Happy Holidays! Meet the Stars of Our Inaugural Spotlight

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Daley Brief, a newsletter from Daley Strategies offering an overview of my firm, key issues, and exciting updates from clients and partners.

As the year comes to a close, I want to reflect on Daley Strategies’ journey and express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, trust, and support.

Nearly three years ago, I started my firm with just three clients and one staff member, driven by a mission to solve problems, uplift communities, and foster meaningful change. Today, Daley Strategies has grown into a team of seven dedicated professionals working with over a dozen clients — all of whom provide meaning to our work.

We are not the typical firm. We choose to work on issues that matter to communities and society — projects that change lives and improve the communities we serve.

I am proud of the work we do and am thrilled to share this forum to spotlight impactful work happening across our region.

We’re of service and we’re on the move!

Best, Trevor Daley

Celebrating Your Successes in 2024

At Daley Strategies, we measure success by the positive impact we have on others — and 2024 has been an extraordinary year.

Our clients are trailblazers in Southern California, the state, and the nation, driving change by empowering youth, advocating for a better behavioral health system, transforming transit for sustainability and efficiency, and advancing historic equity efforts.

We are proud to share a few of the remarkable milestones we achieved with our partners this year.

Working Towards Historic Equity in Palm Springs

One of our proudest moments was partnering with the City of Palm Springs to resolve a long-standing issue involving former residents of Section 14, a predominantly Black and Latino community displaced in the 1950s and 1960s. After years of unsuccessful negotiations, my team and I were brought in to lead critical sessions with city leadership and facilitated thoughtful negotiations that resulted in a landmark agreement. The outcome: a $5.9 million cash settlement for former residents and over $20 million in investments for housing and business programs that will benefit the Palm Springs community for years to come. This historic resolution, made possible by the enduring commitment of the Palm Springs council members and staff, was a win for all and a testament to what collaboration and perseverance can achieve.

Helping LA County Foster Youth Thrive

Our work with Happy Trails for Kids, a non-profit organization empowering foster care children through year-round camps, retreats, and reunions, has been transformative. After months of strategic efforts, we secured a major victory: the County’s decision to convey a 135-acre campus in Acton to Happy Trails. Thanks to the incredible leadership from Supervisor Barger and her team — along with the support of the entire LA County Board of Supervisors — this property will become the permanent home for the largest camp serving foster youth in the region, providing a secure place of support and belonging for generations to come. Seeing the joy and impact this will have on so many children is why we do what we do.

Advocating for the Mental Health Community

2024 has also been transformative for mental health advocacy, with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Greater Los Angeles County (NAMI GLAC), leading the charge locally. We were honored to work with elected officials and regional leaders to further this impactful work. In February, Supervisor Janice Hahn, Sheriff Robert Luna, and Mayor Darrell Steinberg participated in NAMI GLAC’s Proposition 1 Town Hall, fostering dialogue on critical mental health policies.

In March, Mayor Karen Bass also joined NAMIWalks, an annual event bringing the community together to raise awareness and support for mental health.

In November, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath delivered the keynote address at NAMI GLAC’s 2024 Conference. Mental health is a crucial issue that affects us all, and it’s been heartening to witness the collective effort to drive meaningful change and progress in this area.

Driving Innovative Transportation Solutions

The future of transit in Los Angeles is brighter than ever. Via Transportation, a global leader in microtransit — flexible, on-demand services that connect riders to high-frequency transit routes — secured a significant contract to provide LA County Metro with on-demand microtransit operations, a key step toward providing riders with more efficient, sustainable, on-demand transit service in underserved areas while delivering cost-efficiency and reliability.

Additionally, the LA SkyRail Express aims to connect Westwood and the San Fernando Valley via the Sepulveda Corridor, offering a faster, more sustainable commuting option. The Daley team led over 35 stakeholder meetings for the monorail consortium, garnering critical support for this project from key stakeholders, including the Getty Center and the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. We anticipate the Environmental Impact Report to be released in Spring 2025 and the Locally Preferred Alternative to be decided in Fall 2025. This will be the largest public transit project ever in LA County.

We are honored to have contributed to these transformative achievements. We look forward to continuing this impactful work and helping our clients drive meaningful change together in the new year.

The Digest

Stay in the know! Here are a couple of our favorite recent articles. Enjoy!

• CITY — Departing L.A. Councilmember Paul Krekorian will be the city liaison for the Olympics and other large events. LA28 officials are already working with the city, state, and the incoming Trump administration on plans for venues, transportation, and logistics. (NBCLA)
• STATE — Kamala Harris for Governor in 2026? A poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies finds nearly half of voters would be likely to support her in the already crowded gubernatorial race with six declared candidates and many more potential contenders. (LA Times)
• FEDERAL — Adam Schiff sworn in as Senator, talks economy. Housing, homelessness, healthcare, and child care are among the top priorities for California’s newest Senator. (LA Times)
• FEDERAL — How Donald Trump won 2024. Voter frustration with the economy, higher white voter turnout, and strong Latino and male support propelled Trump to victory. (NPR/The Guardian)

Santa’s Nice List: Highlights from Our Friends

At Daley Strategies, we’re lucky to work alongside incredible leaders, change-makers, and community champions. As we close out the year, we’re excited to highlight a few of our friends who made 2024 a year to celebrate:

Adam Schiff — Senator Extraordinaire

Long-time friend and newly elected U.S. Senator Adam Schiff has had a phenomenal year! Daley Strategies proudly supported Senator Schiff with multiple events, including a memorable evening at the home of our friend James Frost that brought together 120+ guests and raised significant campaign funds. Senator Schiff’s strategic leadership, tireless work ethic, and problem-solving skills embody the very best of public service. We’re thrilled he now holds the seat of Trevor’s beloved former mentor and friend, the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Kathryn Barger — A Voice of Reason in LA

A steadfast champion for real solutions to complex problems, Supervisor Kathryn Barger earned a resounding re-election win this year. Notably, she delivered a huge victory for the foster youth of LA County by helping secure a permanent home for Daley Strategies’ client, Happy Trails For Kids, a foster youth overnight camp non-profit. Thank you, Supervisor Barger, for your leadership and friendship — we couldn’t be more proud!

Lindsey Horvath — A Star That Keeps Rising

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is proof that incredible leaders deliver real results, no matter how big the challenge. Her relentless dedication to tackling the homelessness crisis and attending countless community events shows exactly why she’s one of LA’s shining stars. Supervisor Horvath’s leadership has also been a tremendous service to our clients and community, especially NAMI GLAC, for which she delivered the keynote address at their annual conference. The future is bright, and Supervisor Horvath is lighting the way!

John Erickson — West Hollywood’s Powerhouse

Our dear friend John Erickson has had a banner year — re-elected to his second term on the West Hollywood City Council while also driving impact with his full-time role at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Councilmember Erickson has always been the fastest, smartest, and hardest-working advocate in the room (just ask Trevor and Mark, who worked alongside him at LAX!). Way to go, Councilmember Erickson!

Palm Springs — A New Chapter of Collaboration

Trevor’s move to Palm Springs brought fresh opportunities, and the firm has been honored to work on several major projects for the city. We’ve met so many incredible new friends along the way: the visionary City Manager Scott Stiles, the superstar Attorney Jeff Ballinger, the indispensable Communications Director Amy Blaisdell with support from the inventive Office of Neighborhoods Manager Denise Goolsby, the committed PSP aviation team of Harry Barrett, Victoria Carpenter, and Jake Ingrassia, and the dedicated Police Chief Andy Mills. We also admire the hard work and dedication of the City Council: Ron de Harte, Lisa Middleton, Christy Holstege, Grace Garner, and Jeffrey Bernstein. Palm Springs is truly a city on the move, and we’re proud to be part of it!

Barbara Boxer — Leadership and Friendship

This year, we were fortunate to collaborate with former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, who is a close friend and trusted advisor to Trevor and our team. Her guidance was instrumental in solving a particularly complex issue we were consulted on, and her continued dedication to community causes is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s lending her wisdom or her presence at impactful events, Senator Boxer embodies the spirit of service. Thank you for everything, Senator Boxer!

Leigh McGowan — The Politics Girl We All Needed

If you’re not already following Leigh McGowan (aka PoliticsGirl), you’re missing out. Leigh has taken social media by storm with her smart, relatable takes on today’s political landscape, and she’s now lending her voice to CNN’s evening shows. A new friend of the firm, Leigh’s passion for educating others and breaking down complex politics is exactly what we need right now. Oh, and don’t miss her new book: “A Return to Common Sense” — it’s a must-read!

Voviette Morgan — A Leader with Integrity and Vision

For years, Voviette Morgan has been the definition of integrity, hard work, and leadership, serving in top positions at the FBI. This year, Voviette retired with well-deserved high honors from the FBI and quickly took on an exciting new role at LA28, where she’s leading security planning for the 2028 Olympics. Her impact is unmatched, and we are endlessly grateful for her friendship and her years of dedication to public service.

Jim McDonnell — LA’s Champion for Public Safety

Our heartfelt congratulations to Chief Jim McDonnell, the new Los Angeles Police Chief! Chief McDonnell’s thoughtful, community-centered approach to public safety has made him a standout leader throughout his incredible career — from his time as Long Beach Police Chief to serving as LA County Sheriff. Trevor worked closely with Chief McDonnell on major issues like human trafficking and prison reform, witnessing firsthand his humility, kindness, and dedication to the community. Kudos to Mayor Karen Bass for selecting such an outstanding leader.

Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum — Homelessness Hero

As the CEO of LAHSA, Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum stepped into one of the toughest leadership roles in Los Angeles, tackling homelessness amidst immense scrutiny. Her dedication to leading LAHSA through governance changes, a critical audit, and high public expectations shows her unwavering commitment to service. Despite constant challenges, she remains focused and resilient. Thank you, Dr. Adams Kellum, for your leadership and determination to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

This year-end, we’re grateful for each of these incredible friends and their impact on the communities they serve. Here’s to even more collaboration, success, and friendship in the year ahead!

A Team That Delivers

None of this would be possible without the incredible people who make up Daley Strategies. I am beyond proud of my team’s passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to our clients.

• Michael Yosef, my very first hire and can do just about anything, has been instrumental in driving success for our nonprofit clients, particularly those in the mental health and community impact spaces.
• Mark Waier, a close friend and confidant for decades who has been with me from my days at Los Angeles World Airports, has brought his expertise and leadership to all our clients, with a special focus on our transportation and aviation clients.
• Debby Chen, our dedicated account coordinator, has played a vital role in supporting complex airport and transit projects. Debby is instrumental in keeping our team on time and on schedule!
• May Song, a key research associate, has been pivotal in our Palm Springs and mental health work. May is incredibly smart and always strives for perfection.
• David Caddle and Hiro Fu, our newest research associates, have quickly become invaluable members of the team, tackling challenges for both Palm Springs and Los Angeles clients.

Their hard work reflects our firm’s core values: a passion for service, a commitment to problem-solving, and a drive to deliver real, lasting impact.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we enter 2025, we are committed to ensuring our clients’ priorities are effectively represented in the evolving political landscape. We also hope to build upon 2024’s successes to create a truly memorable and impactful 2025!

With a changed political landscape, now, more than ever, we must strengthen and expand our connections across the region, state, and nation — driving impactful solutions, fostering collaboration, and amplifying our voices where they matter most.

Here in Los Angeles County, preparations for the LA28 Olympic Games are set to turn the region into a hub of opportunity. The momentum building up to the Games will drive significant growth in transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and city services. Daley Strategies is eager to help our clients capitalize on these emerging opportunities and create lasting, meaningful impacts for our community.