Why It Matters

Napa County, California is escalating its federal lobbying presence and hired Paragon Government Relations Inc. to expand advocacy on critical issues: Farm Bill reauthorization, specialty crop disaster relief, wildfire prevention, and social welfare funding.

This represents a significant shift for Napa, which has lobbied since 2014 but previously relied on Van Scoyoc Associates and Platinum Advisors DC. Rather than replacing existing representation, Napa is adding specialized capacity. Paragon brings unmatched expertise in California county issues, having represented the California State Association of Counties since 2003.

Congress is actively debating all of Napa’s priorities. Specialty crop disaster relief proposals target winegrape growers specifically. The Farm Bill reauthorization represents the most consequential agricultural policy debate in years. This timing allows Napa to influence outcomes rather than respond to them.

By the Numbers

Napa County has engaged in federal lobbying since 2014, with 60 total disclosures and $1.46 million in reported spending across a decade.

The county’s March 2024 retention of Paragon Government Relations Inc. adds a specialized four-person team:

  • Rachel Merker Mackey: Farm Bill reauthorization, wildfire legislation, FEMA reform
  • Joseph Krahn: 77 CSAC disclosures since 2003, disaster preparedness expertise
  • Hasan Tayseer Sarsour: Former House Energy and Commerce Committee staffer with Medicaid expertise
  • Tom Joseph: Veteran lobbyist on welfare, Medicaid, and SNAP for California counties

Paragon’s client roster centers on California counties, including Kings, Solano, and Imperial counties.

The Agenda

Napa County is lobbying on Farm Bill Reauthorization, Transportation Reauthorization, Medicaid, SNAP, FEMA/Disaster Reform, Wildfires, and Insurance.

These priorities reflect Napa’s core challenges. The county’s economy depends heavily on viticulture and tourism. Agriculture faces federal policy uncertainty around crop insurance and disaster relief. Wildfires are urgent concerns for Northern California. Transportation funding affects infrastructure connecting Wine Country to markets. Medicaid and SNAP cuts cascade to county budgets, as counties administer these programs locally.

Broader Context

Napa’s hiring arrives amid significant legislative activity. The Farm Bill reauthorization is underway, with specialty crop growers facing gaps in disaster relief. Senator Alex Padilla is co-leading the bipartisan Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act to ensure specialty crop growers aren’t excluded—directly relevant to Napa’s wine industry.

Congress is advancing the Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025 and bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to reduce wildfire risk. California’s insurance market faces instability, with implications for agricultural lending.

Budget pressures create urgency. The 2025 reconciliation bill cuts federal Medicaid funding by 15 percent and SNAP significantly, shifting costs to counties supporting seasonal agricultural workers.

Between The Lines

The Agricultural Emergency Relief Act of 2025 specifically addresses wine grape crop losses from wildfires. The FEMA Act of 2025 proposes comprehensive agency overhaul. Senator Adam Schiff introduced the More Opportunities for Rural Economies (MORE) Grants Package to help rural counties compete for federal infrastructure funding.

Competitive Landscape

Napa County enters a crowded advocacy space. The California State Association of Counties—Paragon’s flagship client since 2003—lobbies on nearly identical priorities, meaning Napa’s advocacy will be amplified within a statewide coalition.

Napa competes with powerful national agricultural lobbies like the American Farm Bureau Federation and American Soybean Association. The competitive advantage lies in Paragon’s coordination with CSAC and focus on specialty crop protections and regional disaster vulnerabilities.

The Bottom Line

Napa County has strategically hired Paragon Government Relations Inc. as major legislation advances on the Farm Bill, wildfire prevention, FEMA reform, and transportation reauthorization—all core priorities for Napa’s wine economy. The hiring expands rather than replaces existing lobbying efforts, signaling sustained commitment to federal advocacy during significant legislative opportunity and fiscal uncertainty.

For more detailed insights access Legis1. Request a demo today!

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article