Why it Matters
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is diversifying its federal advocacy team by adding Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP to its roster. This hire brings specialized California public sector expertise at a time when historic water infrastructure funding is flowing from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
By the Numbers
SFPUC has spent approximately $4.9 million on federal lobbying since 2003. The commission currently uses a multi-firm strategy:
- New addition: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips (starting July 2025)
- Active firms: Holland & Knight LLP and Kadesh & Associates LLC (both since 2023)
- Previous relationship: Owen Evans Ingols handled $4.2 million in lobbying from 2003-2022
The new team is led by Eve Maldonado-O’Toole, who specializes in California public agencies.
Broader Context
Congress is actively legislating on water infrastructure after the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act injected historic funding into programs like State Revolving Loan Funds. Multiple bills are pending that would reshape federal water policy financing. The EPA faces ongoing budget scrutiny while members from both parties support water infrastructure grants.
The Agenda
SFPUC’s new registration targets four key areas:
- Water Resources Development Act reauthorization
- State Revolving Loan Fund programs
- Nutrient pollution funding
- Municipal bond tax treatment
These priorities align with existing lobbying efforts by the commission’s other firms. The focus reflects ongoing congressional attention to water infrastructure financing and regulatory frameworks.
Competitive Landscape
SFPUC operates in a crowded field of water infrastructure advocates. Maldonado-O’Toole represents the Water Agency Leaders Alliance and multiple California municipalities with similar federal interests. National associations like AWWA and NACWA provide sector-wide advocacy coordination.
Nearly every major city with public water utilities engages in parallel federal advocacy efforts.
Between The Lines
Congress is showing strong bipartisan support for water programs. The House Transportation Committee recently held hearings on Water Infrastructure Financing, highlighting persistent demand for oversubscribed Clean Water State Revolving Funds.
Key pending legislation includes the H.R.3862 – Clean Water SRF Parity Act and the H.R.3376 – Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act. Sen. Roger Marshall recently called SRF programs an “essential tool” for communities.
Rep. Jared Huffman introduced bipartisan legislation to make water conservation rebates tax-exempt, showing California delegation support for utility-friendly policies.
The Bottom Line
SFPUC’s strategic hire positions the commission to compete effectively for federal dollars during a period of unprecedented water infrastructure investment. The addition of specialized California public sector expertise complements existing advocacy capabilities without shifting policy focus.
*All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!*
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