REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Presentation of Second Voter Research Survey Results for a Possible November 2024 Ballot Measure to Fund Public Infrastructure and Request for Council Input
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
In November 2023, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to retain consultant services for a variety of voter research activities. One of the activities was the design and implementation of a baseline survey instrument to identify community priorities and assess community support for a potential revenue measure for possible consideration on the November 2024 ballot.
At the April 23, 2024 City Council meeting, staff presented on the results of the baseline voter research information survey. Following that, the consultant completed a second survey to gain additional insights into community priorities. The purpose of this report is to present an executive summary of the results of this second voter survey.
DISCUSSION
Methodology
A statistically valid sampling of 400 likely voters, including newly registered voters and those who have voted in at least one (1) of the past four (4) elections, was conducted during the time period of May 18-May 22, 2024. The survey was administered in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Topline Results
The consultants identified the following key takeaways from the survey:
1. A majority of voters (80%) indicated they feel that Santa Clara could benefit from additional investment in public infrastructure.
2. A majority of voters (73%) indicated they generally support measures that provide local funding to address infrastructure or service needs.
3. The most popular areas for potential funding continue to include (not in ranked order):
• Public safety improvements (upgrades to 9-1-1 emergency, medical, fire and disaster response);
• Street safety (fixing potholes and making roaders safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists); and
• Stormdrain improvements (repairs to underground stormwater pipes to prevent erosion and sinkholes).
The voter research consultant team consisted of the following two groups:
• Tulchin Research, a full-service public opinion research firm that has conducted thousands of highly regarded and cited quantitative research studies. Tulchin Research was responsible for implementing the voter research survey. Tulchin Research conducted two scientific surveys.
• TeamCivX, specializes in providing services to local governments by facilitating community discussion of funding needs and planning ballot measures. Team Civx conducted one community survey via a traditional mailer.
At the June 4, 2024 study session, Tulchin Research will make a verbal presentation of findings from the second survey. Based on the Council discussion, staff will return on July 9, 2024 with any formal action that the Council may take on a potential bond measure being added to the November 2024 ballot.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Review and provide input on potential revenue measure to be placed on the November 2024 Ballot.
Staff
Reviewed by: Michelle Templeton, Acting Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager