☆ Bay Area government agency spent $133,500 on polling before putting massive housing tax on the November ballot
Why did BAHFA have to pay pollsters up to $260/hour to explore the viability of RM4? If only to discover that it has--surprise--a very narrow path to victory? If voters approve RM4, BAHFA promises strict oversight of the $20 billion housing bond. Yet early signs are not encouraging, as even efforts to promote the measure have begun to burn a hole in the agency’s pocket. Documents obtained by Opp Now give a peek into BAHFA’s disconcerting spending habits. An Opp Now exclusive.
At the June 26th Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) meeting which resulted in a yes vote to place Regional Measure 4 (RM4) on ballots in nine Bay Area counties this November 5th, a presentation on polling results drove home that it’s going to be a nailbiter.
Despite aversion to increased taxes, voters could lean above 55% “after positive information”.
We’re "finding language that's resonating," said Ruth Bernstein, who is listed as Senior Principal on the contract between BAHFA and EMC Research.
While organized opposition to RM4 points out repeatedly how the bond itself will cost taxpayers over $48 billion, early indications reveal that BAHFA spends generously even on efforts to introduce the measure to the public.
Documents provided to Opp Now and obtained through a Public Records Act request by the Cato Institute’s Marc Joffe show that BAHFA paid EMC at least $133,500 for polling; Bernstein’s hourly rate for this year is $260.04; Principal Emily Goodman gets $174.31; a director and senior associate position bill at $94.96 and $60.88 respectively.
Approval for RM4 might squeak above 55%. If so, its adoption is contingent upon statewide measure Prop 5 passing, which would reduce the threshold for RM4 from approval by two-thirds, to 55% of Bay Area voters.
It’s a competitive election for the brand-new agency, which could be staking its reputation on the passage of RM4. Efforts like polling and presenting “positive information” are likely to continue. When it comes to paying pollsters, BAHFA is going all in.
How much more taxpayer money will this agency spend to promote RM4?
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