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Murrieta extends lobbying and grant-support contracts after staff presentation
Summary
Council unanimously approved amendments to contracts with Townsend Public Affairs (three years, ~$414,000) and a one-year Alchemy Group agreement to continue lobbying and grant-support services; Townsend highlighted $18 million in previously secured grants for the city.
Murrieta — The City Council unanimously approved amendments to two outside advocacy contracts on Dec. 2, extending work with Townsend Public Affairs and authorizing a one-year engagement with the Alchemy Group.
Staff told the council the Townsend agreement covers federal, state and local advocacy and grant writing, recommending a three-year contract valued at approximately $414,000. Ben Goldeen, Townsend’s federal advocacy manager, said the firm has helped Murrieta secure more than $18 million in federal, state and local grant awards since 2020 and highlighted specific past wins, including funding for the Keller Interchange and the Murrieta Innovation Center.
“Over the course the five years we’ve worked for the city since 2020, we have helped the city secure more than $18,000,000 in federal, state, and local grants,” Goldeen told the council.
Staff said the Alchemy Group contract is limited to one year because outcomes from Proposition 50 could change lobbying needs. City Manager Justin Clifton and councilmembers praised Townsend’s record and noted the firm negotiated a modest increase after discussion with staff.
Council action: Councilmember Holliday moved to approve the contract amendments, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lavelle; the motion carried unanimously, 5–0.
What it means: The contracts authorize continued paid external support for the city’s federal and state advocacy and grant-seeking activities. Staff said the firms will continue to pursue infrastructure and programmatic funding for Murrieta projects.
