Highlights of Community Issues Survey
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City of Fullerton
2 Dates May 19-25, 2023Survey TypeDual-mode Voter SurveyResearch PopulationLikely November 2024 Voters in FullertonTotal Interviews461Margin of Sampling Error(Full Sample) ±4.9% at the 95% Confidence Level(Half Sample & Ballot Questions) ±6.9% at the 95% Confidence Level Contact Methods
Data Collection ModesSurvey TrackingNovember 2019 & June 2020LanguagesEnglish, Spanish(Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) TextInvitationsTelephoneCalls
EmailInvitations
TelephoneInterviews
OnlineInterviews
Survey Specifics and Methodology
3 Survey Process
FM3 modeled the research population of Fullerton voters likely to vote in November 2024, based upon participation in past elections available in the voter file.
FM3 pulled a random sample of stratified clusters of likely voters; each cluster contains voters with similar demographic/geographic characteristics.
FM3 emailed those with email addresses and texted those with cell phones, inviting them to take the online survey.
FM3 identified which clusters had completed online interviews.
FM3 completed telephone interviews with voters in the remaining clusters to ensure a representative sample of likely voters. üüüü
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4 Challenges & Issues of Concern Facing Fullerton Residents 5I’m going to mention a series of issues some people say might be problems for residents of Fullerton. Please tell me whether you personally consider it to be an extremely serious, very serious, somewhat serious or not too serious problem. ^Not Part of Split Sample 46%47%43%39%43%32%26%23%
32%20%24%27%20%22%21%24%
14%19%22%18%23%25%19%28%
7%12%10%14%13%18%15%19%18%6%
^HomelessnessThe number of homeless residents in the city^Inflation and the cost of livingThe cost of housing^The condition of city streetsProperty crimes such as home and auto break-insWaste and inefficiency in city government^Crime, gangs and drugs Ext. Ser. Prob.Very Ser. Prob.Smwt. Ser. Prob.Not Too Ser. Prob.Don't KnowExt./Very Ser. Prob.78%67%67%66%63%53%47%46% The most broadly—and intensely—concerning issues facing the City relate to homelessness, cost of living issues, and street conditions.(Ranked by Extremely/Very Serious Problem) 6I’m going to mention a series of issues some people say might be problems for residents of Fullerton. Please tell me whether you personally consider it to be an extremely serious, very serious, somewhat serious or not too serious problem. ^Not Part of Split Sample 25%11%16%13%13%9%8%5%
20%22%16%18%15%11%9%10%
22%19%41%27%28%16%31%37%
16%32%27%36%34%23%42%42%
17%15%
6%9%41%9%5%
City of Fullerton budget shortfallsPoor drinking water qualityTraffic congestionNot enough police officers on city streets^The amount you have to pay in city taxesThe time it takes for police officers to respond to a 911 emergency callPopulation growthFlooding on local streets Ext. Ser. Prob.Very Ser. Prob.Smwt. Ser. Prob.Not Too Ser. Prob.Don't KnowExt./Very Ser. Prob.45%33%32%31%28%20%18%16% Continued.(Ranked by Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
7 38%
27%
33%
33%
38%
37%
6%
9%
10%
13%
17%
13%
9%
9%
6%
2023
2020
2019
Great NeedSome NeedA Little NeedNo Real NeedDon't KnowGreat/Some NeedA Little/No Real Need71%20% 65%26%
70%24%
Seven in ten indicated they feel the City needs additional funding.In your personal opinion, do you think the City of Fullerton has a great need for additional funding, some need, a little need or no real need for additional funds to provide the level of City services that Fullerton residents need and want? 8 Potential Funding Mechanisms for Fullerton City Services 9 Respondents were presented with two hypothetical ballot measures.
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? FULLERTON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, PUBLIC SAFETY, DRINKING WATER PROTECTION AND ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS MEASURE. Shall the measure providing Fullerton funding for city services, such as repairing residential streets/potholes; improving traffic flow/street lighting; maintaining 911 response and fire/police protection services; addressing homelessness; protecting local drinking water; and for general government use; by establishing a locally controlled 1¢ sales tax providing approximately $30 million annually until ended by voters; requiring audits and public spending disclosure, be adopted? FULLERTON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, TRAFFIC, AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY MEASURE. Shall the measure dedicating funds to city public infrastructure, such as repairing residential streets/potholes; upgrading street lighting, and improving traffic flow, to help maintain rapid police, fire and 911 response; and keep public areas safe and clean, by enacting a locally controlled 1¢ sales tax providing approximately $30 million annually for infrastructure only until ended by voters; requiring audits and public spending disclosure, be adopted? General-Purpose Sales Tax) (Majority Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by City Attorney) Special-Purpose Sales Tax (Roads Focus)(Two-thirds Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by City Attorney) 10 Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
42%30%6%
2%2%14%
4%
Total Yes77%
Total No18%
72%
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? Initially, a general-purpose measure appears viable outside the margin of error, while a special purpose roads measure is within it.(General-Purpose Sales Tax; MOE=±6.9% ) (Majority Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by Legal Counsel) 45%17%5%
4%8%21%
1%
Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
Special-Purpose Sales Tax (Roads Focus; MOE=±6.9% )(Two-thirds Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by Legal Counsel) Total Yes67%
Total No32%
11 55%11%5%
4%4%17%
4%
Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
Total Yes71%
Total No24%
Asked only of those not “definitely yes” in the initial vote; those “definitely yes” in the initial vote were counted as “definitively yes” in this question. 66%
While the half-cent rate is also viable, lowering the rate is not currently necessary for viability.If the City of Fullerton sales tax measure I just asked you about established a half-cent sales tax raising $15,000,000 per year instead of a one-cent sales tax raising $30,000,000 per year, would you vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? 12 Respondent Priorities
13 Ext./Very Impt.84%84%83%80%80%79%79%I am now going to read you a list of possible projects, features, and provisions that might be included in this City of Fullerton ballot measure. Regardless of how you feel about this measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each provision or use of funds is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. ^Not Part of Split Sample 58%49%50%46%44%45%37%
27%35%32%35%36%33%43%
11%15%13%16%15%19%17%
5%
^Addressing homelessness^Protecting local drinking water sources^Ensuring that children have safe places to play at parks^Keeping public areas safe and cleanRetaining and attracting well-trained firefighters and paramedics Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt.Don't Know
Road repairs generated the most intensity, but other top priorities included addressing homelessness, drinking water, play/public areas, and emergency responders. (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important) Repairing streets and potholesRepairing potholes on residential streets 14 Ext./Very Impt.74%74%71%69%66%64%64%63%I am now going to read you a list of possible projects, features, and provisions that might be included in this City of Fullerton ballot measure. Regardless of how you feel about this measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each provision or use of funds is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 40%34%39%29%27%32%29%28%
34%40%32%40%39%31%34%35%
17%23%20%23%22%21%21%27%
8%
9%7%10%15%11%9%5%
Retaining and attracting well-trained police officersFixing storm drains to protect groundwater supplyInvestigating and preventing property crimesMaintaining and repairing sidewalksMaking sure all streets have adequate street lighting Maintaining anti-gang programsMaintaining anti-drug programs Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt.Don't Know
Continued.(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Maintaining police patrols of neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas 15 Ext./Very Impt.57%52%52%51%50%34%23%I am now going to read you a list of possible projects, features, and provisions that might be included in this City of Fullerton ballot measure. Regardless of how you feel about this measure, please tell me how important it is to you personally that each provision or use of funds is included in the measure: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. ^Not Part of Split Sample 24%19%16%21%22%13%8%
33%34%36%30%28%21%15%
32%34%32%27%32%38%27%
9%12%15%19%13%26%48%
5%
^Repairing deteriorating playground equipment at neighborhood parks ^Upgrading and repairing the deteriorating police station Ext. Impt.Very Impt.Smwt. Impt.Not Too Impt.Don't Know
Continued.(Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Fixing storm drains to prevent floodingRepairing and upgrading streetlightsSynchronizing traffic signalsImproving traffic flow ^Adding more bike lanes
16 Impact of Information
17 56%
51%
50%
24%
35%
29%
80%
86%
78%
Very Conv.Smwt. Conv.
I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the ballot measure you have been considering. Please tell me whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a reason to vote yes to support the measure. °Split Sample A – General-Purpose (STREET CONDITIONS) Independent engineers rated Fullerton’s streets and roads as one of the worst in all of Orange County, with 46% of the city’s local roads — over 105 miles — rated “poor” or “very poor.” This measure will provide the funding needed to properly maintain our streets, which will make them safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists and will help reduce the need of drivers to make costly pothole-related car repairs. We need to address this infrastructure need now, rather than letting it worsen which will cost all of us more in the long run.°(RESPONSE TIMES – MEDICAL STAFF) Almost 75% of calls to the Fullerton Fire Department are related to medical emergencies. This measure will keep local fire stations open and make sure we have enough firefighters and paramedics to quickly respond to emergencies and save lives.°(HOMELESSNESS – SERVICES) Homelessness in Fullerton is a crisis.According to recent county reports, Fullerton has more homeless residents than most cities in Orange County. This measure will help the City address homelessness by supporting more access to local homeless prevention services, including job training, health and mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and assistance to prevent home evictions.
Current street conditions and the responsiveness of the Fire Department were top of mind for respondents. 18 46%
46%
41%
33%
17%
32%
78%
64%
74%
Very Conv.Smwt. Conv.
I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the ballot measure you have been considering. Please tell me whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a reason to vote yes to support the measure. °Split Sample A – General-Purpose °(QUALITY OF LIFE – HOMELESSNESS/ROADS/TRAFFIC) Fullerton is a great community — a place we can raise a family, do business in, and have a good quality of life. We need to maintain the essential services that make living here special, while creating solutions to priorities the community wants improved, such as homelessness, street repair, and traffic safety.°(PUBLIC SAFETY) Last year alone, there were nearly 4,625 property crimes and over 1,300 violent crimes in Fullerton. And in recent years, state prisons have given early release to many criminals, which has resulted in an increase of gang-related crime in our community. Passing this measure is critical to making our community safer.(ACCOUNTABILITY) This measure contains tough fiscal accountability by requiring annual independent financial audits, and public disclosure of spending and ensures that all funds remain in Fullerton and cannot be taken by the County or State government. These fiscal safeguards will make sure funds are used efficiently, effectively and as promised.
Addressing quality of life and safety concerns was compelling.(Ranked by Very Convincing) 19 36%
36%
35%
37%
36%
39%
73%
72%
73%
Very Conv.Smwt. Conv.
˜(QUALITY OF LIFE – ROADS/TRAFFIC) Fullerton is a great community — a place we can raise a family, do business in, and have a good quality of life. We need to maintain the essential services that make living here special, while creating solutions to priorities the community wants improved, such as street repair and traffic safety.*(STREET LIGHTS – PROPERTY CRIME) This measure would ensure that more sidewalks, storefronts and homes are well-lit and visible during dusk and night-time hours. This will reduce opportunities for vandalism, break-ins, and other property crimes in our neighborhoods.(INFRASTRUCTURE) Much of the City’s infrastructure and facilities, such as streets, sidewalks, storm drains, sewers, police and fire stations and parks are in desperate need of repairs. Without this measure, facilities will get worse, pose a greater safety hazard, and cost taxpayers more in the long term.
An infrastructure rationale was broadly compelling, but less so than focusing exclusively on road repairs.(Ranked by Very Convincing) I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the ballot measure you have been considering. Please tell me whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a reason to vote yes to support the measure. *Split Sample ˜Split Sample B – Special-Purpose 20 Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
45%17%5%
4%8%21%
1%
Total Yes67%
Total No32%
62%
Initial ResponseAfter Info is shared44%16%1%
9%7%20%
4%
Total Yes61%
Total No35%
60%
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? A Special-Purpose Sales Tax remains under the 2/3rds requirement threshold outside the margin of error for enactment after information.Special-Purpose Sales Tax (Roads Focus); MOE=±6.9% (Two-thirds Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by Legal Counsel) Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
21 Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
42%30%6%
2%2%14%
4%
Total Yes77%
Total No18%
72%
Initial ResponseAfter Info is Shared38%21%5%
1%6%20%
8%
Total Yes64%
Total No28%
59%
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? A General-Purpose Sales Tax is viable outside the margin of error for a simple-majority requirement measure after information.(General-Purpose Sales Tax; MOE=±6.9% ) (Majority Vote Threshold; Language Reviewed by Legal Counsel) Definitely yesProbably yesUndecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean noProbably noDefinitely no
Undecided
Curt BelowRichard Bernard, [email protected]@FM3research.com1999 Harrison St., Suite 2020Oakland, CA 94612Phone (510) 451-9521Fax (510) 451-0384 12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350Los Angeles, CA 90025Phone (310) 828-1183Fax (310) 453-6562
23 Appendix- Additional Demographic Information
24 Support was highest among those under age 40.
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 84%83%62%70%63%65%77%67%64%
15%15%36%27%33%34%21%30%33%
1%3%2%4%4%1%2%3%3%18-2930-3940-4950-6465-7475+18-4950+65+ Total YesTotal NoUndecided
(% of Sample)(20%)(17%) (52%)(48%)(15%)(24%)(16%)(8%) (24%) Initial Vote by Age
25 73% 71%
27% 24%1% 4%Men Women
Total YesTotal NoUndecided
(% of Sample)(48%) (52%)
Men and women expressed support at similar levels.
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? Initial Vote by Gender
26 Support still reached at least 60%, among longer-term residents.
If the election were held today, do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 88%76%81%60%63%77%62%
10%23%19%35%32%23%34%
2%1%0%5%4%0%5%Lived 5 Years or Less in Fullerton
Lived 6-10 Years in FullertonLived 11-20 Years in FullertonLived 21-30 Years in FullertonLived 31+ Years in FullertonLived 16-20 Years in FullertonLived 21+ Years in Fullerton Total YesTotal NoUndecided
(% of Sample)(14%)(19%)(22%)(19%) (44%)
Initial Vote by Residency Length
(25%)(25%)