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Energy
The Challenge
Beginning in February 2003, the cities of West Sacramento, Davis and Woodland, along with Yolo County, sought annexation into the service territory of the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD). This would have been the largest power system annexation in U.S. history, with a value of more than $500 million. This issue went before local voters in 2006 and Forward Observer was hired to manage research for a campaign committee formed to oppose annexation.
The Solution
Forward Observer took responsibility for all aspects of the campaign’s research needs, from initial issues and opposition research to rapid-response support.
Municipalization is a complex topic. We worked with industry experts to document the impacts of the proposal in terms average voters could understand – such as the debt that would be incurred per household and the potential risk for residents in terms of monthly increases in residential utility bills.
The Result
To be successful, the annexation had to be passed by voters on three separate ballot measures. After a tough campaign, two of the three measures failed, and the third passed by only a handful of votes. The annexation was defeated. |
> Download Smud Takeover Brochure |
Services Provided
• Strategy Consulting
• Opposition Research
• Economic Analysis
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