RV 2015: Lessons from Politics: Anatomy of a Campaign by Taiwo Jaiyeoba

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Anatomy of A Campaign -

Strategies for Successful Transit Referendums

Taiwo Jaiyeoba,

Transit Principal – HDR, Inc.

Reviewed Past Referendums

(2009 to 2014)

Agency Interviews

Key Findings

In Conclusion

Presentation Agenda

Past Referendums

2009 to 2014 Referendum States

Statistics:

• 33 States (incl. Alaska)

• 207 Measures (149 wins)

• 72% win rate

2009 to 2014

Review of Past Referendums

Year States Measures* Win Loss Win %

2009 7 11 8 3 73%

2010 19 49 36 13 73%

2011 6 26 20 6 77%

2012 17 56 43 13 77%

2013 8 13 9 4 69%

2014 18 52 33 19 63%

*Does not include uncounted measures.

Agency Interviews

Interviewed agencies

o 16 CEOs/Board Members

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

Interviews

Transit Referendum Outcomes

Win

Loss

Key Study Findings

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSIT REFERENDUM

BUILD COALITIONS

SELECT THE “RIGHT FACE” OF THE CAMPAIGN

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME

CORRECTLY AND CLEARLY FRAME THE “ASK”

Define “what is in it for me?”

Broad outreach

oMinority and community

organizations

Clear Communication

oWork Shops

oOnline Surveys

oFeedback

BUILD COALITIONS

The role of the executive: Education

The role of the champions: Advocacy

Trusted local leader(s)/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)

State of the 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

Legal Requirements

FRAME THE ASK CORRECTLY

Making the case for referendum

o Tell a positive story

• How the community will benefit

• Key Agency Awards

Clear Understanding

o Ballot wording

o Where is the money going?

Build Coalitions Identify Champions Right Timing Clearly Frame The “Ask”

FLOW CHARTS FOR KEY FINDINGS

In Conclusion

THIS should be YOUR story: We Won!

We Built

Strong

Coalitions! We

Chose

the Right

Time!

We

Framed

the Ask

Clearly!

We

Selected

the Right

Face!

Anatomy of A Campaign -

Strategies for Successful Transit Referendums

Taiwo Jaiyeoba,

Transit Principal – HDR, Inc.

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