Southwest Strategies Group (SWS Group) is the largest infrastructure communications firm in the western United States. Our extensive team of accomplished professionals are dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. Our areas of expertise include energy, transportation, water, land use, technology and sustainable living. We also provide sophisticated public affairs consultation in major markets across the West.
Over the past few years, SWS Group has acquired several companies to expand its network of services and to broaden skillsets that benefit our clients. Today, we have more than 120 communications professionals under one roof. This affords our clients the ability to scale services as needed, no matter the size of the project.
In late 2022, Palladium Equity Partners, along with its affiliate Palladium Heritage, invested in Southwest Strategies LLC to build on the premise that the United States must invest in its infrastructure to stay competitive globally and meet our country’s growing demands. This means new roads, new water sources, and new types of energy.
In August 2023, SWS Group acquired Katz & Associates, one of the largest and most respected water communications firms in the United States. In July 2024, SWS Group acquired BergDavis Public Affairs based in San Francisco and Collaborate based in Los Angeles, two of California’s most successful public affairs firms. In June 2025, SWS Group acquired Kiterocket based in Phoenix and Seattle, one of the nation’s leading public relations agencies for emerging technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy and sustainability. Combined with our headquarters in San Diego and established presence in Fresno, SWS Group is now strategically placed throughout the western United States.
Southwest Strategies LLC was formed in 2000 to provide full-service public affairs and public outreach. The firm has helped secure and build more than $20 billion in infrastructure projects throughout the West and has served as a leading consultant to some of the biggest companies that operate throughout California.
Katz & Associates was formed in 1985 to deliver strategic communications, public involvement and community relations to advance essential projects. The firm is comprised of nationally recognized outreach experts in water resources, transportation, environmental planning and land use.
BergDavisPublic Affairs (BDPA) was formed in 1999 and is a leading California public affairs firm and one of the state's longest-running boutique agencies. The BDPA team has been managing media relations, strategic communications and government affairs for its clients with the utmost discretion, loyalty, professionalism and success. Based in San Francisco, BDPA expertly leads public affairs campaigns for top companies, brands, government agencies and non-profits throughout the Northern California region.
Collaborate was formed in 2017 as a woman-owned strategic communications, community outreach and government relations firm, driven by experienced public policy and campaign strategists dedicated to impactful and measurable results for our clients. With experience in local, state and federal public affairs, our team of creative problem solvers has extensive history and local relationships that enable us to successfully pursue our clients' goals and objectives.
Kiterocket advances the brands advancing the world through PR-forward marketing communications services driven by connected category experts. The agency's services span brand strategy, media and influencer relations, digital marketing, social media, events, editorial, design and content production, working in an integrated fashion to drive measurable and meaningful results. Kiterocket prides itself on delivering exceptional ideas and execution to its clients in the technology and sustainability sectors, earning its position as a valued partner and trusted ally.
Palladium Equity Partners is the oldest minority-owned private equity buyout firm in the financial industry, with approximately $3 billion of assets under management as of September 2022. Palladium is a Certified B Corporation™, which signifies that it has been designated as meeting high standards of social and environmental impact by B Lab. The firm seeks to acquire and grow companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams by providing capital, strategic guidance and operational oversight.
Palladium Heritage is a recently formed unit within Palladium that concentrates on strategic investments in the lower end of the middle market, principally business-to-business and industrial companies. SWS Group is the first investment by Palladium Heritage.
