REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Presentation of Voter Research Survey Results for a November 2024 Ballot Measure
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 to perform 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.
In March 2024, Staff presented an overview of the community engagement efforts that will be conducted in the coming months in advance of the City Council action in July, to consider the placement of potential revenue measures on the November ballot. These efforts include an initial survey, community outreach, mailers and online communications, communication toolkit, and a second survey to help the team refine the scope of any proposed revenue measures and the associated education program to be used going forward.
The purpose of this report is to present an executive summary of the results of the baseline voter research information from the initial 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 April 1 through April 4, 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. Overall, Santa Clara voters have mixed opinions regarding the City's direction with 42% believing things have gotten "off the wrong track" compared to 40% who believe things are "moving in the right direction".
2. A solid majority of voters (56%) think additional investment in th...
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