POLLING/PUBLIC OPINION RESEARCH

When millions of dollars are at stake, you don't want to guess which messages or concessions will reduce NIMBY opposition or increase project acceptance. GCA Strategies takes the guesswork out of winning political and community support for controversial projects with state-of-the-art public opinion and marketing research:

• Persuasive Arguments: Simply relying on popular messages isn't enough - you need to know what to say or do to actually shift citizens and politicians from anti-project attitudes to pro-project support. Sure, blue is the most popular color in America, but painting your project blue is unlikely to cause people to accept the project in their backyard. GCA's opinion research can distinguish between popular messages that people merely agree with and persuasive messages that actually convert negative attitudes into positive acceptance.
   
• Effective Concessions: GCA clients don't throw costly, ineffective concessions on the bargaining table or add extraordinary, unnecessary amenities to their projects. With sophisticated opinion research, GCA clients know they're getting the right "bang for the buck" in the community, among special interest constituents, or at City Hall.
   
• Target Audiences: Time and resources have to be managed efficiently, so you need to know which audiences to target. Who are likely opponents, potential supporters, and crucial "swing" voters? Should you avoid senior citizens, or reach out to renters? Are mothers with young children your most likely allies or your most likely enemies? Identifying the most persuadable audiences and those most crucial to project success helps you focus your resources effectively.
   
• Communications Tactics: GCA's research can help identify the best communication mechanisms to use to get your message out to the right audience. Obtaining the endorsement of a popular public official may be the key to gaining public support, while putting ads in the newspaper may be a complete waste of time and money. GCA's public opinion polling results in actionable recommendations that result in measurable support.
   

Interested in more public opinion research strategies and tactics? Check out:
- "Messages to Mobilize Community Support"
- "Survey Solutions: Research Provides Community Outreach Strategy for Low-Income Housing"