City Council Regular Meeting - August 18, 2026 - City of San Gabriel

The City Council of San Gabriel held a regular meeting on August 18, 2026, which included presentations, community recognitions, and public comments. A significant procurement-related discussion centered on the selection and contract award for grant writing and government relations services. After a competitive RFP process with 10 proposals, the council recommended awarding a two-year contract to Townsen Public Affairs for $10,000 per month, totaling $120,000 annually. This contract expands beyond traditional grant writing to include state and federal advocacy and lobbying to proactively pursue funding opportunities for city priorities and capital improvement projects. The council approved a budget amendment to increase the fiscal year 2026-27 appropriation by $50,000 to fully fund the contract, supplementing the existing $70,000 budget for grant writing. Townsen Public Affairs representatives detailed their approach, emphasizing tailored services, regional experience, and performance metrics focused on securing significant grant funding. The council unanimously passed the motion to adopt the contract and related budget resolution. Other meeting topics included community events, public safety recognitions, and neighborhood concerns, but no additional procurement actions were noted.