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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-28-2024_PW SS Briefings KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: June 28, 2024 TOPIC: Road Fund Levy Update ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff LEAD STAFF: Joshua Fredrickson RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff regarding continued road fund levy lift efforts BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Levy rate impacts from three years of inflation have been evaluated. • County consultant, Consor has conducted two in-person focus group meetings and telephone survey • Results of outreach efforts will be presented • Three levy rate scenarios have been developed BACKGROUND: Consor, PW outreach consultant,has been working to implement the 2024 work program. Recent efforts included two in-person focus group meetings on April 13, 2024. Focus groups included 10-12 individuals in each group, with one meeting held in upper county and the second in lower county. Consor also conducted a telephone/hybrid survey of 300 registered voters in Kittitas County. DISCUSSION: The Ten-Year Transportation Plan(TAMP) utilized an annual inflation rate of two (2) percent. Inflationary impacts from 2021-2023 accumulated to 16.8 percent per the Western States Consumer Price Index (CPI). This has affected the ability to keep up with the anticipated road needs in the TAMP. From 2015-2019 levy shifts also impacted the road fund. While this allowed for the creation of the County's water bank system, which has benefited the county and residents, it came at an expense to public works infrastructure maintenance. To identify potential voter sentiment for a road levy lift, PW contracted with Consor to conduct public outreach. This included in-person focus group meetings and telephone survey of registered voters. Consor has performed work and developed the Kittitas County Road Fund Levy Survey Report(Exhibit 1). The report summarizes the following findings: - Kittitas County voters are evenly split on the direction the County is headed - Voters rate the county's road management of roads and bridges positively - Voters view snowplowing,bridge safety, road maintenance and resurfacing as top transportation priorities - Given the basic details of the levy, a majority of voters are unsupportive of the tax increase - After learning more about the levy and its potential impacts through the support messages, voter support rises from 43%to 53% Representatives from Consor will be at the study session and present the findings of the outreach efforts. Rate scenarios have been developed by Public Works, with input from Consor's levy survey efforts. Three financial scenarios are presented,no lift, single-year(s) lid lift and multi-year lid lift. The first scenario is no lift to the road levy. This represents a baseline funding, which includes the statutory one- (1)percent annual allowable increase. The second scenario looks at a single-year lid lift in year one and year six. The single-year lid lift would increase the levy amount those years and then return the base to the one-(I) percent annual allowable increase. The third scenario is a permanent multi-year lid lift. In this scenario, year one shows a percent increase with five subsequent increases. In this scenario the levy lid lift would establish a new baseline at the end of the lift period, subject to statutory one-(I)percent annual allowable increase. Consor will develop outreach material, including messaging information which can be utilized. Timing for the November general election ballot is to have items submitted to the County Auditor by August 6, 2024. This will include completion of a ballot measure cover sheet and a resolution. FISCAL IMPACT: Consideration of divesting from infrastructure assets must be considered without additional funds to the road fund. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit 1: Kittitas County Road Fund Levy Survey Report EXHIBIT 1: KITTITAS COUNTY ROAD FUND LEVY SURVEY REPORT 503.220.0575 555 SE MLK Jr Blvd,Suite 105 Portland,OR 97214 RESEARCH www.dhmresearch.com Telephone/Hybrid Survey Kittitas County Fund Report May 2024 For: Consor Strategic Planning & Communications Kittitas County Public Works d RESEARCH Table of Contents Introduction & Methodology 3 Summary & Observations 4 Key Findings 5 Appendix 22 2 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH Introduction & Methodology 1 From May 16-23,2024, DHM Research conducted a telephone/hybrid survey of 300 registered voters in Kittitas County.The purpose of the survey was to understand voter sentiments, gauge voter support for a proposed Road Fund Levy,and test the resonance of support messages to inform the development and implementation of a communication plan that will resonate with voters and help achieve support for the levy. Research Methodology The telephone/hybrid survey consisted of 300 registered voters in Kittitas County and took approximately 11 minutes to complete.This is a sufficient sample size to assess voter opinions generally and to review findings by multiple subgroups including age, gender, race, education level, income level, political affiliation, and area. Respondents were contacted from a list of registered voters.Telephone respondents were contacted by a live interviewer, and text-to-online respondents received a text invitation directing them to an online survey. In gathering responses, a variety of quality control measures were employed, including questionnaire pre-testing and validation. Quotas were set by age,gender, race,education level, income level, political affiliation, and area to ensure a representative sample.Though quotas were set, income skewed lower than the median household income due to the prioritization of representative age groups within the allotted fielding time. Statement of Limitations Any sampling of opinions or attitudes is subject to a margin of error.The margin of error is a standard statistical calculation that represents differences between the sample and total population at a confidence interval,or probability,calculated to be 95%.This means that there is a 95% probability that the sample taken for the study would fall within the stated margin of error if compared with the results achieved from surveying the entire population.The margin of error for this survey is: ±6.01% DHM Research Background DHM Research has been providing opinion research and consultation throughout the Pacific Northwest and other regions of the United States for over 40 years.The firm is nonpartisan and independent and specializes in research projects to support public policy making. 3 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH Summary & Observations 2 Kittitas County voters are evenly split on the direction the county is headed.While there is no consensus on the county's trajectory,voters are clearly concerned about overpopulation and development, with nearly a quarter identifying it as the most important issue facing the county today; a sentiment that is consistent with findings from focus group research conducted in April. Voters rate the county's management of roads and bridges positively.Sixty-nine percent of voters rate the job the county is doing maintaining roads and bridges as "good" or better.While these positive perceptions represent a vote of confidence in the county's road maintenance, such perceptions can also pose a challenge for Public Works.A public that views the transportation system as well-maintained may not understand its vulnerabilities and may be less receptive to communications about road and bridge maintenance funding challenges. Voters view snowplowing, bridge safety, road maintenance and resurfacing as top transportation priorities.When it comes to specific road and bridge maintenance activities, Kittitas County voters place especially high value on activities that keep people safe. Connecting the levy to continued safety in Kittitas County should resonate with voters. Given just the basic details of the levy,a majority of voters are unsupportive of the tax increase. Over a third of voters say they are"certain"that they would vote "no" in an initial test. All tested support messages receive positive marks from voters. For each reason tested, 58%to 74%of voters rate it as a very good or good reason to vote "yes" on the road levy. After learning more about the levy and its potential impacts through the support messages, voter support rises to from 43%to 53%.With this 10-point increase, support outweighs opposition by a 9-point difference.The informed levy test indicates that effective messaging, specifically the messages that highlight voter priorities such as snowplowing and are targeted at likely supporters, has the potential to shift public opinion in favor of the levy. • By observing vote progression from the initial levy test to the informed test, likely supporters and those who are likely to change their vote after learning more information("movers")tend to be from groups such as those ages 18-29 or 65+, Democrats,those who identify with liberal ideologies, Lower County residents, and renters. Recommendations & Next Steps • Build communications and outreach around your base of likely supporters,as well as movers (those persuaded by messaging). • Hard-to-get voters are unlikely to sway from their positions of opposition or uncertainty, making them unlikely to be worth spending significant resources on—particularly voters ages 30-44.They also lean Republican, prefer not to share their income, live in Upper County, describe themselves as conservative,and are homeowners. 4 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH Key Findings 3 3.1 Community Mood Voters in Kittitas County are evenly split on the county's direction. General sentiment deviates from current statewide trends in the sense that voters in Kittitas County are seemingly less negative than the state at large but relatively more uncertain or undecided about the trajectory of their community. Voters who are 45 years and older are relatively more likely to say things are headed in the right direction (38% ages 45-64, and 41%ages 65 and older)than younger voters, particularly those ages 30-44(20%). Differences also exist across political affiliation; Republicans and Independent voters are more likely to say things are on the wrong track(45%and 49% respectively)than Democrats(21%). Fifty-six percent of those who voted in none or just one of the 4 recent general elections answered, "don't know." General Sentiment- Kittitas County 'total Washington State:2022-2024 54�. SO% 48% 48$ 5096 Wrung trade 39% Right direction 37% 40% 39Y. 34% 33% 12 3 Don't know 32% Sep.22' Nov.22' Apr.23' Aug.23' Dec.'23 Mar.'24 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 1 Total Washington State 2022-2024 data from DHM's statewide online panel surveys. Overpopulation,growth, and development are pressing concerns among some Kittitas County voters, as nearly a quarter identify these issues as the most important problems facing the county today. In the focus groups, public safety issues, road maintenance,and traffic were among the most frequently identified issues that participants want county leaders to address;these concerns were often underscored by worries about the pace of population growth and increasing development. 5 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH Most Important Problem Facing Kittitas County Today Response category -Iqf 00 Overpopulation/Growth/Development 23% Housing affordability 10% Political division 8% Cost of living/ Inflation 7% Crime/Safety 6% Taxes 5% Road repairs/ Infrastructure 3% Homelessness 3% Other 26% Don't know/Unsure 4% Refused/ No comment 3% Voters in Upper County are more likely to mention overpopulation and growth as the most important issue(36%vs. 16%of Lower County voters), as well as those ages 65 and older(31%). 3.2 Perceptions of Public Works and Road System Regarding how the county manages the upkeep of its roads and bridges,the general sentiment among voters leans positive,with nearly 7 in 10 saying the county does a very good or good job. Road Maintenance Rating Now good of a job do you think Kittitas County is doing when it comes to County roads and bridges? 13% Very good ► Very Poor DHM Research Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey Chart 2 Perceptions of the county's road and bridge maintenance performance vary among different demographics. Older voters,specifically those ages 45 and above, have more positive views,with 76% rating the performance positively,compared to 44-69%for those ages 18-44.Additionally,voters from the Upper County are more likely to rate the county's performance positively(81%)compared to Lower County voters(63%). Notably,there are no significant differences in positive ratings across political 6 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH affiliations and voting history, although independent voters are more likely to respond with "don't know" (31%). Thinking about specific activities related to road and bridge maintenance,voters place high value on bridge safety,snow plowing, and road maintenance and resurfacing.Snow plowing is particularly important with over 6 in 10 saying it is very important.When participants were asked to list the most important services they receive from the local county government in the focus groups,snow plowing was among the most frequently listed services, behind only fire and police services. Importance of County Road Maintenance Functions Very importaa Not at all important Bridge safety Very few "don't know" Snow plowing Road maintenance and resurfacing Preventing flooding on roads Improving traffic safety Addressing traffic congestion Maintaining sidewalks and paths DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 3 When gauging priority levels for different road and bridge maintenance activities across key demographics, priority ratings are fairly consistent, but vary in a few demographic areas. Opinions vary most by age.Voters ages 45 and older are more likely to rate"bridge safety'as important than those between ages 30-44.Additionally,those 65 and older are more likely to prioritize"addressing traffic congestion," as do those ages 18-29, as well as"improving traffic safety."Voters ages 18-29 are most likely to rate"maintaining sidewalks and paths"as important. There is little variance by political affiliation, but independent voters are notably less likely to rate "improving traffic safety" as important than their partisan counterparts.There are no significant differences in total "important" ratings between Upper County and Lower County voters. 7 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH Importance of County Road Maintenance Functions by Demographic Groups AGE PARTY AREA Upper Lowe Response category 18-29 30-4. Dern Rep Other Bridge safety 94% 76% '• 91% 85% 85% 85% 89% Snow plowing 94% 81% 86% 86% 92% 84% 79% 83% 88% Road maintenance and 68% ° 82% 86% 89% 85% 85% 75% 88% 80% resurfacing Preventing flooding on 85% 77% 68% 76% 81% 69% 76% 76% 75% roads Improving traffic safety 68% 56% 64% 38% 73% 66% Addressing traffic 57% 55% 70% 66% 57% 69% 64% congestion _ Maintaining sidewalks ° ° o 0 0 0 0 and paths 51 /0 59/0 61 /0 52/o 52/0 58/° 64/o P I DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 3 Demographics Additional demographic notes: • Upper County voters are more likely to rate"road maintenance and resurfacing" as very important than Lower County voters(56%vs.31%). • Those with the highest incomes are relatively more likely to rate"snow plowing" as important than those with the lowest incomes(99%vs.82%). 8 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 dri, RESEARCH 3.3 Initial Test: 5-Year Funding In the initial levy test,voters were provided with basic information about the Road Levy, as shown in the language displayed in Chart 4.With this information in mind,just over half of voters would vote"no"to oppose the levy if it were on the November 2024 ballot,with 1 in 3 certain of their vote. In the initial test,support for the levy is 43%,with fewer than 1 in 5 certain they would vote"yes"to support the levy. Initial Test Should Kittitas County issue a one-year road maintenance levy increase of $0.55 per$1,000 assessed value in 51% 2025?This increase would allow Kittitas 43% County Public Works to continue to maintain County roads and bridges for the next five years.'' If the election were today,would you 6% vote YES to support this measure,or Certain '!rJ to oppose it? Yes No Don't know DHM Research I Consor Kittitas Counry aublic Works Survey I Chart 4 Given current voter sentiments in Kittitas County and the state at large,along with voter priorities to address pressing issues exacerbated by overpopulation and development, it's unsurprising to see majority opposition to a tax increase. However,examining support at the demographic level reveals potential target audiences for focused communication strategies and resources to elicit further support. 9 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH %would vote yes on the Road Levy Total level SS% support SO% Ai% 48% 4b96 4396 A396 4396 �� �496 �9% 4�� With few exceptions, these are not big differences w AGE INCOME PARTY AREA DHM Resew& i :F ... Examining key demographic segments reveals that overall support for the levy is relatively consistent, with a few key differences worth noting. First,voters ages 18-29 are the only group with over 50% support forthe levy in the initial test,although it is also important to note that they comprise the smallest age subgroup (n=48), and are an age group that historically have lower turnout in Washington, so this observation should be interpreted with caution. Moreover,voters in Upper County are directionally more likely to vote for the levy than Lower County voters, although this difference is not statistically significant.Similarly,variations in support across different vote histories are minimal,further underscoring the uniformity in favorability towards the levy across demographics. Additional demographic notes: • Voters ages 30-44 are the most likely to be certain they would "no"to oppose the levy than other age groups(50%vs.21 -35%all other ages). • Republicans(39%vs. 25% Democrats)and those who lean toward conservative ideologies (42%vs.21% liberals)are also more likely to be certain to vote"no." 10 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH 3.4 Messaging: 5-Year Funding After reading or listening to a list of reasons presented in favor of supporting the levy, a majority of voters find all reasons convincing. Messages highlighting the significance of snowplowing, maintaining the safety of county roads and bridges, and the critical role of well-maintained roads in daily life are most persuasive among voters.When looking at ratings by strength of opinion, "taking care of what we have now is less expensive than trying to fix problems later,""ensure the safety of all county roads and bridges",and "keep roads and bridges accessible to emergency service providers" rank as the top very good reasons, although the rest of the messages do not fall far behind in this regard.The message "one-time cost for multi-year benefit" resonates at lower level than other messages; however,a majority of voters(58%)still find it to be a good reason to support the levy. Reasons to Support Very good reason Very poor reason Total good reason Maintain snowplowing 74 Ensure safety of all county roads and bridges Well-maintained roads and bridges are crucial to everyday life Keep roads and bridges accessible to emergency service providers Taking care of what we have now is less expensive than trying to fix problems later One-time cost for multi-year benefit S% 58 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 5 t ' Chart 5 displays shortened versions of the messages tested in the survey; see questions 12- 17 in the appendix section for full messages. 11 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 CI RESEARCH Compared to Republicans and independents, Democrats agree with nearly all of the given reasons for supporting the levy.Voters at both ends of the age spectrum—the youngest and the oldest—are more likely to consider these messages valid reasons for their support. Reasons to Support by Demographic Groups Maintain snowplowing 60% 72% 68% 67% 77% 72% Ensure safety of all county 91% 66% 70% 74% 65% 70% 71% 75% roads and bridges Well-maintained roads and bridges are crucial to 84% 56% 67% 70% 76% 72% everyday life Keep roads and bridges accessible to emergency 51% 64% 65% 70% 70% service providers Taking care of what we have now is less expensive than trying to fix problems 54% 67% 62% 62% 71% 66% later One-time cost for multi 45% 54% 59% 61% 56% 56% 62% 55°k year benefit Additional demographic notes: • More frequent voters(those who voted in at least two of the last four general elections)are more likely to find "maintain snowplowing"as a very good reason to support the Road Levy than those who voted in none or just one of the last 4 elections(31 -43%vs 14%). • Voters ages 30-44, Republicans,and independents are subgroups that are consistently more likely to rate all the reasons to support the Road Levy as poor or very poor than their counterparts. 12 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH 3.5 Re Test: 5-Year Funding After voters were presented with supporting arguments forth levy,support was re-tested. In the informed levy test, voter support increases by 10 points, reaching majority approval.While the proportion of certain "no" voters is largely intact,the informed test results in a comparable number of certain "yes"voters(29%,an increase of 12 points from the initial test). Informed Test -7 -2 Now thatyou know more about this measure, please consider it again. 53% 51% Should Kittitas County issue a one-year road maintenance levy increase of$0.55 per �D % $1,000 assessed value in 2025?This increase would allow Kittitas County Public Works to d continue to maintain County roads and Lean _ bridges for the next five years. If the election were today,would you vote Certain 6% 4% YES to support this measure,or NO to oppose it? Initial Informed Initial Informed Initial Informed Yes 140 DHM Research I Consor Kmnm C:ourity Public Works Suevey i Chart 6 %would vote yes on the Road Levy *27 Total level support 53% �10 +R l , 412 I i C � � r Y ,�Y • n �, t 4, W � c AGE INCOME PARTY AREA Researcr. Kn itas ublic Worts S-rvev 1 6 13 DHM Research Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey May 2024 d RESEARCH Increase in support is seen across demographics, especially among voters ages 18-29,those with the highest incomes, and Lower County voters. Notably, level of support does not change in the informed test among voters ages 30-44. Overall,the informed levy test demonstrates that the current set of messaging is conducive to enhancing voter support, especially among the base of initially supportive voters such as young voters, high-income voters,and Democrats. Additional demographic notes: • College graduates are most likely to be certain to vote"yes"(39%vs 20-28%with some college or less). • Voters who say that the county is headed in the right direction are more likely to vote"yes"than those who say it is on the wrong track(65%vs 34%). 14 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH 3.6 Voter Targets Analysis of movement between the ballot tests, including the strength of support and opposition, provides information on categories of voters that can be used for targeting in communications to move towards stronger support. Strong base Voters who start on "yes" and end on "certain yes" Soft base Voters who start on "yes" and end on "lean yes" Movers Voters who end on "yes" or"don't know,"excluding those in Strong or Soft base Hand to 9AW Voters who start and end on "no;"start and end on "don't know;" or start on "yes"and end on "no" Almost a quarter of voters make up the strong base.These voters are more likely to be Democrats, college educated, have an income of<$50K, and identify as liberal compared to demographics among total Kittitas County voters.To a lesser degree,they also tend to be ages 65+, renters,from Upper County, and have high school or less education. Voters who start on "yes"and end on "certain yes" Soft base AGE POLMCALIDEOLOGY 17% • 65+:31% Liberal:36% Strong (vs.27%total) (vs.21`,%totall Movers base pAary RACE/ETHNICITY Dem:5D°5 Wbka alone:9f'% (vs.a %totaU (-.841Stowl) �� EDUCATION • U rCou 39% Coflega+:49% Up MY' (vs.35%total) (vs.35%total) Hs or less:35% Hard to get (vs.31%total) INCOME 47% <$50K 605b HOMEOWNERSHIP (vs 52%total) Renters:2396 �A [ . (vs.1996total) 66L n.71• Difference t the margin of error DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 7 15 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 dh RESEARCH Almost 1 in 5 voters make up the soft base.These voters are more likely to be ages 18-29, middle- income($50K-$100K), men,and have some college education.They also lean Republican or independent, Lower County, higher income($100K+),conservative, and homeowners. Voters who start on "yes" and end on "lean yes" P P P'S,—0ft base AGE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY • 18-29:32% Conservative:30% 17% Strong (vs.16%total) (vs.25%total) PARTY RACE/ETHNICITY baseRep:45% • White alone:93% (vs.4 1%total) (vs.84%total) Ind/Other:21% G=FtoER (vs.78%total) Men:55% AREA (vs.49%total) Lower County:67% EDUCATION (vs.65%total) . Some college:37% Hard to get INCOME (vs.31%total) 5501(5100K 32% HOME OWNERSHIP (vs.22%total) Ownerss:76% $700K+:26% (vs.7i%total) (vs.21%total) n.52' Difference t the margin of error DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 8 Just over 1 in 10 voters are movers.Along with the soft base, movers are important targets to solidify. Movers are more likely to be ages 18-29, Democrats, Lower County, higher income($100K+), moderate, have some college education, and renters. Voters who end on "yes" or"don't know," excluding those in Strong or Soft base ppp7oft __W baseAGE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY 18 29 36ro Moderate:545E Strong (vs.769,total (vs.34Y.tot51! • 45-64:34% base (vs.31%total) RACE/ETHNICITY PARTY White alone:99iL • Dem 48% (vs 84'btutJ) (vs.479;total? • Ind/Other.22% EDUCATION (vs.18%total) • Somecollege:513i AREA (vs Vl ;to:al) Hard t*get Lower County.8Vs HOMEOWNERSHIP 47% ,'vs.655'total • Renters:ou l) INCOME (vs.195:.total) $1001(+:38?� fvs 21:.:total) n®36" Difference a the margin of error DHM Research i Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 9 16 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d 1�. RESEARCH Slightly less than half of voters are in the hard-to-get category.This means that overall,just over half of voters are in the strong base,soft base, and movers combined.Voters in the hard-to-get category are unlikely to change from their positions of opposition or uncertainty, making them unlikely to be worth spending significant resources on. Hard-to-get voters are more likely to be ages 30-44 and lean Republican, prefer not to share their income, Upper County, conservative, and homeowners. Voters who start and end on "no,"start and end on "don't know," or start on "yes"and end on "no" base AGE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY 17% Strong • 30-":3456 Conservative: (vs.26%total) (vs.25%total) base 24% PARTY RACEJETHNICITY Rep:45% POC:17% - (vs.41%total) (vs.11%total) AREA • Upper County:37% HOMEOWNERSHIP (vs.35%total) • Owne.m 75% Hard to get (vs.71%total) INCOME Prefer not to say:10% (vs.5%total) n.140 FDf(femZ7a-Me margin of error- DHM Research 1 Consor Kittitas Cournbj Public works Survey I Chart 10 Those in the strong and soft base have higher turnout likelihood than the other target groups. Movers are less frequent voters,further demonstrating the necessity of outreach and targeting to motivate this group and increase turnout for the upcoming election, but over 50% have voted in at least 1 or 2 of the most recent general elections.Considering that this group skews toward the18-29 age group,the infrequent vote likelihood could also be a product of this group not having been of voting age for more than 2 recent general elections. 17 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH Vote History by Target Group Number of times voted in 4 most 3 4 recent general elections: Total voters Strong base* Soft base* Movers** Hard to get DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Pubic Works Survey I Chart 11 18 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH 3.7 Messengers & Communication Preferences When it comes to communicating information about the need for the levy,voters trust local emergency providers,followed by farmers or members of the farm community and construction workers who work on roads and bridges. Only 17%trust Kittitas County Commissioners,though twice as many say they would trust the Kittitas County Public Works Department. Among the following people or organizations,who would you trust if they spoke in support and discussed the need for the road maintenance levy? Please choose all that apply. Local emergency service providers(police,firefighters,EMS) 53% Farmers or members of the farm community 47% People in construction who work on road or bridge repairs 38% People who work atthe Public Works Department 34% Kittitas County Commissioners —17% Other _ 13% Don't know 12% DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 12 Democrats tend to trust local emergency service providers and construction workers more than Republicans and independents do. Meanwhile,voters in Lower County have a higher level of trust in farmers compared to their counterparts in Upper County. Trusted Messengers by Demographic Groups AGE PARTY AREA Upper Response category 18-29 0 .. Dem Rep Other Local emergency service 53% 49% 51% 60% 42% 49% 53% 54% providers Farmers or members of 53% 53% 42% 45% 45% 46% 55% 34% the farm community People in construction who work on road/bridge 33% 41% 32% 46% 29% 43% 341% 41% repairs —33% 23% People who work at the 51% 29% 19% 34% 33% Public Works Department Kittitas County 23% 17% 16% 17% 20% 17% 11% 19% 16% Commissioners 19 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH Additional demographic notes: • White voters are more likely to trust"local emergency service providers"than Voters of Color (60%vs 23%). • Those who voted in the last 4 recent general elections are more likely to trust"Kittitas County Commissioners"than those who voted in none or just one of the last 4 elections(24%vs 7%). Local emergency service providers and people who work in construction on road/bridge repairs are the best messengers to reach the base and movers among target voters. Farmers or members of the farm community are also good messengers that may appeal to all, including hard-to-get voters,though construction workers have higher trust among the base groups. Trusted Messengers by Target Voters StrongTARGETS Response category base* Local emergency service providers 31°k Farmers or members of the farm community 55% 43% 64% 40% People in construction who work on 20% road/bridge repairs People who work at the Public Works 35% 38% 20% Department Kittitas County Commissioners 21% 26% 9% When it comes to sources of information, nearly half of voters indicate that special mailing is the best way to be informed about the county's transportation funding needs.Other top sources include social media and local print or online news organizations.The county website ranks in the middle tier of the listed sources with just over a quarter of voters selecting it as one of the best methods to get information on the matter. 20 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH What is the best way for you to receive information from the County about transportation funding needs and possible solutions? Please choose all that apply. Special mailing 47% Social media 38% Local print or online news organizations �` 34% The Kittitas County website 26% Friends and family 26% Live radio 18% Television 15% Other = 10% Don't know 1 6% DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 13 The top preferred sources, namely special mailings and social media, are consistent across key groups. Voters ages 65 and older tend to prefer local print or online news organizations,the county website, and TV more than other age groups do. Lower County voters are much more likely to prefer live radio than Upper County voters. Preferred Information Sources by Demographic Groups AGE PARTY AREA Ind. Upper Lower Response category 18-29 .. Dem Rep Other Special mailing 55% 42% 43% 53% 45% 54% 36% 43% 50% Social media 54% 43% 34% 28% 35% 40% 40% 38% 38% Local print or online news 30% 31% 26% 39% 33% 22% 35% 33% organizations The Kittitas County 18% 20% 25% 33% 21% 23% 26% 26% website Friends and family 22% 33% 22% 25% 22% 26% 33% 26% 26% Live radio 20% 25% 16% 13% 18% 15% 28% 7% Television 0% 20% 11% 17% 10% 21% 16% 14% 21 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 dt RESEARCH Special mailing,social media, and live radio may be the best channels of communication to invest in for reaching the base and movers among voter targets.Special mailing and social media are both rated highest among the strong and soft base. Special mailing is also rated highly among movers, along with live radio.Voters in the strong base also mention text as a method they prefer to receive information more than other target groups. Preferred Information Sources by Target Voters TARGETS Response category Strong base* Soft ba�dqit Special mailing 47 . 39% Social media 44% 29% I 32% Local print or online news 35% 46% 39% I 27 k o organizations The Kittitas County website 36% 19% 34% 21% Friends and family 26% 38% 20% 23% Live radio 15% 13% 15% 1 Television 20% 12% 13% 1 14% Other: Text 0% 0% 1 1% If the county is unable to secure the necessary funds to maintain the current level of county roads and bridges,the safety of the most at-risk bridges is the top priority for voters.Over 40% prioritize maintaining the most heavily traveled roads and bridges, rural roads and bridges,and school bus routes. Conversely, infrastructure for walking or non-motorized forms of transportation is a much lower priority for voters. If Kittitas County lacks enough funds to maintain all County roads and bridges in the future,which two categories should be given the most priority? Bridges that pose the greatest safety risk 60% The most heavily traveled roads and bridges 46% Rural roads and bridges where there are no other 45% travel routes School bus routes 40% Infrastructure for walking,biking,and other - 9% alternatives to motor vehicles DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I Chart 14 22 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 di RESEARCH There are only a few differences in priorities. Independent voters are more likely to prioritize bridges in the county than their partisan counterparts.Voters in the Upper County are more concerned about rural roads and bridges,while voters ages 18-29 and 65 and older are more likely to be concerned about school bus routes than voters in the middle age ranges. Priority Maintenance Categories by Demographic Groups AGE PARTY AREA Upper LowerResponse category 18-29 .. Dern Rep Other Bridges that pose the 54% 65% 63% 55% 49% 63% 55% 62% greatest safety risk The most heavily traveled 40% 52% 43% 48% 51% 47% 35% 43% 48% roads and bridges Rural roads and bridges where there are no other 36% 47% 48% 44% 43% 51% 34% 38% travel routes School bus routes 56% 28% 36% 43% 33% 47% 37% 41% Infrastructure for walking, biking, and other o ° ° ° o ° ° ° o 14/0 7/0 11 /0 7/0 14/0 6/0 8/0 9/0 10/o alternatives to motor vehicles 23 1 DHM Research C Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH Appendix 4 Consor&Kittitas County Public Works Road Levy Survey Fielded May 16-23,2024 Registered Voters in Kittitas County N=300; margin of error t6.01% 11 minutes DHM Research Project#01253 Hello, my name is from [name of fielding house]. I have some questions about your experiences living in Kittitas County. May I speak to [name in sample file]? As needed: • We are not trying to sell you anything. • The survey will only take about 10 minutes and I think you will find the questions interesting. • Your answers are strictly confidential. COMMUNITY MOOD 1. All things considered,would you say that Kittitas County is headed in the right direction or is it on the wrong track? Response Right direction 33% Wrong track 36% Don't know 32% 2. What do you think is the most important problem facing Kittitas County today?[Open] Overpopulation/Growth/ 23% Development Housing affordability 10% Political division 8% Cost of living/Inflation 7% Crime/Safety 6% Taxes 5% Road repairs/Infrastructure 3% Homelessness 3% Other 26% Don't know/Unsure 4% Refused/ No comment 3% 24 DHM Research Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey May 2024 RESEARCH PERCEPTIONS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ROADS SYSTEM Now,we have a question about roads and bridges in Kittitas County. 3. Kittitas County Public Works oversees the engineering,construction, maintenance, and administration of the County Road System.This consists mainly of County roads and bridges such as Bullfrog Road and Dickey Creek in Upper County and Vantage Highway and Liberty Road Bridge in Lower County.This does not include state highways or city streets. How good of a job do you think Kittitas County is doing when it comes to County roads and bridges? Response00 Total Good 69% Very good 16% Good 53% Total Poor 18% Poor 13% Very poor 5% Don't know 13% LEVYTESTING Residents in Kittitas County may be asked to vote on a funding measure in November 2024. Please [ONLINE/SMS: read/PHONE: listen to]the information as carefully as possible to determine if you might support or oppose the measure. The County maintains 500 miles of roads and more than 250 bridges and other facilities. Each year,the County resurfaces about 70 miles of roads.This means that over seven years, all County roads are resurfaced.The County is also responsible for plowing roads in winter months. Funding to maintain and plow County roads primarily comes from local property taxes. Due to inflation and rising costs of materials,the County will no longer be able to maintain all of the roads and bridges using its existing property tax rates.The County is considering asking voters to increase property tax rates to continue its current level of road maintenance. Without additional funding,the County will only be able to continue to maintain and resurface about half of County roads. For each of the following County road maintenance functions,please indicate if they are very important,somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important to you. Response category Total Very Somewhat Total Not Not too Not at all D. 00 Important important important 4. Road maintenance 83% 44% 14/a° 10% 4% 3% and resurfacing 39% 5. Bridge safety 8787%1 58% 30% 11% 7% 4% 2% 25 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 dh RESEARCH Response category Total Very Somewhat Total Not Nottoo Not at all D. 11 Important important impoirtant important important important know 6. Snow plowing 86% 61% 25% 12% 9% 3% 2% 7. Improving traffic 69/0 36/0 32/0 safety o 0 30% 14% 16% 1% 8. Addressing traffic 66% 27% 39% 32% 21% 11% /o o 2 congestion 9. Maintaining sidewalks 62% 22% o , o 0 0 40/0 36/0 24/0 12/0 2/o and paths I _ 10. Preventing flooding 75% 38% 37/0 o 23/0 0 17/0 0 6 0/0 1 /o 0 on roads INITIALTEST: 5-YEAR FUNDING 11. Should Kittitas County issue a one-year road maintenance levy increase of$0.55 per$1,000 assessed value in 2025?This increase would allow Kittitas County Public Works to continue to maintain County roads and bridges for the next five years. If the election were today,would you vote YES to support this measure,or NO to oppose it? Response11 Total Yes 43% Yes-certain 17% Yes- lean 26% Total No 51% No- lean 16% No-certain 34% Don't know 6% MESSAGING: SPEAR FUNDING The following are reasons people might support a one-year property tax levy increase of$0.55 per $1,000 of assessed value that would fund road and bridge maintenance in Kittitas County for the next 5 years. For each, indicate if you think it is a good or poor reason to support the levy. Don'tResponse category Total Very Total Very 11 . . . . . . . Good Poor Poorpoor know 12. Keep roads and bridges accessible to emergency service providers:We must keep roads and bridges safe and accessible for vital emergency service 70% o o 0 0 0 0 providers,such as our police,firefighters, 34/0 35/0 27/0 13/0 14/0 3/0 and emergency medical personnel.We need this funding to safeguard the lives of those in immediate danger. 26 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 d RESEARCH Response category Total Very Total Very D. 11 • good Good Poor Poor poor know 13. Maintain snowplowing:The County's snowplows keep roads open through the winter,which the community depends 74% 33% 41% 25% 10% 14% 7201. on. We'd come to a screeching halt without our snowplows. 14.Well-maintained roads and bridges are crucial to everyday life: we need to commute to work, provide safe access 73% 29% 44% 23% 9% 14% 4% for school buses, and safely and reliably get to and from our homes to run errands,and visit family and neighbors. 15. One-time cost for multi-year benefit: The tax levy increase would cost the average property owner about$200 in 58% 24% 34% 37% 16% 21% 5% 2025.This is a one-time cost for a multi- year benefit. 16.Taking care of what we have now is less expensive than trying to fix problems later. Every dollar invested in 68% 36% 32% 28% 10% 19% 4% road maintenance now saves$7 to $12 in the long run. 17. Ensure safety of all county roads and bridges: Kittitas County maintains more than 250 bridges,and every one of those 73% 35% 38% 24% 10% 14% 3% can become a safety risk if not regularly — — inspected and maintained. RE TEST: 5-YEAR FUNDING 18. Now that you know more about this measure, please consider it again. Should Kittitas County issue a one-year road maintenance levy increase of$0.55 per$1,000 assessed value in 2025?This increase would allow Kittitas County Public Works to continue to maintain County roads and bridges for the next five years. If the election were today,would you vote YES to support this measure,or NO to oppose it? Total Yes 777 % Yes-certain 29% Yes- lean 24% Total No 44% No- lean 10% 27 DHM Research Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 SI RESEARCH Response11 �No-certain 33% fDon't know 4% MESSENGERS&COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES 19. Among the following people or organizations,who would you trust if they spoke in support and discussed the need for the road maintenance levy? Please choose all that apply.[Allow multiple responses] Response category 11 Local emergency service providers(police,firefighters, 53% EMS) Farmers or members of the farm community 47% People in construction who work on road or bridge 38% repairs People who work at the Public Works Department 34% Kittitas County Commissioners 17% Other(please specify): [Open]-NET 13% Other: Citizens/Taxpayers 6% Other 7% Don't know 12% 20. What is the best way for you to receive information from the County about transportation funding needs and possible solutions? Please choose all that apply.[Allow multiple responses] Response . . 11 Special mailing 47% Social media 38% Local print or online news organizations 34% The Kittitas County website 26% Friends and family 26% Live radio 18% Television 15% Other(please specify): [Open]- NET 10% Other: Email I 3% Other:Text 2% Other 5% Don't know 6% 21, If Kittitas County lacks enough funds to maintain all County roads and bridges in the future, which two cate ories should be given the most priority? 28 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 RESEARCH Response category1 1 Bridges that pose the greatest safety risk 60% The most heavily traveled roads and bridges 46% Rural roads and bridges where there are no other 45% travel routes School bus routes 40% Infrastructure for walking, biking,and other 9% alternatives to motor vehicles DEMOGRAPHICS The following questions are for categorization purposes only. 22. Age Response . . 11 18-29 16% 30-44 26% 45-64 31% 65+ 27% 23. Which category best describes your gross household income, before taxes? Remember to include everyone living in your household.Your best estimate will do. Response category 1 1 Less than $25,000 6% $25,000 to less than $50,000 46% $50,000 to less than $75,000 6% $75,000 to less than $100,000 16% $100,000 to less than $150,000 12% $150,000 or more 9% I prefer not to say 5% 24. What is the highest level of education that you have completed? Response category 11 Less than high school 2% High school diploma/GED 29% Some college/2-year degree 31% College degree/4-year degree 21% Graduate/professional school 14% 1 prefer not to say 3% 25. Do you rent, own your home, or have a different arrangement? categoryResponse 11 Rent 19% Own 71% 29 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey I May 2024 di. RESEARCH I have a different arrangement 5% I prefer not to say 5% —� 26. Do you consider yourself as a Democrat, Republican, or Independent? Response category 11 Democrat 41% Republican 41% Independent 18% 27 How would you describe your political ideology? Response11 Total liberal 21% Very liberal 7% Somewhat liberal 14% Moderate 34% Total conservative 25% Somewhat conservative 25% Very conservative n=0 Don't know 11% I prefer not to say 9% 28. How do you describe your gender? Response . . 11 Man 49% Woman 50% Non-binary or gender non- conforming n=0 Another way[Open] 1 29. Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?You may choose more than one. [Allow for multiple responses] Response category n=300 Asian/Pacific Islander n=1 Black/African/African American 1% Hispanic/Latino/a/x 1% Native American/American Indian 2% White/Caucasian 85% Other 7% Don't know 1% I prefer not to say 4% 30 DHM Research Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey May 2024 d RESEARCH 30. Area of the County Response category 00 Upper County 35% Lower County 65% 31. Voting history Response00 0 of 4 9% 1 of 17% 2 of 4 25% 3 of 4 24% 4 of 4 26% 31 1 DHM Research I Consor Kittitas County Public Works Survey May 2024