Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 1
Proposal for
Legislative Advocacy Services
RFP #2324-05
December 1, 2023
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Letter of Transmittal ...................................................................................................................... 2
Firm Background .......................................................................................................................... 3
Detailed Work Plan ..................................................................................................................... 19
Proposed Staffing & Organization ............................................................................................... 23
Fee Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 30
Status of Past & Present Contracts Form ................................................................................... 31
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 2
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
December 1, 2023
Vanessa Slouka, Buyer
City of Fullerton
303 West Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
Dear Ms. Slouka:
Thank you for the opportunity for Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (“TPA”) to submit our proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services to the City of Fullerton (“City”).
Identification of Proposer with Contractual Responsibility:
Legal Name of Company: Townsend Public Affairs
Corporate Address: 1401 Dove Street, Suite 330, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Telephone Number: (949) 399-9050
Email Address: [email protected]
Contact During Period of Proposal Evaluation:
Name: Olivia Raymond
Title: Business Development Associate
Telephone Number: (949) 399-9050
Email Address: [email protected]
TPA will NOT utilize subconsultants to accomplish the scope of work outlined in this RFP.
TPA acknowledges receipt of all RFP addenda and affirms that the proposal shall remain valid for a period of no less than 120 days from the date of submittal. TPA attests that all information submitted with the proposal is true and correct and that no licensed professionals in “responsible charge” working on City projects have any past, current, or future disciplinary actions against them.
Since its inception in 1998, TPA has earned the reputation as Champions for Better Communities by providing the experience, resources, and relationships expected from a premier legislative advocacy and grant writing firm while also giving clients the unique brand of customer service they deserve: personal attention, maximum accessibility, and passion for their mission.
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Our strategic approach to advocacy and funding is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client by leveraging the breadth and depth of our team as well as our vast network of relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers.
Utilizing this method on behalf of our clients, TPA has shepherded over 100 legislative and regulatory proposals into law and secured over $2.9 billion in grants from state, federal, and local government agencies as well as nonprofit foundations and private companies.
Thank you again for your interest in our firm and your consideration of this proposal. Please contact us if you have any questions or need additional information. We have been honored to serve the City since 2004 and we are proud of the numerous legislative and funding achievements TPA has secured on behalf of the City, including more than $33 million in competitive state and federal funding. We would be honored to continue to serve the City of Fullerton.
Yours truly,
Christopher Townsend*
President
*Signature of Person Authorized to Bind Proper to the Terms of the Proposal
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 4
FIRM BACKGROUND
TPA is a state and federal legislative advocacy and grant writing firm that provides lobbying and funding services to public agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout California.
• Founder/Owner/President: Christopher Townsend
• Advocacy Success: Shepherded over 100 client-sponsored legislative proposals into law
• Funding Success: Over $ 2.9 billion in state, federal, and local government grants as well as grants from nonprofit organizations and private companies
• Longevity: 25 years (founded in 1998)
• Number of Employees: 21
• Number of Registered State and Federal Lobbyists and Grant Writers: 16
• Number of Offices: Five
o TPA State Capitol Office, Sacramento
o TPA Federal Office, Washington, DC
o TPA Northern California Office, Oakland
o TPA Central California Office, Fresno
o TPA Southern California Office, Newport Beach
• Types of Clients:
o City Governments
o County Governments
o Water and Sanitation Districts
o Transportation Districts
o K–12 School Districts
o Community College Districts
o Parks and Recreation Districts
o Fire Protection Districts
o Museums, Science Centers, and Cultural Facilities
• Areas of Specialization:
o Local Governance (Cities, Counties, Special Districts) o Transportation Policy and Infrastructure
o Water and Sanitation Policy and Infrastructure
o Education Policy and Infrastructure
o Housing and Economic Development
o Parks and Community Facilities (Recreational, Cultural, Historical) o Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources
o Public Safety
o Budget and Finance
• Ranking by Revenue Reported to the California Secretary of State:
o 8th of 491 Firms Registered for 2021–22 Legislative Session o 99th Percentile
• More California public agencies have hired TPA to represent them in Washington, DC than any other advocacy firm in the nation.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 5
FIRM BACKGROUND
FIRM’S LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FULLERTON
The chart below outlines several state legislative advocacy achievements TPA has secured on behalf of the City:
STATE ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENTS
Project Description of Efforts
FY 2022-23 State Budget
Funding
Through the FY 2022-23 state budget process, TPA worked closely with the City of Fullerton to secure $6 million for the City’s Navigation Center project, which will allow the City to purchase the Navigation Center building . TPA worked closely with the City’s state delegation to submit the project for funding and engaged in diligent advocacy efforts to ensure the project was a priority.
Ultimately, these efforts ensured the project was included in the final official state budget. This critical project will enable the City to reduce overall operating costs while simultaneously improving its capacity to house unsheltered individuals.
FY 2021-22 State Budget
Funding
Working with the City, TPA helped secure $6,750,000 in state budget funding for the City’s Hunt Library Restoration and Homeless Recuperative Center projects. TPA collaborated with City staff to submit the request, gather letters of support, and advocate for the projects’ need and urgency. These critical projects will ensure that Fullerton is able to serve its community and residents, especially those that are underserved or experiencing homelessness.
AB 97 (Ting, 2017)
TPA worked with a group of North Orange County cities, including Fullerton, to create the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force. TPA was responsible for forming the initial idea, bringing the cities together for a regional ask, creating the Task Force and presenting the idea to the Legislature and advocating for the funding in Sacramento. The Task Force secured $20 million through the FY 2017-18 State budget request to provide funding for a four -year pilot program to address youth violence prevention and intervention in K -12 schools; promote and enhance the successful reentry of offenders into the community; and address homeless outreach and intervention efforts. From that $20 million, $1.33 million is allocated directly to the Fullerton Police Department. The balance of funding is shared amount the other cities as well as local community- based organizations, including several organizations in Fullerton.
SB 5 (de Leon, 2017)
TPA worked with the State Legislature to secure $4.8 million in Senate Bill 5, also known as Proposition 68, California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018, to fund a conservation program at West Coyote Hills. The measure was approved by voters in the June 2018 election. TPA is currently working with the City and the Legislature to allocate this funding at the appropriate time.
West Coyote Hills
Funding – Wildlife
Conservation Board and
California Natural
Resources Agency (2016-
2018)
TPA has worked in partnership with City Staff and Blais and Associates to secure over $2 million in competitive grant funding for West Coyote Hills. There is an addition $3 million in pending grant applications in front of the Wildlife Conservation Board. TPA has arranged advocacy meetings and tours of West Coyote Hills with Wildlife Conservation Board Executive Director John Donnelly and Acquisitions Manager John Walsh, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary John Laird and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bonds and Grants Bryan Cash. TPA has worked
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FIRM BACKGROUND
closely with these agencies as well as the City’s legislative delegation on outreach and advocacy to secure funding.
California Tax Credit
Allocation Committee
(TCAC) – Fullerton
Heights Project (2016)
TPA worked with the City to secure $868,553 in annual federal tax credits and $2,227,060 in total state tax credits to finance the new construction of the Fullerton Heights Project. Initially, the Fullerton Heights project scored the highest tie- break score in Orange County. The project was not recommended to receive an allocation because the Special Needs Housing goal was determined to be met by projects in other parts of the State. TPA worked with the City ’s Legislative Delegation as well as the Tax Credit Allocation Committee Board to reverse this recommendation and successfully secure the tax credit funding this this project.
SB 354 (Huff, 2015)
TPA sponsored SB 354 (Huff) on behalf of the City of Fullerton and the City of Brea.
As the cities were working toward formation of the JPA, both Fullerton and Brea hired classic public safety employees after December 31, 2012 to replace retiring personnel. CalPERS informed the cities that these employees would be classified as new members under the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 once they are moved over to the new JPA. SB 354 revised the period during which the authorization granted to a JPA formed by the Cities of Fullerton and Brea to provide specified retirement benefits, as described above, may be applied. The bill authorized the authority formed under SB 1251 to provide its employees the defined benefit plan or formula that those employee s received from their respective employers prior to the exercise of a common power by the joint power authority. SB 354 was signed by the Governor on August 10, 2015.
SB 1251 (Huff, 2014)
TPA sponsored SB 1251 (Huff) on behalf of the City of Fullerton and the City of Brea. The two cities had been working together to facilitate a merger of their Fire Departments into one single entity, which will service both communities. In order to provide consolidated services, maximize cost savings, and maintain local control the cities must enter into a J oint Power Agreement (JPA) to fully merge the two departments. However, in their efforts to form the JPA, the cities became aware that law passed in 2013, the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), prohibited employees, who would be subject to such a merger, from retaining their existing retirement benefits. In order to remedy this situation that had not been contemplated in PEPRA, SB 1251 was introduced to make a technical change to amend state law and allow the two cities to enter into a JPA and fully merge the two departments, while ensuring that existing employees from both cities would be able to keep their retirement benefits at the rate they were hired. SB 1251 was signed into law by the Governor on September 28, 2014.
California Gang
Reduction, Intervention
and Prevention (CalGRIP)
Program, 2014
TPA worked with the City to write and submit an application for the CalGRIP program. The City was successful in securing $500,000 in CalGRIP funding to provide prevention, intervention and suppression services for at-risk youth and their families to reduce gang activity and decrease the number of multi-generational gang members
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 7
FIRM BACKGROUND
FEDERAL ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENTS
Project Description of Efforts
FY 2024 Community
Project Funding
TPA successfully advocated for the inclusion of two federal earmarks for the City into the House Interior and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bills for FY24. While Congress has not yet finalized the budget, the two projects championed by Representative Correa will provide $959,752 for Well 7A and $1,000,000 for the Historic Police Station Rehabilitation & Remediation Project once signed into law
H.R. 302 (Guthrie, 2018) -
Contract Tower
Provisions
TPA has worked with the City for years to support the Fullerton Airport at the federal level, as Congress and the FAA make changes to the FAA Contract Tower Program and FAA route provisions that would have major equities for the City. TPA engaged with cong ressional leaders on legislation to reauthorize the FAA, including successfully supporting an amendment to add contract tower construction and improvement as an eligible activity under the Airport Improvement Program small airport fund. TPA has also advocated for the City’s priority to support continued appropriation of monies to fully fund the FAA’s Contract Tower Program. Congress allocated $165 million for the Contract Tower Program for Fiscal Year 2018, which slightly increased for Fiscal Year 2019.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions
After the California legislature passed SB 54, which effectively established California as a sanctuary jurisdiction, California cities’ access to regular federal funding was left in limbo. As federal agencies worked to clarify whether federal funding could be legally transferred to California cities under 8 U.S.C. 1373, the State of California and other entities filed lawsuits against the federal government. Throughout the process, TPA used its close relationships with elected officials, coalition groups, and agency staff to keep the City of Fullerton updated on the shifting landscape of federal funds as they related to the City’s priorities.
H.R. 1 (Brady, 2017)
While Congress negotiated the tax reform bill passed at the end of last year, TPA kept Fullerton updated during every step of the negotiations. The first drafts of the tax bill included a provision that would prevent individuals from deducting state and local taxes, with a cap only for property taxes. Because of Fullerton’s focus on local funding, TPA advocated for a mitigation of the provisions to ensure that individuals would continue to be permitted to deduct their state and local taxes from their federal tax bill. Legislators created a compromise version of the law that included a mitigated provision allowing individuals to deduct no more than $10,000 worth of the deduction, which could include a combination of property taxes and either sales or income taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law with the modified provision included on December 22, 2017.
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FIRM BACKGROUND
EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL STATE/FEDERAL EARMARKS
The following charts detail TPA’s success in securing state and federal earmarks over the past several years. For each award, TPA strategized with our clients to identify priority projects and transform them into budget requests. TPA then worked closely and diligently with state and federal legislators and their staff, relevant committee members, and other key stakeholders to ensure our client projects were included in the final official budget.
FY 2022–23 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS
Client Name Project Amount Awarded
California Academy of
Sciences Thriving California Environmental Learning Plan $2,100,000 City of Agoura Hills Linear Park Project $6,000,000
City of Anaheim Boysen Park Rehabilitation $15,000,000
City of Berkeley Marina and Pier Projects $15,000,000
City of Buena Park Water System Improvements $5,000,000 City of Compton Artesia Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation $12,000,000 City of Costa Mesa
Citywide Park Project $10,000,000
Ketchum Liboldt Park $1,200,000
Fairview Developmental Center $3,500,000
City of Del Mar Del Mar Bridge Replacement Project $2,200,000 City of Dinuba Fire Department Equipment and Training $2,000,000 City of Farmersville Fire Station Construction $7,000,000 City of Fremont
Teen Center Building Upgrades $8,000,000
Sabercat Bridge and Trail project open space
acquisition and planning $6,000,000
I-680 Sabercat Bridge Infrastructure $6,000,000
Housing Navigation Center $500,000
City of Fullerton Navigation Center Project $6,000,000
City of Gardena
Broadband Infrastructure $4,000,000
Revitalization of Gardena Boulevard $2,000,000
City of Hayward Scattered Site Housing Model to Create Cost-Effective Permanent Housing for Unhoused Individuals $5,400,000
City of Huntington Beach Mental Health Crisis Unit $1,500,000 City of Irvine
Sweet Shade Park $2,800,000
Mental Health Crisis Unit $1,500,000
City of La Habra Imperial/Coyote Creek Sinkhole $8,500,000 City of Laguna Beach Mental Health Crisis Unit $1,500,000 City of Merced Merced Regional Fire Training Center $3,000,000 City of Oakland Teachers Rooted in Oakland (TRiO) Program $5,000,000 City of Palo Alto
Replacement of Fire Station 4 $5,200,000
Newell Road Bridge Replacement $2,000,000
City of Parlier Parlier Police Station $2,500,000
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FIRM BACKGROUND
City of Santa Clara Magical Bridge All-Inclusive Playground in Central Park $800,000 City of South San Francisco
Linden Park Project $3,200,000
County of San Mateo Union Community Alliance $1,500,000 City of Tustin Centennial Park Rehab Project $4,800,000 Discovery Cube Los
Angeles Sustainability Park Project $5,000,000
Discovery Cube Orange
County Santiago Creek Sustainability Park $10,000,000
Imperial County Lithium Valley Specific Plan and PEIR $5,000,000 Land Conservancy of San
Luis Obispo County Camatta Ranch Preservation $2,500,000 North Orange County Public
Safety Task Force
Servicing the Public Safety Collaborative efforts
within the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park,
Fullerton, La Habra, Stanton, and Placentia
$8,000,000
Oakland Museum of
California
Calli Americas Poster Collection Digitizing and
Cataloguing Project $250,000
Port of Hueneme eCrane - Electrical Crane Plug-In Infrastructure $5,000,000 Tri-Valley Cities Coalition Valley Link Rail Project (Environmental Study and Preliminary Engineering) $5,000,000
TOTAL FY 2022–23 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS $200,950,000
FY 2021–22 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS
Client Name Project Amount Awarded
City of Costa Mesa Regional Fire and Rescue Facility Improvements $2,500,000 City of Del Mar Del Mar Fairgrounds Operating Shortfall $3,500,000 City of Emeryville Affordable Housing Site Remediation $2,500,000 City of Farmersville Fire Engine Acquisition $750,000
City of Fremont Mission Blvd Interchange Modernization Project $7,200,000 City of Fullerton
Hunt Library Restoration $2,750,000
Homelessness Recuperative Center $4,000,000
City of Half Moon Bay Carter Park Renovation Project $4,750,000 City of Hayward
Hayward Navigation Center $662,000
South Hayward Youth Family Center Project $1,000,000
City of Irvine Bommer Canyon Fire Prevention Efforts $1,000,000 City of Lafayette Safe Pathway for Children Trail $238,000 City of Modesto Infrastructure Improvements to County Islands $5,000,000 City of Oakland
Oakland Fund for Public Innovation for the
California Entrepreneurship Capital in the
Community Initiative
$8,000,000
Local Jurisdiction Assistance for Cannabis Equity
Program
$9,905,020
Oakland MACRO Project $10,000,000
Port of Oakland Freight and Passenger Infrastructure
Enhancements
$280,000,000
City of Pismo Beach Public Safety Communications Equipment $470,000
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FIRM BACKGROUND
City of Reedley Olson/Kings River Sewer Main Replacement $2,800,000 City of San Leandro Memorial Park Rehabilitation Project $2,750,000 City of San Pablo Alternative Policing and Mental Health Program $2,000,000 City of Santa Ana Youth Facilities Improvements $4,000,000 City of South San Francisco Vehicle License Fee Adjustment $3,000,000 City of Tracy Multi-Generational Recreation Center $5,000,000 City of Tustin New Emergency Backup Generator $1,500,000 Discovery Science
Foundation
Discovery Cube of Orange County Re-Opening
Operating Expenses
$2,040,000
Discovery Cube of Los Angeles Re-Opening
Operating Expenses
$2,600,000
North Orange County Public
Safety Task Force
North Orange County Public Safety and
Homelessness Task Force Program Extension
$7,800,000
TOTAL FY 2021–22 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS $377,715,020
FY 2019–20 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS
Client Name Project Amount Awarded
City of Agoura Hills Stormwater Treatment Project $1,000,000 City of Avalon Underground Fuel Tank Removal and Replacement $500,000 City of Buena Park Historical Facilities Renovations $500,000 City of Costa Mesa Lions Community Park $1,000,000
City of Dinuba Water Well Replacement $1,000,000
City of Huntington Beach Multi-Use Blufftop Path $1,700,000 City of Laguna Beach Laguna Canyon Road Fuel Modification $1,000,000 City of Oakland Public Safety Projects $4,000,000
Bus Services $1,000,000
City of Selma Storm Drain, Storage, and Recharge $1,500,000 Discovery Cube of
Los Angeles Natural Resources Pavilion $5,000,000
Discovery Cube of
Orange County Property Acquisition/Parking Structure $10,000,000 East Contra Costa Fire
Protection District
Equipment, Vehicles, and Facilities
Acquisitions and Improvements $500,000
North County Transit District Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project $6,130,000 Tri-Valley Cities Coalition Dublin Sports Grounds All-Abilities Playground $1,400,000 TOTAL FY 2019–20 STATE BUDGET EARMARKS $36,230,000
CUMULATIVE TOTAL STATE BUDGET EARMARKS
FOR FY 2019–20, FY 2021–22, FY 2022–23, AND FY 2023–24:
$688,805,020
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 11
FIRM BACKGROUND
FY 2023 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS EARMARKS
Client Project Amount Awarded
City of Avalon Pebbly Beach Road $2,000,000
Affordable Community
Living Veteran Housing Project $1,000,000
City of Berkeley Martin Luther King Junior Youth Services Center Renovation $750,000
City of Del Mar Shoreline Access Improvement Project $750,000 Discovery Cube Los
Angeles Community Pavilion and Gardens $2,000,000
Discovery Cube Orange
County Santiago Creek Festival Grounds Sustainability Park $2,000,000 City of Dinuba Well 21 $1,500,000
City of Emeryville Intergenerational Affordable Housing Project on San Pablo Avenue $500,000
City of Gardena Rosecrans Community Center $1,000,000
Guadalupe Union School
District Early Childhood Education Center $2,000,000
City of Half Moon Bay Highway 1/ Frenchman Creek Intersection and Bike/Ped Improvements $2,000,000
City of Hesperia Cedar Street $2,000,000
City of Lafayette School Street Safe Routes to Schools $3,100,000 Merced County Association
of Governments YARTS Fleet Replacement Project $3,680,000 City of Murrieta Keller Ave Interchange $2,600,000
North Orange County Public
Safety Collaborative
Homelessness and Mental Health Recovery
Services $5,000,000
City of Oakland
Coliseum Place Affordable Housing Project $750,000
Procedural Justice/Community Police Trust $646,000
Lincoln Center Resilience Hub $2,000,000
Orange County Housing
Finance Trust
Funding to Support Permanent Supportive and Low-
Income Housing $3,000,000
City of Ontario Active Seniors on the Go $439,094
City of Pleasanton PFAS Treatment and Well Rehabilitation Project $2,000,000 City of Palmdale Ave. M Grade Separation Project $2,000,000 Ave. M Grade Separation Project $1,500,000
City of Parlier Police Station Rehabilitation and Improvements $875,000 Rancho Santiago
Community College District
Workforce Development Pathways Targeting Dislocated
and At-Risk Populations $2,000,000
City of Santa Clara Fire Station Microgrid Project $500,000 Anna Drive Neighborhood Flood Protection Project $3,000,000 City of South El Monte Merced Avenue Greenway Project $3,000,000 Sunline Transit Agency Fueling Infrastructure Expansion $2,500,000 City of Tulare Water Delivery System $500,000
Emergency Homeless Shelter $1,500,000
Yorba Linda Water District Green Crest Lift Station $300,000 Yosemite Community
College District
Modesto Junior College Regional Fire Training Facility
Apparatuses and Props $2,000,000
TOTAL FY 2023 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS EARMARKS $60,390,094
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FIRM BACKGROUND
FY 2022 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS EARMARKS
Client Name Project Amount Awarded
Amity Foundation Mother's Hub Residence $2,838,521
Cities of Anaheim, Brea,
Buena Park, Fullerton,
Stanton, Placentia
North Orange County Public Safety and
Homelessness Task Force: Homelessness and
Mental Health Recovery Services
$5,000,000
Cities of Dublin, Livermore,
and Pleasanton AXIS Mental Health Urgent Care $450,000
City of Agoura Hills Community Center $1,000,000
City of Beaumont Pennsylvania Avenue Widening $1,500,000 City of Berkeley African American Holistic Resource Center $1,000,000 City of Brea Tracks at Brea Extension $2,000,000
City of Chino Hills Open Space Fuel Reduction $565,000
City of El Monte MacLaren Community Park Project $1,500,000 City of Emeryville Contaminated Remediation for Housing $2,000,000 City of Hesperia Maple Avenue Street Improvements $2,000,000 City of Huntington Beach
Sand Mitigation $15,500,000
Mobile Crisis Response Program $500,000
City of Murrieta Homeless Outreach Services Funding $500,000 City of Oakland
Mental Health Resilience Project $1,230,000
Mental Health Resilience Project $734,000
Broadway—Bus and Pedestrian Safety $2,000,000
Violence Prevention Project $200,000
City of Placentia Golden Avenue Bridge $2,200,000
City of San Ramon Iron Horse Trail Crow Canyon Road Iron Horse Trail Bicycle-Pedestrian Overcrossing $2,000,000
City of Santa Clara City of Santa Clara De La Cruz Blvd, Lick Mill Blvd, and Scott Blvd Bicycle Projects $2,725,000
City of Stanton Orangewood Parkette $850,000
Discovery Cube of
Orange County
Land Acquisition and Development for Sustainability
Festival $2,000,000
East Contra Costa Fire
Protection District Fire Station $1,500,000
Guadalupe Union School
District LeRoy Park $1,700,000
North County Transit District Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Station $1,717,836 Rancho Santiago Community
College District RSCCD Digital Access Consortium $2,000,000 Town of Danville
Danville Townwide Traffic Signal Modernization $1,000,000 Iron Horse Trail Bridge, Nature Park, and Pedestrian
Safety Project $350,000
Yorba Linda Water District Heli-Hydrant $500,000
TOTAL FY 2022 FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS EARMARKS $59,060,357
TOTAL FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS EARMARKS
FOR FY 2022 and FY 2023:
$119,450,451
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 13
FIRM BACKGROUND
DESCRIPTION OF FIRM’S FINANCIAL CONDITION
TPA has remained in excellent financial standing since its incorporation in 1998. The firm has NO conditions (e.g., bankruptcy, pending litigation, planned office closures, impending merger) that may impede its ability to complete the contract.
EXPERIENCE PROVIDING SIMILAR SERVICES
TPA has raised the bar amongst legislative advocacy firms with a California focus. As the City’s state and federal legislative advocate for the past 19 years, TPA has a unique understanding of the City, its communities, and priority projects. Since 2004, TPA has engaged on countless high- priority legislative items and has secured over $33 million in legislative directed funding for the City’s legacy projects and more than $45 million in legislative-directed funding for the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative. These successes are a result of TPA advocates’ diligent engagement, commitment to the City’s goals, expansive policy expertise, and networks of invaluable relationships, as well as the firm’s ability to work seamlessly and intelligently with City staff.
TPA has four offices strategically located across the state, as well as in Washington, DC, providing clients with unparalleled access to top decision makers in both the state and federal governments.
The firm’s active presence in Sacramento and Washington, DC positions our team perfectly to achieve results which other firms simply cannot. Since its founding in 1998, TPA has provided customized legislative and funding advocacy for more than 250 public agencies throughout California. As Champions for Better C ommunities, TPA works diligently to advance the legislative and funding priorities of local communities in order to ensure all California residents, families, and businesses have the resources they need to thrive. Through the proven advocacy methods outlined below, TPA has achieved tremendous legislative and funding victories on behalf of our clients:
• Relationships: TPA has cultivated and maintains an extensive network of powerful and long- standing relationships which will be leveraged to meet the City’s needs. TPA works directly with top executives, as well as key members of their staff, in both Sacramento and Washington, DC, including in the State Legislature, Congress, and various state and federal agencies. With extensive experience in California and Federal politics, the TPA team has the know -how and strategic relationships to strategically support and advise the City on policy strategy and funding advocacy, as well as the ability to execute the strategies to achieve results. TPA’s diligent advocacy strategies, in tandem with the consistent engagement of valuable relationships, will undoubtedly lead to significant successes for the City.
• Legislation: Through years of hard work and a focus on customer service, TPA has built a strong reputation in Sacramento and Washington, DC as effective legislative advocates on behalf of local public agencies and nonprofit organizations. TPA works hand-in -hand with clients to develop and promote new legislative proposals that advance priorities and solve issues facing clients. TPA will monitor, analyze and prioritize legislation, as well as develop a legislative strategy that is specifically tailored to the City and its members. TPA has been successful with shepherding dozens of client-sponsored pieces of legislation into law under different administrations including: Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden, as well as with the Gubernatorial Administrations including Davis, Schwarzenegger, Brown, and Newsom. Additionally, TPA protects clients against harmful legislation by working to defeat bills or crafting solutions to fix errant proposals.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 14
FIRM BACKGROUND
• Funding: Since 1998, TPA has secured over $2.9 billion in public funding for client projects in the areas of water and wastewater, transportation, housing and development, parks and recreation, public safety, education, and cultural resources. These funding successes include more than $688 million in state budget earmarks and $119 million in Community Project Funding (federal earmarks) for clients’ priority projects. TPA works with its clients through every step of the funding process, starting as early as the creation of relevant funding opportunities through legislative, budget and bond proposals . TPA then works to submit funding requests and influence any legislative and regulatory processes in place to distribute and award funds. In partnership with clients, TPA advocates aggressively to ensure funding requests are successful and priority projects are able to become reality.
• Attention to Detail: The TPA team works with clients to craft and execute an agenda focused on implementing legislative and funding solutions for legacy projects at all levels of government. The firm is made up of team members with their own areas of expertise, who will collaborate and work together to achieve ultimate results. This means the City will have a dedicated Project Manager, as well as the benefit of having a variety of subject experts at its disposal who are at the top of their field to tackle projects and issues of the City . As an extension of City staff, TPA will organize advocacy trips to Washington, DC and Sacramento to engage first-hand on priority issues and ensure the City’s priority issues and projects are at the top of mind of lawmakers. These efforts, combined with tactical and consistent follow -up, will ensure the City is able to maximize all legislative and funding opportunities. TPA’s Washington, DC, office is strategically located on Capitol Hill, within a short walk to the House and Senate Office Buildings. Additionally, TPA’s Sacramento office is located just steps away from the State Capitol Building. TPA advocates work hard to ensure client advocacy trips are seamless – from arrival to departure.
FIRM’S ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE CITY OF FULLERTON AND ITS NORTH SPA
PARTNERS
Since 2017, TPA has worked with the City of Fullerton and other north Orange County cities to create the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative and secure continued funding for its efforts to reduce youth violence, promote and enhance the successful reentry of offenders into the community; and address homeless outreach and intervention efforts. Since its inception, TPA has worked with the Collaborative to secure $45.8 million in funding for the Collaborative’s public safety priorities.
These funds have been allocated to be used for programs to address youth violence prevention and intervention in K -12 schools, programs to promote and enhance the successful reentry of offenders into the community and programs to address homeless outreach and intervention efforts. A portion of the below funding has gone directly to the City of Fullerton Police Department and has benefited Fullerton community-based organizations including, but not limited to, the Cal State Fullerton Social Science Research Center and Cal State Fullerton Center for Healthy Neighborhoods.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 15
FIRM BACKGROUND
Program & Project Amount Secured Year
Federal Budget Earmark: North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative Funding $5,000,000 2023
State Budget Earmark: North Orange County Public Safety Task Force Funding $8,000,000 2022
Federal Budget Earmark: North Orange County Public Safety Task Force Funding $5,000,000 2022
State Budget Earmark: North Orange County Public Safety Task Force Funding $7,800,000 2021
State Budget Earmark: North Orange County Public Safety Task Force to Provide Gang Prevention and Intervention Services and Homeless Prevention and Outreach Services
$20,000,000 2017
TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED FOR THE NOCPSC: $45,800,000
SIMILAR PROJECTS/CONTRACTS
COVID-19 Local Governance Messaging and Funding Advocacy Client TPA Cities and the California Mayors Coalition
Type of Success Direct Funding to Local Jurisdictions
Project Description
Through the COVID -19 pandemic, TPA led a statewide effort to advocate for increased local relief funding in the passage of the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). TPA worked with its municipal clients, as well as in partnership with the California Mayors Coalition to ensure funding was made available for local jurisdictions. TPA coordinated with National League of Cities and the White House to utilize and distribute TPA templates, models, and language regarding COVID- 19 messaging. TPA facilitated conversations between the Department of Treasury and local public agencies regarding the implementation and reporting of CARES Act and ARPA funds and was ultimately successful in securing direct funding for local jurisdictions as part of the COVID relief packages.
Year 2020-2021
City of Buena Park FY 2022-23 State Budget Funding
Client City of Buena Park
Type of Success State Budget Funding
Project Description
Through the FY 2022-23 state budget process, TPA worked closely with the City of Buena Park to secure $5 million for improvements to the City’s water system, allowing the City to implement critical infrastructure upgrades and protect residents’ health . TPA worked closely with the City’s state delegation to submit the request for funding and engaged in diligent advocacy efforts to ensure the project was a priority. Ultimately, these efforts ensured the project was included in the final official state budget.
Year 2022
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 16
FIRM BACKGROUND
North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative Establishment and Funding Client Cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Stanton, and Yorba Linda
Type of Success Federal and State Budget Funding
Project Description
Beginning in 2017, TPA worked with a group of North Orange County cities to create the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative. TPA was responsible for forming the initial idea, bringing the cities together for a regional ask, creating the Collaborative and presenting the idea to the Legislature and advocating for the funding in Sacramento. The Collaborative secured $20 million through the FY 2017-18 State budget request to provide funding for a four-year pilot program to address youth violence prevention and intervention in K -12 schools; promote and enhance the successful reentry of offenders into the community; and address homeless outreach and intervention efforts.
Since its inception, TPA has worked with the Collaborative to secure an additional $2 5.8 million in funding, including $5 million during the FY 22 federal appropriations process through the offices of Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Young Kim. This award was the largest community project award in the nation from the OBJ/Byrne JAG program during the FY 22 federal appropriations cycle. In the FY 23 appropriations process TPA was able to work with the Collaborative to secure an additional $5 million through the offices of Senator Padilla and Representative Young Kim. TPA has also helped secure $7.8 million in funding through AB 128 in 2021 and $8 million in funding through SB 178 in 2022.
Year 2018 – Present
Coalition of Orange County Cities – SB 381 (Min)
Client Coalition of Orange County Cities
Type of Success State Legislation
Project Description
Prior to the start of the Legislative Session, TPA worked with a coalition of public safety professionals in the Orange County region to identify solutions to a growing problem surrounding e-bike safety. The coalition meeting revealed a need for comprehensive safety reform, but also a need for data to support future changes to law. TPA advocates worked with the City of Laguna Beach to sponsor Senator Min’s SB 381, which tasks the state’s premiere transportation data collection entity – the Mineta Institute – with conducting a study on electric bicycles and the safety of riders and pedestrians by January 1, 2026.
Throughout the measure’s process through the legislature, TPA worked with the author’s staff to garner support from other members and stakeholders, testified at committee hearings in support, and briefed committee consultants and Legislative members on the purpose and need for the bill. The Governor signed the measure into law.
Year 2023
Coast Community College District – AB 1173 (Ta)
Client Coast Community College District
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 17
FIRM BACKGROUND
Type of Success State Legislation
Project Description
TPA worked with the Coast Community College District to sponsor legislation that enhances communication between high school districts and community colleges for students applying to higher educational institutions. Specifically, AB 1173 (Ta) requires public high schools that choose to hold a career or college fair to notify each community college district with overlapping jurisdiction, thus exposing high school children to a wide array of collegiate educational opportunities. TPA worked with the District and Assembly Member Ta’s office to craft language, advocated on behalf of the bill at each policy committee with committee staff and members, and connected Distric t leadership and Legislative leadership to facilitate the passage of the bill. The Governor signed the measure into law.
Year 2023
City of Avalon – AB 705 (Lowenthal)
Client City of Avalon
Type of Success State Legislation
Project Description
TPA worked with the City of Avalon to secure Assembly Member Josh Lowenthal as the author of AB 705. AB 705 changed the definition of an autoette in statute in a way that now allows certain autoette owners located on Santa Catalina Island to be able to register their vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This critical conforming language allows all residents on Santa Catalina Island to be afforded registration uniformity as it relates to the modes of transportation uniquely used on the island. The Governor signed the measure into law.
Year 2023
REFERENCES
1. CITY OF AVALON
Contact Name: David Maistros
Contact Title: City Manager
Address: 410 Avalon Canyon Road, Avalon, CA 90704
Phone Number: 310-510-0220, ext. 122
Email Address: [email protected]
Project Description: TPA provides state and federal legislative advocacy and grant writing services to the City.
2. CITY OF BUENA PARK
Contact Name: Aaron France
Contact Title: City Manager
Address: 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90621
Phone Number: 714-562-3550
Email Address: [email protected]
Project Description: TPA provides state and federal legislative advocacy and grant writing services to the City.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 18
FIRM BACKGROUND
3. CITY OF TRACY
Contact Name: Karin Schnaider
Contact Title: Assistant City Manager
Address: 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, CA 95376
Phone Number: 626-372-5009
Email Address: [email protected]
Project Description: TPA provides state and federal legislative advocacy and grant writing services to the City.
OTHER SERVICES
Throughout TPA’s 19-year history in providing advocacy services to the C ity of Fullerton, TPA has excelled at securing legislative and funding successes for the City. TPA believes that the City can continue to position itself strongly to secure significant legislative successes by concentrating legislative advocacy and grant funding services within one full-service firm, with legislative and funding advocates that collaborate and communicate on a daily basis.
Having advocates that understand both the source and the implementation of state and federal funding allows for a more efficient approach to advocacy and maximizes success. TPA monitors and advocates for funding from the source, utilizing teams in Southern California, Sacramento, and Washington, DC to ensure that funding is directed toward the City’s goals. Ultimately, by providing both legislative advocacy and grant funding services to the City, TPA is able to mitigate obstacles in the funding process and maximize opportunities by quickly pivoting to legislative advocacy channels. If there is a missed funding opportunity, TPA utilizes in-house resources to communicate with state and federal representatives and their staff to articulate funding needs and find other means to achieve City goals. Concentrating legislative advocacy and grant funding services within one firm enables TPA to remain as responsive and successful as possible.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 19
DETAILED WORK PLAN
FIRM’S APPROACH TO THE SCOPE OF WORK
TPA will utilize the following strategic and comprehensive approach to provide state and federal legislative advocacy services to the City:
• Conduct Detailed Orientation – Update on Priorities: TPA utilizes a comprehensive onboarding process that includes extensive meetings with various relevant members of City leadership and key City departments to help develop a strategic plan that is carefully tailored to satisfy the needs of the City and is designed for maximum success in the current political climate and funding environment.
• Legislative Platform Development: Utilizing the information gathered during the onboarding process, TPA will coordinate with the City to develop an official legislative platform and strategy that represents the City’s priorities in Sacramento and Washington, DC. This blueprint will be shared with key stakeholders in the State Legislature and Governor’s Administration as well as Congress and the Biden Administration.
• Implement the Legislative Strategy: TPA will advocate for the City’s legislative agenda utilizing the following methods:
o Monitoring: TPA will serve as a reliable and consistent conduit of information to and from, but not limited to the California State Assembly and Senate, the City’s congressional delegation, other members of Congress and their staff, key congressional committees, and various federal agencies.
TPA will monitor and provide regular reports, both orally and in writing, on current legislation, the State and Federal budget process or an assembly and/or congressional events that may directly or indirectly impact the City.
TPA will work closely with the City to assist in the development of the City’s legislative platform and specific legislative priorities. TPA will maintain frequent contact with elected officials and their staff concerning the development of all future legislation and regulations impacting the City. TPA will communicate the potential effects of specific legislation and regulations on the City to elected officials and their staff.
o Track Legislation: TPA will identify, analyze, monitor, and obtain all bills, resolutions, files, journals, histories, etc. relevant to the City’s legislative platform and assess their potential impact on the City. All bills and amendments that are determined to have an impact on the legislative and regulatory interests of the agency will be forwarded to the City.
o Legislative Advocacy: TPA will work to ensure that the City’s position on key State and Federal action is transmitted to elected officials and their staff. The City’s position will also be shared with key state and federal committees and agencies, as well as other key stakeholders and interest groups.
TPA will prepare and submit written and verbal testimony to appropriate policy and fiscal committees and agency hearings regarding legislation relevant to the City. TPA will also draft and deliver position letters to legislators and key officials on specific bill language, notifying them of the City’s position.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 20
DETAILED WORK PLAN
TPA will also work with City to design and implement a strategy that raises the consciousness and awareness of issues relating to municipalities.
o Coordinate Advocacy Trips: TPA will work with the City to coordinate advocacy trips to Sacramento and Washington, DC to meet with the City’s legislative delegation, as well as legislators that serve on committees relevant to the City’s agenda.
Furthermore, whenever possible, TPA will also schedule site visits by legislators to the City.
o Coordination and Reporting of Legislative/Regulatory Efforts: TPA will work with the City to coordinate a legislative and regulatory program, to develop legislative and regulatory positions and platforms. In addition, TPA will draft language and amendments for relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the City’s agenda. When appropriate, TPA will work to coordinate the City’s perspective with other municipalities.
Additionally, TPA will work with the City to design and implement a strategy that raises the consciousness and awareness of issues relating to the City with elected officials and broadens and improves direct communication of City staff with state and/or federal legislators.
TPA will provide regular written reports of all legislative activities and be available to participate in City Council meetings as needed.
o Special Projects Facilitation: TPA will represent the City as a special projects facilitator before state and federal agencies on various funding matters to help develop project guidelines, as well as policy and resolution statements.
If needed, TPA will assist the City with strategic communication or crisis response relative to the County’s legislative affairs activities.
o Establish an Active Presence: TPA will actively work on behalf of the City to establish a strong identity and presence in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
TPA will always be available for on-site visits, meetings, and presentations to the City.
TPA will regularly communicate with City staff regarding legislative issues.
o Build, Strengthen, and Leverage Relevant Relationships: TPA has cultivated a network of valuable relationships that will be leveraged to promote the City’s legislative agenda.
TPA will engage various techniques to leverage our network of key relationships on behalf of the City:
Schedule meetings for the City to discuss relevant legislation Prepare all briefing materials and talking points for the City Brief legislative offices and stakeholders on the City’s legislative agenda Follow-up on meetings to ensure commitments and deliverables are being met
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 21
DETAILED WORK PLAN
o Grant Identification, Writing and Assessment: TPA will identify potential state and federal grants that would be in line with the City’s mission and values. TPA will also assist in the writing of grant proposals and the acquiring of letters of support for grant proposals from elected officials.
o State Budget Funding Opportunities: In an effort to maximize state funding, TPA will work with the City to identify projects and other funding priorities that may be suitable for funding through the State Budget. TPA will coordinate with the City to develop supporting materials for the budget request. TPA will also work with members of the City’s state legislative delegation, along with the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees, to gain support for the inclusion of the City’s project in the final State Budget approved by the Legislature.
o Federal Earmark Opportunities: In an effort to maximize federal funding, TPA will work with the City to identify projects and other funding priorities that may be suitable for funding through the Federal Earmark process. TPA will coordinate with the City to develop supporting materials for the earmark request. TPA will also work with members of the City’s federal legislative delegation to gain support for the inclusion of the City’s project.
• Provide Progress Reports: TPA will confer regularly with the City on our activities. TPA will provide timely electronic reports on the status of all legislative activity, such as bill language, amendments, and committee analyses. In addition to written reports, TPA will be available to the City for conference calls, in-person briefings, and meetings.
• Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports: TPA will prepare and file, on behalf of the City, all applicable state and federal lobbying disclosure reports.
FIRM’S STRENGTHS
As a firm comprised of both registered lobbyists and grant writers, TPA engages in active and ongoing grant funding and submittal advocacy—in addition to submittal of earmarks requests — on behalf of our clients. TPA recognizes that active advocacy before, during, and after the funding submittal process is a key component to funding success. Since its founding, TPA has provided customized grant writing and funding advocacy for over 250 public agencies throughout the State of California and has excelled in providing full -service legislative advocacy and grant funding services that maximize all avenues of funding at the state, federal, and local levels.
APPROACH TO MANAGING RESOURCES
TPA state and federal advocates diligently work to build and leverage relevant relationships, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor and analyze legislation, implement quality control measures, and maintain consistent communications to identify and pursue all legislative opportunities relevant to the City’s interests . TPA will rely on City staff for specific timely engagement on legislative issues throughout the state and federal legislature processes, as well as to provide applicable technical project information for legislative directed spending opportunities. However, TPA will work to reduce the burden on City staff while implementing its state and federal legislative agendas. This approach enables the TPA team to be an extension of City staff, ensuring that both TPA and the City continue to work together seamlessly to secure legislative successes in the current political and funding environments in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 22
DETAILED WORK PLAN
TPA’s team of 16 state and federal legislative advocates has the capacity to work collaboratively and diligently to pursue multiple opportunities on behalf of the City at any given time. Our unique comprehensive approach to advocacy ensures that no opportunity is missed, and the City is aware of any and all legislative and funding activity occurring at the state and federal levels.
Through consistent communication and proactive engagement, TPA’s team of advocates will be able to quickly respond to legislation, coordinate with City staff, and implement the appropriate advocacy strategies within the timeframes of the City and state and federal governments.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 23
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
KEY CONTRACT STAFF
With a team of 16 registered lobbyists and funding advocates, TPA has the breadth and depth of experience AND the ability to deploy as many advocates as needed to maximize success for the City while minimizing the burden on City staff. TPA proposes a dedicated team of five people to perform state and federal legislative advocacy services for the City. Deputy Director Eric O’Donnell will serve as the project manager to serve as the project lead with the City’s project manager through the duration of the engagement. Senior Associate Joseph Melo will serve as a secondary contact to the City for daily operational issues.
Christopher Townsend
President
Professional Credentials: Registered State and Federal Lobbyist Relevant Experience: 40 Years of Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Experience Role: Managing Principal & Senior Strategic Advisor
Cori Takkinen
Vice President
Professional Credentials: Registered State and Federal Lobbyist Relevant Experience: 15 Years of Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Experience Role: Strategic Advisor/State & Federal Legislative Advocate
Eric O’Donnell
Deputy Director
Professional Credentials: Registered State and Federal Lobbyist Relevant Experience: 8 Years of Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Experience Role: Project Manager/State & Federal Legislative Advocate
Alex Gibbs
Grants Manager
Professional Credentials: Registered State and Federal Lobbyist Relevant Experience: 13 Years of Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Experience Role: State & Federal Legislative Advocate
Joseph Melo
Senior Associate
Professional Credentials: Registered Federal Lobbyist
Relevant Experience: 10 Years of Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Experience Role: Federal Legislative Advocacy
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 24
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Eric O'Donnell
Deputy Director
Project Manager/State & Federal Legislative Advocate
Joseph Melo
Senior Associate
Federal Legislative Advocate
Alex Gibbs
Grants Manager
State & Federal Legislative Advocate
Christopher Townsend
President
Managing Principal & Strategic Advisor
Cori Takkinen
Vice President
Strategic Advisor/State & Federal Legislative Advocate
The chart below delineates communication and reporting relationships among the proposed team.
TPA affirms that all key personnel will be available to the extent proposed for the duration of the project. TPA acknowledges that no person designated as “key” to the contract shall be removed or replaced without the prior written concurrence of the City.
Brief resumes for each member of the client service team can be found on the following pages.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 25
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Christopher Townsend, President: Christopher founded TPA in 1998 and has 40 years of experience in public affairs, legislative advocacy, and grant writing. Christopher and TPA have represented over 315 clients, including 250 local public agencies, such as cities, counties, transportation agencies, water and sanitation districts, elementary and secondary school districts, community college districts, park and recreation districts, and other special districts as well as nonprofit organizations.
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
President 1998–Present
Christopher provides leadership to a team of 16 advocates and grant writers while managing the development and implementation of strategies for the agendas of each client. His achievements include:
• Christopher and his team have shepherded more than 100 client -sponsored pieces of legislation into law as have secured over $2. 9 billion in local, regional, state, and federal government grants as well as private and nonprofit grants for a multitude of legacy projects in the policy sectors of water and sanitation, transportation, education, housing and economic development, parks and natural resources, historical and cultural resources, and public safety.
• Christopher maintains close bipartisan relationships with several members of the California Congressional delegation, including Senator Padilla and Representatives Torres, Porter, Levin, Correa, Lee, Swalwell, Napolitano, Garamendi, Carbajal, DeSaulnier , Sanchez, Lieu, Harder, Calvert, Garcia, Steel, and Kim.
• Christopher maintains close bi -partisan relationships with a number of California State Legislators, including Senators Laird, Gonzalez, Bradford, Newman, Min, Skinner, and Umberg, and Assembly Members Addis, Lowenthal, Gipson, Ting, Ta, and Petrie-Norris.
• Christopher and TPA have participated in the development and implementation of several California bond propositions for the statewide ballot to provide capital funding for major infrastructure projects, including water and sanitation, transportation, education, housing and economic development, parks and natural resources, and hi storical and cultural resources, including Propositions 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 12, 13, 14, 40, 47, 50, 55, 68, and 84. Most recently, Christopher worked closely with the State Legislature and the Governor’s office on the drafting of SB 5 (De Leon), which authorized a $4 billion park bond that was approved on the November 2018 statewide ballot as Proposition 68.
PepsiCo/Taco Bell Corp., Irvine, CA
Senior Director, Government & Community Affairs 1992–1998
Stein-Brief Group, Inc., Dana Point, CA
Vice President, Public Affairs 1982–1992
JFK School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Master of Public Administration 1991
Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Magna cum Laude, Political Science Honors Prize 1982
Coro Fellow
Southern California 1981
Harry S. Truman Scholar
California 1980
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 26
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Cori Takkinen, Vice President: Cori brings 15 years of legislative advocacy and public policy experience to TPA. Cori has extensive experience writing grants for various local, regional, state, and federal opportunities. Cori has expertise in the policy sectors of local governance, transportation, water resources, infrastructure, sanitation, parks and recreation, and economic development.
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Vice President 2011–Present
Throughout her tenure at TPA, Cori has been responsible for securing millions in competitive grant funds for local public agency clients. In addition to her expertise on municipal issues, Cori has strong experience building coalitions, identifying synergies, and leveraging all available opportunities to achieve success. Cori has a strong network of relationships with state and federal legislators, key staff, and various agencies. Some of Cori’s accomplishments include:
• Beginning in 2017, TPA worked with a group of North Orange County cities, including the City of Fullerton, to create the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative. The Collaborative secured $20 million through the FY 2017- 18 State budget request to provide funding for a four -year pilot program . TPA has worked with the Collaborative to secure an additional $20.8 million in funding, including $10 million during the FY 22 and FY 23 federal appropriations processes. TPA has also helped secure $7.8 million in funding through AB 128 in 2021 and $8 million in funding through SB 178 in 2022.
• Cori had over $25 million in Community Project Funding (or earmarks) included in the nine appropriations bills that passed the House in FY 2022.
• In the FY 2021–22 State Budget, Cori worked with several municipal and nonprofit clients to secure $54 million in budget earmarks for priority projects.
• In the FY 2019– 20 State Budget, Cori worked with five municipal clients and one nonprofit client to secure $20.2 million in budget earmarks for priority projects, including funding for a stormwater treatment facility, historical renovations, park and trail improvements, fire prevention, and children’s science education.
• Cori worked with the City of Santa Ana to secure a direct funding allocation in the FY 2018 – 19 State Budget in the amount of $4 million to upgrade water infrastructure within the City.
• Cori worked with the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District to sponsor AB 2022 (Gordon). The bill was the first legislation in the nation that allowed for the direct bottling of advanced treated recycled water.
• Cori worked closely with the State Legislature and Administration on the development and implementation of Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018. Cori’s efforts with Proposition 68 resulted in $4.8 million to fund a conservation program at West Coyote Hills in Fullerton.
County of Orange, Board of Supervisors
Policy Advisor for Supervisor John Moorlach 2010
Tom Campbell for US Senate Campaign 2010
Chapman University, Orange, CA
Master of Public Administration 2014
Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA
Bachelor of Arts Economics and Government with Leadership Sequence 2011
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 27
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Eric O’Donnell, Deputy Director: Eric brings eight years of experience in legislative advocacy, grant writing, and local governance to TPA. Eric has been responsible for major legislative victories and grant awards on behalf of public agency clients. Eric has a strong network with both staff and members of the state and federal legislatures as well as relationships with Southern California municipalities. Eric has expertise in the policy sectors of wastewater, water resources, natural resources, local governance, parks and recreation, and transportation.
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Deputy Director 2015–Present
Since joining TPA, Eric has worked with numerous public agencies to secure legislative successes in the areas of water and sanitation policy and infrastructure, natural resources, and parks and recreation. Some of his accomplishments include:
• Eric worked on behalf of the City of Fullerton to secure a direct funding allocation in the FY 2022–23 State Budget in the amount of $6 million to purchase the building that houses the City’s Navigation Center. The purchase of the building gives the City greater control to provide needed improvements to better support the work at the Navigation Center. The Navigation Center assists persons experienci ng homelessness in the City of Fullerton and connects them to the wide variety of services offered at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Leveraging his close relationships with the California Federal delegation on behalf of clients, Eric secured over $22 million in Community Project Funding (or earmarks) in the FY 2022 federal appropriations package.
• Eric worked closely with the City of Avalon to secure a $2 million earmark through the FY 2023 Federal Appropriations process for the City’s Pebbly Beach Road Revetment Repairs and Structural Improvements Project. Eric helped draft project materials and build support, ultimately ensuring that the project was included in the final Appropriations bill.
• Eric worked alongside City of Dinuba staff to request and secure $1.5 million in Community Project Funding for the City through U.S. Senator Alex Padilla in the FY 2023 Federal Appropriations process. The funding will help the City address the long-term resiliency needs of its residents and provide an integral resource to promote healthy and safe communities.
• Eric was critical in facilitating a resolution to a Redevelopment Dissolution related issue for the City of Stanton that resulted in the City receiving over $2.1 million in loan repayment.
Eric worked closely with the City, the City's legislative delegation, and executive staff from the Department of Finance to identify a solution. The favorable resolution resulted in the Department of Finance approving a previously denied line item on the City’s Recognized Obligation Payments Schedule (ROPS), thus awarding the City a loan repayment.
• Possesses Drinking Water Distribution Operator (D1) and Drinking Water Treatment Operator (T1) certifications from the State Water Resources Control Board.
City of Brea
Community Services Senior Leader 2009–2015
Chapman University, Orange, CA
Master of Public Administration 2020
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, General Management 2014
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 28
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Alex Gibbs, Grants Manager: Alex brings 12 years of public policy and legislative advocacy experience to TPA. Alex has four years of experience working for the State Legislature analyzing, researching, writing, and shepherding bills through the legislative process. Alex has also secured signi ficant grant funding for clients throughout California. Alex has expertise in the policy sectors of parks and recreation, natural resources, local governance, public safety, and transportation.
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Grants Manager 2014–Present
During his tenure at TPA, Alex has been responsible for securing millions in competitive grant funds at the private, state, and federal levels for local public agency clients. In addition to his expertise on parks and recreation, transportation, and public safety, Alex has a strong network of relationships with State Legislators and key staff as well as various state departments and agencies. Some of his accomplishments include:
• Alex worked jointly with the City of Fullerton to secure a $200,000 planning grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program.
The grant will help fund the Fullerton Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which will increase public safety for all forms of transportation in the city, including walking, bicycling and single occupancy vehicle users.
• Alex coordinated with County of Kern staff to secure over $17 million in grant funding from the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Grant Program administered by the California Department of Health Care Services to establish a youth crisis walk-in center facility.
• Alex worked closely with the City of Oakland staff to secure $7 million in grant funding from the Clean CA Local Grant Program.
• Alex led a team of Kern County staff through the application process to secure $6.5 million in grant funding from the Prop 68 Statewide Parks Program (Round 4).
• Alex worked with the City of San Leandro staff to secure $4.5 million in grant funding from the Building Forward Library Infrastructure Program administered by the California State Library to upgrade multiple libraries throughout the City.
• Alex collaborated with state Natural Resources Agency staff to secure a $3 million Urban Greening Grant for the Desert Recreation District.
• Alex worked jointly with the City of South San Francisco to secure a $868,000 grant from the Active Transportation Program (ATP).
• Alex collaborated with state and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund staff to secure a $750,000 grant for the City of Imperial.
California State Senate
Legislative Aide 2012–2014
University of San Francisco, CA
Bachelor of Arts, Politics 2011
San Diego State University
Professional Grant Writing Certification 2023
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 29
PROPOSED STAFFING & ORGANIZATION
Joseph Melo, Senior Associate: Joseph brings 10 years of federal legislative, funding, and public policy experience. Joseph has extensive experience managing legislative and funding activity, including bill analysis, research, and drafting, particularly for federal funding opportunities. Joseph has expertise in several policy areas including energy and commerce, technology, education, housing, foreign affairs, and local government governance.
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
Senior Associate 2023–Present
As a Senior Associate, Joseph is skilled in leveraging his extensive policy knowledge and relationships at both the state and federal levels to advocate for TPA clients and ensure legislative and funding success. Some of Joseph’s experience includes:
• Joseph successfully advocated for three community college projects in the FY 2024 community project funding process. These projects, which would support the priorities of Long Beach and Yosemite Community College Districts, were selected by multiple members of the House and Senate and approved by the full appropriations committees.
• Joseph has worked closely with several TPA clients to plan federal advocacy trips and accompany personnel throughout their visit. These trips resulted in valuable meetings with the clients’ respective congressional delegations and federal agencies, leading to the identification of several funding and partnership opportunities.
• Joseph’s experience working for two California Congressional Representatives has led to an extensive network of relationships throughout Washington, DC. These relationships have led to many successes navigating program complexities, rules, and regulations at agencies such as the Departments of Education, Energy, Commerce, and EPA. His understanding of the political dynamics of the California Congressional delegation and their interactions with other members of the Senate and House are key to successfully advocating for California-based clients.
• Joseph has extensive knowledge and understanding of the current federal appropriations process and has experience in successfully securing millions of dollars’ worth of earmarks for California projects. While serving as Policy Advisor to Congressman McNerney, Joseph assisted in securing $27 million in community project funding for 15 projects in Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, greatly benefiting local California communities.
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) Policy Advisor, Legislative Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, Intern 2019–2023
As Policy Advisor, Joseph led the Congressman’s legislative portfolio on issues under the jurisdiction of the Energy & Commerce and Science, Space & Technology Committees . Joseph co-led the Congressman’s appropriations process and helped to secure more than $27 million for 15 community projects located in California’s Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties.
Oracle Corporation
Enterprise Account Manager 2015–2017
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) District Intern 2014
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science 2015
The Wilson Center
Foreign Policy Fellowship Program Certificate 2022
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 30
FEE SCHEDULE
In the event that TPA is selected as both the City’s Legislative Advocate and Grant Writer, TPA will provide a monthly bundled discount to provide both services at $9,000 per month. TPA will honor the proposed fee for the first three years of the contract. Optional renewals after year three of the contract will be amended to a fee of $10,000 per month.
ALL-INCLUSIVE RETAINER:
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES MONTHLY FEE
State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Services $6,000* • Conduct Detailed Orientation Included
• Legislative Platform Development Included
• Implement the Legislative Strategy Included
• Monitoring Included
• Track Legislation Included
• Legislative Advocacy Included
• Coordinate Advocacy Trips Included
• Coordination and Reporting of Legislative/Regulatory Efforts Included • Special Projects Facilitation Included
• Establish an Active Presence Included
• Build, Strengthen, and Leverage Relevant Relationships Included • Grant Identification, Writing, and Assessment Included • State Budget Funding Opportunities Included
• Federal Earmark Opportunities Included
• Provide Progress Reports Included
• Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports Included *The monthly fee includes all reasonable business and travel expenses.
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy Services | City of Fullerton Page 31
STATUS OF PAST AND PRESENT CONTRACTS FORM
Proposal for Legislative Advocacy | City of Fullerton Page 32
REQUIRED FORMS