San Francisco, July 16, 2024—BergDavis Public Affairs (BDPA) announced today that it has agreed to be acquired by San Diego-based Southwest Strategies (SWS). The acquisition creates a statewide firm with teams in San Francisco, the Central Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The firm’s name will remain, and it will continue to operate out of its office in downtown San Francisco. Berg and Davis will join SWS as Senior Vice Presidents.

BergDavis Public Affairs, founded in 1999, is a highly regarded strategic communications firm based in downtown San Francisco with clients throughout the Bay Area. The firm is owned by Jessica Berg and Evette Davis, who are celebrating their 25^th anniversary as one of the longest-running, independent communications firms in Northern California. Berg and Davis are well-known and respected practitioners, deeply embedded in the Bay Area’s civic life, serving on multiple boards, including the Bay Area Council, the Housing Action Coalition, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, and Litquake. Their impressive client roster includes private and public organizations in real estate, infrastructure, economic development, retail, financial services, and innovation.

“Partnering with SWS creates a powerful blend of experience and reach that will benefit our clients and employees,” said Jessica Berg. “The talent, passion, and dedication to client service are core values of SWS that align perfectly with our approach.” Added Davis, “We look forward to achieving great things together with the SWS team.”

Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized, and successful public outreach and communications firms. For two decades, SWS has led programs for large-scale infrastructure projects, helping clients engage meaningfully with the public and achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies. The acquisition further establishes SWS as the leading infrastructure communications firm in California.

“Southwest Strategies is thrilled to add the talented professionals of BergDavis Public Affairs to our team,” said Southwest Strategies CEO Chris Wahl. “This acquisition will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional client service statewide while positioning our firm to take on the largest infrastructure projects on the West Coast.”

In August 2023, SWS acquired Katz & Associates, one of California’s most respected public infrastructure communications firms. The partnership created the largest public outreach firm in California, focused on infrastructure communications, specifically in the areas of energy, transportation, land use, and water. SWS also recently acquired Collaborate, a boutique public affairs and outreach firm in Los Angeles owned by Nicole Kuklok-Waldman, Esq. and Katherine Hennigan Ohanesian, two well-regarded and respected public affairs practitioners who have worked in the Los Angeles market for more than two decades.

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About Southwest Strategies
Southwest Strategies (SWS) is one of California’s most respected, recognized, and successful public outreach and communications firms. For two decades, SWS has led programs for large-scale infrastructure projects, helping clients engage meaningfully with the public and achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies. Through strategic planning, innovative communications, and community partnerships, SWS helps clients engage with local communities, navigate complex public affairs issues, overcome communication challenges, and achieve award-winning results. In November 2022, Palladium Equity Partners, through its Palladium Heritage strategy, invested in SWS to help position the firm for future growth, broadening its offerings for existing clients and supporting expansion into new markets. For more information, visit swspr.com. 

About BergDavis Public Affairs
BergDavis Public Affairs (BDPA) is a leading California public affairs firm based in San Francisco with a track record of successful client representation throughout California and beyond. Founded in 1999, the firm is one of the longest-running independent communications firms in the state. BDPA specializes in targeted government, community, and media relations efforts designed to assist businesses, public agencies, and non-profits with a full suite of strategic communications services, including reputation management, digital media, crisis communications, community outreach, media relations, lobbying, and a host of other public affairs needs. For more information, visit www.bergdavis.com.

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