Overview
Southwest Strategies is a California public affairs firm that designs and runs outreach campaigns for clients in both the public and private sectors. They handle research, planning, communications, visual materials, and crisis management to influence policy, public opinion, and regulatory outcomes, focusing on land development, energy, water, and transportation. They work by researching industries and communities, becoming experts in those areas, and using integrated services to craft strategies, build coalitions, and execute campaigns through a network of relationships. Their goal is to help clients secure approvals, funding, and favorable policy and project outcomes.
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About Southwest Strategies
Industries
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2000
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- February 23, 2026 rebrand to Bodewell Group expanded to roughly 140 employees.
- Kiterocket added semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainability, broadening revenue beyond California public affairs.
- The firm now covers San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle.
What critics are saying
- Sunsetting legacy brands in February 2026 risks client confusion and talent churn through 2027.
- Integration after four acquisitions since 2023 can disrupt service quality and margin discipline.
- A failed Bodewell integration would unravel the single-brand strategy and force expensive client reacquisition.
What makes Southwest Strategies unique
- Since 2000, Chris Wahl and Alan Ziegaus built California's best-known infrastructure public affairs shop.
- Bodewell unifies Katz, BergDavis, ColLAborate, and Kiterocket under one integrated communications platform.
- Its specialization in water, energy, transportation, and land use matches California permitting battles.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Paid Vacation
Profit Sharing
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
17%1 year growth
17%2 year growth
17%Southwest Strategies Group has acquired Kiterocket, a leading public relations agency specializing in emerging technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainability. This acquisition expands Southwest Strategies Group's reach in the western U.S. and adds technology and sustainable living to its services. The combined entity will have over 120 employees across six offices in three states. CEO Chris Wahl will continue to lead the company.
/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Strategies (SWS) announced today it has agreed to invest in and partner with Katz & Associates (K&A), one of the largest and most...
San Diego public affairs agency Southwest Strategies announced it will acquire Katz & Associates, creating what officials described as the largest firm of its type in California.
A statement said Palladium has “partnered” with Southwest Strategies “to support the company’s growth.”
/PRNewswire/ -- Palladium Equity Partners (along with its affiliates, "Palladium Heritage"), announced today that it has partnered with Southwest Strategies...
Southwest Strategies is Hiring for 2 Jobs on Simplify!
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About Southwest Strategies
Industries
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2000
Southwest Strategies is Hiring for 2 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today