Why It Matters

The City of Downey, California, ended its lobbying relationship with Ferguson Group LLC on June 30, 2026, according to a termination filing signed July 21.

For a mid-sized California city, that represented a meaningful investment in federal advocacy.

The termination comes as Ferguson Group maintains a substantial California municipal client base. The firm represents Sacramento County on budget and appropriations matters, along with water districts and cities including Modesto Irrigation District, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, and multiple cities across the state.

By The Numbers

The filing amount for the City of Downey, California's 2026 quarter two termination was $15,000.

Broader Context

Downey's lobbying agenda centered on four major areas: federal appropriations across multiple fiscal years, water and wastewater infrastructure funding, mental health legislation, and tribal recognition matters.

The city had focused on securing funding through programs like the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), as well as Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure grants and the Corps' Continuing Authorities Program.

Downey lobbied on H.R. 1201, titled the "Doctors in our Borders Act," in the current Congress. The bill remains in committee with no further action taken. On tribal recognition, the city pushed for H.R. 6859. In the prior Congress, that bill was the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation Recognition Act of 2023 and died without passing.

Downey pursued appropriations for public safety equipment and staffing, and funding for museums and libraries. A continuing resolution in early 2025 stripped earmarks from fiscal 2026 appropriations bills, eliminating a funding avenue the city had previously used.

The Bottom Line

Ferguson Group's team on the Downey account included Partners Charmayne Anderson and Mike Miller, as well as Associate Jeffrey Burke.

The termination removes experienced hands from Downey's representation. The shift also means Downey's efforts on pending issues like the tribal recognition bill and health legislation will proceed without dedicated federal representation.

With appropriations earmarks stripped from the current fiscal year and key bills stalled in committee, Downey may have determined that maintaining a permanent lobbying presence offered limited near-term return.

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