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Townsend Public Affairs briefs council on HAP round 7 access, JLAC audit option and federal advocacy for women—s clubhouse
Summary
Lobbyist Spencer Street updated council on Union Pacific property work, legislative timelines for 2026, HAP round 7 funding concerns and Cal Cities— efforts to expand city access; he recommended pursuing legislation or a JLAC audit and coordinating with local congressional offices on federal advocacy for the women—s clubhouse property.
At the start of the study session, Spencer Street of Townsend Public Affairs briefed the council on two parallel efforts: pursuing acquisition of Union Pacific properties for a women—s clubhouse and skate park, and strategies to improve city access to state homeless-assistance funds (HAP round 7).
Street said both local U.S. representatives have signaled support to help get language moving and staff have drafted a letter for Union Pacific; one property sits in each member—s district. On state funding, Street said HAP round 7 intends to include compliance strings (housing element consistency, regional planning, local match) and that some continuums of care have been opaque in past rounds, limiting smaller cities— ability to access funds.
He recommended two legislative strategies: (1) partner with Cal Cities and a coalition of smaller cities to pursue statutory changes that broaden eligibility or carve-outs; (2) file a request with the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) to have the state auditor examine how HAP allocations were made, which could build momentum for future legislation. Several councilmembers asked staff to prepare an agenda item listing potential legislative proposals and to return in December with draft materials for sponsor outreach. Street said he would coordinate with Assemblymember Macedo—s and Senator Hurtado—s offices and continue discussions with Cal Cities and congressional offices on federal advocacy.
Council supported moving forward with exploratory work, including tracking HAP distributions and considering a JLAC request if transparency issues persist; staff will return with additional analysis and a draft timeline.
