STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of November 12, 2025
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for State Legislative Advocacy Services RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (“TPA”) to provide lobbying and advocacy services. Additionally, it is recommended that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget be amended to allocate funds from the General Fund Reserve in an amount not to exceed $47,000.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City of Hercules requires professional lobbying and advocacy services to advance its legislative priorities and secure funding for critical infrastructure improvements, transportation projects, economic development, and fiscal sustainability needs. Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (TPA) is a firm with extensive experience in legislative advocacy, grant writing, and coalition-building at both the state and federal levels.
After engaging various lobbying firms for legislative support, TPA is recommended due to their demonstrated success in securing over $3.2 billion in funding for public agencies and their understanding of the City’s priorities and funding needs. TPA has a strong track record in legislative advocacy and has previously worked with municipalities on similar priorities.
The contract features an all-inclusive retainer fee of $2,000 starting in December 2025, followed by $5,000 each month from January 2026 to September 2026, with a cap of $47,000. This includes all reasonable business and travel expenses.
The City’s engagement with Townsend Public Affairs will support our ongoing efforts to:
Advance Hercules’s Legislative Priorities - Ensure the city’s infrastructure and fiscal sustainability needs are effectively represented at the state and federal levels.
Secure Funding and Policy Support - Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that directly benefit Hercules.
Strengthen Strategic Relationships - Build and maintain connections with key legislators, agencies, and stakeholders to support long-term collaboration and funding access.
The Scope of Work with TPA would include the following:
Strategic Planning
Conduct Detailed Orientation
Develop Legislative Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with Decision-Makers and Stakeholders
Coordinate Advocacy Efforts
Craft Legislative Materials and Communications
Reporting and Compliance
Provide Regular Updates and Progress Reports
Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although several firms have relevant experience, an evaluation of various lobbying entities showed that TPA stands out in expertise, historical knowledge, and success with other agencies. Therefore, staff recommends that the Council allocate an amount not to exceed $47,000 from General Fund Reserves to engage TPA for lobbying and advocacy. There are adequate resources in the General Fund Reserve to support this expense.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
TPA Proposal and Scope of Services