Preparing for a ballot measure is one of the most complex, high-stakes process a local government or special district will take on. Done right, it builds long-term community trust and immediate wins at the ballot box. Done poorly, or started too late, it can damage relationships with constituents and set your jurisdiction back years.
Public Alignment Communication offers customized ballot measure workshops designed to give your team the knowledge, tools, and confidence to approach the process with clarity and strategy.
We've built our practice in Colorado, where ballot measures are governed by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) — one of the most complex and restrictive ballot frameworks in the country.
Navigating TABOR requires deep expertise in legal compliance, community education, and communications strategy, all at once. That experience has required us to be sharper, more precise, and more strategic, given this more challenging environment. Helping dozens of clients win in some of the most challenging environments in Colorado has given us the experiences, knowledge, and skills to help you win in yours.
Our ballot measure work has an approximately 90% success rate across local governments and special districts.
Every workshop, regardless of format, is built around the critical phases that determine whether a ballot initiative succeeds or falls flat. Participants leave with practical knowledge and a working draft plan they can act on immediately.
Workshop topics include:
> Internal alignment and leadership planning
> Timelines and milestone setting
> Research and community polling
> Messaging and communications strategy
> Community and stakeholder engagement
> Ballot language and legal process
> Campaign finance compliance
We offer three ways to bring this training to your team or community. All formats are customized to your jurisdiction's specific needs, ballot type, and timeline. Pricing is determined based on the format and scope of your engagement.
#1 – On-Site Team Workshop
For cities, counties, and special districts who want dedicated training for their staff and leadership
We come to you. This format is ideal for jurisdictions actively considering a ballot measure and wanting to get their team aligned and ready to move. We work with your board members, managers, finance directors, communications officers, and other key staff to build a shared understanding and a tailored plan.
Best for: Teams preparing for an upcoming ballot cycle who want a focused, confidential session built around their specific situation.
#2 – Integrated Conference Workshop
For associations and organizations serving local government and special district officials
We design and facilitate workshops for conferences, meetings, and professional development events. Attendees leave with immediately applicable skills and a clear roadmap, regardless of where they are in the process.
Best for: Municipal leagues, county and special district associations, and other organizations looking to offer a high-value, practitioner-led training to their members.
#3 – Virtual Workshop
For teams who need flexibility — or want to learn alongside peers from other jurisdictions
Our virtual workshops deliver the same content and hands-on approach as our in-person sessions, with the added benefit of flexibility. Sessions are structured to be interactive, so participants work through planning challenges in real time.
Best for: Staff and elected leaders who want expert guidance in a virtual format, or who benefit from hearing how peers at other jurisdictions are approaching similar challenges.
Ballot measure preparation is a team effort. Our workshops are designed for the staff and elected leaders who play a direct role in the process, including:
> Board members and elected officials
> City/county/district managers and administrators
> Finance directors and budget officers
> Communications and public information officers
Bryan-David Blakely and Sara O’Keefe, founders and managing partners at Public Alignment Communication, will facilitate the workshop. They each have over 20 years experience in local government relations and community engagement. They’ve been helping local governments and special districts educate their constituents about ballot initiatives for years. With a success rate of about 90%, we’ve compiled the factors that most often lead to a winning initiative.
The goal is to prepare you and your colleagues to launch an authentic and transparent conversation with your community about your funding needs. During the workshop, we’ll give you all the knowledge and tools you need to begin working on a plan. Each workshop will be part instruction and part dedicated work time so that you have a draft plan by the end of the workshop.
We’ll meet every Thursday at noon from Oct 7 – Nov 20, 2025.
All sessions will be held via Zoom and are planned for 1 hour.
