Hemet approves contract with Townsend Public Affairs for state, federal advocacy and grant writing

The Hemet City Council on March 11 unanimously approved a contract with Townsend Public Affairs to provide state and federal advocacy and competitive grant-writing services, the city manager said.

Staff described a competitive process that yielded five proposals; Townsend was recommended because the firm offers both state and federal representation plus grant-writing services. The recommended retainer is $7,500 per month, city staff said, an increase of $2,500 per month over the $5,000 monthly baseline the city had previously budgeted for grant-writing support.

Townsend Vice President Corrie Takanen briefed the council on the firm’s capabilities, noting a team of registered lobbyists and grant writers, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. offices, and experience placing funding for infrastructure, public safety and community projects. Councilmembers asked about capacity, program selection and whether there are additional costs beyond the retainer. Takanen said there are no additional firm fees beyond the monthly retainer for standard services, and that the firm will analyze grant programs for match requirements, environmental review needs and administrative reporting obligations before the city decides to proceed with any particular application.

Townsend’s services are intended to help Hemet identify funding opportunities, prepare competitive applications and support legislative advocacy when relevant. The city manager said the effort is part of the council’s strategic plan and complements work to develop shovel-ready projects for grant applications.

Councilmember Mills moved to approve the agreement and Councilmember Krupa seconded; the council approved the contract by roll call vote, 5-0.