TITLE:
title
2021 LEGISLATIVE REPORT AND UPDATE FROM TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
PRESENTED BY: ALMA REYES, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: ALMA REYES (714) 754-5090
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Receive and file the 2021 legislative update and report from Townsend Public Affairs.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 2019, the City of Costa Mesa has contracted with Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) for legislative advocacy and grant writing services. TPA is a State and Federal advocacy firm serving as the City’s lobbyist on legislation affecting Costa Mesa. With the completion of the most recent legislative session, TPA has prepared a presentation for the 2021 Legislative Update detailing TPA’s and the City’s advocacy efforts over the past year and the impacts of major State legislation.
ANALYSIS:
In 2017, the City hired Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) State and Federal advocacy firm, to provide support in grant writing and legislative advocacy services.
However, in an effort to be at the forefront of legislation the City amended its agreement with TPA to include legislative advocacy to the scope of work.
Since then, TPA has developed a legislative platform and strategy that represents the City’s priorities at the State and Federal levels. Some of the key components include:
1. City specific State Legislative topics for recommended action;
2. State Legislative themes for monitoring; and
3. State funding opportunities and requests.
The role of TPA is to act as the voice for the City of Costa Mesa on all State legislation as well as bill tracking and monitoring, updates to the City’s Legislative Committee, City Council and staff, development and hand-delivery of bill support and opposition letters and building relationships between the City and its State and Federal representatives.
With the completion of the 2021 Legislative Session, TPA has prepared a Legislative presentation detailing advocacy efforts over the past year with highlights regarding the impacts of major legislation.
Process for 2022 Legislative Agenda
Beginning in early 2022, Staff and TPA will convene the Legislative Committee and City Departments to review the City’s Legislative Agenda for the upcoming year. Recommended changes will be presented to the City Council for approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
The recommendation to receive and file is an administrative action.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this legislative update.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this staff report as to form.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2021 Legislative Update as presented by TPA.