Case Study: Yes on Measure M
City of Modesto, CA
BACKGROUND: The city of Modesto had not substantially amended their city charter since 1962, now as a city of over 205,000 there was a need for reform. An appointed charter review committee and the City Council proposed a series of amendments including: creation of an independent city auditor, annual performance reviews for key city personnel, various accountability and budget reforms, and the creation of a citizens’ commission that would review the mayor and city council’s pay.
RESEARCH: Our research indicated that voters wanted increased accountability and reform in city government. While voters had concerns about potentially raising the council and mayor’s pay, in the context of the overall reform package it was supportable.
THE CAMPAIGN: We embarked on a coalition campaign that brought together diverse groups like labor and business, the local Republican and Democratic parties, and community leaders. Next we sought to communicate the reform package as clearly and directly as possible – spelling out each reform so that we did not leave an absence of information that could then be filled in by the small, but vocal opposition.
THE RESULT: Measure M, which originally had support in the mid 50% range, won with over 78% of the vote.