City of Portland: Fire and Rescue GO Bond Survey
Survey of voters in the City of Portland to assess voter support for a potential bond measure to fund new Logistics and Training Centers for the Bureau of Fire & Rescue.
Thurston County: Medic One Survey
Telephone survey of Thurston County residents. The purpose of the survey was to assess satisfaction with emergency services and determine support for future investments in emergency services.
Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT): Gas Tax Renewal Test
Survey of Portland voters to gauge support for a potential gas tax renewal.
Reed College: Oregon Election Audit Survey
Survey of Oregon registered voters to assess Oregonians experience with voting and their confidence in the state’s election system.
AARP: OregonSaves
Telephone survey of Oregon residents to assess Oregonians’ access to employer-sponsored retirement programs and support for OregonSaves.
Campaign for America: Campaign Finance Reform Study
Focus groups and surveys of registered voters in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania to test opinions about comprehensive campaign finance reform. The research assisted with lobbying efforts at the state and federal levels.
City of Salem: Civic Center, Library, and Police Facilities Research
Multi-year project supporting the Oregon capital city’s efforts to fund facility improvements. Initial research assessed voters’ perceptions of the physical condition of the Salem Civic Center, police department headquarters, and downtown library, and tested key messages about the need for facility improvements. Follow-up research tested voter support for a bond measure to fund a new police building. The $61.8 million bond measure passed by a wide margin.
Lake Oswego School District: Education Funding Research
Survey of voters in Lake Oswego to gauge support for a school bond measure and to provide information for the development of a campaign communication plan. The research accurately modeled the off-year primary election turnout in Lake Oswego using past voting behavior. The $187 million bond passed.
Washington Minimum Wage Studies
Quantitative opinion research with voters and business owners in the Seattle area and across Washington state. The surveys tested a number of potential proposals related to raising the minimum wage.
New Approach Oregon and Show-Me Cannabis: Marijuana Legalization Research
Opinion research in Oregon and Missouri to measure voter support for marijuana legalization. The project included message testing, and the results informed campaign strategists and funders.
Oak Lodge: Special District Consolidation Study
Multi-phase research study of Oak Lodge Water District and Oak Lodge Sanitary District customers in Milwaukie, Oregon. The research gauged voter opinions about a potential merger between the two districts and refined messaging. Voters approved the consolidation overwhelmingly.
Friends of Outdoor School: Ballot Measure Research
Initial test of voter support for IP 67 (later Measure 99), a ballot measure to fund outdoor education in Oregon. The research also helped develop and test messages that were used in the successful campaign.
Oregon Public Broadcasting: Election Polling and Commentary
Ongoing partnership with Oregon Public Broadcasting to provide Oregon-centered election coverage, commentary, and regular voters surveys on top issues and races. Reporters and research experts consider DHM’s polling and election research to be some of the most credible available.
Pennsylvania State University: Citizens' Initiative Review Research
Survey research to measure voter awareness of the Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR), a volunteer deliberative body that reviews ballot initiatives and makes recommendations in the Oregon voter pamphlet. Surveys assessed CIR panels’ perceived quality of deliberation and electoral impact, and also tested voters’ willingness to share what they learn from the CIR with fellow voters.
Upstream Public Health: Fluoridation Study
Multi-phase study of registered voters in Portland, Oregon, to assess support for fluoridating the city’s drinking water and to identify convincing messages. Topics included values around health and dental care, perceptions of Portland’s drinking water, and the most credible messengers for the benefits of fluoridation.
Washington County: Transportation Funding Research
Baseline and benchmark survey research with voters in Washington County, Oregon, assessing perceptions of transportation issues in the county and road maintenance funding. The research included an initial test of a potential county-wide vehicle registration fee.
Yes for Healthcare: Medicaid Funding Research
Extensive focus group research with voters across Oregon to inform messaging for the Yes for Healthcare campaign to pass Measure 101 and continue to fully fund Medicaid. Findings provided a clearer understanding of voters’ values around healthcare access in the state. The measure passed with 62% support in a special election.
CASE STUDY
Climate Change Changes Few Minds
Each year in March (apart from the chaotic month of March 2020) DHM Research asks Oregonians questions about their perceptions of the environment in anticipation of Earth Day. In this year’s survey, we find that perceptions of climate change have changed little despite a historic wildfire season in Oregon. While most Oregonians believe in […]
Oregonians Weigh in on Legislative Policy, COVID-19 Vaccinations, and School Re-Openings
COVID-19 hasn’t slowed down the Oregon Legislature. Zoom hearings and all, legislators a deep into policy debates. For our March 2021 survey, DHM Research checked in with Oregonians about some of the issues that the Legislature is considering. We also asked how Oregonians are feeling about the overall direction of the state, their impressions of […]
John Horvick: What you should know about age demographics and Oregon
Age may just be a number, but it’s certainly playing a role in determining our elected officials and their priorities. John Horvick January 20, 2021 Published by The Oregon Way John Horvick is the Political Director at DHM Research. The Oregon Way project has included the voices of diverse thinkers, practitioners, and leaders who have brought […]
Numbers Suggest Choppy Waters Ahead for Addressing Oregon’s Challenges
DHM/OVBC Survey Results November 9, 2020 Although the divisive 2020 election may be over and there are just a few weeks left in a year of unprecedented challenges, don’t assume it is going to be smooth sailing for Oregon in 2021. A recent poll found 80% of Oregonians are ending the year worried about our […]
COVID-19 Concerns Continue
Months have passed since COVID-19 initially spread across the globe. The response and feelings towards the pandemic have greatly varied depending on location and belief systems. Many people have come to adopt new behaviors to help us overcome the risk of exposure to the virus. However, the effects of the pandemic are well beyond physical […]
Oregonians Across State View Homelessness as a Top Priority
DHM/OVBC Survey Results November 8, 2020 Homelessness is an important and urgent concern among Oregonians across the state. Fully half of Oregonians believe leaders should make solving homelessness their top priority and they place responsibility squarely on the shoulders of local and state government leaders. The public views mental illness, substance abuse, and lack of […]
A Change We Aren’t Prepared For
DHM/OVBC Survey Results November 8, 2020 Reports of warmer weather, rising sea levels, and the increase of extreme natural events have all been indicators of global climate change. However, many people continue to question whether there is enough evidence to support the claim that climate change exists. Regardless of people’s view on climate change, the […]
Oregonians’ Outlook on Public Finances and Taxation
DHM Survey Results October 26, 2020 These findings come from a DHM Research (DHM) and Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC) online survey conducted from October 1 to October 6, 2020 about a variety of issues including COVID-19, climate change, homelessness, and public finance and taxation. Quality control measures were taken including pretesting the questionnaire […]
Oregonians’ Opinions on Recent Protests and Ongoing Movements
DHM OVBC Panel July Survey Results August 21, 2020 On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by a police officer, which has led to a call for action across the country to end racial inequality and police brutality. People across the globe continue to support the Black […]
Parks Ballot Measure
Opportunity DHM began working with city parks officials in 2014 to develop a comprehensive and publicly supported parks bond package to replace the prior bond funding that was set to expire in June 2015. Approach DHM conducted an initial telephone survey in May 2014 to discover how Portlanders view their park system and test the […]