Waves of Support

Background

Rising costs and aging infrastructure were straining public safety, road maintenance, and shoreline protection. The city proposed a modest sales tax to keep services steady.

Years of contentious local politics had worn down trust in how the city spent money. Many residents heard “new tax” and expected a broken promise.

Our work

1. Interviews and listening sessions

   Interviews, listening sessions, and a scan of local online conversation showed most residents supported responsible investment. They wanted proof the money would stay local and show up where they could see it.

2. Information built around local priorities

   We built the information around what people value here: clean beaches, small businesses, safe neighborhoods, public spaces. The framing stayed on local control, visible benefit, and the next generation.

3. A plain breakdown of where the money goes

   With city staff we produced a plain “Where Your Dollars Go” breakdown, regular bilingual updates, and information sessions where residents could ask hard questions and get straight answers.

4. Outreach at markets and neighborhood events

   Pop-up tables at farmers markets and beach events, neighborhood coffee chats, and plain-language materials in two languages.

Outcome

The measure passed comfortably, with support across age groups and political lines. Turnout beat regional averages. Follow-up surveys showed a 25-point rise in trust in the city’s ability to manage funds, and the city’s information channels kept more than double their earlier engagement after the election.