March 10, 2026
City of Union City:
2026 Revenue Renewal Measure Survey
March 10, 2026
March 10, 2026
Overview and Research Objectives
The City of Union City commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a survey of local voters with the following research objectives:
➢ Gauge the public’s perceptions of the City’s provision services and effective management of taxpayer funds;
➢ Assess hypothetical support for a utility tax measure to maintain local control and preserve essential city services;
➢ Prioritize projects and programs to be funded with the proceeds; ➢ Test the influence of informational and critical statements on potential voter support;
➢ Identify the rate at which voters will support the measure; and ➢ Identify demographic and/or voter behavioral characteristics to ensure the sample is representative of the community.
March 10, 2026
Methodology Overview
➢ Data Collection Landline (19), cell phone (188), text to online (210), and email to online (51) interviewing
➢ Universe 21,148 Likely November 2026 Voters
➢ Fielding Dates January 20 through February 7, 2026
➢ Interview Length 25 minutes
➢ Sample Size n=468
➢ Margin of Error Likely November 2026 Voters ± 4.48%
Note: The data have been weighted by respondent age and ethnicity to reflect the November 2026 Likely Voter Universe.
March 10, 2026
Favorability Rating of the Job Union City is
Doing to Provide City Services
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Likely
November
2026 Voters
24.3% 50.5% 11.4%
2.5%
11.3%
Very favorable Somewhat favorable Somewhat unfavorable Very unfavorable DK/NA
74.8%
March 10, 2026
Favorability Rating of the Job Union City is
Doing to Provide City Services
Previous Survey Data
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
8/19 Survey
3/20 Voters
5/20 Survey
11/20 Voters
3/22 Survey
11/22 Voters
9/23 Survey
11/24 Voters
17.4%
25.5%
23.5%
21.0%
45.5%
39.5%
41.7%
44.4%
15.7%
12.5%
17.2%
13.2%
6.3%
7.1%
6.4%
6.2%
15.1%
15.3%
11.3%
15.1%
Very favorable Somewhat favorable Somewhat unfavorable Very unfavorable DK/NA
65.4%
65.2%
65.0%
62.9%
March 10, 2026
Favorability Rating of City’s Management
of Public Funds
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Likely
November
2026 Voters
10.6% 38.3% 18.2% 8.6% 24.3%
Very favorable Somewhat favorable Somewhat unfavorable Very unfavorable DK/NA
48.9%
March 10, 2026
Favorability Rating of City’s Management
of Public Funds
Previous Survey Data
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
8/19 Survey
3/20 Voters
5/20 Survey
11/20 Voters
3/22 Survey
11/22 Voters
9/23 Survey
11/24 Voters
9.8%
12.6%
14.5%
11.8%
35.1%
32.2%
32.3%
37.6%
20.1%
17.4%
21.1%
18.5%
14.5%
13.7%
9.4%
10.7%
20.5%
24.1%
22.6%
21.4%
Very favorable Somewhat favorable Somewhat unfavorable Very unfavorable DK/NA
49.4%
46.8%
44.8%
44.9%
March 10, 2026
Initial Hypothetical Support for a Utility Tax
Measure
Shall the measure to protect
essential city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency/ paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes/ repairing streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks;
• senior/ youth programs; and
• other city services,
by renewing the expiring City of
Union City’s utility users tax at the
current 5% rate, adding 2.5%, for
gas, electricity, video,
telecommunications services, until
ended by voters, providing
$9,750,000 annually in locallycontrolled funding, requiring citizen oversight/ independent
audits, be adopted?
Probably No
13.3%
DK/NA
18.8%
Definitely No
23.4%
Definitely Yes
18.1%
Probably Yes
26.4%
Total Support
44.5%
UUT - June 2024 Survey
Total Yes 48.6%
Total No 35.8%
March 10, 2026
Features of the Measure I
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.
Somewhat
More Likely
Somewhat
Less Likely
Much Less
Likely
-2 -1 0 1 2
M. Maintain senior and youth programs
I. Provide updated lifesaving fire and police equipment D. Maintain neighborhood police patrols
A. Fix potholes and repair streets
K. Reduce crime and gun violence
E. Maintain fire protection services
C. Protect paramedic services
B. Maintain rapid 911 emergency response
0.81 0.84
0.86 0.87
0.89 0.92
0.95 0.99
Much More
Likely
72.1%
69.3%
No Effect
Tier 1
March 10, 2026
Features of the Measure II
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.
Somewhat
More Likely
Somewhat
Less Likely
Much Less
Likely
-2 -1 0 1 2
O. Fund special community events
J. Address the impacts of homelessness in Union City
N. Maintain parks
G. Protect community-based policing
P. Provide mental health programs and support to help
families and youth
F. Maintain emergency and disaster preparedness
programs
L. Keep neighborhoods clean and reduce illegal dumping
H. Maintain recreation programs including the Sports
Center, Kids Camps, and after-school recreational…
0.27 0.59
0.60 0.66
0.74 0.78
0.78 0.80
Much More
Likely
68.9%
48.5%
No Effect
T1- Cont’d Tier 2
67.4%
60.1%
Tier 3
March 10, 2026
Informational Statements I
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
E. This measure requires public disclosure of the spending of every penny from this measure
M. At certain times, Union City only has four on-duty police officers to serve our city of nearly 70,000 residents. This measure will help ensure Union City has enough officers patrolling our neighborhoods to keep us safe
G. Large businesses will pay their fair share, so
homeowners don't shoulder the entire cost of keeping
Union City safe
L. In the event of a heart attack, stroke, medical emergency or accident, seconds can be the difference between life and death. This measure will help ensure a first responder is able to respond quickly to 9-1-1 emergencies
1.16 1.18
1.22 1.29
75.3%
66.5%
Tier 1
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
March 10, 2026
Informational Statements II
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
H. The measure will continue to give Union City local
control over local funds for local needs. No funds can be taken by Sacramento
A. Dedicated local funding for public safety in Union City was eliminated during the pandemic which resulted in cuts to 9-1-1 emergency response, paramedic, fire and police services
F. The measure requires an independent citizens' oversight committee, financial audits, and yearly reports to the
community to ensure that all funds are spent as promised K. The Union City Police Department has the lowest police funding per capita when compared to similar sized Bay
Area cities. This measure will protect funding for the Union City Police Department
1.04 1.07
1.08 1.14 72.3%
61.5%
Tier 1- Cont’d Tier 2
62.7%
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
March 10, 2026
Informational Statements III
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
I. Union City has made the tough choices needed to tighten their belt and balance the budget, including cutting
administration and reducing the number of employees.
B. The measure will maintain services and programs for atrisk youth and families to help keep them on the right track and succeed
O. You never know when an accident, disaster or medical emergency will occur. This measure will ensure rapid 9-1-1 emergency services are ready when you need them the
most
D. This measure will help ensure the Union City Police
Department can investigate and prosecute violent and nonviolent criminals
0.94 0.95
1.03 1.03
68.1%
60.3%
Tier 2- Cont’d
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
March 10, 2026
Informational Statements VI
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
J. The measure requires equal treatment of taxpayers
regardless of the telecommunications or video technology used
N. The cost of providing quality public safety services in the Bay Area is increasing and this measure will maintain local funding for public safety services to keep Union City safe
C. This measure will maintain traffic enforcement to keep drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and children traveling to school safe
P. This measure will maintain police patrols and keep our neighborhoods safe
0.81 0.86
0.92 0.93
62.6%
Tier 2- Cont;d Tier 3
59.8%
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
59.7%
52.8%
March 10, 2026
Interim Hypothetical Support for a Utility Tax
Measure
Probably No
15.6%
DK/NA
12.1%
Definitely No
21.4%
Definitely Yes
20.8%
Probably Yes
30.1%
Total Support
50.9%
Shall the measure to protect
essential city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency/ paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes/ repairing streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks;
• senior/ youth programs; and
• other city services,
by renewing the expiring City of
Union City’s utility users tax at the
current 5% rate, adding 2.5%, for
gas, electricity, video,
telecommunications services, until
ended by voters, providing
$9,750,000 annually in locallycontrolled funding, requiring citizen oversight/ independent
audits, be adopted?
March 10, 2026
Critical Statements I
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
D. Union City's taxes are at a higher rate than all our neighboring cities
A. With residents and businesses struggling with the
increasing cost of living, inflation, tariffs, high gas prices, increasing grocery prices, high mortgages, now is not the time for another tax increase
F. The measure will increase the average homeowner's
utility bills by hundreds of dollars a year
H. The measure increases taxes by 50% and continues to
increase as utility costs spiral upward
1.17 1.18
1.23 1.30
71.0%
Tier 1
67.2%
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
March 10, 2026
Critical Statements II
Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores:
“Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2. 0 1 2
C. Firefighters and police officers are already overpaid and receive lavish benefits. Why should we pay more to
support inflated salaries and benefits?
G. The City has passed a never-ending list of taxes, but they have not fixed the streets, sidewalks, and parks. We can't trust them to spend this money any better than what they already take
E. The City imposed a utility tax in 2020, a sales tax in 2022 and a business tax in 2024. This year there will be other county and regional tax proposals. Now Union City wants another tax on top of that. They need to get the City's financial house...
B. The measure is a forever tax that will never end
0.87 1.05
1.16 1.16
62.3%
Tier 1- Cont’d Tier 2
48.1%
Somewhat
More Likely
Much More
Likely
No Effect
63.5%
66.8%
March 10, 2026
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Likely
November
2026
Voter
Final Test
Likely
November
2026
Voter
Interim
Test
Likely
November
2026
Voter
Initial Test
16.6%
20.8%
18.1%
26.9%
30.1%
26.4%
24.2%
15.6%
13.3%
22.6%
21.4%
23.4%
9.7%
12.1%
18.8%
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA Final Hypothetical Support for a Utility Tax
Measure
44.5%
43.5%
50.9%
Shall the measure to protect
essential city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency/ paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes/ repairing streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks;
• senior/ youth programs; and
• other city services,
by renewing the expiring City of
Union City’s utility users tax at the
current 5% rate, adding 2.5%, for
gas, electricity, video,
telecommunications services, until
ended by voters, providing
$9,750,000 annually in locallycontrolled funding, requiring citizen oversight/ independent
audits, be adopted?
March 10, 2026
Hypothetical Support for Alternative Measure
1.5% Increase
Probably No
18.5%
DK/NA
10.2%
Definitely No
22.5%
Definitely Yes
22.4%
Probably Yes
26.5%
Total Support
48.8%
Instead of increasing the utility tax
by 2.5 percent, to protect essential
city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency and paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes and repairing
streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks; and
• senior and youth programs,
another alternative would be to
increase the rate by 1.5 percent.
March 10, 2026
Hypothetical Support for Alternative Measure
16 Years
Probably No
22.9%
DK/NA
11.6%
Definitely No
22.1%
Definitely Yes
19.6%
Probably Yes
23.8%
Total Support
43.4%
Instead of levying the utility tax
until ended by voters, to protect
essential city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency and paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes and repairing
streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks; and
• senior and youth programs,
another alternative would be to
levy the utility tax for 16 years.
March 10, 2026
Hypothetical Support for Alternative Measure
8 Years
Probably No
21.8%
DK/NA
10.0%
Definitely No
21.8%
Definitely Yes
23.2%
Probably Yes
23.3%
Total Support
46.4%
Instead of levying the utility tax for
16 years, to protect essential city
services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency and paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes and repairing
streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks; and
• senior and youth programs,
another alternative would be to
levy the utility tax for 8 years.
March 10, 2026
Hypothetical Support for Alternative Measure
Current Rate with No Increase For 8 Years
Probably No
16.4%
DK/NA
8.8%
Definitely No
19.4%
Definitely Yes
30.6%
Probably Yes
24.8%
Total Support
55.4%
Another alternative would be to
renew the tax at the current rate
without any increase for just 8
years in order to protect essential
city services such as:
• 9-1-1 emergency and paramedic
response;
• fixing potholes and repairing
streets;
• fire protection;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• maintaining parks; and
• senior and youth programs.
March 10, 2026
Forecast on Future Economy
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
5/20 Survey
11/20 Voters
3/22 Survey
11/22 Voters
9/23 Survey
11/24 Voters
2/26 Survey
11/26 Voters
33.8%
25.0%
22.8%
13.7%
20.1%
29.3%
36.7%
29.5%
34.9%
36.2%
24.7%
48.4%
11.3%
9.5%
15.7%
8.5%
Better About the same Worse DK/NA
UUT Renewal Planning Timeline
Voter Survey
Election Timing
Tax Rate/Duration
Funding Priorities
Political Landscape
Non-advocacy
Communications
Stakeholder Outreach
Tracking Research
Resolution
Ballot Question
Feasibility Assessment Awareness Building Measure Development August 7 Qualification
Deadline for Nov 2026
General Election