The Latest News from TPA

TPA Helps Advance Client-Sponsored Legislation

This past week, four TPA client-sponsored bills cleared key policy committee deadlines:

• AB 643 (Wilson) – Sponsored by Valley Sanitary District, AB 643 will allow local jurisdictions to count fertilizer created by municipal facilities towards its diversion target established under SB 1383 (2016).
• SB 479 (Arreguín) – Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, SB 479 expands local authority to better coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness.
• SB 722 (Wahab) – Supported by the City of Sunnyvale, SB 722 protects mobile home parks from displacement due to SB 79 transit-oriented development.
• SB 762 (Arreguín) – Authorizes the City of Hercules to ask local voters to approve a targeted tax to support critical city services.

We’re grateful to Assemblymember Lori Wilson, Senator Jesse Arreguin, and Senator Aisha Wahab for their leadership and continued support of California’s local governments.

Our advocates, including Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer Niccolo De Luca and Deputy Director Carlin Shelby, testified in policy committees to help move SB 762 forward. Senior Associate, Kerri West, represented the City of Sunnyvale to advance SB 722. In addition, Scott Gilman, Director of Health, Housing, and Community Services for the City of Berkeley, testified in support of SB 479 and Jason Dafforn, the General Manager of the the Valley Sanitary District, and two other subject area experts, testified to clarify and advance AB 643.

Great progress—and much more ahead!

2026 State Legislative Outlook

Implementation Overview of SB 707 (Durazo): The Brown Act Modernization Act

Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 3, 2025, Senate Bill 707 (Durazo) represents the most significant modernization of the Brown Act in decades.

This article, authored by TPA Director Eric O’Donnell and Deputy Director Carlin Shelby, provides an overview of SB 707’s legislative background, key statutory changes, and implementation considerations for local agencies. (more…)

California’s Legislative Session Wraps Up

As California’s legislative session wraps up, now is the time to take stock of what moved forward, what didn’t, and what’s next. Major policy areas this year included housing and CEQA reform, wildfire and climate resilience, homelessness, and efforts to expand access to healthcare and early childhood education. Lawmakers also advanced significant legislation around energy affordability, transit funding, and behavioral health services.

At TPA, we help our clients navigate Sacramento and advocate for their priorities with impact. Let’s connect to discuss how we can support your agency’s goals heading into the new year.

TPA Spotlight: Vice President & CAO Niccolo De Luca

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 spotlight, hear from our Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer Niccolo De Luca, as he shares why he loves being part of TPA and what inspires him to be a Champion for Better Communities:

“What I love most about working at TPA is the people; both our driven team and our inspiring clients. I especially value the chance to partner with and help shape the next generation of advocates, while continuing to learn from them every day.

It’s energizing to work alongside teammates who bring hustle, creativity, and heart for our clients and one another. When the stakes are high in D.C. and Sacramento, I know I can count on our team to help bring these efforts to fruition. Their passion turns into real wins and meaningful change, and being surrounded by fresh ideas, curiosity, humor, and energy is the best way to keep growing.

Many times I catch myself stepping back, watching our team in action, and just smiling ear to ear.”

TPA Celebrates 27 Years

On September 1, 1998, Christopher Townsend set out to build a firm that would champion the voices of public agencies across California. Twenty-seven years later, Townsend Public Affairs has become a trusted partner to communities statewide, helping turn bold visions into lasting legacies.

With a dedicated team of advocates and expert grant writers, we’ve successfully shepherded over 150 legislative proposals into law and secured more than $3.2 billion in competitive funding for projects that matter. Whether shaping state and federal policy or unlocking critical funding, our mission remains clear: to be Champions for Better Communities.

From infrastructure and education to public safety and park revitalizations, the TPA team has consistently delivered customized advocacy and grant strategies that drive real, lasting change across California.

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the clients and partners who have entrusted us with their most important priorities. Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact, and we’re just getting started!