Case Study
The city faced imminent cuts to essential fire and police services, but voters had not approved an operating levy in over thirty years.
After Gresham voters rejected a five-year public safety levy in May 2023 to help prevent steep cuts to emergency services, leaders in Oregon’s fourth-largest city hired DHM to find out why. DHM reviewed past election results, interviewed civic leaders, and conducted focus groups. The post-election analysis suggested voters had concerns about the levy’s scope and cost. To test these findings, DHM conducted a random sample, statistically valid survey of 400 Gresham voters. The February 2024 survey measured support for a proposed levy at a lower rate, identified the most valued service priorities, and ascertained the strongest supporting arguments.
The city used the survey findings to refine the scope and rate of a new levy proposal. In May 2024 voters approved the levy, which will raise an estimated $65 million over five years to support funding for key personnel, emergency response, enhanced patrols, and community safety programs.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization that helps Oregon ratepayers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources.
DHM partnered with DH to help shape a statewide mental health campaign for Washington adults 55+, using survey and focus group insights to ensure the final creative—Find Your People—was grounded in the voices of those it aimed to reach.