ATTACHMENT C
Summary of Efforts
CALIFORNIA ADVOCACY • FEDERAL ADVOCACY • GRANT WRITING
Sacramento • Washington, D.C.
Northern California • Central California • Southern California S
M E
M O R A N D U M
To: The Honorable Naomi Soto and Members of the City Council CC: Scott Stiles, City Manager
Teresa Gallavan, Assistant City Manager
From
: Townsend Public Affairs
Niccolo De Luca, Vice President
Ben Goldeen, Federal Advocacy Director
Carly Shelby, Deputy Director
Anastasia Heaton, Senior Associate
Kerri West, Senior Associate
Dat
e: June 5, 2026
Subject: Summary of Accomplishments for the City of Palm Springs Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (TPA) is pleased to present this memorandum to the City of Palm Springs summarizing our efforts and accomplishments in support of the City's legislative agenda and funding priorities.
St
rategic Legislative and Funding Partnerships
Since the inception of our partnership, TPA has worked closely with the City's elected officials and administrative leadership to advance key municipal priorities. Our efforts have included strategic advocacy at both the state and federal levels, targeted legislative engagement, and the identification and pursuit of competitive funding opportunities. These initiatives have been guided by a shared commitment to delivering meaningful, community-focused outcomes for the residents of Palm Springs.
Over the past four years, our collaborative efforts have secured $7,728,231 in critical funding for vital City projects, with almost $8,000,000 currently pending consideration. These achievements were made possible through strong partnerships with a broad network of state and federal elected officials and their offices, including:
• Governor Gavin Newsom's Office
• Assemblymember Greg Wallis
• Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
• Congressman Ken Calvert
• Congressman Raul Ruiz
• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
• U.S. Senator Adam Schiff
In 2025 and 2026, the City significantly expanded its engagement in Sacramento through advocacy missions and formal support of multiple legislative measures. Each year, the California Legislature considers hundreds of bills that directly affect local governments, including issues Ci
ty of Palm Springs Summary of Efforts 2
related to municipal operations, fiscal resources, housing policy, public safety, infrastructure, environmental programs, economic development, and the delivery of essential services.
By taking formal positions on state legislation, the City of Palm Springs has effectively advocated for the interests of its residents, businesses, and visitors while helping shape policies that impact communities throughout California. Active participation in the legislative process enables the City to communicate its unique perspectives and operational expertise to policymakers while highlighting Palm Springs' successful programs and initiatives.
In addition, legislative engagement helps position the City to secure critical state resources and funding opportunities. Many legislative proposals establish or expand grant programs, infrastructure investments, housing resources, economic development initiatives, and other funding mechanisms that can directly benefit Palm Springs residents and support the City's long- term strategic goals.
Supporting legislation that aligns with the City's adopted legislative platform, strategic priorities, and community values demonstrates Palm Springs' commitment to proactive governance and sound public policy. It also strengthens relationships with state legislators, regional partners, and municipal advocacy organizations, creating opportunities for collaboration on issues of shared importance and advancing solutions that benefit both the local community and the broader region.
Over the past two legislative sessions, the City has taken positions on more than 30 pieces of legislation, demonstrating its commitment to active engagement in the policymaking process.
Advocacy Missions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Advocacy missions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. provide valuable opportunities for the City of Palm Springs to advance local priorities, secure funding, and strengthen relationships with state and federal policymakers. These visits allow City representatives to advocate for legislative and regulatory actions that support community needs, including infrastructure improvements, housing initiatives, public safety resources, transportation investments, water reliability, and economic development programs.
Direct engagement with elected officials and government agencies helps ensure that Palm Springs' interests are represented in policy discussions and funding decisions that affect local residents and businesses. These advocacy efforts also position the City to compete more effectively for grants and other financial resources, helping reduce the burden on local taxpayers while supporting critical community projects.
Furthermore, these missions foster strategic partnerships with regional, state, and federal stakeholders, enhancing collaboration on issues of mutual concern. By maintaining a consistent presence in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., the City strengthens its ability to influence policy decisions, protect local interests, and secure resources that contribute to the long-term economic vitality and quality of life of the Palm Springs community.
Over the past year, TPA successfully initiated, organized, and led three advocacy missions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. focused on advancing Palm Springs' legislative priorities and funding objectives. These efforts resulted in direct engagement with policymakers and agency officials and contributed to the successful acquisition of state and federal funding for key City initiatives. The missions demonstrated the value of proactive advocacy in securing external resources, influencing policy discussions, and ensuring Palm Springs remains competitive for future funding opportunities.
Ci
ty of Palm Springs Summary of Efforts 3
Ongoing Support and Engagement
In addition to legislative advocacy and funding acquisition efforts, TPA provides ongoing strategic support to the City through:
• Weekly legislative and funding updates to City staff
• Presentations and briefings to the City Council
• Planning, coordination, and execution of advocacy missions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
• Continuous monitoring of legislative, regulatory, and funding developments affecting City priorities
TPA is honored to serve as the City of Palm Springs' legislative and funding advocacy partner.
We remain committed to advancing the City's interests, securing critical resources, and supporting local initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Palm Springs residents. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership and helping the City achieve its long-term goals at all levels of government.
Funding
Successes for the City of Palm Springs
Total Awarded: $7,728,231
Office of Trafic Safety Grant: PSFD Extrication Equipment $50,000 2026 City of Palm Springs: FY26 Federal Budget Earmark: Palm Springs Airport Inline Baggage Claim System
$3,000,000 2026
City of Palm Springs: CPUC Broadband Adoption Account:
Welwood Murray Memorial Library Computer Equipment
$23,430 2025
City of Palm Springs: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Cannabis Equity Grant: Cannabis
Equity Assistance Program
$538,328 2025
City of Palm Springs: USDOT Safe Streets and Roads 4 All:
Comprehensive Action Safety Plan
$776,000 2024
City of Palm Springs: Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants: Comprehensive Shade and Heat Mitigation Plan
$400,000 2024
City of Palm Springs: Federal Budget Earmark: Regional
Flood Transport Project
$673,872 2024
City of Palm Springs: Federal Budget Earmark: Navigation Center
$2,005,961 2024
CASF Adoption Account: Demuth Community Center
Broadband Access Project
$61,109 2023
CPUC Broadband Adoption Account: Library Computer
Equipment
$81,046 2023
California State Library High-Speed Broadband Grant $99,581 2022 Firehouse Subs Grant: Bulletproof Vests Equipment
Acquisition
$18,904 2022
Ci
ty of Palm Springs Summary of Efforts 4
Funding Pending for the City of Palm Springs
Total Pending: $7,915,000
FY2027 Community Project Funding: International
Airport Auxiliary Gate Expansion Project
$5,000,000 2026
FY2027 Community Project Funding: Public Safety
Surveillance Program
$1,000,000 2026
USDOT Safe Streets and Roads 4 All: Convention
Center Connectivity Plan
$1,565,000 2026
Lowes Community Bucket List Grant: Navigation
Center Food Distribution
$250,000 2026
CAC Arts in California Parks: Wyatt Mural
Transformation
$100,000 2026
CNRA Urban Greening Grant: Convention Center
Connectivity
TBD Application in Progress
– due June 4
FEMA SAFER Grant: PSFD Staffing Costs TBD Application in Progress – due June 22
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant: PSFD
Equipment Costs
TBD Application in Progress
– due June 22
CPUC Broadband Adoption Account: Library
Internet Access Project
TBD Application in Progress
– due July 1