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Survey: Informed support for a 2026 operating levy rises to about 79% after information
Summary
Don Lifto, a consultant with Morris Leatherman, told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board that a random-sample phone survey of 350 registered voters found baseline support at 71% for a possible 2026 operating levy increase, rising to about 79% after respondents read seven explanatory statements.
Don Lifto, a consultant with Morris Leatherman, told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Oct. 28 that a random-sample phone survey of 350 registered voters conducted Oct. 2—11 found strong baseline support for a possible 2026 operating levy increase. "Seventy-one percent support is higher than what we normally see at this point in the survey," Lifto said, adding that support increased after respondents heard additional information.
The survey interviews averaged 11 minutes, carried a margin of error of plus or minus 5.2 percentage points, and included demographic controls to mirror the registered-voter file, Lifto said. Respondents were told how the districts operating levy revenue contributes to the districts roughly $76,000,000 budget and were later presented seven explanatory statements; Lifto said favorable responses rose to about 79.3% after that information.
Lifto said the survey also tested respondents reactions to potential budget cuts: a legislative change could reduce compensatory revenue by about $4,000,000 a year and special education funding by up to about $2,400,000 a year. When asked whether they would support a tax increase to make up those reductions, roughly 70% of respondents said they would support such an increase.
The consultant said the survey presented three illustrative tax scenarios, shown as both monthly and annual figures, on an average-priced home of about $275,000: $156, $216 and $276 annually. Lifto said respondents support rose above the survey margin of error at about $200 per year on the average home. "That doesn't mean you might not bump that down slightly later or let it grow a little bit," he said.
Board members asked methodologic and interpretation questions, including whether the 79% "informed support" group overlaps with the 16% of respondents who said they would "never vote for any tax increase." Lifto noted some overlap is possible and described the remaining respondents as undecided or unsure, recommending additional tracking or outreach if the board requires finer-grained targeting.
The district will use the survey data to inform planning, outreach and potential referendum timing; Lifto cautioned that short-term tracking surveys could show movement and that a variety of economic and campaign factors will affect final strategy.
