The Challenge

Like many other agencies, the Town of Discovery Bay faces challenges, including aging infrastructure, new and increasingly restrictive regulatory measures, drought and more. To continue providing vital services for residents, the Town began the Proposition 218 rate study process to adjust rates to generate sufficient revenue to fund critical operations, maintenance, repairs, debt payments, infrastructure costs and capital improvement projects.
Discovery Bay partnered with Tripepi Smith to lead an outreach effort to educate the public about community services and the Prop 218 process. The goal of these efforts was to help residents understand how the Town uses funds and the need for higher rates.

Our Approach

To educate the community, Tripepi Smith assisted with a range of outreach methods, including:

  • Dedicated webpage sharing planned projects and rate study information
  • Animated explainer video posted on Youtube, the Town’s webpage and social media to expand its reach
  • The Town’s social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram
  • A print and web flyer available on the webpage and at the Community Center
  • A letter to stakeholders mailed to all residents and property owners in Discovery Bay
  • Digital advertising through Meta
  • Bill inserts distributed to each household
  • Community open house providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about the Town’s services and upcoming projects

To begin, Tripepi Smith created content explaining the Town’s purpose and work in the community to help residents understand their role. This later included sharing about projects the Town has planned over the next five years. As the rate study progressed, these communications included information about the rate study and related public meetings.

The Results

Following these efforts, the Town’s rate study was approved. The team’s outreach campaign was both comprehensive and strategic, successfully increasing resident awareness and engagement.

Digital outreach efforts included four social media posts, which collectively reached 12,139 users and received 17,924 views. A boosted animated video further expanded engagement, reaching 13,188 users and generating 24,738 views.

Through the Town and Tripepi Smith’s collaboration, the Town effectively informed residents about upcoming projects and the rate study, ensuring that every household was informed and had the opportunity to participate in the process.