REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on an Agreement with The Lew Edwards Group for Voter Research, Strategic Consulting, and Community Outreach Services Related to Potential Revenue Measures for the November 2022 Ballot and Related Budget Amendment
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
At the 2021 Council Priority Setting Session, information was requested by Council on a potential business tax ballot measure which would update the City's current business tax structure. As part of the May 25, 2021 Budget Study Session and at the June 22, 2021 City Council meeting, staff presented information and a timeline to pursue a measure that could be placed on the November 2022 General Election ballot. At the June 22, 2021 Council meeting, Council directed staff to 1) begin work on a potential November 2022 ballot measure, including exploring other potential revenue measures, and 2) agendize a study session for Fall 2021. This direction was affirmed at the August Council Priority Setting check-in meeting.
On October 19, 2021, a Study Session was held to provide an update on the potential Business Tax ballot measure and other potential revenue measures for the November 2022 ballot. During that Study Session, staff provided an update on the procurement process for consultant services to 1) perform a comprehensive study on the current business tax structure and recommending alternative tax structures/methods in addition to exploring other tax measures; 2) professional polling/public opinion research services; and 3) corporate and community outreach. The recommended agreement with The Lew Edwards Group addresses the professional polling/public opinion research services and the corporate and community outreach components. The City has separately entered into an agreement with Matrix Consulting Group for the comprehensive study of the business tax and other potential tax measures.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to City Code Section 2.105....
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