Jason Jordan, Director, Center for Transportation Excellence
Ballot measures have become an increasingly important tool for funding transportation projects and programs. The use of voter-approved funding initiatives for bike and pedestrian projects as well as transit on maintenance has steadily grown with 2016 setting a record for both the number of measures on ballots and the amount of funding approved. Although these measures a have strong record of success at the ballot box, the campaigns can be hard fought and early steps usually proved critical to victory. This session will look at the evolving role of local ballot measures and specifically highlight the strategies, tactics and messaging used by successful campaigns with a particular focus on the role of local advocacy organizations and coalitions. Topics will include crafting ballot language, analyzing the political environment, targeting voters, building ballot coalitions, conducting polling, developing key messages, and coordinating with public sector partners.
