About California Public Policy Group
We advocate for our clients with passion, poise, and courage.
California Public Policy Group (CPPG) is a full-service lobbying and consulting practice focused on advancing the interests of public agencies and companies whose values align with the public interest. We work effectively and efficiently without compromising on integrity.
Our clients rely on us to provide a keen understanding of California’s evolving legislative and political landscape, which is critical when making policy, legal, and operational decisions. CPPG draws from the wisdom of respected former public officials, the knowledge of municipal policy experts, and the tenacity of experienced legislative advocates to provide full wraparound services for our clients.
A holistic approach to legislative advocacy, public affairs, grant writing, and operational counsel
Leadership
As Founder and CEO of the California Public Policy Group, Dane Hutchings leverages over 15 years of experience advocating for the interests of both the public and private sectors. Starting as a sole practitioner with just one client, Dane meticulously built the firm into a diverse team that now serves clients from nearly every region statewide. Under his leadership, the firm expanded its services beyond legislative advocacy to include local, state, and federal grant writing. This strategic growth has empowered CPPG to secure hundreds of millions of dollars for communities throughout California.
Sharon Gonsalves has spent her career advocating for the legislative and funding priorities of municipalities throughout California. She brings over 20 years of state legislative and local government advocacy experience to the CPPG team. Specializing in the complex legislative process, Sharon has a stellar track record of leveraging her strong relationships in the Capitol, Governor’s Administration, and key government agencies to advance her clients’ goals.
For nearly 20 years, Alyssa Silhi has been advancing statewide policies for the public good. She is a proven strategist with a reputation for balancing tenacity and effectiveness with strong ethics and skillful communication to get the job done. An experienced former Councilmember, Mayor, and Special District Board Member, Alyssa has firsthand insight into the mechanisms of managing and maintaining reliable, fiscally sound, and regulatorily compliant local services. She brings to the CPPG team a unique understanding of the nuances of local operations in advocating on issues of importance to public agencies.
Jake Whitaker is CPPG’s Director of Grant Services. With a stellar track record of success career as a grant professional, Jake has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in state, regional, and federal funding on behalf of local public agencies. His unique ability to tell the story of public agencies and nonprofits produces successful, highly competitive grant proposals.
Policy and Strategic Advisors
With nearly 2,000 bills introduced by the California Legislature each year, it’s critically important that our clients have a complete understanding of the potential impacts that these measures may have on their agencies or businesses. CPPG’s group of Policy and Strategic Advisors support our clients’ overall advocacy strategies by providing unique and experienced perspectives on the real-world impacts of pending legislative, regulatory, and administrative proposals. Our Policy and Strategic Advisors are a dedicated team of municipal policy experts, retired high-ranking city staff, and former local elected officials who provide a holistic perspective to best position our clients for success.
News
Governor Likely to Sign Proposals to Ramp Up “Builder’s Remedy” and Undermine Local Self-Certification
After dropping plans for a $10 billion affordable housing bond, and trimming housing funding in the budget, the Legislature’s 2024 housing package once again comes down to the continuous theme that local governments are the sole impediment to housing production.
California Public Policy Group Launches as a New Independent Business
Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) announces that Renne Public Policy Group will begin operating as a separate, stand-alone company, the California Public Policy Group (CPPG). This transition marks a significant milestone for both RPLG and CPPG.