The Latest News from TPA

TPA Spotlight: Vice President & CSO Casey Elliott

At TPA, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, our team of advocates and grant writers brings passion, creativity, and dedication to turning community visions into reality. In this next spotlight, hear from our Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Casey Elliott, as he shares why he loves being part of TPA and what inspires him to be a Champion for Better Communities:

“The best part of the nearly two decades I’ve spent at TPA is the opportunity it has provided me to work with diverse communities across the state and help advance their agendas in Sacramento and Washington DC. I have had the privilege of working with great clients all over California, gotten to know fantastic people, and been trusted to help improve communities through our advocacy and funding work. In addition to getting to partner with great clients, I am fortunate to get to work with an awesome team of colleagues that are equally as passionate about helping our clients achieve their legislative and funding goals. Many of my fondest memories at TPA involve late nights in the Capitol, or in the office, with colleagues celebrating a legislative victory or developing a plan to advance a client’s agenda.”

TPA Exhibits at CSDA Annual Conference

TPA is all set up at the 2025 California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in the City of Monterey!

Grants Director Alex Gibbs and Associate Jake Leischner, along with Senior Business Development Associate Olivia Raymond, are here to connect and share how TPA can help your agency achieve its legislative and funding goals.

While you’re enjoying the views in Monterey, drop by our booth in the exhibit hall and say hello! We’d love to chat about our legislative advocacy and grant writing services and discuss how we can work together to strengthen your community. We look forward to meeting you!

City of Sunnyvale Earns Prohousing Designation

Big congratulations to TPA client, the City of Sunnyvale, on earning the coveted Prohousing Designation from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD)!

With a score of 62 points – the highest in Santa Clara County and 7th highest in the state – Sunnyvale stands out as a leader in advancing local policies that support thoughtful, sustainable housing growth.

The City is one of just 65 jurisdictions statewide to receive this recognition, which will make Sunnyvale more competitive for state funding that supports affordable housing and infrastructure.

This designation highlights Sunnyvale’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to housing, promote affordability, and invest in community development, ensuring that residents of all income levels have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive.

TPA is proud to partner with the City as it pursues its mission to build community trust by delivering exceptional services!

California State Legislature and TPA Back in Session

The California State Legislature is back in session as of August 18 – and so is Team TPA!

With our Sacramento office located just steps from the Capitol, our advocates are on the ground and in the halls, working in full force to advance our clients’ top priorities during the final stretch of the legislative year. From bill negotiations to budget strategy, we’re proud to represent public agencies across California as we help shape policy and secure critical resources for communities statewide.

TPA Spotlight: Vice President & CEO Cori Takkinen

At TPA, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, our team of advocates and grant writers brings passion, creativity, and dedication to turning community visions into reality. In this first spotlight, hear from our Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Cori Takkinen, as she shares why she loves being part of TPA and what inspires her to be a Champion for Better Communities:

“What makes working at Townsend Public Affairs so special? It’s not just the impactful work we do, it’s the people I get to do it with. Every day, I’m inspired by the incredible colleagues by my side and the passionate clients we serve. They bring purpose, energy, and joy to everything we do. They’re the reason I love what I do and why I love being part of TPA.”

City of Palm Desert Secures $120,800

We are thrilled to announce that TPA has successfully secured $120,800 in competitive funding in partnership with the City of Palm Desert through the California Highway Patrol‘s Cannabis Tax Fund grant program!

The grant will fund public education and outreach initiatives focused on preventing impaired driving, with the goal of improving community safety and reducing traffic-related incidents.

At TPA, we are proud to champion initiatives that improve and strengthen California communities. This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of the City to provide exemplary and sustainable services, amenities, and programs for the benefit of the community.

Once again, congratulations, Palm Desert, and thank you to everyone that was involved in this success!