB 101, established the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) in 2019. HHAP created flexible funding to address urgent homelessness challenges while promoting regional coordination and accountability. TPA also advocated for continued HHAP funding through AB 140 (2021), AB 154/180 (2022), and AB 129 (2023), totaling an estimated $3 billion for HHAP Rounds 3–5. Most recently, during the 2025 budget process, the State allocated $500 million for HHAP in fiscal year 2026–27 for the Big 13 cities, all counties, and Continuums of Care. While the delayed availability of funds was a concern for cities facing immediate homelessness pressures, TPA advocated for earlier access to these resources through trailer bill SB 158 in 2025.
The original Agreement with TPA allowed for two (2) one-year renewal options that have both been exhausted by the City Manager and is set to expire on January 15, 2026.
Under the proposed First Amendment with TPA, the city will have an additional one (1) optional one-year renewal. The monthly rate for federal advocacy services remains the same at $7,500 a month. The First Amendment will increase the Agreement by $90,000, with the total not-to-exceed amount increasing from $270,000 to $360,000. The Agreement allows for either the city or TPA to terminate without cause with seven (7) days written notice. The extension will also allow time for city staff to explore Request for Proposal options for supplemental state advocacy services.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the City Administration’s budget for legislative advocacy services.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Garcia
Assistant City Manager
First Amendment to Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for State Advocacy Services January 13, 2026
Attachments:
1. First Amendment
2. Original Agreement