REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of February 10, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 with Tai Ginsberg & Associates LLC (“TG&A”) for an amount not to exceed $50,000 to Provide Strategic Federal Advocacy Consulting Services to Advance the Hercules Hub Project RECOMMENDATION ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution approving a $50,000 contract amendment with Tai Ginsberg & Associates LLC (“TG&A”) to provide strategic federal advocacy consulting services to advance the Hercules Hub Project and appropriating $50,000 from the General Fund Reserves to fund the contract fully.
BACKGROUND:
The Hercules Hub is a planned regional waterfront housing and transportation center that will connect thousands of homes to Capitol Corridor rail service, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, bus routes, carpool options, and future ferry service. Along with full environmental clearance and a secured right of way, the project has already benefited from approximately $46 million in completed improvements, including the John Muir Parkway and Bayfront Boulevard extensions and Bay Trail gap closures to the north and south. An estimated $130 million in additional funding is still needed to construct the rail infrastructure necessary for a Capitol Corridor station at the Hub.
Since 2022, the City has partnered with our consulting firm, GrayBowenScott, to elevate the project with regional, state, and federal agencies and to advance a comprehensive funding strategy. This work has resulted in a $2.4 million TIRCP grant, secured jointly with the Capitol Corridor JPA, and access to an $850,000 federal earmark from Congressman Garamendi. In February 2026, the City will apply to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National) to assist in funding the Hub's design, making it possible to seek additional Federal funding to complete construction.
Federal transportation, rail, and multimodal grants are some of the most competitive in the country, making a federal lobbyist essential to keep the City visible, informed, and strategically positioned as opportunities arise. For this reason, on January 14, 2025, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with TG&A for up to $50,000 to provide federal lobbying support for advancing the Hercules Hub Project. These initial funds have been exhausted, and additional funding is needed to sustain momentum and continue building this important project.
ANALYSIS:
The Hercules Hub remains a competitive candidate for federal transportation, rail, and multimodal funding, and continued federal lobbying support is essential to advancing the project. A federal lobbyist helps ensure the City remains visible and strategically positioned with congressional offices and key agencies, such as U.S. DOT, FRA, and FTA, while providing expertise in navigating complex, evolving federal grant programs. Ongoing advocacy is critical for a project of this scale, which requires approximately $130 million in additional funding and will depend on multiple federal sources over several years. Lobbyist support also strengthens the City’s relationships with regional and federal partners, enhances the City’s ability to pursue earmarks and appropriations, and ensures Hercules remains competitive with larger jurisdictions that routinely engage federal advocates. With $46 million already invested in the Hub, maintaining federal lobbying services is vital to protecting prior commitments and securing the resources needed to move the project forward.
Since 2025, TG&A has worked with staff and the consulting team on the following:
Initiated effort to unlock Garamendi earmark dollars by solidifying Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) as the local FTA recipient partner and pushed to receive FTA concurrence for the City to start using the funds immediately instead of waiting for the Final Design phase.
This resulted in the ability for the City to tap into the funds this year in an expedited fashion.
Conducted ongoing coordination by leveraging close relationships with the leadership of local and regional key stakeholders for the Hercules Hub to position the project for success.
This includes, but was not limited to: CCTA, Capitol Corridor JPA, Union Pacific Railroad, Federal Railroad Administration, Caltrans, and CalSTA.
Held strategic vision discussions with CCTA leadership, which led to the decision to apply for the federal FRA National Railroad Partnership Program (NRPP).
This effort also started a conversation about future grant funding plans and the ability to work with CCTA for certain local match dollars.
Teed up discussions and drafted concept papers with Rep. Garamendi and his staff to draft legislation for a potential standalone bill that would establish a new funding stream for rail stations in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Gathered and shared intel from FRA leadership regarding the future of the FRA Corridor ID program and its potential impacts on the Hercules Hub project moving forward.
Supported visit by Sen. Arreguin to the City of Hercules.
Provided ongoing guidance and strategic advice to the City and its consultant team.
Staff recommends amending the contract with TG&A to continue providing federal lobbying support for the Hercules Hub. Ongoing advocacy is crucial to securing the remaining federal funding needed for the project, positioning the City competitively for highly sought-after transportation and rail grants, and maintaining strong relationships with congressional offices and key federal agencies. Extending TG&A’s services will help ensure the Hercules Hub remains visible, strategically aligned with federal priorities, and well-positioned to pursue earmarks, appropriations, and other funding opportunities vital to advancing the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The General Fund Reserve has sufficient resources to finance this amendment. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council approve the appropriation of $50,000 from the General Fund Capital Reserve to engage TG&A's services. This investment will enhance our ability to effectively advocate for the city's transportation priorities at the federal level.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Proposal for Strategic Federal Advocacy Consulting Services