Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.

Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. TPA is a premier lobbying firm that provides California advocacy, federal advocacy, and grant writing

On September 1, 1998, Christopher Townsend set out to create a firm dedicated to championing the voices of public agenci...
09/01/2026

On September 1, 1998, Christopher Townsend set out to create a firm dedicated to championing the voices of public agencies across California. 28 years later, Townsend Public Affairs continues to be a trusted partner to communities across the state and beyond, helping turn their visions into legacies.

With a dedicated team of advocates and expert grant writers, we’ve successfully shepherded more than 165 legislative proposals into law and secured more than $3.4 billion in competitive funding for our clients’ priority projects. Whether shaping local, state, or federal policy or unlocking essential funding for critical community investments, our team remains driven by one clear mission: to be Champions for Better Communities.

From infrastructure improvements and educational advancements to public safety initiatives and park revitalizations, the TPA team has consistently worked alongside our clients to advance priorities and deliver meaningful, lasting results for California communities.

As we celebrate 28 years, we extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members who have made this journey possible. Together, we’ve made a tangible impact in communities across California and we’re excited for everything still ahead!

We are excited to share that AB 2307, championed by TPA on behalf of the Southwest Elected Leaders Collaborative (SWELC)...
08/31/2026

We are excited to share that AB 2307, championed by TPA on behalf of the Southwest Elected Leaders Collaborative (SWELC), which includes the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) and its member agencies, has officially been signed into law!

The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez and coauthored by Assemblymembers Corey Jackson and Alexandra Macedo and Senator Kelly Seyarto, establishes a traffic signal synchronization pilot program for WRCOG and its member agencies. The program will allow local agencies, in coordination with Caltrans, to evaluate and implement coordinated traffic signal timing between state highways and local streets, helping improve traffic flow, travel time reliability, safety, and operational efficiency while reducing vehicle emissions.

This is a great example of how local governments can use state advocacy to advance innovative, regionally focused solutions to transportation challenges. TPA is proud to have championed WRCOG's priorities throughout the legislative process and help turn this vision into law.

Congratulations to WRCOG, and thank you to the legislative leaders who helped make this important transportation initiative a reality!

This week, SB 479, authored by Senator Jesse Arreguín, sponsored by the City of Berkeley, passed the California Legislat...
08/27/2026

This week, SB 479, authored by Senator Jesse Arreguín, sponsored by the City of Berkeley, passed the California Legislature.

Addressing homelessness requires strong communication and coordination across the teams working to support vulnerable residents. SB 479 would give cities that serve as their own Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) greater flexibility to communicate across housing, mental health, and supportive services teams, helping ensure these teams can work together more effectively to connect people experiencing homelessness with the care and resources they need. This simple but important change will help break down silos and strengthen coordination at the local level.

TPA was proud to represent the City of Berkeley in this effort!

What a great turnout for TPA Grants Director Alex Gibbs' session, "Navigating the Funding Landscape: Grant Strategies fo...
08/26/2026

What a great turnout for TPA Grants Director Alex Gibbs' session, "Navigating the Funding Landscape: Grant Strategies for State, Federal, and Local Funding," at the 2026 CSDA Annual Conference!

Alex shared insights on navigating the grant process, identifying funding opportunities, and developing competitive applications to help special districts secure funding for their priority projects.

Couldn't make the session? Join Alex tomorrow, Thursday, from 10:30–11:30 AM PT for TPA's Statewide Parks Program Grant Funding Webinar! Alex, along with other members of our Grants Unit, will break down the $200 million Statewide Parks Program, including eligibility, funding priorities, application requirements, and strategies for developing a competitive proposal.

Register by clicking the link and join us tomorrow to learn how your agency can position itself for success! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TPASPPWebinar

TPA is all set up at the 2026 California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in Palm Desert!Our team ...
08/25/2026

TPA is all set up at the 2026 California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in Palm Desert!

Our team is here to connect with special district leaders and share how TPA can help agencies advance their legislative and funding priorities. Grants Director Alex Gibbs will also be speaking today at 11:00 AM on grant funding opportunities for special districts. We hope to see you at his session, "Navigating the Funding Landscape: Grant Strategies for State, Federal, and Local Funding."

If you're at the conference, be sure to stop by our booth in the exhibit hall and say hello! We'd love to chat about your agency's priorities, discuss funding opportunities, and explore how we can work together to strengthen your community.

We look forward to seeing you in Palm Desert!

TPA is hosting a Statewide Parks Program Grant Funding Webinar on August 27th from 10:30–11:30 AM PT to help cities, cou...
08/20/2026

TPA is hosting a Statewide Parks Program Grant Funding Webinar on August 27th from 10:30–11:30 AM PT to help cities, counties, special districts, and other eligible public agencies understand the program and prepare competitive applications.

The Statewide Parks Program (SPP), administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, will provide $200 million for new parks and recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California.

With almost three decades of of experience securing parks and recreation funding and $94+ million secured for our clients through this program, TPA's Grants Team will cover eligible projects, funding priorities, application requirements, key deadlines, and strategies for putting together a competitive proposal.

Whether you're planning a new park, expanding recreation opportunities, improving existing facilities, or investing in outdoor amenities, join us to learn how your community can pursue its share of this significant funding opportunity.

Register by scanning the QR code below or clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TPASPPWebinar

We are excited to share that Townsend Public Affairs has successfully secured $2,492,250 in partnership with the City of...
08/18/2026

We are excited to share that Townsend Public Affairs has successfully secured $2,492,250 in partnership with the City of San Leandro through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's San Francisco Bay Program Water Quality Restoration Grants!

This funding will support the installation of inland storm trash capture devices, helping prevent trash and pollutants from entering local waterways and improving water quality throughout the community. These improvements will support a cleaner, healthier environment while advancing San Leandro's long-term commitment to protecting its natural resources and the San Francisco Bay.

At TPA, we are proud to champion initiatives that strengthen California communities and protect our environment. This latest achievement is another example of the City's commitment to creating a clean, healthy, and sustainable community for residents and future generations.

Congratulations, San Leandro, and thank you to everyone involved in making this important project possible!

TPA is honored to announce that we have been retained by the City of Huntington Park to provide Grant Writing services. ...
08/11/2026

TPA is honored to announce that we have been retained by the City of Huntington Park to provide Grant Writing services.

We look forward to our collaboration with the City to help transform its vision into a legacy.

Thank you, Huntington Park!

We're proud to see our interns making the most of every opportunity to learn, connect, and engage in California's policy...
08/06/2026

We're proud to see our interns making the most of every opportunity to learn, connect, and engage in California's policymaking process!

This week, TPA State Advocacy Intern Ally Venezia attended the Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association's (APICA) 14th Annual Sushi Showdown, connecting with professionals from across California's policy community and members of the State Legislature. Ally had the opportunity to meet with Assemblymembers Alex Lee, Mike Fong, and Ash Kalra, while building relationships with so many individuals who are making a difference across our state.

Thank you to APICA for hosting another fantastic event and for creating opportunities that bring together policymakers, advocates, and emerging leaders. TPA is excited to support the next generation of public policy professionals, and we look forward to seeing all that Ally accomplishes during her time with our team!

TPA was proud to support the City of Tulare as Councilmember Terry Sayre testified before Congress in support of H.R. 89...
08/04/2026

TPA was proud to support the City of Tulare as Councilmember Terry Sayre testified before Congress in support of H.R. 8913, the Tulare Youth Recreation and Women's History Enhancement Act.

If enacted, the legislation would remove a long-standing federal reversionary interest, allowing the City to acquire clear title to the historic Tulare Women's Club House and the Tulare Rotary Skate Park. This important step would preserve two treasured community assets while allowing the City to invest in their long-term restoration, improvement, and public use for generations to come.

We're honored to stand alongside the City of Tulare as it advances legislation that protects local history, expands recreational opportunities, and invests in the future of the community!

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1401 Dove Street, Suite 430
Newport Beach, CA
92660

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