Title
Consider Adoption of Board Policy on Polling and Community Surveys (Districts: All)
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Overview
Polling and community surveys can be valuable tools to gauge public opinion on policy issues, understand community conditions and priorities, and inform planning and decision-making. When these activities are conducted through third-party consultants using public resources, it is important they be governed by clear standards that promote transparency, legal compliance, fiscal stewardship, and public accountability.
On April 21, 2026 (18), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in coordination with County Counsel, to develop a strategy and process governing the use of County funds for polling and community surveys conducted through third-party consultants. The Board also directed the CAO to return to the Board with a fiscal analysis of any proposed processes.
Upon review and analysis, a Board policy was prepared as the tool best suited to implement the direction provided by the Board. Today’s action recommends that the Board consider the adoption of a Board Policy, County Policy on Polling and Community Surveys, to establish a consistent governance framework for oversight and transparency related to polling and community survey activities carried out through third-party contractors or consultants. As drafted, the Board Policy utilizes existing structures within the organization to accomplish the Board’s intent and policy direction, and results in no fiscal impact to the organization.
Body
Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
Consider the adoption of Board Policy A-70, County Policy on Polling and Community Surveys.
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Equity Impact Statement
The draft policy is expected to advance equity by promoting transparency and accountability in how County-funded polling and community surveys are conducted and disclosed. Standardized review and disclosure requirements support fair and consistent practices that benefit all communities and help ensure public engagement tools are administered in a manner that promotes broad public trust and access to information.
Sustainability Impact Statement
The draft policy supports organizational sustainability by establishing consistent procedures for oversight and lawful use of County resources. By strengthening governance and transparency related to polling and survey activities, the policy supports long-term fiscal stewardship, accountability, and responsible resource management.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s action. Implementation of the proposed policy is expected to be accommodated within existing resources and staffing levels. Activities related to legal review, contract administration, and public disclosure are anticipated to be absorbed through existing operational processes. If necessary for specific requests, staff will return to the Board with recommendations for additional appropriations for consideration and approval. At this time, there will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
Board Policy A-136, Use of County of San Diego General Management System for Administration of County Operations, establishes the General Management System (GMS) as the County of San Diego’s (County) business management model and places community engagement at the core of County operations. Consistent with that framework, polling and community surveys may be used to gauge public opinion on policy issues, understand community conditions and priorities, and inform County planning and decision-making.
On April 21, 2026 (18), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed development of a strategy and process governing County-funded polling and community survey activities, including County Counsel review of survey questions and consultant agreements and public posting of polling questions, demographic information, survey results, and consultant contract information. The Board also directed the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board with a fiscal analysis of any proposed processes.
An option the Board may take is to adopt a Board Policy that governs the use of third-party consultants for polling and community surveys. A draft Board Policy (Attachment A) would establish definitions for polling, community surveys, and third-party consultants; identify review and approval requirements; establish public disclosure procedures; and assign administrative responsibilities for implementation. Staff evaluated the anticipated administrative workload associated with implementation of the draft Board Policy and determined it leverages existing County Counsel advisory services, established contract posting processes, and existing public disclosure practices. As a result, implementation would not require additional resources or staffing.
The Board may choose to take other actions, including directing staff to prepare an ordinance to address the use of third-party consultants for polling and community surveys, provide further direction to the CAO to return with a revised policy, revise the policy as necessary, or take no action.
Today’s action recommends that the Board consider adoption of the proposed Board Policy, County Policy on Polling and Community Surveys, to establish a consistent governance framework for oversight and transparency related to polling and community survey activities carried out through third-party contractors or consultants.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
The proposed action supports the Empower strategic initiative of the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by promoting program and fiscal integrity through oversight and disclosure requirements. The proposed action also supports the Community strategic initiative by strengthening transparent communication practices and public access to information related to County decision-making.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
Attachment A - Draft Board Policy A-70, County Policy on Polling and Community Surveys