About
Thomas C. Downs, Esq.
Having served for more than 20 years as an attorney at two national law firms in Washington, D.C., Tom represents state and local governments, institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, and other clients on public policy and funding matters. He is involved with a broad range of federal agency programs, legislation, federal funding and partnerships. He works closely with the White House, federal agencies and Congress to obtain support for a variety of initiatives to benefit his clients.
Tom spent a decade on Capitol Hill serving as chief of staff and senior legislative assistant to members sitting on various committees, including the House Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, Merchant Marine and Fisheries, and Science, Space and Technology.
While working on "the Hill," Tom attended American University's Washington College of Law, where he served on the law review. He is admitted to the bar of the District of Columbia. He received his B.A. from Brown University.
Federal service: Chief of Staff and Senior Legislative Assistant, Congressman George J. Hochbrueckner of New York; Legislative Assistant, Congressman Martin Olav Sabo of Minnesota, and Aide to Senator Patrick J. Leahy and Congressman James M. Jeffords of Vermont.
A Track Record of Proven Success
Educational Programs
Obtained Federal appropriations and grants to improve learning systems and educational programs for colleges and universities, community colleges, K-12 school systems and nonprofit educational organizations.
Municipal Government Representation
Obtained legislative authorization, appropriations and grants for priority projects on behalf of cities, counties, regional councils of governments, special municipal authorities and other governmental bodies. Tom has led public policy initiatives on behalf of municipalities in California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas and Virginia.
Technology Initiatives
Obtained federal funding and established collaborative relationships with federal agencies, colleges and universities and other entities on behalf of corporate, governmental and nonprofit clients to advance leading-edge information technologies and systems.
Transportation
Obtained legislative authorization, appropriations and grants for highway construction and highway interchange reconstruction projects, transit system expansion, intelligent transportation systems and other transportation and infrastructure improvements.
Health Care Organizations
On behalf of health systems, hospitals, medical research and health care advocacy organizations operating in 20 states, provided advice and counsel on public policy matters and helped obtain federal funding.
Youth and Family Service
Led public policy efforts and secured appropriations on behalf of national, regional, faith-based and community organizations that serve at-risk youth and families through treatment, counseling, mentoring and other services.
Natural Resources and Environment
Helped public and private organizations advance legislative and agency initiatives involving drinking water and wastewater systems, wetlands protection, open space preservation and parkland acquisition.
Cultural Programs
Assisted museums, arts, humanities and historic preservation organizations. Led successful efforts to obtain legislative authorization and appropriations for the newest Smithsonian National Museum (National Museum of African American History and Culture), a national memorial in Washington DC, a history museum and a children’s science museum.
International Programs
Assisted nongovernmental organizations with successful overseas public policy initiatives. Helped obtain congressional support and funding for programs involving leadership training, poverty eradication and reconciliation efforts in Africa and the Middle East.
National Board Membership
-- Advisory Council, Smithsonian Institution, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
-- Board of Trustees, National History Day