Tracking Public Sentiment on Local Tax Initiatives
We partnered with a city council facing significant public resistance to a crucial tax initiative. Our data-driven approach helped them understand voter concerns, allowing them to reframe their messaging and build the community consensus needed for a successful vote.
The Challenge:
A city council proposed a new tax to fund critical infrastructure. While the project was essential for the community's future, a vocal minority and initial online backlash created the impression of widespread opposition, jeopardizing the initiative's passage.
Our Approach:
We implemented a two-phased polling strategy. First, we conducted a baseline survey of 500 residents to identify the root causes of their concerns, which included transparency issues and doubts about how the funds would be used. With that data, we provided the city with a clear roadmap to address those specific concerns through targeted public forums and direct communications.
The Outcome:
The city council used our insights to reframe their messaging, emphasizing accountability and the direct benefits of the tax to the community. This led to a significant shift in public opinion, demonstrating that data-driven communication can build consensus on even the most contentious issues, resulting in the successful passage of the tax initiative.
