Joseph Melo

Federal Funding and Relationship Building:

• Joseph’s six years of experience working for two California Congressional Representatives has led to an extensive network of relationships both on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies. His understanding of the regional and political dynamics of the California Congressional delegation and their interactions with other members of the Senate and House are important to successfully advocating for California-based clients.
• Joseph has extensive knowledge and understanding of the current federal appropriations process and has experience in successfully securing millions of dollars’ worth of earmarks for California projects. While serving as Policy Advisor to Congressman McNerney, Joseph assisted in securing $27 million in community project funding for 15 community projects in Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, greatly benefiting local California communities.
• As Policy Advisor for Congressman Jerry McNerney, Joseph led the Congressman’s legislative portfolio on issues under the jurisdiction of the Energy & Commerce Committee (Subcommittees on Energy, Communications & Technology, and Consumer Protection & Commerce) and the Science, Space & Technology Committee (Subcommittee on Energy).
• Through the FY 2024 federal appropriations process, Joseph secured over $3.9 million in community project funding working closely with both the Senate and House of Representatives. Joseph’s knowledge of the process led to the only federal earmark secured for a community college in the NASA appropriations bill.

Community Choice Aggregation:

• Joseph successfully elevated the profile of California-based Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) public agencies in Washington, DC by leading the efforts to inform congressional and agency staff of the work performed by CCAs and ensure they are eligible for relevant funding opportunities. Through a joint CCA advocacy trip and correspondence delivered to five federal agencies, Joseph organized a coalition to advocate for the roles of CCAs in federal clean energy programs.

Higher Education:

• Joseph worked with the Yosemite Community College District to secure $2 million through the FY 2024 federal appropriations process to implement a fire technology program. The program will enhance workforce readiness, strengthen regional firefighting capabilities, and address the growing demand for trained professionals in fire prevention and disaster response.
• In FY 2024, Joseph worked diligently to secure two federal earmarks, totaling $1.9 million, on behalf of the Long Beach Community College District to support student housing and astronautics research and equipment. By leveraging his policy expertise, as well as his strong relationships with the District’s federal representatives, Joseph was able to champion LBCCD’s project priorities and support its ability to serve its students.

Public Safety:

• Joseph worked with the City of Fullerton to secure $2.5 million in federal funding for the City of Fullerton through the FY 2024 appropriations process for the Police Station Remediation and Rehabilitation Project. This critical funding with significantly improve the police department’s operational efficiency and ability to positively serve residents.
• Joseph worked with the City of Monterey Park to secure $1.5 million in federal funding for the City of Monterey Park through the FY 2024 appropriations process to support the Fire Station 61 Renovation Project, enhancing emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure.

Community Development and Infrastructure:

• Through the FY 2024 federal appropriations process, Joseph worked with the City of San Pablo to secure $850,000 to support the San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement project. The funding secured will support a portion of this critical multi-year project, ensuring that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are able to safety move throughout the area.
• Joseph, alongside the City of Palo Alto, secured $850,000 through the FY 2024 federal appropriations process to support low-income housing and greenhouse gas reductions. The funding will support the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve carbon reduction goals while supporting the natural environment.