HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11 - Funding the Future PresentationResident Focus Groups & Survey
Results Regarding Funding
Priorities And Local Potential
Revenue Options
City Council –December 3, 2019
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Recommendations
As recommended by the Council ad hoc subcommittee
1.Receive a report on the results of two resident focus
groups,a statistically relevant survey of registered
voters and a plan for continued public engagement
and outreach;and
2.Proceed with further public engagement on funding
priorities for the City,including renewing and
amending the Local Revenue Measure (LRM)with
ongoing community oversight (Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission);and
3.Provide an update to the Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission and discuss potential roles to
support and participate in public engagement and
outreach efforts.
2
Background
Original task as part of the work plan for the Fiscal
Sustainability and Responsibility Major City Goal in
the 2017-19 Financial Plan.
On December 12, 2017, the Council first received a
preliminary look at the long-term infrastructure and
maintenance needs for the City.
On January 16, 2018, the Council received an update
on the long-term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and
potential funding options.
On April 17, 2018, the Council received an update on
the list of projects (Funding the Future), community
feedback and funding sources. The Council directed
staff to develop an outreach and engagement plan as
part of the 2019-21 Financial Plan.
3
Background Continued
On February 5, 2019, Council directed staff to conduct
further public engagement efforts including resident
focus groups and a statistically relevant survey and to
return to the Council with the results.
Council appointed an ad hoc subcommittee of Vice-
Mayor Pease and Council Member Stewart to guide
and assist with these efforts.
An additional item for consideration and direction by
Council was to explore the feasibility of potentially
renewing the LRM.
4
Public Engagement Efforts & Research
The City retained an independent survey and
research firm, FM3, to conduct two focus groups and
a statistically relevant survey of registered voters that
live in the city.
Focus Groups
Took place in June 2019.
Almost evenly split on gender & generally reflected the
demographic and geographic composition of the city’s
electorate.
Survey Results
Took place between September 15 and 22, 2019
Overall margin of error of +/-4.9%
5
220-5437
Survey Conducted September 15-22, 2019
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Focus Groups
✓Conducted 2 focus groups on June 2019 among 18 San Luis Obispo
registered voters
✓One group of women and one group of men, who reflect the
demographic and geographic diversity of the city voters
Participants
✓A general sense that the City has a need for additional funds
✓Primarily focused on the need for additional funds for city services,
maintenance and some infrastructure projects
✓Appeared to be supportive of a general-purpose,
simple majority, sales tax measure to support
those needs
✓The focus groups helped inform the drafting
of the statistically representative survey
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Conducted a Dual Mode Survey, online, by cell, and
landline September 15-22, 2019
Surveys were completed using a random sample of
442 voters registered in the City of San Luis Obispo
Overall margin of error for whole sample: +/-4.9%
Margin of error for half the sample: +/-6.9%
Some percentages may not sum to 100% due
to rounding
Survey Methodology
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10
21%
38%
13%
20%
8%
Great need
Some need
Little need
No real need
Don't Know
Great/
Some
Need
59%
Little/
No Real Need
33%
Q. In your personal opinion, do you think there is a great need, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional fun ds to provide the level of city
services and infrastructure that San Luis Obispo residents need and want?
Almost six in ten perceive the City needs additional
funds to provide the level of services and
infrastructure residents need and want, though only
about two in ten indicate there is a great need.
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City of San Luis Obispo Essential Community
Services/Infrastructure Measure
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Shall an ordinance to provide funding to maintain police,
fire/emergency response;repair streets/potholes;
preserve open space/natural areas;protect creeks from
pollution;ease crosstown traffic;enhance natural
disaster preparation;address homelessness;maintain/
improve parks,afterschool programs/senior services,
other general services/infrastructure by extending
Measure G at a 1.5¢rate,providing approximately
$23,700,000 annually until ended by voters;requiring
audits,citizens oversight/all funds used locally,be
adopted?
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34%
25%
3%
4%
7%
21%
5%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
63%
Total
No
32%
A majority of supporters initially support the
simple majority City sales tax measure,
outside the margin of error.
59%
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
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Regardless of household income, support is
above the threshold needed to pass.
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Initial Vote on the Sales Tax Measure by Household Income
<$50,000 $50,000-$75,000 $75,000-$100,000 $100,000+
Total Yes Total No Undecided
(% of
Sample)(26%)(19%)(15%)(32%)
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The more one perceives a need for additional
funds for City services, the more one is likely
to vote yes on the measure.
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Initial Vote on the Sales Tax Measure by Need for Additional Funding
Great Need Some Need Little/No Real Need Don't Know/
No Answer
Total Yes Total No Undecided
(% of
Sample)(21%)(38%)(33%)(8%)
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There is no significant difference in support
between an extension of the current sales tax
to 1½-cents and a 1-cent sales tax.
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Q. What if the proposed measure I just described established a one-cent sales tax raising $15.8 million, instead of a one and a half-cent sales tax raising
$23.7 million, do you think you would: vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
34%
25%
3%
4%
7%
21%
5%
Total
Yes
63%
Total
No
32%
Initial 1½-cent 1-cent
59%
35%
22%
4%
2%
10%
22%
6%
Total
Yes
60%
Total
No
34%
57%
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17
Ext./Very
Impt.
68%
64%
42%
42%
26%
27%
10%
14%
42%
37%
31%
28%
23%
26%
38%
32%
9%
11%
20%
26%
2019
2018
2019
2018
Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt./DK/NA
Q. I am going to read you a list of possible infrastructure projects and services that could be funded by a potential new Cit y revenue measure.
Regardless of how you feel about a revenue measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each of the fol lowing infrastructure
projects or services is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too importan t. Split Sample
Voters continue to rate with greater
importance maintaining rather than
improving essential City services.
(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Maintaining essential
city services
Improving essential
city services
18
Ext./Very
Impt.
61%
58%
48%
47%
21%
21%
13%
16%
40%
37%
36%
31%
31%
28%
31%
31%
7%
15%
20%
22%
2019
2018
2019
2018
Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt./DK/NA
Q. I am going to read you a list of possible infrastructure projects and services that could be funded by a potential new Cit y revenue measure.
Regardless of how you feel about a revenue measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each of the fol lowing infrastructure
projects or services is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too importan t. Split Sample
The same can be said of maintaining rather
than improving City infrastructure.
(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Maintaining City
infrastructure
Improving City
infrastructure
19
Ext./Very
Impt.
79%
73%
71%
71%
67%
67%
66%
66%
65%
42%
35%
43%
35%
30%
26%
32%
29%
23%
37%
38%
28%
36%
37%
42%
35%
37%
42%
13%
18%
19%
20%
26%
21%
23%
18%
29%
8%
9%
10%
10%
7%
12%
11%
16%
6%
Requiring all funds used locally
Protecting creeks from pollution
Addressing homelessness
Maintaining police, fire/emergency
response
Keeping public areas safe and clean
Helping ensure children have safe
places to play
Preserving open space and natural
areas
Requiring all funds to benefit the
community
Protecting long-term fiscal stability
Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt./Don't Know
Requiring all funds used locally; protecting creeks from
pollution; addressing homelessness; and maintaining
police, fire/emergency response are among the most
important features of a possible measure.
Q. I am going to read you a list of possible infrastructure projects and services that could be funded by a potential new Cit y revenue measure.
Regardless of how you feel about a revenue measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each of the fol lowing infrastructure
projects or services is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too importan t. Split Sample
(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
20
Ext./Very
Impt.
62%
62%
59%
59%
55%
54%
53%
27%
26%
32%
29%
22%
13%
24%
34%
36%
27%
30%
33%
41%
29%
28%
29%
23%
29%
29%
33%
30%
10%
8%
19%
12%
15%
13%
17%
Preparing for wildfires and other
natural disasters
Repairing streets and potholes
Increasing affordable housing
supplies
Retaining and attracting local
businesses
Maintaining and improving parks
Expanding open space and natural
areas
Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt./Don't Know
Continued
Q. I am going to read you a list of possible infrastructure projects and services that could be funded by a potential new Cit y revenue measure.
Regardless of how you feel about a revenue measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each of the fol lowing infrastructure
projects or services is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too importan t. Split Sample
(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Replacing fire stations that have been
determined by structural engineers
to not meet current seismic
earthquake standards
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22
42%
33%
39%
28%
35%
27%
71%
69%
66%
Much More Incl.Smwt. More Incl.
Addressing homelessness, maintaining the City’s
character, and ensuring strict accountability are the
leading persuasive statements that make voters
more inclined to vote yes on the measure.
Q I would like you to think about the one and one-half cent sales tax, entitled the City of San Luis Obispo Essential Community Services/Infrastructure
Measure that I asked you about earlier. I am going to read some statements made by people who support the proposal. Please tell me i f this makes you
more inclined to vote yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample
(HOMELESS) According to the 2019 homeless census, there has been
more than a 26% increase in the number of persons experiencing
homelessness in the City of San Luis Obispo over the last two years.
This measure will help the City address homelessness by providing
more access to local homeless prevention services including health
and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. This will
also ensure our downtown, parks and other public areas are safe,
clean and secure for everyone.
(MAINTAIN CHARACTER) Many San Luis Obispo residents live in our
community because it provides a safe and small-town feel with open
space, natural areas, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities.
This measure will help preserve our community’s character by helping
ease traffic, protecting our local wildlife, open space, and maintain
and invest in our hiking trails, biking trails, parks and
recreational areas.
^(ACCOUNTABILITY) This measure includes strict accountability
requirements to make sure that funds are used effectively and as
promised, including an independent oversight committee and annual
independent financial audits, and all money will stay local and cannot
be taken by Sacramento or Washington DC.
(Ranked by % Total More likely to Vote Yes on the Measure)
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35%
32%
27%
31%
32%
37%
66%
65%
65%
Much More Incl.Smwt. More Incl.
Continued
Q. I would like you to think about the one and one-half cent sales tax, entitled the City of San Luis Obispo Essential Community Services/Infrastructure
Measure that I asked you about earlier. I am going to read some statements made by people who support the proposal. Please tell me i f this makes you
more inclined to vote yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample
(RESPONSE TIMES -MEDICAL)When you have an emergency, seconds
count.Slightly more than one in every two calls to the City of San Luis
Obispo Fire Department are related to emergency rescue and medical
emergencies.This measure will ensure that San Luis Obispo has the
needed firefighters-paramedics, infrastructure, lifesaving equipment,
and communications technology to respond quickly to emergencies
and save lives.
^(SALES TAX) Nearly three-quarters of sales tax dollars collected in San
Luis Obispo come from tourists and visitors from surrounding areas.
So, this measure will help make sure they are paying their fair share to
use community resources and infrastructure and not leaving it to be
paid exclusively by city residents. And, this measure will not be
applied to prescription medication or food purchased as groceries.
(STREETS) Road engineers have recently rated close to one in every
five streets in the City of San Luis Obispo as either “fair,” “marginal,”
“poor,” or “very poor.” Without upgrades, these roads will continue to
deteriorate and cost taxpayers more money over time.
(Ranked by % Total More likely to Vote Yes on the Measure)
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29%
24%
24%
35%
33%
33%
64%
57%
56%
Much More Incl.Smwt. More Incl.
Continued
(YOUTH) Over 3,000 local kids participate in City-run and supervised
afterschool and summer youth programs for at-risk youth and other
youth programs. This measure will help maintain and expand the
number of these programs and recreational facilities and parks in
which they take place. These programs keep our community’s kids off
the streets, safe and out of trouble.
(SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY) This measure provides funds that will
help the City achieve its goal of becoming a more sustainable
community by ensuring less congested roads, alternative
transportation options, and the investment in services and
infrastructure projects that focus on the protection of our land, air and
water for current residents and future generations.
(INFRASTRUCTURE) The City of San Luis Obispo is over 160 years old
and has aging infrastructure which needs to be repaired and
upgraded. This measure invests in our community’s safety by funding
such projects as replacing outdated fire stations to ensure they meet
earthquake safety standards; repairing sidewalks; updating aging
playground equipment and upgrading some of the major congested
crosstown streets; originally designed in the early part of the
20th century when the population was less than 15,000.
(Ranked by % Total More likely to Vote Yes on the Measure)
Q I would like you to think about the one and one-half cent sales tax, entitled the City of San Luis Obispo Essential Community Services/Infrastructure
Measure that I asked you about earlier. I am going to read some statements made by people who support the proposal. Please tell me i f this makes you
more inclined to vote yes on this measure. Split Sample
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Following the dissemination of more
information, overall support for the measure
increases two percentage points while the
“definitely yes” count increases seven points.
Q. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
34%
25%
3%
4%
7%
21%
5%
Total
Yes
63%
Total
No
32%
Initial 1½-cent Vote Vote After Information
59%
41%
21%
4%
1%
7%
22%
5%
Total
Yes
65%
Total
No
30%
62%
26
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Conclusion
✓Almost six in ten perceive there is a need for additional
funds for City services and infrastructure, though only
about two in ten perceive there is a great need.
✓There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the services
and City infrastructure they currently have.
✓Among voters, priorities include: protecting creeks from
pollution; addressing homelessness; maintain police, fire
and emergency response; and keeping public areas safe
and clean.
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Conclusion (Continued)
✓Initially, slightly more than six in ten (63%) would vote yes on
the sales tax measure, with about one-third (34%) saying they
would definitely vote yes.
✓Statements about addressing homelessness; maintaining the
character of San Luis Obispo; ensuring quick
firefighters/paramedics response; and the inclusion of strict
accountability provisions are lead reasons for voters to
support the measure.
✓After education, overall support increases modestly by two
percentage points to 65%; but those saying they would
definitely vote yes increase by seven percentage points (41%).
Further Public Engagement Efforts
December May
Inform &
Consult
Opportunities for Feedback City Council
•Residents
•Community
Stakeholders
•Presentations/Q&A to:
•Community
organizations
•Neighborhood groups
•City Advisory bodies
•Facility tours
•Information sessions
•Online feedback (Open
City Hall)
•Return to
the City
Council in
late spring
with the
results
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Existing Local Revenue Measure
Passed by 70% of voters in November 2014
Renewal of the City’s half-cent sales tax approved in
2006
Funding is generally split: 70% for maintaining
infrastructure & 30% on essential services
Open Space
Preservation
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Improvements
Neighborhood
Street Paving Flood Protection
Code Enforcement Parks and Recreation/Senior
Programs and Facilities.
Traffic Congestion
Relief/Safety Improvements
Public Safety & Other Vital
Services and Capital
Projects
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Recommendations
As recommended by the Council ad hoc subcommittee
1.Receive a report on the results of two resident focus
groups,a statistically relevant survey of registered
voters and a plan for continued public engagement
and outreach.
2.Proceed with further public engagement on funding
priorities for the City,including renewing and
amending the Local Revenue Measure (LRM)with
ongoing community oversight (Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission).
3.Provide an update to the Revenue Enhancement
Oversight Commission and discuss potential roles to
support and participate in public engagement and
outreach efforts.
31
THANK YOU
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