The Murrieta City Council unanimously approved two contract amendments during its Dec. 2 meeting, extending and increasing agreements for lobbying and grant-support services.

Staff outlined two distinct amendments: an increase to the Townsend Public Affairs contract of $414,000 over three years for continued federal and state advocacy and grant-writing services, and a one-year agreement with the Alchemy Group focused on liaison work with a congressional office and tied to the uncertain outcomes of Proposition 50. Ben Goldeen, federal advocacy manager at Townsend, told the council the firm has helped Murrieta secure more than $18 million in federal, state and local grants since 2020.

City Manager Justin Lisonbee noted Townsend proposed a larger increase initially but negotiated a more modest, phased increase after discussions about the city’s fiscal constraints. Councilmember Holiday moved approval, Mayor Pro Tem Lavelle seconded, and the motion carried unanimously, 5-0.

Council members thanked Townsend for prior work on projects including the Keller interchange and the Murrieta Innovation Center. The council’s vote authorizes staff to finalize amended agreements and return execution documents as needed.