CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

Page 2 of 3 • Innovative listening initiatives • Strategic communications • Local revenue measures (sales taxes, bonds, parcel taxes, hotel taxes, etc.) • Feasibility analysis and planning • Public information programs. Some of Clifford Moss’ current and past city clients include Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Hayward, San Leandro, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Folsom, Chico, Lodi, Healdsburg, Covina, Colton, and Malibu. DISCUSSION In the initial feasibility efforts, Clifford Moss worked with City staff to analyze potential revenue options, engage opinion leaders, and developed a ballot measure feasibility survey taking into consideration feedback from the City Council and community as well as the City’s funding needs. The statistically-survey results suggest that a half-cent sales tax measure and a hotel tax measure are potentially viable, and the results were presented to the City Council and the community on December 5, 2023. The polling results indicate the City needs to implement an active community engagement plan to provide voters with a complete picture of the community’s needs and how potential measures fit into the City’s long-term financial planning. Retesting viability in the May-July 2024 timeframe will be necessary to determine feasibility of a local revenue measure. After receiving a presentation from City staff and consultants on December 5, 2023, the City Council directed staff to launch a comprehensive outreach plan to engage, inform, gather, and listen to input from residents and stakeholders on City needs and the proposed plan to meet those needs. If there is support from the community for a revenue measure, the intent is to place the measure on the ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Election. Phase 2 of the revenue feasibility efforts will include a proactive education and community engagement plan utilizing tools such as the City’s website, articles in the City’s newsletters, mailers/flyers, videos, texts, emails, and community meetings/events. The costs for public information and community engagement are estimated to range from $240,000 to $284,000 which includes another public opinion poll to retest viability. Staff recommends entering into a contract with Clifford Moss for an amount not-to-exceed $284,000 through September 30, 2024 for phase 2 work. EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY A comprehensive community engagement plan designed to reach all community members will help to inform and receive feedback from residents and stakeholders regarding the City’s funding needs and service priorities and the proposed plan to meet those needs. OUTREACH With an approved agreement, staff will work with Clifford Moss to implement an active engagement plan to seek input from the community. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Page 152 of 270