TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics recognized Charmayne Anderson as a Top Lobbyist on its annual list.

TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, The National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) recogonized Charmayne Anderson, TFG Partner, as one of its 2022 Top Lobbyists. Charmayne’s deep-rooted expertise built over nearly three decades with TFG combined with her inventive lobbying approaches stood out – garnering impressive successes in: public infrastructure, water resource development legislation; federal appropriations and grants to assist first responder operations; and increased affordable housing options, among other things. 

Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

Participants at the New York State Bar Association Conference received insights into available federal funds.

Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

Last week, Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner of Client Services and Irma Esparza Diggs, Senior Executive and Director, Federal Advocacy at the National League of Cities, held a “Federal Funding for Local Governments” presentation at the New York State Bar Association’s “Local & State Government Law Section” Conference held in Washington, DC.

TFG Presents Earmarks Lessons Learned in ICMA Annual Conference Workshop

TFG appropriations veterans will provide local government leaders key information to help secure federal earmarked funding.

Today, TFG federal funding experts will present “Earmark Debrief: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success” at the 2022 Annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference.

TFG Grants Expert to Hold “Brownfields 101” Webinar

Kristen H. Long will give participants a jumpstart on securing funding for Brownfields projects their communities.

TFG Grants Expert to Hold “Brownfields 101” Webinar
Next week, The Ferguson Group (TFG) Grants Analyst and Brownfields expert, Kristen H. Long, will hold “Brownfields 101” webinar.

Letter from Roger Gwinn, TFG CEO

I'm excited to introduce TFG's Letter from the CEO where I will provide regular updates so you can get to know us better, see where our clients are achieving significant wins in their communities, and learn more about what we do. This first edition highlights the firm's greatest asset—our staff! 

July 2022 marks our 40th anniversary! Since 1982, we've seen communities we work with remarkably advance. I'm proud to see our team expand and am eager to show you what's in store for TFG and our clients going forward. Thank you for an incredible forty years!

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Overview

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the primary vehicle through which Congress authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects and establishes policy frameworks for water resource development nationwide. Enacted on a biennial schedule, WRDAs provide congressional authorization for USACE to conduct feasibility studies, construct flood risk reduction projects, improve navigation infrastructure, restore aquatic ecosystems, and assist with environmental infrastructure development.
Since the enactment of WRDA 1986, Congress has used these omnibus authorization bills to both create new USACE authorities and refine existing programs based on evolving national priorities and lessons learned from program implementation. Recent WRDAs have addressed critical issues including drought resilience, water supply development, infrastructure modernization, and support for economically disadvantaged communities.
The most recent legislation, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024, P.L. 118-272), continued Congress's bipartisan commitment to strengthening America's water infrastructure by authorizing new construction projects, modifying existing authorities, and establishing updated policy guidance for USACE operations. WRDA 2024 also authorized five new regional environmental infrastructure programs, each incorporating flexible delivery mechanisms that allow federal assistance to be provided through grants or reimbursements to nonfederal sponsors.
Authorization through WRDA is typically a prerequisite for USACE activities to receive federal appropriations through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process. This two-step framework—authorization followed by appropriation—ensures congressional oversight of both program scope and funding levels.
Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended, represents one of USACE's most geographically expansive environmental infrastructure assistance authorities. Originally enacted to authorize design assistance for 18 specific projects, Section 219 has been amended by subsequent Congresses to authorize both design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure in hundreds of municipalities, counties, and states across the nation.
The Congressional Research Service has identified over 600 environmental infrastructure assistance authorities with cumulative authorizations of appropriations totaling approximately $18.1 billion. Section 219 authorities constitute the majority of these geographically specific project authorizations, covering at least 46 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.
Section 219 projects address critical community needs including wastewater treatment facilities, water supply and distribution systems, stormwater management infrastructure, surface water protection, and environmental restoration. These projects support public health, environmental quality, and economic development in communities that have secured congressional authorization for USACE assistance.
Congress has continued to expand Section 219 in recent legislation. WRDA 2022 added 132 new Section 219 authorities and amended 24 existing authorities. WRDA 2024 authorized an additional 193 new Section 219 authorities and amended 53 existing authorities, providing a combined $5.4 billion increase in authorization of appropriations. WRDA 2024 also established a seven-year pilot program to increase the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for Section 219 projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
Unlike traditional USACE water resource projects, Section 219 assistance does not require completion of the agency's standard feasibility study process. However, projects receiving Section 219 assistance must comply with applicable federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
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Grant Due Industry Transformation: FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program will help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction projects to address economic challenges in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024 was issued. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? District organizations of EDA-designated economic development districts (EDDs); Indian tribes or consortia of tribes; states, counties, cities, or other political subdivisions of a state; institutions of higher education or consortia of institutions of higher education; and public or private nonprofit organizations or associations

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $1,447,000,000

WHEN IS IT DUE? March 3, 2026 (Industry Transformation); Rolling (Readiness and Implementation)

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US Congressional Calendar

Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG Presents Earmarks Lessons Learned in ICMA Annual Conference Workshop

TFG appropriations veterans will provide local government leaders key information to help secure federal earmarked funding.

COLUMBUS, OH. Today, TFG federal funding experts will present “Earmark Debrief: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success” at the 2022 Annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference. TFG helped clients secure over $54 million in earmarked funds in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). In this presentation, Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner of Client Services, and Kristi More, TFG Managing Partner of Strategic Development, will work directly with communities to help them identify the best projects for federal funding and give them tips on the information needed to set those communities up for success in the FY 24 appropriations process.

“I’ve worked with communities across the country to secure earmarked funds for two decades,” said Jennifer Imo. “Amidst administration changes and evolving priorities in Washington, TFG has been nimble in adjusting our strategies to ensure local governments are armed with the resources necessary to meet their community needs. I’m excited to strategize with local leaders face-to-face to set their priority projects up for success!”

“I’ve been lucky to work with communities from across the country in my over 20 years with TFG,” said Kristi More. “The return of earmarks over the last two appropriations cycles has offered another important source of funding for priority projects. I can’t wait to cut through the noise and share the lessons learned with local government leaders so they can effectively meet their community goals.”

This presentation follows the workshop TFG held called “Demystifying Earmarks: Secure Federal Funding for Your Community” at the 2021 Annual ICMA Conference on October 3, 2021. The ICMA Annual Conference brings together thousands of government management professionals for presentations, workshops, and events to equip attendees with the tools they need to strengthen their own communities. TFG is a longtime ICMA Strategic Partner and an annual sponsor of a scholarship to The Harvard Kennedy School Executive Program Scholarship for senior level city and county managers that are ICMA members.

Join the Conversation

What:     Earmark Debrief: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success

Who:      Jennifer Imo, Managing Partner of Client Services

               Kristi More, Managing Partner of Strategic Development

Where:  ICMA 2022 Annual Conference, Columbus, OH. (in-person and online)

When:    Monday, September 19, 2022; 1:15PM ET

Register: ICMA 2022 Annual Conference

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Latest TFG News

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa 7 January 2026

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG CEO, Roger Gwinn, released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

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