Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.

Last week, Townsend Public Affairs Director Eric Thronson took the stage at the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference to moderate a thought-provoking panel titled "Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Dire Outlook for State Transportation Funding" alongside speakers Frank Jimenez (Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst, California Legislative Analyst's Office), Manny Leon (Deputy Director, California Alliance For Jobs), and Lauren Prehoda (Road Charge Program Manager, Caltrans). The session discussed California's declining state transportation revenues, the increasing demand for road and mobility improvements, and the potential solutions to these important issues. With his extensive background in transportation policy, Eric guided a timely discussion on the critical challenges California faces in securing sustainable funding for vital transportation projects. This session shed light on what’s at stake for communities across the state and how innovative solutions are needed to keep California moving forward. We appreciate all who attended and engaged! If you would like to learn more about this topic, or how TPA can help your organization achieve legislative and funding successes, please reach out to TPA Business Development Associate, Olivia Raymond, at oraymond@townsendpa.com.

The Annual League of California Cities Conference is in full swing here in Long Beach! Townsend Public Affairs is excited to be a part of this incredible event, advocating for better communities across California. Stop by our booth on 7th Street to chat with our team of experienced advocates and grant writers! Let’s discuss how we can help turn your vision into a lasting legacy. We look forward to connecting with you!

Attending the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach next week? Catch TPA Director Eric Thronson on Friday morning as he moderates the panel "Where the Sidewalk Will End: The Dire Outlook for State Transportation Funding!" California’s transportation funding is on a collision course! With the push for greenhouse gas reductions, the state is facing a $4.4 billion shortfall in transportation revenue over the next decade. Gas and diesel taxes—which fund most of our roads—are drying up fast, but the needs are only growing! Make sure you swing by Room 102 at 9:30 AM on October 18th to get the inside scoop on competing proposals, the future of state funding, and how YOU can make a difference! We're looking forward to seeing you there!

We’re just a few weeks away from the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Townsend Public Affairs' 10th Annual Closed Session Reception! We invite all conference attendees to join us on Thursday, October 17th, from 4 PM to 11 PM at Bo Beau Kitchen & Roof Tap in Long Beach to connect, share insights, and celebrate a successful year of collaboration with industry leaders and colleagues. Please RSVP to Olivia Raymond at ORaymond@TownsendPA.com. We look forward to seeing you in Long Beach!

Earlier this summer, Congressman Jimmy Panetta joined the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to celebrate securing $800,000 in federal funds to increase access to trails and facilities at the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. TPA is proud to have partnered with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and Congressman Panetta to secure these critical funds, which will support the construction of an ADA-accessible trail, ensuring that everyone, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, can fully experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the preserve. A big thank you to Representative Panetta for his leadership in bringing this essential funding back to California and a huge congratulations to OSA! We are grateful for our continued partnership and look forward to more opportunities to champion the priorities of local communities.

TPA is excited to be hosting a Grant Writing Seminar alongside Assemblyman Tri Ta this month! Join us on Tuesday, September 24th from 3-5 PM to learn expert tips on navigating the grant process to increase your chances of securing crucial funding for your community. TPA's team of expert grant writers will be sharing the latest news in the world of state and federal funding, as well as a comprehensive overview of upcoming opportunities. We hope you'll tune in!

We are thrilled to announce that Townsend Public Affairs has successfully secured $5,382,164 for the City of Palmdale through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program! This transformative funding will address critical speeding and safety concerns along nearly two miles of 20th Street. The project will introduce a new sidewalk, enhanced crosswalks with bulb-outs, upgraded lighting, and the reconstruction of a dangerous intersection to make this corridor safer for all residents. At TPA, we are proud to champion initiatives that improve community safety and infrastructure. This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of the City to maintain a desirable community where everyone wants to live, work, and play. This is a huge win for Palmdale, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact! Thank you to everyone that was involved in this success.

Townsend Public Affairs is excited to be at the 2024 California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in the City of Indian Wells this week! Senior Associates Elisa Arcidiacono and Anastasia Heaton, along with Business Development Associate Olivia Raymond, are here to connect and share how TPA can help your agency achieve its legislative and funding goals. Beat the heat and be sure to visit us at our booth in the exhibit hall! Stop by to learn more about our legislative advocacy and grant writing services, and discuss how we can work together to strengthen your community. We look forward to meeting you!

On September 1, 1998, Christopher Townsend set out to create a firm that would champion the voices of public agencies across California. 26 years later, Townsend Public Affairs stands as a trusted partner, helping communities turn their visions into legacies. With a diligent team of advocates and expert grant writers, we’ve successfully shepherded over 150 legislative proposals into law and secured more than $3.1 billion in competitive funding for clients' legacy projects. Whether it's helping shape state and federal policy or unlocking essential funding for vital projects, our team is driven by one clear mission: to be Champions for Better Communities. From infrastructure improvements to educational advancements, public safety to park revitalizations, the TPA team has consistently been at the forefront, delivering tailored advocacy and grant strategies that create real, lasting change for California communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our clients and partners who have trusted us with their most important priorities. Together, we've made a tangible impact across California’s communities, and we’re excited about the future ahead!

Congratulations to the City of Murrieta for successfully securing a grant award in the amount of $462,990 through the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Protection and Safety Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand the City’s capacity to investigate and prevent dangerous activities related to arson and vandalism. The funding secured will greatly benefit Murrieta's community by enhancing public safety and protecting property. With dedicated resources and specialized personnel, an enhanced arson investigation unit will be able to swiftly address incidents of arson, reducing the risk of further damage and deterring potential offenders. This proactive approach will not only help to safeguard residents and businesses, but also ensure that crime is addressed quickly, contributing to the overall security and well-being of the community. This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of the City to envision, create and maintain a thriving community. Once again, congratulations Murrieta!