City Ballot Measures

Madrid & Associates principal Mike Madrid is widely recognized for his work with cities in California in assisting in the development of public outreach and information campaigns.

Using only the most stringent guidelines and most recent laws on the restriction of public funds, Madrid & Associates has developed the California Ballot Measure Training Academy (CBMTA), a program sponsored by the League of California Cities that teaches cities about the best practices of community and public outreach efforts. These programs incorporate legal training, polling techniques and public information practices as the best way to engage the public on a city's financial condition. Mike Madrid has worked with over 100 cities in California that have participated in these trainings over the past three years - with a remarkable rate of success.

Madrid & Associates also develops and conducts political campaigns after a measure is placed on the ballot. Our firm works with community based organizations and city leaders to advocate for city ballot measures - while adhering to the highest ethical standards and ensuring that no public funds are ever used in the process.

The following case studies illustrate the range of campaigns Madrid & Associates has participated in:

City of San Luis Obispo

"YES on Measure Y" November 2006

(Sales Tax Campaigns) - Madrid & Associates organized an aggressive grassroots and community outreach campaign that focused heavily on town hall meetings, door to door canvassing and phone banking. This non-traditional campaign eschewed the traditional consultant model of investing heavily in direct mail, television and radio for a stronger community based approach. Madrid & Associates contracted to complete the campaign for less than 50% of what other political consulting firms proposed and achieved twice the results. Measure Y passed the ? cent sales tax measure with 64% of the vote - one of the states highest vote getting results for a city measure.

City of Rancho Palos Verdes

"YES on Measure C - No on Measure D" November 2007

(Storm Drain Fees) - The city of Rancho Palos Verdes faced a referendum campaign on a previously passed storm drain fee. The referendum ultimately became Measure D. At the urging of Madrid & Associates, a measure strengthening the accountability and oversight of the storm drain fee was placed on the ballot by the city council. An aggressive mail, community outreach and internet strategy was developed and executed and Measure C passed 55-45% and the referendum was defeated by the same margin.