Sammi Maciel
Senior Associate
Since joining TPA, Sammi keeps clients informed of significant actions and pertinent developments in the federal government and strategizes ways in which to influence and enact changes in Washington, DC that have concrete results for clients.
Areas of Policy Expertise:
- Local Governance
- Transportation
- Broadband Infrastructure
- Energy
- Cultural Resources
Previous Experience:
- Field Representative, Office of Senator Kamala Harris
- Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein
Federal Funding and Relationship Building:
- Sammi has cultivated strong relationships with key officials at the Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and Environmental Protection Agency, enabling her to effectively navigate the hundreds of new funding opportunities introduced through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Leveraging these connections, Sammi has successfully guided clients through complex submittal processes, unlocking millions of dollars to advance critical infrastructure priorities.
- Sammi’s strategic collaboration with regional and national Economic Development Administration (EDA) officials has been instrumental in drafting competitive applications for the newly authorized Recompetes program, established through the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
- Sammi has developed a comprehensive understanding of the federal appropriations process, particularly regarding community project funding requests. Her experience navigating the post-2011 earmark process, which emphasizes transparency and politics, has led to the successful procurement of millions of dollars in federal earmarks during the FY22 and FY23 cycles.
- Sammi’s four years of experience working for two California Senators have equipped her with an extensive network of relationships on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies. Her nuanced understanding of the California Congressional delegation’s dynamics has been invaluable in advocating for California-based clients.
- Sammi has identified and unlocked new and underutilized federal grant opportunities for TPA clients by building relationships with key grant officials at federal agencies. She has gained insight into their priorities and criteria, allowing her to help clients craft more competitive applications and achieve higher success rates.
- Sammi has spearheaded efforts to educate clients on federal funding trends and best practices, providing workshops and resources that enhance their ability to secure competitive funding. Her proactive approach has empowered clients to better align their projects with federal priorities and significantly improve their grant applications.
Transportation & Infrastructure:
- In FY 2023, Sammi partnered with the City of Half Moon Bay to secure a $2 million federal earmark for the Highway 1–Frenchman Creek Intersection and Bike/Pedestrian Improvement project. Her hands-on role in developing and submitting the proposal, combined with her federal relationships, was key to ensuring its success.
- Leveraging her policy expertise and extensive federal relationships, Sammi secured two FY 2024 federal earmarks on behalf of the City of Agoura Hills, totaling $3 million. The Microgrid and Bikeway Master Plan projects support the City’s goals of enhancing sustainability, improving energy resilience, and promoting active transportation.
Parks and Recreation:
- Sammi worked with the City of Brea to secure $2 million through the FY 2024 federal appropriations process to help modernize Arovista Park, including creating the only all-accessible playground in North Orange County. Sammi coordinated with Brea’s representatives to submit the request, diligently advocating to ensure the project’s inclusion in the final appropriations bill.
- Sammi worked alongside the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to increase accessibility throughout its trail system by securing $800,000 in FY 2024 federal appropriations funding for ADA improvements. The funding will support a number of critical updates, including improved signage, upgraded shade access, and trail width standardization.
Water and Sanitation:
- In FY 2023, Sammi helped secure $2 million in federal Community Project Funding for the City of Pleasanton to rehabilitate one of the city’s drinking water wells impacted by PFAS. Sammi worked hand in hand with the city’s congressional delegation to highlight the impact PFAS has had on the community, the cost to remediate the contamination, and the long-term needs the City faces, resulting in the project’s funding success.
Dominican University of California, Bachelor of Arts, American Politics and International Relations