Why It Matters

The City of Artesia, California is entering federal lobbying as municipalities face a funding crisis. The House T-HUD appropriations bill cuts HUD funding by $939 million compared to FY2025, while the Trump administration proposes eliminating key programs like CDBG and HOME entirely. Yet 73.6% of mayors believe federal housing program changes would have major impact on their cities.

Artesia’s strategy reflects broader municipal trends. The city hired Kiley & Associates LLC, joining a bloc of cities including Carson, South Gate, and Lynwood, all represented by the same lobbyist.

By the Numbers

The City of Artesia is making its first entry into federal lobbying, with no prior spending history. The city engaged Kiley & Associates LLC with a single lobbyist, Jayson Braude.

Braude brings approximately 2 years and 8 months of House staff experience, serving as Legislative Assistant for Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA-44) and District Director for Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44)—both representing districts near Artesia.

Braude simultaneously represents more than a dozen California municipalities, including City of Paramount, City of Perris, and City of La Quinta, all competing for identical appropriations funding.

The Agenda

Artesia is targeting the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Subcommittee Appropriations Act and Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiatives to secure federal grants for local development projects.

This timing aligns with active congressional negotiations where the House and Senate have competing T-HUD funding levels—the Senate version provides approximately $5.5 billion more for HUD than the House proposal.

By focusing exclusively on appropriations, Artesia is pursuing "economic development" lobbying—seeking specific federal grants rather than legislative changes.

Broader Context

Artesia enters lobbying as more than half of U.S. mayors believe housing affordability will worsen. However, the Trump administration’s FY2026 budget proposes cutting HUD funding by 44%, including eliminating Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs entirely.

The federal government’s 35-day shutdown in 2025 delayed appropriations decisions, with nine of twelve bills remaining unresolved. HUD also announced major policy shifts redirecting housing funding toward transitional programs with work requirements.

Between The Lines

The House T-HUD Subcommittee advanced its appropriations bill on a narrow 9-to-7 vote in July 2025. HUD Secretary Scott Turner defended the agency’s $43.5 billion budget request before the House Appropriations Committee.

Key legislation includes the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2026 and the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025. Rep. Derek Tran, representing the Artesia area, remains active locally, positioning him as a key ally.

Competitive Landscape

Artesia faces direct competition from other California municipalities represented by the same firm. Kiley & Associates LLC represents Carson, South Gate, Lynwood, and others pursuing identical T-HUD appropriations.

This creates a dual dynamic: cities can collectively advocate for higher overall funding while directly competing for congressionally directed spending and competitive HUD grants.

The Bottom Line

Artesia’s first federal lobbying effort targets HUD Economic Development Initiatives funding amid a contracting appropriations environment. While mayors report strong demand for federal housing resources, Trump’s budget proposes cutting HUD funding by 44%. Success depends on navigating intense municipal competition and fundamental shifts in federal housing policy toward work-focused solutions.

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