Westlake Porter Public Library Levy Campaign

The largest win ever

About the Client

Westlake Porter Public Library is more than just books. It’s a space to learn, create, and explore. People get high-speed internet access, 3D printing, sewing machines, and podcast booths.

Challenge(s) They Faced

Westlake is a suburb of Cleveland, made up of about 30,000 people. They’re primarily homeowners in the middle- to upper-middle class. In 2018, a large portion of residents were aging and on fixed incomes.

At the same time, technology was evolving, and to meet community needs, the library needed to make some investments.

They’d need more money to make that happen, but no one wanted their taxes increased. Other levy campaigns were on the ballot and misinformation in the media was increasing. Citizens were concerned and seemed disinclined to vote in favor of the levy.

The library’s levy campaign committee knew they had to be strategic. They needed to tell a story everyone could connect to, even in a hostile environment.

CGM Solution

We listened. We met with board members, staff, and concerned citizens. After listening, we built a dynamic campaign around one core message: This is your place to connect.

Here’s a snapshot:

  • The library had built a solid reputation. We leaned into it. We told residents’ stories, creating videos showcasing how residents connected to jobs, their heritage, and storytimes with librarians through the resources at the library.
  • Education was key. Residents received an FAQs page that spelled out the truth. They saw how the new tax would impact the average homeowner and showcased the value of the library outside of books.
  • We created door-to-door resources volunteers could use.
  • We hung a massive banner for the main street in town. You couldn’t miss it. And you felt connected.
  • We created a social media plan. WPPL then received assets, templates, calendar, and tools — and training — to implement the plan. Their participation kept costs on budget.

Services Utilized:

Branding

Strategy

Campaigns

Website Development

Search Engine Optimization

Social Media

Outcomes

As we stood in the chaos and joy of election night in May of 2018, tracking the numbers live, the director of the library said, “This is the biggest win we’ve ever had.”

Not only was this campaign the largest margin of victory for the WPPL, but the 2018 Levy Campaign won by the largest margin of any ballot issue in Cuyahoga County that election cycle.

So, we did it again in 2023.

More importantly, Westlake continues to have a central place where all residents are served.