STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

The City of Coalinga retains Townsend Public Affairs to assist with federal legislative advocacy, including pursuit of Community Project Funding (earmarks) and other federal funding opportunities. As part of this effort, the City had identified, at a previous meeting, priority projects for federal consideration and is preparing for the 2026/2027 earmark cycle.

Direct engagement with members of Congress and their staff is an important component of successful earmark advocacy. In that context, City staff has begun preliminary discussions with Townsend Public Affairs regarding the potential timing of a Washington, D.C. trip in 2026.

Townsend Public Affairs has advised that early to mid-March 2026 would be an optimal timeframe for a Washington, D.C. visit. Based on prior federal cycles, Congressman Gray’s earmark submission deadline in 2025 was April 21, making March an effective window for in-person advocacy ahead of final submissions.

The attached 2026 U.S. House of Representatives calendar shows that the House is scheduled to be in session during the first week of March, as well as the week of March 16, which would allow for meetings with congressional offices while members are in Washington, D.C.

Townsend Public Affairs has identified the following preliminary considerations for Council discussion:

• Timing Options:

  • First week of March 2026 (preferred for earmark advocacy)

  • Week of March 16, 2026 (also viable, but coincides with the National League of Cities Congressional Conference.

• Purpose of Trip:

  • Advocate for the City’s federal earmark requests and legislative priorities

  • Meet directly with members of Congress, committee staff, and federal agencies

• Coordination:

  • Meetings and schedules would be coordinated by Townsend Public Affairs in advance

  • Final project messaging and briefing materials would be prepared prior to travel

Staff is seeking Council input regarding interest in participation, preferred timing, and whether there is interest in aligning the trip with the National League of Cities Congressional Conference or pursuing a stand-alone advocacy visit.