PowerPoint Presentation (Added 4/24/2026)*

1
Potential 2026 Bond Election
April 28, 2026

2
Agenda
2
• Survey Results
• Current GO Bond Issuance Capacity
• Recommendations
• Library Advisory Board
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
• Bond Committee
• Discussion and Consensus

3
Glendale Survey
March 2026

4
Methodology 
New Bridge Strategy conducted a survey among N=400 registered voters 
throughout the City of Glendale via text invitation to an online survey and live 
telephone interviews (both cellphones and landlines). 
Interviews were conducted February 28 – March 4, 2026. They were distributed 
proportionally throughout the City. Quotas were also set for key demographic 
sub-groups, such as gender and age.  
The margin of error is +4.89% for the overall sample. The margin of error will 
vary for sub-groups.

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Education
High School or Less 
22%
Some College
40%
College Grad
23%
Post Grad
15%
Key Demographics
Gender
Male
48%
Female
52%
Age
18-34
28%
35-44
20%
45-54
14%
55-64
16%
65+
22%
Ethnicity
White
64%
Voters of Color
38%
Length of Residence
10 Years or Less
34%
11-29 Years 
37%
30+ Years/Native
29%
Party
Republican
38%
Independent
28%
Democrat
34%

6
57%
42%
Total Confident
Total Not Confident
A majority of voters have confidence in how the City of Glendale handles its 
money. Democrats, women and older voters are more likely to say they are 
confident in the City.
xx%
Def 
Yes
+15
7% 
A great deal of confidence
15% 
No confidence at all
Top Subgroups “Total confidence”
Democrat women
74%
Democrats 45+
72%
Age 65+
68%
Women 45+
67%
Yucca
67%
Democrats
67%
Education: Post-grad
67%
Cholla
66%
Women <College
65%
Women
63%
Men college+
63%
How much confidence do you have in the city of Glendale to spend taxpayer funds wisely? Would you say you have…

2025 Survey Results
7

8
Potential Parks Ballot 
Measure

9
45%
41%
14%
Total Yes
Total No
Total Lean/Undecided
Fewer than half of voters would vote yes on the $80M proposal that 
does not include the aquatic center.
There may be a proposal on the ballot here in Glendale in the future. Please read the 
following proposal carefully as this language is somewhat technical. If the election 
were being held today, would you vote yes or no on a proposal that reads as 
follows... 
Shall the City of Glendale be authorized to issue and sell up to $80 million of general 
obligation bonds to plan, construct, upgrade, improve, repair and remodel parks and 
recreation facilities and amenities throughout the city including, but not limited to, 
projects such as, irrigation systems to increase water conservation; installation of 
energy efficient lighting; repair and improvement of trails and paths for hiking, walking 
and biking; installation of new play and shade structures; and renovation of historic 
buildings and features in parks, with all expenditures overseen by the city’s Parks and 
Recreation Advisory Commission and to be subject to the City’s annual independent 
audit. 
The issuance of these bonds will result in a property tax increase sufficient to pay the 
annual debt service on the bonds.
A "yes" vote shall authorize the City of Glendale governing body to issue and sell up to 
$80 million of general obligation bonds of the City to be repaid with secondary 
property taxes. 
A "no" vote shall not authorize the City of Glendale governing body to issue and sell 
such bonds of the City.
+4
26%
Definitely Yes
28%
Definitely No
*Asked of Sample A, N=200

10
48%
32%
20%
Total Yes
Total No
Total Lean/Undecided
The larger measure that includes funding for an aquatic center is at 
a comparable level of support.
There may be a proposal on the ballot here in Glendale in the future. Please read the 
following proposal carefully as this language is somewhat technical. If the election 
were being held today, would you vote yes or no on a proposal that reads as 
follows...
 
Shall the City of Glendale be authorized to issue and sell up to $172 million of general 
obligation bonds to plan, construct, upgrade, improve, repair, and remodel parks and 
recreation facilities and amenities throughout the city including, but not limited to, 
projects such as, irrigation systems to increase water conservation; installation of 
energy efficient lighting; repair and improvement of trails and paths for hiking, walking 
and biking; installation of new play and shade structures; renovation of historic 
buildings and features in parks; and construction of a recreation and aquatics center in 
Heroes Regional Park, with all expenditures overseen by the city’s Parks and Recreation 
Advisory Commission and to be subject to the City’s annual independent audit. 
The issuance of these bonds will result in a property tax increase sufficient to pay the 
annual debt service on the bonds.
A "yes" vote shall authorize the City of Glendale governing body to issue and sell up to 
$172 million of general obligation bonds of the City to be repaid with secondary 
property taxes. 
A "no" vote shall not authorize the City of Glendale governing body to issue and sell 
such bonds of the City.
+16
25%
Definitely Yes
20%
Definitely No
*Asked of Sample B, N=200

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47%
29%
48%
66%
36%
52%
34%
20%
Total
GOP
IND
DEM
Total Yes
Total No
Combined Results
+11
-23
+14
+46
26%
Def 
Yes
%
Def 
No
13%
Def 
Yes
26%
Def 
Yes
40%
Def 
Yes
24%
Def 
No
35%
Def 
No
24%
Def 
No
10%
Def No
Initial Ballot - COMBINED

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2025 Survey Results - Parks
12

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Comments from Supporters
What are the one or two main reasons why you would vote Yes on this proposal?
“Updating infrastructure is important to 
me. I see other communities that don’t do 
that, and it is not good for the cities.” 
Female, Age 65+, Dem
It’s good to improve parks and public spaces
Glendale parks are in need of repair
Will increase quality of life
Will improve the city/community
Water conservation
Places for children to play
Improved safety
Glendale is growing
Increase property values
“Some parks are in desperate need of 
upgrades. People enjoy parks more when 
they look nice. I support all environmental 
conservation efforts.” 
Female, Age 45-54, IND
“I think investing in the community is 
important to increase the quality of life. 
Better amenities should also increase 
property values.”
Male, Age 35-44, IND

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Sensitivity to tax increases is the main driver for voters who say they 
would vote no.
What are the one or two main reasons why you would vote No on this proposal?
“Property tax increase. I am all for our 
parks and rec department, but with the 
money we already have.” 
Female, Age 65+, GOP
Taxes already too high
City does a poor job managing current 
funds
Other issues are more important/deserve 
funds
The cost of living is too high to raise taxes
“Life is too expensive, the working class is 
struggling to buy groceries and pay bills, 
and taxes are already too high.” 
Female, Age 45-54, GOP
“The city of Glendale has done a poor job 
of managing the funds it already has. 
Giving them more money, even for a 
worthy cause, only encourages them to 
waste more money.”
Male, Age 55-64, Dem

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47%
45%
42%
54%
45%
36%
44%
42%
26%
36%
Total
Men 18-44
Men 45+
Women 18-44
Women 45+
Total Yes
Total No
Younger female voters are most supportive of the potential 
measure.
+11
+1
0
+28
+9
26%
Def 
Yes
26%
Def 
Yes
20%
Def 
Yes
29%
Def 
Yes
27%
Def 
Yes
24%
Def 
No
28%
Def 
No
34%
Def 
No
15%
Def 
No
18%
Def 
No
Initial Ballot - COMBINED

16
47%
47%
44%
50%
36%
48%
52%
36%
36%
42%
33%
45%
40%
25%
Total
Cholla
Sahuaro
Barrel
Ocotillo
Cactus
Yucca
Total Yes
Total No
Voters in Yucca and Barrel are most supportive.
+11
+11
+2
+17
-9
+8
+27
26%
Def 
Yes
24%
Def 
No
Initial Ballot - COMBINED 
22%
Def 
Yes
28%
Def 
Yes
29%
Def 
Yes
25%
Def 
Yes
24%
Def 
Yes
25%
Def 
Yes
15%
Def 
No
37%
Def 
No
21%
Def 
No
26%
Def 
No
30%
Def 
No
14%
Def 
No

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52%
27%
22%
Total Yes
Total No
Total Lean/Undecided
Just above 50% of voters say they would vote yes knowing the City 
will not authorize bonds if it would raise the property tax rate.
The Glendale City Council adopted a policy that says they will not authorize the issuance of the 
bonds if it would raise the property tax rate. Knowing that, would you then vote Yes in support 
of the proposal or vote No against it?
+25
34%
Definitely Yes
21%
Definitely No

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Communicating about 
Parks Ballot Measures

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A majority of voters consider water conservation an extremely 
important funding priority.
Funding Proposals Ranked by % Extremely/Very Important
Extremely 
Important
Ext/Very 
Important
Increasing water conservation*
54%
78%
Improving irrigation systems to increase water conservation^
35%
75%
Improving safety in parks and trails, by adding lighting^
35%
69%
Planting trees and providing areas for shade*
40%
68%
Improving, repairing and constructing parks and recreation amenities^
19%
59%
Improving and repairing parks and recreation amenities*
20%
58%
Installing energy efficient lighting*
32%
57%
Improving community playgrounds^
19%
55%
There are a number of different things which could be funded through this proposal. Knowing that not everything can be equally important, please indicate for each one of the following, how important it is to you 
that this particular item be funded through this proposal. Is it...extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not important... to you that that particular item be funded?
*Asked of Sample A, N=200 ^Asked of Sample B, N=200

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Less important benefits. 
Funding Proposals Ranked by % Extremely Important
Extremely 
Important
Ext/Very 
Important
Ensuring more parks and facilities are handicapped accessible so all residents have access^
17%
54%
Improving restrooms in parks^
18%
46%
Providing more inclusive recreation features for different ages and abilities*
19%
44%
Repairing and improving trails and paths for hiking, walking and biking*
16%
44%
Renovating historic buildings and facilities in city parks^
15%
43%
Renovating historic buildings and facilities in Sahuaro Ranch Park*
10%
37%
Constructing a Recreation Center at Heroes Regional Park*
8%
28%
Constructing a Recreation and Aquatics Center at Heroes Regional Park
8%
24%
There are a number of different things which could be funded through this proposal. Knowing that not everything can be equally important, please indicate for each one of the following, how important it is to you 
that this particular item be funded through this proposal. Is it...extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not important... to you that that particular item be funded?
*Asked of Sample A, N=200 ^Asked of Sample B, N=200

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In today's digital age, it is more important than ever to have places where children can safely run, play, and 
experience nature and be off of screens. This proposal will improve our parks, trails, and recreation amenities, 
giving more residents access to fun activities that will improve their health and well-being. 
79%
It has been 26 years since voters authorized bonds for our city parks but in that time, costs have continued to 
increase and thousands more people are moving into the area and using city parks and trails. These additional 
funds will help the city keep up our parks and trails and maintain our quality of life.
74%
The city offers hundreds of different recreation programs and opportunities for everyone – from toddlers 
learning to swim to seniors staying active – to enjoy. Our parks like Murphy Park are places for community 
gatherings and festivals like the annual Glendale Glitters event that brings neighbors together. Maintaining 
these places helps build our sense of community. 
78%
If we don't take care of our parks and trails and keep up our recreation facilities, it will cost more to restore and 
repair them in the future.
79%
One thing that makes Glendale special is our well-maintained parks and trails, year-round enjoyment of 
recreation and opportunities for everyone – from children to seniors – to have an active life. We should invest 
in our parks and recreation for our children and grandchildren.
75%
The importance of having a screen free place for children to play is the top 
rationale in support of the measure.
41%
34%
33%
33%
31%
% Very 
Convincing
% Total 
Convincing
Please consider some statements that people have made in support of this bond proposal for parks. For each one, please tell me whether that statement is very convincing, somewhat convincing, not too convincing 
or not at all convincing as a reason to vote YES, IN FAVOR OF this possible bond measure...

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47%
46%
36%
41%
17%
13%
Initial Ballot
Final Ballot
Total Yes
Total No
Total Lean/Undecided
There is little movement after voters hear more about the measure.
+11
+5
26%
Def Yes
Sometimes people change their minds over the course of a survey like this, and sometimes they do not. Having read more, please consider this proposal again.
Showing Combined Ballots
24%
Def No
29%
Def Yes
29%
Def No

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Potential Library 
Ballot Measure

24
45%
39%
16%
Total Yes
Total No
Total Lean/Undecided
A bond measure to support libraries is short of the critical 
50% threshold.
Shall the City of Glendale be authorized to issue and sell up to $50 
million in general obligation bonds of the City to improve and renovate 
City libraries to better serve residents, including: expanding access to 
books, technology, and research materials; upgrading technology 
infrastructure; creating safe, ADA-accessible spaces for seniors and 
families; enhancing spaces for educational programs such as story 
times, teen and adult classes, and community meetings; and 
improving energy efficiency, with all expenditures overseen by the 
Library Advisory Board and to be subject to the City’s annual 
independent audit? 
The issuance of these bonds will result in a property tax increase 
sufficient to pay the annual debt service on the bonds.
A "yes" vote shall authorize the City of Glendale governing body to 
issue and sell up to $48 million of general obligation bonds of the City 
to be repaid with secondary property taxes. 
A "no" vote shall not authorize the City of Glendale governing body to 
issue and sell such bonds of the City.
+6
33%
Definitely Yes
27%
Definitely No

25
2025 Survey Results – Libraries 
25

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Supporters of the measure say libraries are vital community 
resources and support children’s education programs.
What are the one or two main reasons why you would vote Yes on this proposal?
“Updates are badly needed and way 
overdue.” 
Male, Age 55-64, GOP
Libraries are vital community resources and public goods
Support for children’s education, reading and youth 
engagement
Upgrades and improvements are overdue/needed
Libraries foster education, literacy and an informed society
Good investment/property value/economic benefit
Personal/family use of Glendale libraries
Access to resources for those who can’t afford them
Community hub – events, programs, neighborhood cohesion
Need for digital access and modern infrastructure
“We use the Glendale main library 
often and have wished there were 
more events and resources for 
families.” 
Female, Age 45-54, DEM
“Libraries are important community 
assets.”
Male, Age 35-44, IND

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General opposition to taxes and cost of living concerns are driving 
voters who say they would not support the measure.
What are the one or two main reasons why you would vote No on this proposal?
“Libraries are not as often used as 
they were before.” 
Female, Age 18-34, GOP
Opposition to property tax increases – general tax burden
Cost of living is too high/residents can’t afford more taxes
Distrust of city government/poor fiscal management
Libraries are adequate as is/no upgrade needed
Libraries are outdated/declining use due to internet and digital 
access
City should prioritize other spending needs/better uses for 
funds
City should cut waste/fund libraries within existing budget
Fixed income/senior residents cannot absorb additional tax 
costs
“No more taxes.” 
Male, Age 55-64, GOP
“Doesn’t affect me; it only raises 
what I pay in taxes.”
Male, Age 45-54, DEM

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45%
29%
45%
61%
39%
57%
35%
22%
Total
GOP
IND
DEM
Total Yes
Total No
There is a significant partisan distinction on the bond for libraries.
+6
-28
+10
+39
33%
Def 
Yes
%
Def 
No
20%
Def 
Yes
34%
Def 
Yes
45%
Def 
Yes
27%
Def 
No
42%
Def 
No
23%
Def 
No
14%
Def No
Initial Ballot

29
45%
48%
36%
53%
43%
39%
36%
50%
32%
37%
Total
Men 18-44
Men 45+
Women 18-44
Women 45+
Total Yes
Total No
Younger voters are more supportive of the library bond. 
+6
+12
-14
+21
+6
33%
Def 
Yes
32%
Def 
Yes
28%
Def 
Yes
40%
Def 
Yes
30%
Def 
Yes
27%
Def 
No
23%
Def 
No
37%
Def 
No
21%
Def 
No
28%
Def 
No
Initial Ballot

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Libraries are valuable as safe, accessible community gathering 
spaces.^^ 
70%
Library programs such as story times, teen programs, adult 
classes, and community meetings are important.**
69%
Moden libraries contribute to workforce development and 
lifelong learning.**
63%
Library improvements are important to the future of Glendale.^^
63%
Improved library facilities would increase my likelihood of using 
library services.^^
51%
Libraries as safe, accessible community gathering spaces is the most convincing rationale in 
support of the measure.
33%
28%
28%
23%
22%
% Very 
Convincing
% Total 
Convincing
Please consider some statements that people have made in support of this bond proposal for libraries. For each one, please tell me whether that statement is very convincing, somewhat convincing, not too 
convincing or not at all convincing as a reason to vote YES, IN FAVOR OF this possible bond measure...
**Asked of Sample A on last night, N=353 ^^Asked of Sample B on last night, N=360

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The Bottom Line
• Regardless of the dollar amount, neither version of the parks measure hits the critical 50% threshold of 
support. Although the higher dollar parks question with a recreation and aquatics center polls slightly 
better than the question without the recreation and aquatics center, the recreation and aquatics center 
is perceived to be the least important potential use of funds of those tested.   
• Improvements of parks and public spaces, which some feel are needed, and water conservation are the 
most common themes as to why City voters support the measure. Democrats and young women display 
the highest levels of support. Most of those who oppose the measure simply feel taxes are too high. 
• A majority consider water conservation an extremely important funding priority; in fact, water 
conservation and improving irrigation systems topped all other funding proposals we tested, followed 
by other improvements such as lighting, shade, planting trees, and other amenities.
• The importance of having a screen free place for children to play is the top rationale in support of the 
measure. Given the importance of water conservation to voters, a statement on this issue could also be 
extremely compelling.

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The Bottom Line
• A bond measure to support libraries also falls short of the critical 50% threshold. The same partisan 
distinction emerges here. 
• Affordability concerns are the most resonant rationale against both measures.
• There is little movement after voters hear more, with support on either version still not exceeding 50%.
• The measures consistently receive more support from Democrats and younger voters, so a high 
Democrat and young voter turnout might help boost the measures. Although, that is difficult to predict.
• Passing these bonds is likely to be a “heavy lift”.

TOTAL ABILITY TO ISSUE DEBT BASED ON FLAT LEVY POLICY
Approximately $50 Million Annually
ANNUAL PROGRAM DEMAND BY BOND FUND PROGRAM vs. $50 MILLION ISSUANCE CAP
10-YEAR SUMMARY
Total 10-Year
Program Demand
$616.4M
Total 10-Year
Issuance Capacity
$500.0M
Funding Gap
$116.5M
(23%)
Each color represents a bond fund program. Amounts reflect annual program demand.

CIP Plan Delivery Annual Bonds of $50M
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Recommendations
35
• The Library Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend 
to the Bond Committee that a bond election be held in 
November 2026.
• The Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to 
recommend to the Bond Committee that a bond election be 
held in November 2026.

Bond Comittee
36
The Bond Committee at their April 15, 2026, meeting voted:
 
• 5 Yeas/1 No to accept the Library Advisory Board 
Recommendation
• 6 Yeas to accept the Parks Commission recommendation
• 6 Yeas from the Bond Committee Recommending that the 
City Council call for a 2026 November Election.

Consensus Items
37
• Discussion and consensus for the Glendale City Council to hold a 
GO Bond Election in November 2026.
• County must be notified of intent to hold and election by May 7th
• If the Council consensus is to notify the County of its intent
• May – Staff will meet with the Bond Committee, Library Advisory Board, 
and Parks and Recreation Commission to make recommendations on dollar 
amounts, sample projects, and types of Bond authorities to recommend.
• 6/8 Ballot language is due to Maricopa County
• Council to vote on ballot language May 26, 2026

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Questions?