M E M O R A N D U M
To: City of Orange
Mayor Dan Slater
Mayor Pro Tem Arianna Barrios
Councilmember Jon Dumitru
Councilmember Kathy Tavoularis
Councilmember Denis Bilodeau
Councilmember Ana Gutierrez
Councilmember John Gyllenhammer
From: Townsend Public Affairs
Christopher Townsend, President
Sean McReynolds, Senior Associate
Christine Rose, Senior Associate
Date: June 23, 2023
Subject: Activity Report
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.
Townsend Public Affairs has been working with the City of Orange since October of 2022. Since then, TPA has been focused on identifying priority projects of the City to position for state and federal funding through competitive grants, the state budget process, and community project funding through the federal appropriations process. Since working with the City, TPA is proud to have already secured nearly $200,000 with over $10 million pending through various funding opportunities. The following is a summary of the grant applications and legislative directed spending applications.
FUNDING PROGRAM PROJECT AMOUNT OUTCOME
Department of Energy – Energy
Efficiency Block Grant Program
Purchase of ZEV’s for
City Fleet
$189,950 Awarded
State Budget Homeless Resource
Center
$2 million Pending passage
of SB 102
GRANTS AND FUNDING ADVOCACY
Federal Community Project Public Safety
Equipment – Axon
Software
$1,100,000 Submitted,
outcome pending
Sponsors – Rep.
Kim, Sen. Padilla
Federal Community Project West Orange Park $2,000,000 Submitted, outcome pending
Sponsors: Rep.
Correa
Federal Community Project Olive Park $4,500,000 Submitted, outcome pending
Sponsors: Sen.
Padilla
BSCC Organized Retail Theft
Prevention Grant
Reducing Retail and
Vehicle Theft in the
City of Orange
$574,000 Due Date: July 7,
2023
Integrated Climate Adaptation and
Resiliency Program (ICARP)
Adaptation Planning Grant
Update City’s HMP,
EOP, and Continuity
of Operations Plan
$214,845 Not Awarded. TPA
working with
agency to identify
future application
improvements
In addition to providing monthly grant memos and conducting regular grant meet ings with staff, TPA is tracking the following priority grants for the City:
GRANT
PROGRAM
PROJECT DETAIL
Regional
Catastrophic
Preparedness
Grant Program –
Region 9
Update City’s
HMP, EOP,
and Continuity
of Operations
Plan
The City and TPA are exploring a competitive application for funds to update the hazard mitigation plan,
emergency operations plan, and continuity of operations plan.
Safe Streets and
Roads for All
Active
Transportation
Plan
TPA is discussing eligible projects with the City for this grant program, and how active transportation plan
elements can be included.
Mobile Source Air
Pollution
Reduction
Review
Committee
(MSRC)
Microtransit
Service in Old
Towne
Orange
Anaheim Transportation Network was the lead applicant
and responsible for the 50% project match. The City and TPA assisted with the application which will benefit Old Towne Orange businesses and Orange residents and
visitors.
Below is a summary of recent legislative and agency advocacy services that TPA has provided to the City:
- TPA provided summaries of relevant state and federal legislative and administration updates on a weekly basis
- TPA provided a comprehensive bill matrix with priority legislation, as well as a monthly legislative report on all major state and federal activity
- TPA worked with the City, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia to help secure legislative bond language in AB 1567 for regional city projects along the Santa Ana River
- TPA engaged with the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board as well as Senator Min’s office to successfully advocate for the City’s position and letter regarding Chandler Pit
- TPA coordinated advocacy efforts with HCD executives, the City’s state delegation, and staff regarding the City’s housing element
- At the direction of city staff, TPA successfully advocated for a project scope change for the City’s SB 2 and LEAP funding to accommodate the City’s priorities
- TPA assisted city staff with various reporting and funding issues related to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s grant to the City for the Hart Park Pickleball Project
- TPA continues to advocate on behalf of the City, as well as the other North SPA cities, to ensure that HCD delivers funding to the cities for regional homelessness services
- TPA, in coordination with the City’s legislative delegation, successfully secured a $2 million allocation for the City’s Homeless Resource Center project in the state budget
STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
July
2023
State
Governor deadline to sign State Budget
Last Day for Policy Committees to Meet
Summer Recess
TPA to provide a comprehensive budget overview and analysis which includes notable changes from the May revise budget and funding of interest to the City. Additionally, TPA will monitor and report to the City budget trailer legislation.
TPA to update the City on legislation designated for action upon the Legislature’s return from summer recess.
Federal
Appropriations bills will be considered in the House, providing an opportunity to engage directly with the City’s federal delegation to promote funding for City projects.
August
2023
State
Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess
TPA will advocate on behalf of the City on priority bills in the last month of the session.
Federal
Congress’s traditional August recess provides an opportunity to build relationships among staff and federal agencies and prepare for the busy fall legislative session.
September
2023
State
Last day for Governor to sign or veto Legislation
TPA to draft and deliver signature and veto request letters on behalf of the City where necessary. TPA to facilitate meetings with Administration policy staff when necessary.
TPA to provide a legislative wrap-up, detailing the outcomes of the Legislative Session.
Federal
The end of the fiscal year brings a flurry of legislating in the U.S. Capitol with ample opportunity for TPA to work on behalf of the City. Federal funding will materialize and TPA will engage with members of the Appropriations Committees and their staffs to promote and advocate for City priorities.
October
2023
State
TPA to monitor political and post-legislative session developments and provide the City with any pertinent information. TPA will be available to provide community engagement and education services as needed.
LOOKING AHEAD – FUNDING AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Federal
TPA will continue to advocate for the City’s end of the year legislative and project priorities in Washington, DC, while also looking ahead to identify potential opportunities for the City.
November
2023
State
TPA to begin creating next year’s advocac y strategy. TPA to provide the City with a comprehensive report on anticipated policy trends for next year’s Legislative Session.
Federal
Identify legislative priorities for the next year. TPA to begin conducting internal discussions with City staff reg arding upcoming priorities. Lay the initial groundwork for next year’s Federal advocacy trips. Conduct a review of previous trips to explore best practices, learn from past trips, and improve the experience for future years.
December
2023
State
TPA to update and finalize the City’s Legislative Priorities to maximize success in the upcoming Legislative Session. TPA to work with the City to identify projects for potential state budget earmark requests.
Federal
TPA to work with the City to finalize the list of projects and to finalize a Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Appropriations funding request ask. Ask may include a specific request for the City, as well as a statewide request for additional funding in key programs.