Strategic Action Public Affairs

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Strategic Action Public Affairs occupies a strategic position in the United States political and communications landscape. Founded in 2012, the firm operates at the intersection of public policy, media, and corporate communications. Alexandria’s proximity to the nation’s capital makes it a natural home for an agency that specializes in navigating the complex regulatory and legislative environment of the federal government. Unlike many boutique firms in the region, Strategic Action Public Affairs focuses exclusively on public affairs, offering a blend of strategic communications, advocacy, and crisis management.

What They Do

Strategic Action Public Affairs describes itself as an independent, bipartisan public affairs firm. This means its work is not tied to a single political party, allowing it to advise clients across a spectrum of industries and policy challenges. The firm’s core offerings include strategic communications, media relations, digital strategy and content creation, message development, and editorial services. They also specialize in crisis communications—a critical capability given the high-stakes environment many of their clients operate in. Additionally, the firm provides grassroots and grasstops advocacy, coalition development and management, and spokesperson training. This combination of services allows them to support both the "inside game" of government relations and the "outside game" of public communication and advocacy campaigns.

Who They Serve

The agency primarily works with corporate clients, trade associations, and other organizations that face challenges in the Washington policy arena. Their experience spans sectors such as food safety (including recalls), government contracting (data breaches), intellectual property reform, pharmaceuticals, financial reform, and energy and environmental issues regulated by the EPA. This breadth suggests a client base that includes both Fortune 500 companies and industry groups that need to protect or advance their interests through legislative, regulatory, or litigation-related communications. Strategic Action Public Affairs is particularly well-suited for organizations that require a coordinated approach to managing public perception while simultaneously engaging with policymakers and regulators.

Areas of Expertise

The firm’s expertise is built around the idea that effective public affairs requires more than just media coverage—it demands a deep understanding of an organization’s regulatory, legislative, litigation, or crisis goals. Their specialists have helped companies communicate during food recalls, government contractor data breaches, congressional oversight hearings, and complex policy battles. Below are some of the key service areas Strategic Action Public Affairs offers:

• Strategic communications and message development
• Media relations and spokesperson training
• Digital strategy, content creation, and editorial services
• Crisis communications and issues management
• Grassroots and grasstops advocacy campaigns
• Coalition development and management
• Corporate communications and public relations

These services are designed to complement traditional government relations efforts, providing clients with a comprehensive approach to influencing public policy and opinion.

Who This Agency Is a Good Fit For

Strategic Action Public Affairs is a strong choice for organizations that face high-stakes regulatory, legislative, or litigation challenges and need a partner with deep Washington experience. Companies in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food production, and government contracting will find particular value in the firm’s crisis communications and advocacy expertise. Trade associations and coalitions looking to build public support for policy positions will also benefit from the agency’s grassroots and grasstops capabilities. Because the firm is bipartisan and independent, it can work effectively with clients regardless of the political landscape. For any organization that needs to navigate the intersection of media, policy, and public opinion in the United States, Strategic Action Public Affairs offers a focused, specialist approach from its base in Alexandria.