SECURING FUNDING FOR
Local Governments
Municipalities across Wisconsin are facing budget challenges and are increasingly utilizing referendums to secure the funding necessary for critical services like fire and police.
Mueller Communications has been a proven partner to many municipalities to ensure their electorate is fully informed about a potential referendum.
While we customize our approach to meet the unique needs of each community, we generally recommend a three-step process that takes place over the course of 9-12 months that provides opportunities for broad public engagement, education and dialogue.
IN A PHASED APPROACH
Public Education
When possible, communicating about funding needs should take place over time
PHASE I:
Options Assessment
Mueller Communications works with each community to document the information for the community to evaluate the challenges facing the community and the options to meet those challenges. Based on that research, our team develops a comprehensive Options Assessment that can be posted on your municipality’s website and used to educate residents about the critical needs facing the community (e.g., public safety) and the options available to address them (e.g., property tax referendum).
Timing: 8-10 weeks
PHASE 2:
Community Survey
To provide a voice to residents, Mueller Communications develops a survey that is distributed to all homes in the community. The survey process serves as a key educational opportunity as well as a mechanism for the community to provide feedback on the services it values. The final results, including a comprehensive analysis, help guide your community in which option to pursue and the details of approach (e.g., single referendum question or multiple, price point, etc.).
Timing: 8-10 weeks
PHASE 3:
Referendum Public Education Initiative
To help showcase the need for the referendum and its impact on the community, Mueller Communications develops and executes a broad public information and education campaign that clearly articulates the need for additional resources and the impact on residents if the referendum passes or fails.
Timing: 12-16 weeks
Resources & Work Examples
Village of Pleasant Prairie Options Assessment
Sample Media Protocol
Education vs Advocacy Guidelines
League Magazine
Sample Social Media Protocol
A Budget That Works For You
We will work with you to refine our scope of work and budget to best meet the needs of your community.
When we enter into a working relationship, we commit to a set budget as well as to pursuing efficiencies wherever possible and passing any cost savings to you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS IS
TRANSPARENCY
MUELLER COMMUNICATIONS & THE LEAGUE
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has an ongoing relationship with Mueller Communications. Through your membership in the League, you are eligible for initial consultation with the firm relative to how to manage the public aspects of a crisis. If your municipality is experiencing a crisis, contact Jerry Deschane, Executive Director of the League, and he'll connect you with James Madlom and the Mueller Communications team:
James Madlom
CEO
Mueller Communications
jmadlom@muellercommunications.com
414-390-5500 (available 24/7)