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Lobbying firm briefs Brookhaven on federal funding opportunities, flags $560,000 Ashford Forest committee approval
Summary
The Ferguson Group presented a federal agenda to Brookhaven council, outlining potential funding sources (WIFIA, TIFIA, earmarks), warning of near‑term effects from the federal shutdown on ACA subsidies and SNAP, and noting a committee‑approved $560,000 appropriation for the Ashford Forest Preserve project.
Jennifer Veil, managing partner with the Ferguson Group, and colleague Courtney Miller briefed the City of Brookhaven on a proposed federal agenda and advocacy priorities, framing potential funding avenues and near‑term federal risks.
Veil said federal uncertainty is affecting local planning: the ongoing federal government shutdown (day 21 during the briefing) could complicate Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies and SNAP nutrition assistance, potentially raising costs for residents. "The ACA...the marketplace is opening, November 1, and there are not renewed subsidies...Once November 1 happens, there's gonna be premiums that skyrocket," Veil said.
On project funding, the Ferguson Group reported a committee‑approved appropriation of $560,000 for an Ashford Forest Preserve project and described financing tools the city can pursue, including WIFIA (water infrastructure finance), TIFIA (transportation finance), and Congressional earmarks. "We have a project funded, for $560,000 for your Ashford Forest, preserve project," Veil said. The firm recommended staff consider a letter of intent for WIFIA where applicable while identifying match funding (WIFIA covers roughly 51% of project cost).
The briefing covered other federal priorities relevant to Brookhaven: monitoring the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for housing reforms and law‑enforcement wellness funding, IIJA/bridge and surface transportation reauthorization, and programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All and Reconnecting Communities that might support Peachtree Creek Greenway and local bridge projects. The Ferguson Group also discussed potential earmark requests for police radios and mental‑health support and advised preserving municipal‑bond tax exemption concerns amid national tax debates.
Council received the briefing; no formal federal agenda vote took place at the work session. The Ferguson Group said staff will return a final federal agenda for council review that incorporates department priorities and potential additions.
