City of Salinas Community Satisfaction
and Budget Priority Survey
220-5675
2 Dates May 28-June 3, 2024
Survey Type Dual-mode Voter Survey
Research Population Likely November 2024 Voters in the City of Salinas Total Interviews 427
Margin of Sampling Error (Full Sample) ±4.9% at the 95% Confidence Level (Half Sample) ±6.9% at the 95% Confidence Level
Contact Methods
Data Collection Modes
Survey Tracking 2005 & 2009
Languages English & Spanish
(Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) Text
Invitations
Telephone
Calls
Email
Invitations
Telephone
Interviews
Online
Interviews
Survey Methodology
3 The Mood and Perceptions
of the Electorate
4 Voters are more pessimistic than optimistic about
Salinas’ direction; slightly more positive about
their own neighborhood.
Q1a & b.
Right
Direction
34% Wrong
Track
47%
Don't
Know
20%
The City of Salinas Your Local Neighborhood
Right
Direction
41%
Wrong
Track
46%
Don't
Know
13%
Would you say that things in ____________ are generally headed in the right direction or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track? 5 Voters historically have pessimistic views
of Salinas’ direction.
Q1a.
34%
30%
11%
47%
40%
67%
20%
30%
22%
2024
2009
2005
Right Direction Wrong Track Mixed/Don't Know
Would you say that things in the City of Salinas are generally headed in the right direction or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track? 6 Optimism about the direction of
their own neighborhood is down notably
from both the 2009 and 2005 surveys.
Q1b.
41%
58%
58%
46%
27%
25%
13%
15%
18%
2024
2009
2005
Right Direction Wrong Track Mixed/Don't Know
Would you say that things in your local neighborhood are generally headed in the right direction or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track? 7 A majority of voters have an unfavorable impression
of the Salinas local government overall.
2a. I am now going to mention some organizations and groups that are active in Salinas city life. Please tell me if you have an overall favorable or unfavorable opinion of that organization. Not Part of Split Sample
4%
24%
30%
22%
9%
11%
Very favorable
Somewhat favorable
Somewhat unfavorable
Very unfavorable
Never heard of
Can't rate
Total
Favorable
28%
Total
Unfavorable
51%
Salinas Local Government, Overall
Never Heard of/
Can’t Rate
20%
8 Q3.
61%
22%
5%
8%
4%
Great need
Some need
A little need
No real need
Don't know
A Little/
No Real Need
13%
Great/
Some Need
83%
More than eight in ten voters believe Salinas
needs more funding for city services.
In your personal opinion, do you think the City of Salinas has a great need, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional funds to provide the level of services that residents need and want? 9 The Potential Ballot Measure
10 Salinas City Services Continuation Measure
Q4. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? Without raising tax rates, to continue funding such services as repairing street/potholes; keeping public areas/neighborhoods safe/clean; maintaining 911 response, fire/police protection service levels; addressing homelessness; supporting parks/recreation programs; for general government use; shall an ordinance continuing the existing voter-approved City of Salinas 1¢ sales tax be adopted, providing approximately $35,000,000 annually until ended by voters, with required citizens’ oversight, audits, public spending disclosure, funds locally controlled?
(As Approved by Legal Counsel)
11 37%
24%
3%
3%
9%
21%
3%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
64%
Q4. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? 61%
Total
No
33%
The sales tax continuation ballot measure
receives strong support in the initial vote.
(MOE: ±4.9%)
12 Support is strongest in Districts 2, 3, and 4.
Q4. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? 59%
71% 71% 67%
57% 59%
34%
24% 27% 31%
42% 37%
7% 5% 1% 2% 1% 4%
1 2 3 4 5 6
Total Yes Total No Undecided
(% of
Sample) (13%) (17%) (21%)
Initial Vote on Ballot Measure by City Council District (14%)(23%)(12%)
13 Budget Priorities
14 59%
56%
60%
59%
58%
55%
49%
47%
55%
31%
34%
30%
30%
31%
33%
37%
39%
30%
6%
9%
9%
7%
10%
7%
9%
11%
8%
5%
5%
Helping prevent crimes,
including thefts and burglaries
^Protecting local drinking water sources
^Keeping Salinas neighborhoods
safe and clean
^Maintaining 911 response
^Repairing streets and potholes
Recruiting and retaining well-trained
firefighters and paramedics
Maintaining safe routes to schools
Keeping public areas safe and clean and
available for everyone to use
Recruiting and retaining
well-trained firefighters
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Ext./Very Impt.
90%
90%
89%
89%
89%
88%
87%
87%
86%
Q5. I would like to mention a list of ways in which the funds generated by this ballot measure could be spent and provisions that could be included.
Regardless of your opinion of the measure overall, after I mention each one, please tell me how important that provision or use of funds is to you personally:
Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Public safety, roads, drinking water, safe school routes, and keeping the city safe and clean top the list of priorities. 15 51%
55%
54%
49%
45%
47%
59%
54%
49%
36%
28%
30%
35%
39%
36%
22%
27%
32%
9%
12%
11%
13%
12%
14%
9%
10%
14%
7%
10%
^Recruiting and retaining well-trained
paramedics and EMTs
Maintaining police
protection service levels
Helping ensure children have
safe places to play
Helping prevent crimes
^Maintaining Salinas'slong-term
financial stability
Maintaining well-lit
neighborhoods at night
Reducing homeless encampments
Recruiting and retaining well-trained
police officers
Maintaining fire protection service levels
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Ext./Very Impt.
86%
84%
84%
84%
84%
83%
82%
81%
81%
Q5. I would like to mention a list of ways in which the funds generated by this ballot measure could be spent and provisions that could be included.
Regardless of your opinion of the measure overall, after I mention each one, please tell me how important that provision or use of funds is to you personally:
Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Continued
16 49%
46%
45%
45%
45%
46%
42%
36%
55%
32%
35%
36%
35%
34%
32%
35%
40%
19%
12%
16%
13%
16%
14%
16%
19%
20%
16%
7%
7%
5%
7%
Preventing smash-and-grab thefts
Supporting youth programs
Maintaining gang prevention programs
Cleaning-up illegal dumping
Increasing neighborhood police patrols
Reducing availability of opioids
such as fentanyl
Maintaining City services
^Retaining and attracting
local businesses
Creating more affordable housing
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Ext./Very Impt.
81%
81%
80%
80%
79%
77%
77%
76%
75%
Q5. I would like to mention a list of ways in which the funds generated by this ballot measure could be spent and provisions that could be included.
Regardless of your opinion of the measure overall, after I mention each one, please tell me how important that provision or use of funds is to you personally:
Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Continued
17 49%
46%
43%
42%
35%
41%
41%
39%
38%
26%
28%
31%
31%
39%
32%
32%
33%
35%
17%
19%
15%
24%
19%
21%
20%
19%
18%
6%
6%
10%
6%
5%
5%
8%
6%
Improving pedestrian safety
Addressing homelessness
Supporting senior programs
Supporting parks and
recreation programs
^Repairing sidewalks
Keeping local libraries open
Addressing mental health and
addiction challenges
Improving City services
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Ext./Very Impt.
75%
74%
74%
74%
74%
73%
73%
73%
73%
Q5. I would like to mention a list of ways in which the funds generated by this ballot measure could be spent and provisions that could be included.
Regardless of your opinion of the measure overall, after I mention each one, please tell me how important that provision or use of funds is to you personally:
Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Continued
Creating more affordable housing for
middle- and working-class families
and individuals
18 36%
39%
32%
32%
32%
23%
23%
27%
26%
37%
31%
39%
34%
31%
35%
34%
29%
29%
20%
23%
19%
21%
24%
31%
26%
37%
27%
6%
10%
12%
12%
11%
13%
6%
10% 8%
Maintaining parks
Supporting afterschool programs
Maintaining local libraries
Maintaining graffiti removal programs
Upgrading local parks
Maintaining tree trimming services
^Requiring citizens'oversight committee
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Ext./Very
Impt.
73%
71%
71%
66%
63%
58%
57%
56%
56%
Q5. I would like to mention a list of ways in which the funds generated by this ballot measure could be spent and provisions that could be included.
Regardless of your opinion of the measure overall, after I mention each one, please tell me how important that provision or use of funds is to you personally:
Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important? ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Extremely/Very Important)
Continued
Enforcing City regulations requiring neighborhood properties are well-maintained Providing emergency shelter, supportive housing, food services, health andsocial services, and substance abuse treatmentto people experiencing homelessness 19 Effect of Educational and
Critical Statements
20 52%
44%
48%
27%
32%
28%
79%
76%
76%
Much More Inclined Somewhat More Inclined
Q6. I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the potential Salinas City Services Continuation Measure you considered earlier.
Please tell me if this makes you more inclined to vote Yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample (Ranked by Total More Inclined to Vote Yes)
Most educational statements resonate
with nearly 7 in 10 or more voters.
^(STREETS) Last year, independent engineers rated over 70% of Salinas's streets and roads as "fair," "poor," or "failed." To protect the safety of pedestrians and motorists, it is essential to fix and upgrade our streets, and repair potholes and sidewalks now, because the problem will only get worse and more expensive the longer we wait.
^(RESPONSE TIMES — MEDICAL) Almost 70% of calls to the Salinas Fire Department are related to medical emergencies. When seconds in an emergency count, this measure will help maintain response times and ensure our City is able to continue to recruit and retain well-qualified firefighters and paramedics, as well as ensure they have lifesaving equipment to respond to emergencies and save lives.
(QUALITY OF LIFE) Safe neighborhoods and parks, a good library, programs for children, youth and seniors, and well-maintained roads all lead to a better quality of life. If passed, the funds from this measure will enable Salinas residents to continue to receive these services which will help maintain Salinas as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
21 48%
52%
39%
49%
25%
21%
32%
23%
73%
72%
71%
71%
Much More Inclined Somewhat More Inclined
Q6. I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the potential Salinas City Services Continuation Measure you considered earlier.
Please tell me if this makes you more inclined to vote Yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample ^(ACCOUNTABILITY) This measure includes strict accountability requirements such as public disclosure of all spending, an independent oversight committee and annual independent financial audits that ensure funds are used effectively and as promised, and only to benefit the Salinas community. (GANGS OUT) An estimated 5,000 gang members from 15 different gangs live in Salinas and there are more in nearby communities. This measure will help retain and hire more police officers and provides them with the equipment and resources they desperately need to protect themselves and keep Salinas's residents and businesses safe.
^(LOCAL CONTROL) The state imposes expensive regulations and bureaucracy which takes away funding and local tax revenue from our City.
However, all funds raised by this measure continue to be locally controlled, legally required to be spent in Salinas, and cannot be taken by Sacramento. (PROPERTY CRIME) The most recent Salinas Police Department annual crime data reports show there were over 1,200 robberies, burglaries, and thefts, including auto thefts last year. This measure will help maintain 911 emergency response times, and police patrols in neighborhoods and business areas to keep residents and their property safe. (Ranked by Total More Inclined to Vote Yes)
Continued
22 47%
41%
39%
35%
22%
27%
26%
24%
69%
68%
65%
59%
Much More Inclined Somewhat More Inclined
Q6. I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the potential Salinas City Services Continuation Measure you considered earlier.
Please tell me if this makes you more inclined to vote Yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample (GANGS/YOUTH) An estimated 5,000 gang members from 15 different gangs live in Salinas and there are more in nearby communities. This measure will support City-run afterschool and summer youth programs that help keep kids safe, supervised and away from gangs.
^(NO RATE INCREASE) This measure will not raise current tax rates. It simply continues the City's existing voter approved sales tax rate in order to maintain essential city services that keep our public areas and local neighborhoods safe and clean; our roads and parks in good condition; and the service levels that we expect from Salinas police, fire and emergency medical first responders. (PARKS) Salinas prides itself on 42 parks and additional recreation areas that are a source of community pride. But the City needs this sales tax continued in order to keep them clean, safe, and in good condition. This measure will provide funding to maintain and repair public bathrooms; maintain landscaping and sports fields; and safety lighting and children's playground equipment so that children have safe places to play.
(PROPERTY VALUES) Safe neighborhoods, well-maintained streets and parks are all a big part of maintaining property values. This measure will help to maintain or increase the value of our homes.
(Ranked by Total More Inclined to Vote Yes)
Continued
23 Q6. I am going to read you some statements from people who may support the potential Salinas City Services Continuation Measure you considered earlier.
Please tell me if this makes you more inclined to vote Yes on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample 52%
44%
48%
48%
52%
39%
49%
47%
41%
39%
35%
27%
32%
28%
25%
21%
32%
23%
22%
27%
26%
24%
79%
76%
76%
73%
72%
71%
71%
69%
68%
65%
59%
^Streets
^Response Times — Medical
Quality of Life
^Accountability
Gangs Out
^Local Control
Property Crime
Gangs/Youth
^No Rate Increase
Parks
Property Values
Much More Inclined Somewhat More Inclined
Educational Statements Summary
(Ranked by Total More Inclined to Vote Yes)
24 Q4 & Q7. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? Initial Vote
37%
24%
3%
3%
9%
21%
3%
51%
20%
2%
1%
5%
16%
6%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
64%
Total
Yes
72%
61% 71%
Total
No
33%
Total
No
21%
After educational statements, nearly 3 in 4 voters
support the measure — overall support up by 8
points, intensity by 14 points.
Vote After Education
(MOE: ±4.9%)
+3%
+8%
-12%
Change
in Vote:
25 Q7. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? Q8. What if the proposed measure I just described expired after 18 years, rather than until ended by voters? If that were the case, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it?
Vote with
18 Year Expiration
32%
15%
8%
2%
7%
18%
17%
51%
20%
2%
1%
5%
16%
6%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
55%
Total
Yes
72%
47%71%
Total
No
28%
Total
No
21%
Support drops notably when an 18-year expiration
is brought into focus.
Vote After Education
(MOE: ±4.9%)
+11%
+7%
-17%
Change
in Vote:
26 Q9. I am going to read you some statements from people who oppose the reauthorization of the local 1¢ sales tax ballot measure. Please tell me if it makes you more inclined to vote No on this measure. ^Not Part of Split Sample 39%
38%
33%
39%
37%
34%
34%
20%
21%
24%
16%
19%
19%
14%
59%
59%
57%
56%
56%
53%
48%
Blank Check
^Waste
Too Early
^Tax Break Needed
Oversight Committee
Regressive
^Forever Tax
Much More Inclined Somewhat More Inclined
Opposition Statements Summary
(Ranked by Total More Inclined to Vote No)
27 Q4, Q7 & Q10. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “Yes” in favor of it or “No” to oppose it? Opposition statements drive support down below initial
levels; with vote now teetering on edge of passage.
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided,
lean yes
Undecided,
lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
37%
24%
3%
3%
9%
21%
3%
Total
Yes
64%
61%
Initial Vote Vote After
Critical Statements
Vote After
Education
51%
20%
2%
1%
5%
16%
6%
Total
Yes
72%
32%
15%
4%
2%
14%
22%
11%
Total
Yes
51%
71% 47%
Total
No
33%
Total
No
21%
Total
No
38%
(MOE: ±4.9%)
+8%
+5%
-13%
Change
in Vote:
(First to Last)
28 Conclusions
29 Conclusions
Context:
• A plurality perceive things in the City are off on the wrong track; however, historically views of the City
have much improved since 2005.
• Over 80% perceive the City needs at least some
additional funds to provide services,
with about 6-in-10 saying “great need.”
30 Conclusions; Continued
One Cent Sales Tax:
• A 1-cent sales tax measure for the City of Salinas is viable for further planning with initial support well above the majority vote threshold needed for passage.
• Overall support and the intensity of support for the measure is improved through educational outreach.
• The measure is well-positioned for passage if voters are educated and engaged so that they understand the City’s needs and the measure’s purpose.
• After mentioning an 18-year expiration and critical statements, overall support drops by 13 percentage points, from 72% to 51% - ending right on the edge of passing.
18-year Expiration:
• A sunset of 18 years dramatically reduces support for the measure. 31 Conclusions; Continued
Top Budget Priorities:
• Helping prevent crimes, including thefts and
burglaries
• Protecting local drinking water sources
• Keeping Salinas neighborhoods safe and clean
• Maintaining 911 response
• Repairing streets and potholes
32 Conclusions; Continued
Leading Reasons to Support the Measure:
• Repairing streets
• Responding to medical emergencies
• Maintaining quality of life
In Sum: The measure is viable, if efforts are made to
communicate the need and there is minimal
opposition.
For more information,
contact:
12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone (310) 828-1183
Fax (310) 453-6562
Richard Bernard, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Rick Sklarz
[email protected]
Maya Gutierrez
[email protected]