Understanding Local Ballot Measures MARK C ACKELSON CONSERVATION FINANCE CAMPAIGN ADVISOR, LTA PRESIDENT EMERITUS, INHF MARCH 11, 2016
Understanding Community Conservation Ballot Measures LTA-TPL Partnership National Trends Ballot Measure Basics Elements of Campaigns Case Study
Increase the PACE of conservation Enhance the QUALITY of conservation Ensure the PERMANENCE of conservation 6 AMERICANVIEWPOINT
What is The Trust for Public Land s Conservation Finance Program? Create and protect new public funding for land conservation, parks and restoration through the research, design and passage of ballot measures and legislation.
State and local ballot measures 2011-2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 24 Measures 68 Measures 20 Measures 50 Measures 31 Measures 14 Measures Passed (58%) 53 Measures Passed (78%) 15 Measures Passed (75%) 35 Measures Passed (70%) 22 Measures Passed (71%) $.3 billion Created $.8 billion Created $.3 billion Created $13.2 billion Created $.3 billion Created
Conservation Ballot Measures across the U.S.
LTA, TPL & Land Trust Partnerships 2014-2015 1. Grand Traverse Regional LT, MI Acme Twshp, $2.2m 2. Beaufort County Open LT, SC County, $20m 3. Rio Grande Agricultural LT & 4. New Mexico LT - Bernalillo Co, $28.8m 5. Tapteal Greenway, Benton Co, WA, $0 6. Legacy Land Trust, Larimer Co, CO, $131m 7. Buzzards Bay Coalition, New Bedford, MA, $5m 8. Crested Butte LT, CO, $10m 9. LT of Treasure Valley Boise, ID, $10m 10. NJ Conservation Fdn Sussex Co, $4m $211.3 MILLION
Readiness Assessment Clearly articulated & accepted community goals Staff, board, volunteer capacity Relationships with entire community Strategic plan Current communication & outreach programs Willingness & ability to find &/or dedicate resources
Key Steps for Successful Ballot Measures Technical Assistance Coalition Building Feasibility Research Public Opinion Survey Measure Design Ballot Language ELECTION DAY Communication & Outreach Fundraising Campaign Formation, Strategy, and Budget Campaign
Key Variables in Measure Design Funding Mechanism Amount (and duration) Purposes/Uses of Funds Timing (choice of election date) Management/Accountability
Elements of a Campaign Campaign Team Leadership & Managment Partners Fundraising Campaign Plan Targeted Communications Priorities & Assignments Campaign Budget C3 & C4 Comprehensive
Improving Quality of Life County parks & natural areas provide areas for families to camp, get outdoors and learn about our natural heritage. Outdoor amenities are critical to workforce retention and recruitment as we strive to be a leading center for technology and manufacturing in our state. Protection of Land, Water & Wildlife County parks & natural areas protect critical open space & wildlife habitat that buffer our rivers/lakes/streams to improve water quality. County trails provide important recreational areas for families and access to the outdoors. County trails are great ways to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy our natural heritage while getting healthier. County conservation areas attract [xxxx] thousand visitors per year and have an economic impact of [xxxxx] million dollars. These dollars create jobs in tourism & hospitality and help our economy grow. County Conservation improves County s quality of life through protection of our natural resources for future generations of County residents County conservation maintains over [XXX] acres of public hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation areas providing important amenities for County residents and visitors to the area. Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars & Being Accountable County Conservation Board members serve as appointed by the County Board of Supervisors and are directly accountable to elected officials and the citizens they represent. County Conservation has monthly public meetings where public input/comments are solicited on budgets, projects and programming and meetings are promoted through newsletters, a website and local media so residents can voice their opinions. Over the past [XXXX] years County Conservation has raised [XXXX] million/thousand dollars from federal/state grants, charitable organizations and local donors. Public/Private partnerships are an excellent way to save taxpayer dollars and fund innovative projects that better protect our resources for future generations. #1 Priority is protection of County s natural resources for future generations Transition Statements Protecting County s natural resources will help improve the quality of life in County. Our programs are most successful when done in an accountable fashion while protecting taxpayers
2016 LTA/TPL Partnership 6-10 land trust partners Land Trust Alliance member Accredited or working towards TerraFirma or self insured National Conservation Easement Data Base Coaching Technical assistance Readiness Assessments Feasibility studies Polling Ballot measure design Campaign plan assistance Seed money for communication and outreach
TPL/LTA Conservation Finance Partnership Will Abberger TPL Conservation Campaign Director O: 850-222-7911 C: 850-224-3755 Will.abberger@tpl.org Andy McLeod LTA Director of Advocacy O: 202-559-4024 C: 850-443-4966 amcleod@lta.org
TPL/LTA Conservation Finance Partnership Matthew Zieper TPL National Research Director O: 617-371-0532 C: 617-680-4831 matt.zieper@tpl.org Mark Ackelson LTA Conservation Finance Campaign Advisor C: 515-249-9322 mackelsonia@gmail.com
www.landvote.org
Polk County s Water & Land Legacy
NEEDS Natural Areas Protection Parks and Open Space Trail Connectivity Environmental Capital Wellness Capital Cultural Capital
2050 Urban Growth Areas
Key Steps for Successful Ballot Measures Technical Assistance Coalition Building Feasibility Research Public Opinion Survey Measure Design Ballot Language ELECTION DAY Communication & Outreach Fundraising Campaign Formation, Strategy, and Budget Campaign
$50 Million in Bonds Bond Referendum Funding Areas Land and Habitat Protection- $18 million Park Improvements- $15 million Lake, River,& Stream Improvements- $10 million Trails- $7 million