CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 4 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-1311 File ID: 25-10762 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Manager's Office
MEETING DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT:
Ballot Measure Communications Consulting Services for the November 2026 General Election — Agreement RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an agreement with TeamCivX for ballot measure communications consulting services in the amount of $174,000 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in substantially the form presented.
BACKGROUND:
Ballot Measure Subcommittee Recommendation
The City hired True North Research to conduct polling services regarding a potential City revenue measure on the November 2026 ballot. Staff worked with True North Research to design and conduct a study that provides the City of San Mateo with a statistically reliable understanding of voters’ interest in funding priority repairs and improvements to the City’s infrastructure systems as well as general municipal services with a local revenue measure (bond or sales tax). On January 7, 2026, staff met with the City Council Revenue Measure Ad Hoc Committee. Based on the poll results, the Ad Hoc Committee recommends that City staff continue pursuing the feasibility of a sales tax measure. If passed, the sales tax measure would result in approximately $7 million annually in new revenue to help address the City's structural budget deficit.
Consultant
The City conducted a RFP process to find the best ballot measure communications consultant available. TeamCivX submitted a strong proposal. During the last three election cycles, the City contracted with TeamCivX (previously part of TBWBH Props and Measures) to assist with providing neutral, public information on ballot measures consistent with state law. TeamCivX’s scope of services include deliverables around community outreach, feedback and awareness building along with assisting with the development of draft ballot measure language. The full list of deliverables can be found in Attachment 1 under scope of services.
Due to the positive past experiences with TeamCivX, and their proposal and interview, staff is recommending that the City Council approve a contract with TeamCivX.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The not to exceed amount for this agreement is $174,000. The City Manager's Office's Professional Services budget has the funds available for the agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This item is not a project subject to CEQA, because it can be seen with certainty that it will not cause a physical change in the environment. (Public Resources Code Section 21065.)
CITY OF SAN MATEO
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Agreement with TeamCivX
STAFF CONTACT
Zachary Reda, Senior Management Analyst
[email protected]
(650) 435-0823