Close-up of a motorcycle helmet on a person's head, showing part of the person's face and neck, and face visible in the mirror of the helmet with blue eyes.

In a city facing a public safety crisis, passing binding arbitration for police and firefighters was about more than streamlining negotiations on contracts, working conditions, and financial pragmatism. It was about giving first responders the ability to focus on protecting and serving the City of Stockton. Specifically, by implementing a process that allows for labor contract disputes to be resolved by an impartial binding arbitration panel that determines what is in the public’s best interest. 

Stockton Measure N

Challenge

Over the last decade, police and fire unions have been at odds with city officials over how to guarantee fair contract negotiations and stable working conditions for public safety employees at a time when crime is trending upwards. Adding to an already complex landscape was having to convince voters to pass an extremely technical ballot initiative that divided first responders and trusted city officials.

Solution

Execute a classic ballot measure campaign including grassroots canvassing and community engagement efforts to meet voters where they are, literally and figuratively, tapping into fellow community members as trusted messengers. This, combined with a strong digital campaign across social and local media, was a winning formula.

Brochure promoting Measure N for Stockton, California, emphasizing police and fire staffing, with images of a firefighter and police officer and the message that N is necessary, noteworthy, and now.
A smiling man holds a young child, both looking at the camera, with a background of blurred outdoors environment.
A firefighter in full gear sitting on the ground with head down, reflected in a semi-transparent overlay on the right side of a political flyer promoting support for first responders. The flyer includes text about police and fire working conditions, a solution called Measure N, and a call to vote Yes on Measure N.
A police officer kneeling and talking to a young child on a street, with a background of blurred trees and buildings. The text overlay discusses security, police work, and community safety initiatives.
A promotional flyer for Yes on N, a measure related to police and fire staffing in Stockton. The flyer discusses the problem of city officials proposing one-way street jobs for first responders and promotes the solution of replacing flawed contracting methods with an impartial arbitration process. The flyer features text, icons, and a background image of firefighters in gear facing a fire.
An image with two sections: on the left, a firefighter wearing full gear and carrying a backpack, with a dark background; on the right, a family of four standing outside a house on a sunny day, smiling. The image promotes community safety and neighborhood awareness.
A collage of political campaign advertisements supporting Measure N in Stockton. The ads feature messages about supporting first responders, no new taxes, and safer streets, with images of firefighters, a police officer, and a woman with a child.

Result

Measure N was soundly approved by voters in a landslide victory for public safety and communities across Stockton, proving it is still possible to break through with a traditional hyper-local campaign approach.