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Strategies for Successful Transit Referendums - Taiwo Jaiyeoba, HDR

 Overview of CTE’s 11 Keys to Success  Reviewed Past Referendums (2009 to 2015)  Interviewed 16 agencies to : o Identify Lessons Learned o Gain Practical Advice o Develop Reference Guide and Tools  Agency Interviews o Geographic Spread of the Referendums o Geographic Locations of the Communities o Political Leanings of the Communities o Types of Referendums o Sizes of the Agencies Study Background

2009 to 2014 Review of Past Referendums YearStatesMeasures*WinLossWin % % % % % % % *Does not include uncounted measures.

2009 to 2014 Referendum States Statistics : 33 States (incl. Alaska) 207 Measures (149 wins) 72% win rate

Agency Interviews

Transit Referendum Outcomes Win Loss Pierce Gray s Harb or Misso ula Urban Alameda- Contra Costa Valley Metro Denve r Regio nal Kans as City Capit al Metr o Houston Metro Memphis Area Metro Atlanta Grand Rapids Ann Arbor Hillsboro ugh Area Pinellas Suncoast Toled o Area

Key Study Findings

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSIT REFERENDUM  BUILD COALITIONS  SELECT THE “RIGHT FACE” OF THE CAMPAIGN  CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME  FRAME THE “ASK” CORRECTLY AND CLEARLY

 Define “what is in it for me?”  Broad outreach o Minority and community organizations  Clear Communication o Work Shops o Online Surveys o Feedback BUILD COALITIONS

 The role of the executive: Education  The role of the champions: Advocacy  Trusted local leader (or group)  Sets the tone for the campaign  Consistent messaging THE RIGHT FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN “After the Strategic plans were in place, the Mayor came out favorably” – Michael Tree, General Manager (Missoula Urban Transportation District)

 Economy  Local vs. General Election Year  Consider what is already on the ballot  Preparing and Planning  Realistic Expectations (Board & Agency Leadership)  Public Readiness CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME

 Benefits to the community o Frequent service o Improve facilities and equipment o Service Expansion  Consequences o Service cuts o No expansion o No Equipment Replacement o Loss of Employment FRAME THE ASK CORRECTLY

THIS should be YOUR story! We Built Strong Coalitions! We Chose the Right Time! We Framed the Ask Clearly! We Selected the Right Face!

Questions & Answers Taiwo Jaiyeoba, HDR (404)