Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Contract with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) for Legislative Advocacy, Consulting, and Grant Seeking and Writing Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a one-year contract with California Public Policy Group for legislative advocacy, consulting, and grant seeking and writing services, with the option to extend for up to two one-year terms for a total contract term of three years.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a contract for legislative advocacy, consulting, and grant writing services with California Public Policy Group through September 30, 2026, in an annual amount not to exceed $119,000.00, with an option to extend for up to two one-year terms for a total contract term of three years; and
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025/2026 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Legislative advocacy and consulting services provide the City with access to elected officials, regulators, and administrators who can assist staff in advocating for legislation and seeking grants that advance Council priorities. The City also needs ongoing support to pursue funding, oppose legislation that could negatively affect operations or residents, and ensure that opportunities for programs and services are fully leveraged.
A Request for Proposals was posted on the City’s website on June 2, 2025, with submissions due by July 31, 2025. Five proposals were received. Rankings and summaries are stated below.
Firm Rankings and Summaries
1. CPPG
Established in 2018, CPPG brings proven lobbying and grant writing expertise, with a track record of securing $4.1 million in funding and achieving tangible legislative and budgetary successes. CPPG maintains strong bipartisan relationships and possesses extensive experience across the Central Valley. Particularly, CPPG has been a consistent advocate for High-Speed Rail, with support and guidance that enabled key meetings with High-Speed Rail officials to advance the city’s interests. CPPG also maintains ongoing engagement with the FAA, allowing continued efforts to secure funding toward a new airport terminal facility. Through strategic grant identification, writing, and submission, CPPG has turned initiatives into results.
2. TPA
Established in 1998, TPA has over 26 years of experience in legislative advocacy and grant writing. Over its history, TPA has secured $3.2 billion in funding for clients across California and partnered with Merced from 2007 to 2022, supporting projects that drove meaningful outcomes for the community. The firm offers a comprehensive state and federal approach and maintains longstanding political relationships that continue to serve its clients well.
3. CrisCom
CrisCom has strong qualifications with successful advocacy and funding achievements. The firm provides effective scope and deliverables. Engagement specific to Merced has been less recent compared to CPPG and TPA.
4. George Harris, LLC
George Harris, LLC brings nearly 30 years of federal advocacy experience, particularly in securing funds for infrastructure and public safety projects. The firm focuses on federal-level efforts, with a higher cost and narrower scope relative to other top-ranked firms.
5. Dolphin Voyager
Dolphin provided a limited track record in the current submission. The firm’s experience appears more generalized, with fewer documented direct legislative or grant results compared to other firms.
CPPG was selected for its tailored approach, local government expertise, and experience representing disadvantaged communities. CPPG will work closely with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Senior Management Analyst to implement an annual legislative advocacy plan and advance the City’s funding and legislative priorities.
California Public Policy Group, Inc., or CPPG, has represented the City of Merced since the 2023-2024 legislative session and expanded its support in March 2024 to include grant writing and funding strategy.
During this time, CPPG has achieved significant results, including:
• Nearly 70 percent success rate on positioned legislation, either advancing or protecting the City’s interests
• Advancement of City-sponsored AB 1259 (Soria), authorizing Merced to form an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District
• $4.1 million secured through state budget allocations and competitive grant awards
• $5.5 million in additional grant applications in progress
• Development of a legislative and grant strategy aligned with City Council Goals and Priorities
• Partnership with City leaders to establish the City’s Legislative Platform, confirming Council positions on key issues and guiding advocacy efforts on pending legislation
CPPG’s experience and relationships in Sacramento give the City a strategic advantage in navigating California’s evolving political and funding environment. Their team is well-positioned to support Merced as it advances high-speed rail connectivity and transit-oriented development around the planned station, ensuring the City’s priorities are represented in statewide decisions.
The proposed contract is for one year, with the option to extend up to two one-year terms for a total of three years.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The City Manager fiscal year 25/26 budget, in the Professional Services account line, allocated $74,160 for legislative advocacy. CPPG Third Amendment for FY 24/25 legislative advocacy utilized $18,000 of this budget. The remaining FY 25/26 budget of $56,160 will be utilized for this contract between the months of October 2025 and June 2026. Funding for FY 26/27 will be allocated during the annual budget process.
The City Manager fiscal year 25/26 budget, in the Professional Services account line, allocated $43,260 for grant writing services. CPPG Second Amendment for FY 24/25 grant writing utilized $10,500 of this budget. The remaining FY 25/26 budget of $32,760 will be utilized for this contract between the months of October 2025 and June 2026. Funding for FY 26/27 will be allocated during the annual budget process.
ATTACHMENT
1. Professional Services Contract