Poll shows streets bond near two‑thirds threshold; council hires outreach firm to refine message

Council received a presentation of December 2025 polling from FM3 that assessed voter support for possible bond measures to repair streets and, in an alternative measure, combine streets funding with library and senior center upgrades. "We spoke to likely voters and found 66% initial support for an $80 million streets‑only bond — near the two‑thirds level needed — which rose to 71% after additional context," Adam Sonenshine of FM3 told the council.

The combined streets+library measure tested lower, beginning near 59% and improving only modestly with additional context. Sonenshine recommended further targeted outreach and a follow‑up survey nearer the decision point to refine the ballot language, amount and tax rate.

Council authorized staff to hire Grassroots Lab to build an outreach program: community leader briefings, town halls, direct mail, and a short tracking survey in late spring. "We would begin producing materials, host town halls and conduct community engagement to give you better qualitative and quantitative data before any referral decision," Rob Carricki of Grassroots Lab said.

Why it matters: Streets and roads ranked as the top priority in the poll (over 80% said fixing local streets was extremely or very important). FM3 noted the high cost of deferring repairs and recommended community education about comparative road scores and the increased future costs of delay.

Next steps: Staff will return with a detailed outreach plan, cost estimates and a recommended timing for follow‑up polling (May or June) so council can decide whether to refer a measure for the November ballot. No bond was placed on the ballot at this meeting.