Major Client Wins, Special Feature from PoliticsGirl

Dear Friends,

At Daley Strategies, we believe in results. We believe in impact. And we believe in moving forward with purpose and passion.

Our team has been hard at work delivering major wins for our clients — whether it’s helping Palm Springs International Airport navigate a complex master plan process that secured overwhelming city approval, Happy Trails for Kids obtaining a 135-acre permanent home for foster youth, or Via successfully winning major transportation contracts across Southern California. Every day, we’re fighting for the projects, organizations, and people that make a difference.

As we push ahead, we’re also growing, and we’re thrilled to welcome two new clients, Base Tactical and ETTA, to the Daley Strategies family. These organizations are tackling critical issues, from wildfire recovery to inclusive housing, and we’re honored to partner with them.

I’m also incredibly proud of my team — Mark Waier, Michael Yosef, Debby Chen, May Song, and our new research associates — who bring unwavering dedication and an unstoppable spirit to everything we do. This firm was built to create change, and their commitment to making an impact is exactly why Daley Strategies exists.

And of course, politics in California is heating up. The latest 2026 Governor’s race polling shows that former Vice President Kamala Harris would be the clear frontrunner if she decides to enter, holding 57% of Democratic primary support — far ahead of Katie Porter (9%), Antonio Villaraigosa (4%), and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (4%). But if Harris sits it out, the race becomes wide open, with nearly half of voters undecided. The biggest question remains: Does Harris clear the field if she runs, or will we see a bruising and costly primary fight?

Meanwhile, Los Angeles remains a political battleground. After a tough stretch dealing with the city’s wildfire crisis and public scrutiny over her travel, Mayor Karen Bass is working hard to reset the narrative. While she faces criticism over her handling of the crisis, she continues to be a formidable force in LA politics, and the city remains a deep Democratic stronghold. The real question: Does billionaire Rick Caruso take another shot at the mayor’s office — or does he look at Sacramento?

Lots to discuss, and plenty to watch. Let’s dive into all things Daley Strategies.

Best, Trevor

Client Highlights: Big Milestones, Bigger Wins

At Daley Strategies, we define success by the difference we make in communities — and 2025 is off to an incredible start. We are proud to share a few of the remarkable milestones we’ve achieved with our partners in 2025.

Soaring to New Heights with a Newly Approved Airport Master Plan

When Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) launched its Master Plan process, the Palm Springs City Council requested the Master Plan project team to engage in stakeholder outreach. Daley Strategies, working alongside PSP, Mead & Hunt, and Aviatrix Communications, led a broad outreach effort to ensure the public had a voice in shaping the airport’s future. Through nearly 40 presentations to Coachella Valley city councils, business groups, and community associations, as well as several public open houses, the team gathered valuable feedback that directly influenced key elements of the plan. One major outcome was the development of a hybrid alternative for the consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC), which balanced functionality with community concerns. By the time the plan went before the Palm Springs City Council in January, it reflected both the airport’s needs and the priorities of the people it serves, receiving unanimous approval.

135 Acres of Hope: A Home for Foster Youth

In January, amid the challenges brought on by the wildfires, the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 135-acre deed for our client, Happy Trails for Kids, to establish a permanent camp in Acton, California. For 16 years, Happy Trails has provided foster youth with camp experiences at rented sites, and now, with the support of Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the rest of the Board of Supervisors, they have a dedicated space to call their own. Additionally, Happy Trails received a $2.5 million commitment from Supervisor Barger and another $1.5 million from the Department of Public Health to support restoration and infrastructure improvements at the Happy Trails campus.

We are excited to continue supporting Happy Trails in bringing their vision to life as the organization embarks on a capital campaign to develop the campus and undertake the significant renovations needed to create a model site for overnight camp and year-round programming.

Major Contract Wins for Microtransit Client Via, Totaling Nearly $100 Million

Via is making waves in the microtransit sector, securing key RFP wins with Metro and SunLine while launching services in Torrance, Monterey Park, and West Covina. As the demand for flexible, on-demand transportation solutions grows, Via is at the forefront of reshaping Southern California’s mobility landscape. Daley Strategies is thrilled to partner with Via, helping to drive positive change in public transportation by fostering strategic connections and paving the way for a more connected, efficient future for the region.

Welcoming New Clients

At Daley Strategies, we’re always looking for opportunities to collaborate with those who share our vision for positive change. We’re thrilled to collaborate with two new partners this year: Base Tactical and ETTA.

Planning the Path Forward for Wildfire Recovery

Daley Strategies works closely with Base Tactical to support the wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California. As a firm deeply rooted in the region, we are acutely aware of the devastating impact these wildfires have had on our communities, homes, and local businesses. In this crisis, we are fortunate to collaborate with Base Tactical, whose team has a proven track record in securing federal recovery funds and providing critical support to cities and regions after major disasters. Together, we are focused on ensuring that Southern California receives the resources and expertise needed to rebuild and emerge stronger from this crisis.

Building an Inclusive Future for the IDD Community

Daley Strategies is proud to support ETTA as they advance their vision for inclusive housing with Cornerstone Village, a groundbreaking residential community in Los Angeles dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities. With on-site support services, vocational training, and a vibrant, mixed-ability environment, the Village will provide residents with the resources and opportunities to live independently while engaging with the broader community. As ETTA prepares to open this transformative space, we look forward to working alongside them to help bring their mission to life.

Special Feature: Leigh McGowan, aka PoliticsGirl

In an era of political upheaval, Leigh McGowan, known as PoliticsGirl, is an invaluable voice in modern political discourse. With her remarkable ability to simplify complex issues, engage audiences, and mobilize action, Leigh has built a community of over three million followers who rely on her for clarity in a chaotic world. From her viral rants to her influential PoliticsGirl Podcast, she tirelessly advocates for truth, democracy, and civic engagement, challenging misinformation and explaining policy impacts in accessible terms. Her powerful voice has earned her multiple invitations to the White House, further solidifying her growing influence.

As friends, we’re honored to have exclusive access to Leigh’s insights in this edition, where she shares her perspective on the state of American politics, the rise of extremism, and how citizens can safeguard democracy.

PoliticsGirl Unpacks Trump’s Latest Moves

Since taking office, President Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders and memos at a pace far exceeding modern presidencies. Tariffs, deregulation, slashing the federal workforce, eliminating DEI, and targeting immigration are among the sweeping executive actions taken by the Trump administration, several of which are now ensnared in legal challenges across the country.

Key takeaways

• Trump wants to be king — Trump’s aggressive use of executive orders sidesteps the role of Congress and concentrates power in the executive branch. Current political trends reflect a broader challenge to the Constitution and the system of checks and balances that uphold American democracy.
• DOGE is a universal concern — The Trump administration’s dismantling of federal government departments doesn’t just impact liberals or Democrats. It’s a nonpartisan issue that threatens jobs across all states and the entire political spectrum.
• It’s a make-it-or-break-it moment — We are at a critical inflection point for the country. The time to act is now.

The Digest

Stay in the know! Here are our favorite articles recently. Enjoy!

• CITY — Altadena renters have formed the Altadena Tenants Union to combat displacement amid disaster. Will L.A. County officials agree to their demands? (LAist)
• COUNTY — L.A. County residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires can apply for up to $18,000 in grants under a program launched earlier this month. (LAist)
• STATE — The Trump administration has halted funding for high-speed rail and congestion pricing projects aimed at reducing traffic and emissions. What does this mean for the future of California’s urban development? (New York Times)
• FEDERAL — The House passed a budget resolution requiring $880 billion in cuts, with deep reductions to Medicaid as a likely outcome. (New York Times)
• FEDERAL — Trump is planning to escalate federal layoffs, relocate agencies from Washington, and grant DOGE more power to scrutinize and withhold agency payments. (New York Times)
• FEDERAL — A federal judge indefinitely blocked Trump’s federal aid freeze. Will the administration try to freeze funding again? (Associated Press)

Expanding the Daley Strategies Family

This month, we’re delighted to welcome new Research Associates who are bringing their talents and passion to Daley Strategies in 2025.

Antonio Wu is originally from Madison, Wisconsin, where he was raised in a rich culture of civic engagement and community organizing. He’s passionate about social justice and the role of media in policy advocacy and brings experience working as an editor and journalist. Antonio’s background includes internships with the U.S. Senate and Wisconsin State Legislature, where he worked for the first AAPI state legislator in Wisconsin. He is currently pursuing a dual Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Public Policy at the University of Southern California.

Jensen Steady is a policy professional with experience in legislative affairs, campaigns, and government relations. He previously worked at AnnDyl Policy Group in Washington, DC, where he helped clients navigate a variety of energy efficiency and grid programs in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He also has experience interning on Capitol Hill, as well as campaign experience in California. In college, he spent three years working at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government, conducting original research on California housing and economic policy. He is interested in housing, homelessness, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and mental health issues. Jensen holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Claremont McKenna College.

Liam Arnade-Colwill is a community leader and advocate passionate about uplifting others. He recently graduated from the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, a leadership development program for young professionals committed to pursuing careers in public service. In addition to Coro, Liam has a background as a special education coordinator for Teach for America, taught in Taiwan with the Fulbright program, and interned at the White House and for a member of the U.S. Senate. Liam received his BA from Yale and a Master’s from Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Rediet Retta is a senior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Public Policy and Law with dual enrollment in the Master of Urban Planning program. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Rediet’s global perspective drives her passion for creating equity on a global scale and empowering communities. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant at Neighborhood Data for Social Change, where she uses data analysis and strategic research to inform impactful policy solutions. She previously interned for the California State Assembly as a Schaeffer Fellow in Government Service and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE).