About Us
We believe the best outcomes happen when diverse interests find common ground.
Why Common Ground?
"People hire lobbyists because of relationships and trust."
In today's complex political landscape, success requires more than just knowing the right people—it requires authentic engagement, strategic foresight, and the ability to align private objectives with the public good. We bridge the gap between what businesses need and what communities want.
Our Mission
We help organizations create impact by connecting public, private, and community stakeholders around shared goals.
Areas of Expertise
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Government Affairs
Deep strategic expertise at both local and state legislative levels.
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Community Leadership
A history of empowering local neighborhoods, nonprofits, and youth.
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Policy Expert
Instrumental in writing and passing key California legislation.
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Bay Area Roots
Deeply embedded in Oakland, the Bay Area, and the broader CA landscape.
Rashad Johnson
Founder & Lead Strategist
For over a decade, Rashad has worked in local and state politics and government to help level the playing field for Black and brown communities.
He blends his expertise in public affairs, government relations, community engagement and communications to build trusting relationships that help move clients' priorities and projects forward.
Prior to founding Common Ground, Rashad served as a senior vice president for Strategies 360's California practice, where he supported clients as they entered new markets and expanded their impact. Before that, he was the senior director of public policy at Eaze, California's largest legal cannabis retailer. In this role, he was closely involved in the development and launch of several programs that fund, elevate and expand BIPOC entrepreneurs in legal cannabis without taking equity in their businesses.
Previously, Rashad worked for Sacramento Mayor and businessman Kevin Johnson, where he supported local, state and national campaigns to mobilize communities seeking better educational options for children. In 2016, he joined the office of Sen. Steven Bradford (SD 35), where he was instrumental in writing SB 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act.
Committed to creating healthy, thriving and welcoming communities, Rashad has worked for multiple nonprofits in California focused on education and youth empowerment. In these roles, he advanced community outreach, fundraising and policy goals.
B.S., 2009, Morehouse College
With more than 15 years of experience navigating the intersection of government, politics, public affairs, and community engagement, Rashad Johnson has built a career focused on creating meaningful opportunities and delivering lasting impact for communities, organizations, and businesses across California and beyond.
A trusted strategist and relationship-builder, Rashad has worked at the local, regional, and state levels to help clients navigate complex political and regulatory environments, advance public policy priorities, and build coalitions that drive results. His experience spans government relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, economic development, strategic communications, and advocacy campaigns.
Throughout his career, Rashad has been committed to helping create equitable opportunities for all communities while assisting organizations in aligning business objectives with public interests. He is known for bringing together elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, and government agencies to develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
Rashad’s approach is rooted in collaboration, trust, and outcomes. Whether advancing legislative priorities, securing public-private partnerships, navigating government processes, or building community support for critical initiatives, he helps clients move from vision to execution with credibility and impact.
His work is guided by a simple belief: the most effective solutions are built when diverse voices have a seat at the table and a meaningful role in shaping the future.
Frank Rashad Johnson
Principal
Our Core Values
These principles guide our work, our relationships, and the strategies we build for our clients.
Authenticity
We build genuine, trusting relationships rooted in honesty, mutual respect, and transparency.
Equity
We prioritize policies and practices that help level the playing field and uplift marginalized communities.
Resilience
We navigate complex regulatory and political challenges with determination and adaptive strategies.
Impact
Activity doesn't equal progress. We focus strictly on measurable, real-world outcomes over mere activity.
Our Reach
Deep Roots. Statewide Impact.
Headquartered with deep roots in Oakland and the Bay Area, our strategic relationships and policy expertise extend throughout Sacramento and across California.
We understand the unique political, economic, and social nuances of local municipalities, allowing us to build authentic coalitions on the ground while advocating effectively at the state level. We ensure your voice is heard exactly where it matters most.
State Legislature
Community Coalitions
Public Agencies
Local Government
Ready to Build Common Ground?
Whether you are navigating a complex regulatory environment or looking to build a community coalition, our team is here to help.