FM3 Research and Strategy presented the results of a statistically valid community survey on Nov. 18, reporting 641 resident responses and a margin of error of about 4.9%. Lucia of FM3 told the City Council the work used mixed outreach (postcards, texts, emails and phone calls), quotas to match census demographics and bilingual (English/Spanish) administration to ensure representativeness.

Key findings presented: a large majority view the fairgrounds as in disrepair but also as central to Calistogas identity; top-priority uses clustered around the speedway, the RV park, an emergency evacuation center, the annual fair and public parks and open space. FM3 reported 80% support for leasing portions of the property to vendors and businesses to fund maintenance and reopening; 56% of resident respondents were open to the general idea of a modest local ballot measure, though FM3 emphasized this was a resident survey, not a voter test.

Council members asked about methodology and outreach; Lucia said FM3 closed the survey once demographic quotas were met and reiterated the survey period (Sept. 20
 Oct. 12) and outreach numbers (about 4,700 postcards, ~1,800 texts, ~1,600 emails and ~2,400 phone calls). Staff noted the presentation and underlying slides will be posted and hard copies made available at City Hall and that FM3 will present again to the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee.

Public comment ranged from support for specific amenities (a dog park advocated by Jenna Mitchum) to calls for transparency and broader planning. Some residents questioned representativeness; others urged moving to an iterative public planning process. Several speakers recommended the council and advisory committee proceed with phased, participatory planning to develop feasible, fundable options.

What happens next: staff and the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee will review the results (a public advisory committee meeting is scheduled Thursday at 3:00 p.m.) and use the survey as an input to an iterative, public planning process and feasibility analysis.