AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Community and Economic Development
Building thriving communities requires more than good intentions—it takes strategic federal investment and expert execution.
We secure federal funding for the projects that transform communities: downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, emergency shelter services, and essential community programs. From CDBG and HOME allocations to competitive grants and public-private partnerships, we know how to piece together the complex funding strategies that major projects demand.
Housing
Federal housing policy drives local opportunity—or creates local obstacles. We make sure it works in your favor.
Our housing practice tracks every development affecting CDBG, HOME, Homeless Assistance, Section 8 Vouchers, affordable housing, fair housing, and HUD appropriations. But tracking isn’t enough—we actively advocate for funding increases, regulatory relief, and policy outcomes that expand your capacity to house your community.
Whether you’re defending existing programs from cuts, pursuing new funding opportunities, or navigating complex HUD regulations, we provide the strategic advocacy and federal relationships that protect your housing priorities and expand your resources.
Higher Education
Federal funding fuels research breakthroughs, student success, and institutional growth. We help colleges and universities capture their share.
Our higher education practice combines deep sector knowledge with direct access to congressional leaders and agency officials. We secure federal appropriations, enhance competitiveness for major grants and contracts, advance favorable policy outcomes, and defeat harmful regulations before they take effect.
From supporting career-focused programs in high-growth sectors to advancing research infrastructure and internship opportunities, we help institutions translate mission into federal investment. We’ve guided clients through everything from Title III and Title V grants to research partnerships with federal agencies and congressionally directed spending.
Your academic priorities become our advocacy mission.
Natural Resources
Protecting and restoring natural resources requires federal partnership—and we know how to build it.
We secure funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation for conservation, ecosystem restoration, disaster mitigation, and historic preservation projects. Beyond funding, we obtain regulatory relief and broker productive discussions between clients and federal agencies to advance mutual objectives.
Whether you’re pursuing flood control infrastructure, environmental restoration, or park development, we navigate the federal process from project conception through implementation.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Community safety depends on resources, equipment, and federal partnerships. We deliver all three.
Our public safety practice focuses on Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding that helps local governments and their partners protect communities. We prepare competitive grant applications, build relationships with key federal officials, and—when appropriate—engage the White House to advance critical public safety partnerships.
From body-worn cameras and crime prevention programs to cybersecurity infrastructure and emergency response equipment, we secure the federal resources that keep communities safe.
Transportation
Modern transportation infrastructure doesn’t fund itself—it requires strategic federal advocacy and expert navigation of complex funding streams.
We secure transportation funding through appropriations, authorizations, and competitive grants while shaping policy to address safety, infrastructure, and development priorities. Our expertise spans highways and transit systems to freight corridors and complete streets projects.
We understand that transportation projects are complex, multi-year undertakings. That’s why we work alongside you and your partners from concept through construction—ensuring federal funding flows and implementation stays on track.
Water Infrastructure
Water is infrastructure’s foundation—and federal investment drives it forward.
Our water infrastructure practice secures funding for water and wastewater systems, flood control, environmental restoration, and shore protection. We work across appropriations, competitive grants, and Army Corps of Engineers projects to build comprehensive funding strategies for capital-intensive water priorities.
Beyond funding, we provide strategic guidance on legislative developments and regulatory matters affecting water utilities, stormwater management, and watershed protection.
Federal Competitive Grants
Competitive doesn’t mean impossible—it means you need the right strategy and the right team.
Federal competitive grants represent billions in available funding annually, but winning requires more than a good proposal. It requires strategic positioning, agency relationships, and congressional support. We provide all three.
Our collaborative approach starts with understanding your project and ends with a highly competitive application backed by federal advocacy. We’ve helped clients win grants across humanities, higher education, public safety, transportation, and water infrastructure—from Cumberland County and the City of Fayetteville to California State University, Fullerton and the City of Yuma.
Let us make your next grant application a winning one.
Federal Business Development
The federal government is the world’s largest customer—but breaking in requires strategy, relationships, and timing.
Our federal business development practice helps public and private sector organizations pursue contracting and partnership opportunities with federal agencies. Drawing on our experience with higher education institutions, defense research partnerships, and agency engagement, we position clients for federal opportunities that align with their capabilities.
We help you understand agency priorities, connect with the right decision-makers, and articulate your value proposition at exactly the right time. Whether you’re pursuing your first federal contract or expanding existing agency relationships, we provide the strategic guidance and access that opens doors.
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
Federal policy changes daily—and every change creates winners and losers. We make sure you’re on the winning side.
Beyond securing funding, we monitor and actively shape legislation and regulations affecting your operations. From tax policy and labor law to sector-specific regulations, we provide strategic assessment, advocacy, and early warnings that help you prepare for—or influence—federal developments.
Recent work includes protecting the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, advocating on collective bargaining legislation, and obtaining regulatory relief for client operations. When Washington creates barriers, we find solutions.
Staying Connected
You’ll never wonder what we’re doing or why.
Communication is central to our client relationships. We provide customized reporting tailored to your needs and preferences, regular updates on key issues through calls, emails, and memos, plus our weekly HCG This Week in Washington in 1 Minute update and HCG Grants Opportunity Alert.
We also connect you directly with subject-matter experts—including federal officials and key stakeholders—on legislative issues and funding opportunities.
Through meetings, video conferences, and in-person visits, we provide insight into federal programs and strategies for increasing your competitiveness.
Your client manager works with you to establish the communication approach that works best for your team.