Presentation to Council RTC No 26-0380 - 20260519 — Sunnyvale City Council, May 19, 2026

220-7932
Sunnyvale City Voter Attitudes Towards
Potential Charter Amendment Measures
Key Findings from a Citywide Measure Conducted April 1-9, 2026

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Dates April 1-9, 2026
Survey Type Dual-mode Voter Survey
Research Population Likely November 2026 Voters in the City of Sunnyvale Total Interviews 602
Margin of Sampling Error (Full Sample) ±4.0% at the 95% Confidence Level Contact Methods
Data Collection Modes
Survey Tracking 2018, 2022 & 2024
Languages English, Spanish & Chinese
Survey Methodology
(Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) Text
Invitations
Telephone
Calls
Email
Invitations
Telephone
Interviews
Online
Interviews

CONSULTANT WORKING DRAFT. NOT FOR PUBLICATION. 3 of 46 Presentation Slides Perceptions of Life in Sunnyvale
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Voters are more optimistic about where things are
headed in Sunnyvale than they have been in recent years.

Q1.

Would you say things in Sunnyvale are headed in the right direction, or do you feel they are off on the wrong track? 59%
44%
48%
50%
47%
19%
43%
41%
33%
35%
23%
13%
11%
17%
17%
April 2026
May 2024
March 2024
2022
2018
Right Direction Don't Know Wrong Track
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More also approve of the overall City
government and the City Council.

Q2.

Next, please indicate whether you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove, or strongly disapprove of the job that each of the following are doing. 23%
15%
13%
16%
18%
23%
15%
15%
15%
16%
44%
46%
43%
48%
46%
40%
39%
39%
42%
42%
17%
22%
26%
16%
18%
20%
29%
29%
21%
23%
12%
10%
13%
15%
8%
10%
11%
12%
15%
9%
4%
6%
5%
5%
10%
6%
6%
5%
7%
11%
April 2026
May 2024
March 2024
2022
2018
April 2026
May 2024
March 2024
2022
2018
Strongly Approve Somewhat Approve Don't Know Somewhat Disapprove Strongly Disapprove Total Approve
Total
Disapprove
66% 17%
62% 16%
56% 18%
64% 20%
64% 18%
63% 17%
54% 18%
54% 17%
57% 22%
57% 20%
Sunnyvale City
Government overall
Sunnyvale Mayor
and City Council

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50%
41%
18%
16%
14%
17%
14%
13%
14%
13%
12%
27%
30%
27%
26%
21%
17%
18%
18%
16%
18%
16%
16%
23%
32%
33%
26%
25%
29%
33%
19%
32%
28%
5%
5%
21%
25%
30%
37%
31%
31%
27%
36%
41%
8%
4%
8%
5%
24%
The cost of housing
Inflation and the cost of living
Too many homeless residents
Traffic and congestion on local streets and roads
The amount people pay in City taxes
Too much growth and development
Jobs and the local economy
A lack of public transportation options
Waste and inefficiency in local government
Potholes and deteriorating streets and roads
Crime, in general
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
77%
71%
45%
43%
35%
34%
32%
32%
30%
30%
28%
Voters are most concerned with issues related to the cost of living.

Q3.

Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale.

For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

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Amendment Measure Testing
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Survey Approach and Structure
• Respondents were presented with four potential Charter Amendments:

1. Public works contracting

2. City Manager claims management authority

3. City Council vacancies

4. Council/Mayor compensation
• Each was presented in a block of questions related to that amendment— with the blocks presented in random order— so that respondents were asked about all four amendments.
 Short summary and vote
 Explanation and revote
 Pro and con statements and a revote
 An open-ended question (only for the first block presented) CONSULTANT WORKING DRAFT. NOT FOR PUBLICATION. 9 of 46 Presentation Slides Amendment #1:

Public Works Contracting
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Q4. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? 23%
22%
5%
5%
6%
11%
29%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
No
21%
Total
Yes
50%
Half of voters expressed support for a measure
expanding the public works contractor selection options.

Public Works Contracting Amendment
The FIRST/NEXT Sunnyvale Charter Amendment would let the City Council use any contracting method allowed under California state law to select contractors to complete Sunnyvale public works construction projects.

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Potential Charter Amendment Explanation
Q5. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment that would let the City Council use any contracting method allowed under California state law to select contractors to complete Sunnyvale public works construction projects? The Sunnyvale City Charter currently requires competitive bidding for public works construction contracts, which means the City must use the lowest qualified bidder for construction projects after completing all design work first. This traditional process is called “design-bid-build.” Another option, called “design-build,” allows the City to hire one company to handle both design and construction, and select that company based on overall value — not just the lowest price. This method is allowed under California law but not currently under Sunnyvale’s charter.

Public Works Contracting Amendment
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Support increased after the explanation,
with little change in the opposition.

Q4. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q5. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment that would let the City Council use any contracting method allowed under California state law to select contractors to complete Sunnyvale public works construction projects? 30%
30%
4%
3%
6%
14%
13%
23%
22%
5%
5%
6%
11%
29%
Initial Vote Vote After Background
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
No
21%
Total
Yes
50%
Total
No
23%
Total
Yes
64%
Public Works Contracting Amendment
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Pro and Con Arguments for the Potential Charter Amendment Q6. Taking into account these statements, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment that would let the City Council use any contracting method allowed under California state law to select contractors to complete Sunnyvale public works construction projects? Public Works Contracting Amendment
Supporters say this Charter Amendment would update Sunnyvale's approach to delivering capital improvement projects while keeping oversight, transparency, and accountability. The City Council could still choose the lowest-cost responsible bidder, but would also have the flexibility to choose the best contracting approach for each public works project. For example, using “design-build,” with one firm designing and building a project, can improve coordination and help avoid delays and costly changes.

This Amendment would let the City use other public works contracting methods allowed by state law in the future without needing to change the Charter in the future.

Opponents say that using design-build means the City will no longer prioritize cost when selecting contractors, potentially costing Sunnyvale millions of dollars more for each major project.

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Total levels of support and opposition
changed little after pro and con arguments.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote YES on this measure? 34%
31%
20%
18%
7%
5%
4%
3%
2%
Best value prop/Good ROI over costs
Improves coordination/Avoids delays (Efficient)
Quality/Safety/Durability over costs
Create flexibility/No restrictions (Options)
Transparency/Accountability exists
General support/Yes
Trusts City Council/Managements decisions
More infrastructure improvements/Upgrades needed
Need more info
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of Yes Voters Only) Q7a.

Public Works Contracting Amendment
Freeing up
restrictions on
government
processes can
improve both
cost and speed of
actions.

Emphasizes
value over
cost.

The city council should have
the maximum flexibility to get
the best contractors for the
jobs and I trust them to make
decisions with cost, quality
and efficiency in mind.

Better efficiency
and overall
coordination
would lead to
better results.

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Opponents were concerned about oversight and cost overruns.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote NO on this measure? 24%
24%
19%
9%
7%
5%
4%
12%
Cost/Fiscal concerns
Distrust City Council/Management
Integrity/Oversight concerns
Pro Open-Bidding
Waste of taxpayer money
Safety/Quality concerns
Need More Info
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of No Voters Only) Q7b.

Public Works Contracting Amendment
We can not afford the
highest value contractors
for all the projects.

Allows city council to
waste money.

I do not trust the
council to make an
ethical decision.

Too easy to give a bid to a friend rather than a qualified contractor who has bid the lower cost. Cost has to play a factor. With respect to quality, that is on the city to specify what qualitative attributes need to be included in the
project.

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City Manager Claims Settlement Authority
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A majority of voters expressed support for the City Council setting the City Manager’s legal claims settlement amount.

Q8. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? 23%
27%
5%
4%
4%
11%
27%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
The FIRST/NEXT Sunnyvale Charter Amendment would allow the City Council to establish a maximum dollar amount under which the City Manager would have authority to settle legal claims against the City.

Total
Yes
55%
Total
No
19%
City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
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Potential Charter Amendment Explanation
Q9. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment allowing the City Council to establish a maximum dollar amount under which the City Manager would have authority to settle legal claims against the City? Currently, Sunnyvale’s City Manager may settle claims against the City up to $50,000 without City Council approval. The City Council must approve potential settlements over $50,000 and that limit has not changed in almost 40 years. State law does not allow city councils to change this limit unless their charters allow it. In comparison, the City Manager can approve city contracts up to $250,000 without City Council approval.

This amendment would enable the City Council to increase the City Manager’s settlement authority to exceed $50,000.

City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
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Opposition increased after an explanation, though a
slim majority continued to indicate they would vote yes.

Q8. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q9. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment allowing the City Council to establish a maximum dollar amount under which the City Manager would have authority to settle legal claims against the City? 27%
23%
3%
3%
12%
16%
16%
23%
27%
5%
4%
4%
11%
27%
Initial Vote Vote After Background
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
No
19%
Total
Yes
55%
Total
No
32%
Total
Yes
52%
City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
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Pro and Con Arguments for the Potential Charter Amendment Q10. Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment allowing the City Council to establish a maximum dollar amount under which the City Manager would have authority to settle legal claims against the City? City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
Supporters say that the current $50,000 threshold has not changed since at least 1989 and has not kept up with inflation. This limit means that the City Council must approve even routine settlements, consuming staff time for preparation and Council time for review and approvals. This Charter Amendment empowers the City Council to set the City Manager’s settlement authority and helps make city government run more efficiently by freeing up staff time for higher priority issues and allowing the City to respond to and resolve claims more efficiently.

Opponents say that legal settlements over $50,000 are substantial and should still require the oversight and approval of the City Council.

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Support increased after pro and con
arguments, while opposition held steady.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote YES on this measure? 36%
26%
24%
17%
13%
12%
7%
Improve efficiency
Limit increase necessary ($50,000 is
too low)
Keep up with inflation
Delegate authority to City Manager
Conditional support/Unknown
information
Reasonable approach/General
positive
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of Yes Voters Only) Q11a.

City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
Will allow the
government to run
more efficiently.

I don't want to waste Council's time dealing
with things that are below the threshold of
what they should have to care about.

Inflation over time
has made it
necessary to
increase the level.
$50k is a very low number,
and has not changed in
almost 40 years.

Probably cuz I want the city
manager take up more time
and more important decisions.

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Opponents cited a lack of oversight and a desire
to see the City Council continue to exert authority.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote NO on this measure? 46%
41%
13%
10%
6%
5%
Lack of
oversight/Accountability
Authority should remain with
City Council
Current limit is adequate
Unnecessary measure/General
negative
Need more information
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation Asked of No Voters Only) Q11b.

City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
$50,000 is still a lot of money. How
many of these settlements does the
city have that the council does not
have time for them?
Regardless of inflation,
that's a lot of money that
could go unchecked.

I'd vote no because it gives too
much power to one person
and reduces oversight.

There is no harm
in oversight.
$50k is substantial and
one person deciding
could lead to corruption.

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Presenting a potential settlement amount consistent with contracting authority was generally viewed favorably.

Q12.
10%
31%
15%
12%
31%
Much more likely to support
Somewhat more likely to support
Somewhat less likely to support
Much less likely to support
Makes no difference
Total
More Likely
42%
Total
Less Likely
27%
Would you be more likely or less likely to support this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment if it resulted in the City Manager having settlement authority up to $250,000 — matching their contracting signing authority — without Council approval, or would it make no difference to you? City Manager Claims Settlement Authority Amendment
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City Council Vacancies
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Two-thirds of voters expressed initial support for an amendment filling Council vacancies in November of even years.

Q13. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? 28%
32%
6%
2%
2%
6%
24%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
The FIRST/NEXT Sunnyvale Charter Amendment would establish that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years.

Total
Yes
66%
Total
No
10%
City Council Vacancies Amendment
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Potential Charter Amendment Explanation
Q14. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment establishing that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years? City Council Vacancies Amendment
Right now, when someone is appointed to a vacancy on the City Council, the Charter requires the City to hold an election to fill the remainder of that vacated seat’s term at the next statewide election. This election could be a primary election in March or June of an even-year, a general election in
November of an even-year, or a special statewide election.

In some cases, this requirement could lead to two elections for the same seat in a single year.

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Opposition increased slightly after an explanation, though more than three in five continued to indicate they would vote yes.

Q13. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q14. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment establishing that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years? 31%
29%
3%
1%
10%
9%
17%
28%
32%
6%
2%
2%
6%
24%
Initial Vote Vote After Background
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
No
10%
Total
Yes
66%
Total
No
21%
Total
Yes
62%
City Council Vacancies Amendment
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Pro and Con Arguments for the Potential Charter Amendment Q15. Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment establishing that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years? City Council Vacancies Amendment
Supporters say the current system for filling City Council vacancies can be expensive, and disruptive to City Council functions. In some cases, it could require two elections for the same seat in one year — costing the City more money and forcing candidates to run two campaigns.

It could also result in several different people holding the same seat within a single year.

This proposed change to fill vacancies in even-year November elections, when the City normally elects city councilmembers, would simplify the process and reduce costs for the City and candidates.

Opponents say waiting until November of even years to hold elections for City Council vacancies means that unelected officials could be voting on major issues facing the City for nearly two years before voters get a say in who represents them. Given how many attacks we’re facing on democracy as a nation, we should be looking for ways to be more democratic and not less democratic.

And because voters approved the current system for filling City Council vacancies less than 10 years ago, we do not need to change the current system.

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Support decreased— and opposition increased— after pro
and con arguments, though a majority would still vote yes.

Q13. Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q14. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment establishing that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years? Q15. Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment establishing that residents appointed to fill a City Council vacancy serve until the next general municipal election held in November of even-numbered years? 28%
31%
28%
32%
29%
24%
6% 24%
17%
14%
10%
14%
6%
9%
15%
Initial Vote
Vote After Background
Vote After Pros/Cons
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Undecided, Lean Yes Undecided Undecided, Lean No Probably No Definitely No Total
Yes
Total
No
66% 10%
62% 21%
56% 30%
City Council Vacancies Amendment
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The primary rationale for support was reducing costs.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote YES on this measure? 47%
16%
14%
13%
5%
18%
Save cost of election/ Reduce cost
Appoint interim candidate/ Continuity
of service
General support
Increase Efficiency/ Streamline
process
Increase voter turnout
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of Yes Voters Only) Q16a.

City Council Vacancies Amendment
I just can't see wasting
money on separate voting
outside of normal elections.

I think it's cost effective and
democratic enough because the
council which is selected by the
people is the one that appoints
the person to fill the empty seat.

Cost and more
people vote in
November.

My only concern is that the city needs to have a
process in place to ensure that the citizen
appointed is experienced, responsible, and
supports the city's long term goals.

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While opposition rationales varied, there appeared
to be a theme of concern about representation.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote NO on this measure? 29%
28%
25%
18%
8%
7%
4%
Voter's representation/ Empowerment
Prevent unelected officials in office
Representation outweighs election cost
Prefer elected officials
2 years is too long/ Shorter maximum
gap
General oppose
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of No Voters Only) Q16b.

City Council Vacancies Amendment
Having unelected officials in office for a prolonged time is not representative of how the residents voted. As stated it could present an issue when policy is being voted on. It may not align with how the residents voted.

I do not want unelected
officials making decisions.

Elections should not wait
just to save money.

Basically we have no say on
who gets appointed. One of
the mayor's main donors?
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Council/Mayor Compensation
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A plurality expressed support for increasing the
compensation of Sunnyvale’s elected officials.

Q17 (Total). Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? 23%
16%
7%
4%
9%
26%
16%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
The FIRST/NEXT Sunnyvale Charter Amendment would increase salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor.

Total
Yes
46%
Total
No
39%
Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
Respondents were only
asked about one level of
increases, though for the
next several slides those
responses are combined for
reporting purposes.

Differences in the levels are
broken out later in this
presentation
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Potential Charter Amendment Explanation
Q18. Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
Starting in 2012, voters set monthly salaries for city
councilmembers at $2,089 and for the mayor at $2,785,
both annually adjusted to account for inflation by no
more than five percent. Today, those monthly salaries are $3,100 for city councilmembers and $4,238 for the mayor.

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A short explanation changed opinions little.

Q17 (Total). Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q18 (Total). Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? 27%
17%
3%
2%
10%
30%
11%
23%
16%
7%
4%
9%
26%
16%
Initial Vote Vote After Background
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
No
39%
Total
Yes
46%
Total
No
42%
Total
Yes
48%
Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
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Pro and Con Arguments for the Potential Charter Amendment Q19. Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
Supporters say that Sunnyvale faces a broad range of complex issues that require councilmembers to work at least 20 hours per week, and more for the mayor. Right now, councilmembers are paid about $38,000 per year and the mayor is paid about $51,000 per year, so most will need to have other jobs or sources of income to afford living in Sunnyvale. They say this makes it hard for people to run for elected office in Sunnyvale and challenging to attract candidates. This Amendment would help the City attract a broader range of candidates and pay them fairly for the time they spend serving Sunnyvale.

Opponents say that increasing the annual salaries for councilmembers to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $72,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $60,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $48,000) and for the mayor to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $108,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $90,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $72,000) is outrageous for part-time positions, especially in a time like this when the City is facing budget constraints. This amendment would increase the pay our councilmembers and mayors receive by tens of thousands of dollars — up to levels that are significantly higher than those in neighboring cities. Currently, Sunnyvale’s elected officials are already among the highest paid in Santa Clara County on top of the generous healthcare and retirement benefits they already receive. Serving as an elected official in Sunnyvale is an honor and a privilege, and we shouldn’t be encouraging people to become career politicians.

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After pro and con arguments, voters were evenly
divided, with more intensity among no voters.

Q17 (Total). Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q18 (Total). Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Q19 (Total). Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
23%
27%
24%
16%
17%
19%
7%
4%
16%
11%
7%
4% 9%
10%
12%
26%
30%
31%
Initial Vote
Vote After Background
Vote After Pros/Cons
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Undecided, Lean Yes Undecided Undecided, Lean No Probably No Definitely No Total
Yes
Total
No
46% 39%
48% 42%
46% 47%
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Supporters cited a need to pay elected officials
more for the time they devote to public service.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote YES on this measure? 37%
19%
12%
8%
21%
Pay should be higher/Better compensation
needed for their efforts
Cost of living/Inflation
The pay is reasonable
The position should be full-time/More time
should be spent
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of Yes Voters Only) Q20a.

Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
Spending a bit more for
quality work can save
money in the long run.

Because fair pay helps attract qualified
people to serve the community.

Cost of living at
Sunnyvale is high.

I believe in a fair wage for the work done. If
average part time work is 20hrs + for council
members and more for the mayor, more pay
is reasonable
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Opponents felt the proposed increase was excessive.

In a few words of your own, why would you vote NO on this measure? 54%
25%
9%
8%
3%
1%
11%
Excessive pay increase for part-time position
Government mismanagement/Waste of funds
They don’t do much for the city
The pay in comparison to other towns "Too high"
Disapprove of career politicians
Less government overreach
Other
(Open-ended; Asked When Amendment First in Rotation; Asked of No Voters Only) Q20b.

Council/Mayor Compensation Amendment
It still feels like a big pay increase,
especially when the city has other
priorities to focus on.

Too much of an increase.

Compared with the overall
job market.

Because that salary for a part time job is
already double the amount I make working
full time. And I have to find my way to survive
here. Born and raised here by the way.

If our budget is already
constrained, the salary
increase should be put on
hold until budget allows.

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Reactions to the different increase
amounts were somewhat minimal.

Q17 (Split A, B & C). Do you think you would vote yes or no on this Sunnyvale Charter Amendment? Q18 (Split A, B & C). Taking into account this background information, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Q19 (Split A, B & C). Taking into account these statements from supporters and opponents, do you think you would vote yes or no on a Sunnyvale Charter Amendment increasing salaries to (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $6,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $5,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $4,000) per month for city councilmembers and (SPLIT SAMPLE A: $9,000) (SPLIT SAMPLE B: $7,500) (SPLIT SAMPLE C: $6,000) per month for the mayor? Amount Total Yes
Initial Vote Vote After Background Vote After Pros/Cons Council: $6,000/Mayor: $9,000 Per Month 43% 47% 44%
Council: $5,000/Mayor: $7,500 Per Month 48% 46% 51%
Council: $4,000/$6,000 Per Month 45% 50% 44%
(MOE ±6.9%)
CONSULTANT WORKING DRAFT. NOT FOR PUBLICATION. 43 of 46 Presentation Slides Conclusions
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Majorities expressed support for three of the four potential amendments after pros and cons; the compensation amendment fell just short of 50%.

Q4, Q5, Q6 & Q8, Q9, Q10 & Q13, Q14, Q15 & Q17 (Total), Q18 (Total), Q19 (Total).

Vote
Total Yes
Public Works
Contracting
Amendment
City Manager Claims
Settlement Authority
Amendment
City Council
Vacancies
Amendment
Council/Mayor
Compensation
Amendment
Initial Vote 50% 55% 66% 46%
Vote After Background 64% 52% 62% 48%
Vote After Pros/Cons 62% 57% 56% 46%
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Conclusions
• Voters were generally receptive to three of the four potential Charter Amendments.
 The public works contracting amendment would require the most explanation.  Voters are generally fine changing the settlement claims authority.  Support for amending how City Council vacancies are filled started at the highest level of support, but declined after an exchange of pros and cons. • Voters are more divided on an amendment increasing the compensation of the Mayor and City Council.
 Though a plurality of voters would support this amendment in concept and after a brief explanation but consistently fell below 50%.
 Opposition reaches the same levels of support after pros and cons.  There doesn’t appear to be significantly different reactions to varying levels of compensation increase.

Curt Below
[email protected]
Suzanne Brewster
[email protected]

CONSULTANT WORKING DRAFT. NOT FOR PUBLICATION. 47 of 46 Presentation Slides Appendix
Tracking Problems Facing Sunnyvale
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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2018 2022 March
2024
April
2026
The amount people pay in City taxes
The cost of housing
Too many homeless residents
Jobs and the local economy
Crime, in general
Waste and inefficiency in local government
Traffic and congestion on local streets and roads
Too much growth and development
Potholes and deteriorating streets and roads
A lack of public transportation options
Inflation and the cost of living
(Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Q3. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

We have several data points to track concerns
about these issues going back to 2018…
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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2018 2022 March
2024
April
2026
The cost of housing
Jobs and the local economy
Inflation and the cost of living
(Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Q3. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

Cost of living concerns have been significantly high;
the economy is still a low-level— but increasing— concern.

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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2018 2022 March
2024
April
2026
The amount people pay in City taxes
Waste and inefficiency in local government
(Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Q3. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

Concerns about local government have held steady,
though city taxes concerns are trending up.

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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2018 2022 March
2024
April
2026
Traffic and congestion on local streets and roads
Too much growth and development
Potholes and deteriorating streets and roads
A lack of public transportation options
(Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Q3. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

Concerns about traffic are still below pre-pandemic levels, while other transportation and growth concerns are relatively steady.

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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2018 2022 March
2024
April
2026
Too many homeless residents
Crime, in general
(Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Q3. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Sunnyvale. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Sunnyvale.

Concerns about crime and the number of homeless
residents have held steady over the years.

Sunnyvale City CouncilMay 19, 2026

Sunnyvale City Council
May 19, 2026