Background

Allan Hancock College, a beloved institution serving northern Santa Barbara County, had not sought a bond measure in several decades. Vital repairs and upgrades were needed, and the college’s share of state funds had already been put to use.

Allan Hancock College faced serious challenges in pursuing a successful bond measure. A conservative, largely-rural electorate had proven to be tax-averse. Most of the bond projects would not directly benefit voters in two of the district’s three valleys. Finally, the district’s longtime Superintendent/President was retiring, leaving her successor—who was unknown to most in the region—to drive the process forward in his first few months at the helm.

What We Did

TBWB began working with the college nearly eight months prior to the election. In that time, we helped the new Superintendent/President publicize the college’s needs and seek feedback from community stakeholders throughout the college district.

We met with community groups in Lompoc, the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria, to develop a communications plan to raise the profile of the college’s needs, including a Powerpoint presentation, speaking points and an earned media strategy. After receiving feedback from community members throughout the district, the college put a $180 million bond measure before voters to fund needed repairs and improvements.

Working with the volunteer campaign committee, TBWB parlayed its work with the college into a campaign strategy with separate components for all three geographic areas. We helped guide campaign leaders in fundraising, endorsements, student organizing and engaging community partners. TBWB also developed an original direct mail plan to tout the bond measure with geographically targeted messages to appeal to all college constituents.