| Question |
Response |
Number of Respondents |
Percentage |
| |
|
|
|
| From where you live, how difficult/easy is it for you to get to the places you want to go? |
Very difficult |
308 |
3.5% |
| Difficult |
1611 |
18.2% |
| Not that difficult |
4092 |
46.3% |
| Easy |
1952 |
22.1% |
| Very easy |
876 |
9.9% |
| What makes it difficult or very difficult? |
I have to drive long distances |
807 |
42.5% |
| I have to drive in congested conditions |
1600 |
84.2% |
| I do not have reliable transportation |
107 |
5.6% |
| There is a lack of sidewalks and/or bicycle paths |
444 |
23.4% |
| Transit options are limited or unavailable |
759 |
39.9% |
| Other |
94 |
4.9% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: Work |
Less than 10 minutes |
1610 |
19.8% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
2776 |
34.2% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
1443 |
17.8% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
1019 |
12.6% |
| More than 60 minutes |
614 |
7.6% |
| I don't go there |
651 |
8.0% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: School |
Less than 10 minutes |
2677 |
35.0% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
1688 |
22.1% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
264 |
3.5% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
100 |
1.3% |
| More than 60 minutes |
52 |
0.7% |
| I don't go there |
2868 |
37.5% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: Shopping/errands |
Less than 10 minutes |
3419 |
39.7% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
4374 |
50.7% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
647 |
7.5% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
130 |
1.5% |
| More than 60 minutes |
40 |
0.5% |
| I don't go there |
11 |
0.1% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: Place of worship |
Less than 10 minutes |
3033 |
36.8% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
3088 |
37.5% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
530 |
6.4% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
134 |
1.6% |
| More than 60 minutes |
47 |
0.6% |
| I don't go there |
1412 |
17.1% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: Park/natural area |
Less than 10 minutes |
4871 |
57.2% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
2660 |
31.2% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
524 |
6.1% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
153 |
1.8% |
| More than 60 minutes |
86 |
1.0% |
| I don't go there |
228 |
2.7% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?: Bus or light rail stop |
Less than 10 minutes |
2833 |
37.6% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
1676 |
22.2% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
571 |
7.6% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
271 |
3.6% |
| More than 60 minutes |
217 |
2.9% |
| I don't go there |
1973 |
26.2% |
| From where you live, how much time does it usually take for you to reach the following destinations?:Entertainment/Dining |
Less than 10 minutes |
2983 |
34.7% |
| 10 to 30 minutes |
4450 |
51.8% |
| 30 to 45 minutes |
852 |
9.9% |
| 45 to 60 minutes |
218 |
2.5% |
| More than 60 minutes |
49 |
0.6% |
| I don't go there |
41 |
0.5% |
| From where you live, which of the following could you reach in 10 minutes or less comfortably by bicycling or walking? |
Bus or light rail stop |
2831 |
33.8% |
| Entertainment/dining |
2943 |
35.1% |
| Park/natural area |
4841 |
57.7% |
| Shopping/errands |
3178 |
37.9% |
| Work |
926 |
11.0% |
| Place of worship |
1946 |
23.2% |
| I cannot bike or walk to any of the listed locations |
1831 |
21.8% |
| School |
2234 |
26.6% |
| If you could live anywhere in the region, which of the following would be the most important factor in your decision? |
Close to activities (walking/bicycling distance) |
1569 |
18.5% |
| Size of house I can afford |
1045 |
12.3% |
| Open space |
866 |
10.2% |
| Close to employment |
1535 |
18.1% |
| Quality of schools |
1131 |
13.3% |
| Safety |
1766 |
20.8% |
| Other |
589 |
6.9% |
| As our region continues to grow, which of the following would you like to see in the area where you live? |
None. It's fine the way it is |
3573 |
42.9% |
| More jobs |
2987 |
35.9% |
| More housing |
818 |
9.8% |
| More retail |
2096 |
25.2% |
| Do you think it will be easier or more difficult in the year 2040 for people to reach the places they want to go than it is today? |
A lot more difficult |
2973 |
35.4% |
| More difficult |
3189 |
38.0% |
| About the same |
1131 |
13.5% |
| Easier |
902 |
10.7% |
| A lot easier |
202 |
2.4% |
| By the year 2040, our region will need to build new housing, shops, and workplaces for more than 3.5 million additional residents. Which would be the best way to accommodate that growth? |
Build new suburban areas on the edge of existing suburbs where new streets and services would be needed |
880 |
10.7% |
| Redevelop existing cities and towns to build the new housing and shops where streets and city services already exist |
3394 |
41.1% |
| Redevelop some cities and towns and also build some new suburban areas |
3672 |
44.4% |
| No opinion/I don't know |
316 |
3.8% |
| How do you think the quality of the region's air, water and natural areas will be in the year 2040 compared to today? |
A lot better |
236 |
2.8% |
| A little better |
739 |
8.8% |
| About the same |
1641 |
19.6% |
| A little worse |
2338 |
28.0% |
| A lot worse |
3105 |
37.2% |
| No opinion/I don't know |
298 |
3.6% |
| As we grow, steps should be taken to preserve our region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines. |
Agree |
7891 |
95.5% |
| Disagree |
371 |
4.5% |
| To you, the most important reason to step up efforts to preserve our region's wetlands, forests and prairies is because they: |
Make our region a more attractive destination for businesses, skilled workers, and tourists |
1127 |
14.6% |
| Provide recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, and water sports |
952 |
12.3% |
| Store flood waters and filter pollutants from the water and air |
2578 |
33.4% |
| Provide habitat for plants, animals and fish |
2522 |
32.7% |
| Other |
541 |
7.0% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following statements about strategies for preserving the region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines::I would support the use of public funds to buy and preserve these areas for public use, even if it meant higher taxes or fees |
Strongly agree |
1784 |
22.4% |
| Agree |
2824 |
35.4% |
| Neutral |
1411 |
17.7% |
| Disagree |
1147 |
14.4% |
| Strongly disagree |
814 |
10.2% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following statements about strategies for preserving the region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines::I would support stricter regulations to prevent development in these areas, even if it meant there would be less land available for new housing and businesses |
Strongly agree |
2704 |
33.8% |
| Agree |
3023 |
37.8% |
| Neutral |
910 |
11.4% |
| Disagree |
860 |
10.7% |
| Strongly disagree |
504 |
6.3% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following statements about strategies for preserving the region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines::I don't support stricter regulations on private land, but would support limiting public investments, such as road construction, in these areas |
Strongly agree |
890 |
11.2% |
| Agree |
2739 |
34.5% |
| Neutral |
1898 |
23.9% |
| Disagree |
1673 |
21.1% |
| Strongly disagree |
746 |
9.4% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following statements about strategies for preserving the region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines::We can do a good job preserving these areas through voluntary actions and contributions to conservation groups, we don't need any more public spending, regulations or policies |
Strongly agree |
936 |
11.7% |
| Agree |
1584 |
19.8% |
| Neutral |
1318 |
16.5% |
| Disagree |
2706 |
33.9% |
| Strongly disagree |
1442 |
18.1% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following statements about strategies for preserving the region's wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines::Preserving these areas is not a high priorty for me. We don't need to do anything |
Strongly agree |
202 |
2.5% |
| Agree |
278 |
3.5% |
| Neutral |
696 |
8.8% |
| Disagree |
2611 |
32.9% |
| Strongly disagree |
4147 |
52.3% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following strategies for cleaning up our region's air and water::We need stricter rules and enforcement on air emissions, wastewater discharges, and runoff pollution, even if they would result in higher costs to residents and businesses |
Strongly agree |
1934 |
24.7% |
| Agree |
2743 |
35.1% |
| Neutral |
1287 |
16.5% |
| Disagree |
1260 |
16.1% |
| Strongly disagree |
593 |
7.6% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following strategies for cleaning up our region's air and water::We can do a good job through voluntary education and incentive programs for businesses and residents to reduce pollution, we don't need stricter rules or enforcement |
Strongly agree |
699 |
9.0% |
| Agree |
1814 |
23.3% |
| Neutral |
1193 |
15.3% |
| Disagree |
2790 |
35.8% |
| Strongly disagree |
1298 |
16.7% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following strategies for cleaning up our region's air and water::We need to have a balanced approach that includes voluntary measures and some regulations, as long as the costs are not too high |
Strongly agree |
1486 |
19.0% |
| Agree |
4059 |
51.9% |
| Neutral |
1101 |
14.1% |
| Disagree |
843 |
10.8% |
| Strongly disagree |
325 |
4.2% |
| Rate your level of agreement with the following strategies for cleaning up our region's air and water::Cleaning up the region's air and water are not high priorities for me, we don't need to do anything |
Strongly agree |
153 |
2.0% |
| Agree |
266 |
3.4% |
| Neutral |
656 |
8.4% |
| Disagree |
2806 |
36.1% |
| Strongly disagree |
3888 |
50.0% |
| I think the opportunities for getting a good education in my community are: |
Excellent |
2830 |
35.7% |
| Good |
3282 |
41.4% |
| Fair |
1381 |
17.4% |
| Poor |
428 |
5.4% |
| Are there factors in your community besides the quality of the schools that make it a poor environment for getting a good education? |
Yes |
306 |
67.3% |
| No |
100 |
22.0% |
| I don't know/No Opinion |
49 |
10.8% |
| Which factors in your community (besides the quality of the schools) make it a poor environment for getting a good education? |
Substandard housing |
140 |
46.5% |
| Crime and safety |
196 |
65.1% |
| Lack of high speed Internet access |
70 |
23.3% |
| Lack of libraries |
71 |
23.6% |
| Unhealthy environment |
114 |
37.9% |
| Lack of reliable transportation |
98 |
32.6% |
| Other |
84 |
27.9% |
| Of the following services not currently available in your community, which would be your top priority to add? |
Affordable pre-school education |
981 |
12.6% |
| English language skills training |
399 |
5.1% |
| After school tutoring/mentoring programs |
1061 |
13.6% |
| Vocational training |
1634 |
21.0% |
| None |
874 |
11.2% |
| Other |
629 |
8.1% |
| N/A - All of the listed services are available in my community |
2211 |
28.4% |
| Do you have an interest in learning a new skill that will improve your job prospects and earning potential? |
Yes |
2931 |
37.2% |
| Maybe |
2108 |
26.7% |
| No |
2845 |
36.1% |
| How would you rate the opportunities for learning new job skills where you live? |
Excellent |
798 |
15.9% |
| Good |
2190 |
43.7% |
| Fair |
1461 |
29.1% |
| Poor |
565 |
11.3% |
| Why do you think your opportunities for learning new job skills are fair or poor? |
Training programs are not available near where I live |
698 |
36.7% |
| Programs are available but I can't afford them |
432 |
22.7% |
| Programs are available but not at convenient times |
518 |
27.2% |
| Programs don't teach the skills I'm looking for |
568 |
29.9% |
| Other |
195 |
10.3% |
| Do you currently have or have you considered starting a small business? |
Yes |
3554 |
45.2% |
| No |
4313 |
54.8% |
| How would you rate the opportunities available where you live to get training and support to make your business successful? |
Excellent |
509 |
14.4% |
| Good |
1399 |
39.6% |
| Fair |
1142 |
32.3% |
| Poor |
482 |
13.6% |
| What improvements would you like to see in the opportunities available to get training and support to make your business successful? |
Small business development assistance |
976 |
61.3% |
| Office space/support services |
461 |
28.9% |
| Opportunities for networking and mentoring |
678 |
42.6% |
| Financing |
789 |
49.5% |
| Assistance with marketing |
635 |
39.9% |
| Other |
134 |
8.4% |
| For the above future to become a reality, which of the following would you and future generations be willing to support? |
Nothing, I do not support this alternative future |
498 |
6.1% |
| Live in a smaller house to live closer to the places you want to go |
2618 |
32.1% |
| Take public transportation to get to the places you want to go |
3966 |
48.7% |
| More transportation funding going toward improving public transportation and bicycling/pedestrian pathways |
4160 |
51.0% |
| Increased public transportation options even if you have to pay a fee or more taxes |
3416 |
41.9% |
| Particpating in carpooling, vanpooling or park and ride programs |
2351 |
28.9% |
| Moving closer to your job or seek a job closer to where you live or work from home |
3214 |
39.4% |
| Planning by local governments to better coordinate new development with transportation investments |
4667 |
57.3% |
| Other |
450 |
5.5% |
| For the above future to become a reality, I would support the following, even if it means paying higher taxes or fees. |
None. I do not support this alternative future. |
354 |
4.4% |
| Programs that reduce energy use, air and water pollution and solid waste disposal |
4569 |
57.4% |
| Curbside recycling programs |
4424 |
55.6% |
| Collection or drop-off centers for household hazardous wastes and electronics |
4242 |
53.3% |
| Electric vehicle charging stations |
2849 |
35.8% |
| Preserve wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines |
4861 |
61.1% |
| None, I do not support higher taxes of fees. |
1518 |
19.1% |
| Other |
280 |
3.5% |
| For the above future to become a reality, I would support the following, only if it was accomplished using existing funds or through volunteer investments. |
None. I do not support this alternative future. |
381 |
5.0% |
| Programs that reduce energy use, air and water pollution and solid waste disposal |
3807 |
50.0% |
| Curbside recycling programs |
3409 |
44.8% |
| Collection or drop-off centers for household hazardous wastes and electronics |
3426 |
45.0% |
| Electric vehicle charging stations |
2571 |
33.8% |
| Preserve wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines |
3680 |
48.4% |
| None. I do not support only using existing funds or volunteer investments to pursue this future. |
1407 |
18.5% |
| Other |
211 |
2.8% |
| For the above future to become a reality, I would support improving the following, even if it means paying higher taxes or fees. |
None. I do not support this alternative future. |
303 |
3.8% |
| K-12 teachers and schools |
4258 |
54.0% |
| Daycare, pre-school, mentoring and tutoring programs |
3022 |
38.3% |
| Neighborhoods |
2844 |
36.1% |
| Job training |
3140 |
39.8% |
| Business Services |
1843 |
23.4% |
| Developing the infrastructure needed for high-speed Internet to be available throughout the region |
3119 |
39.6% |
| None. I do not support higher taxes or fees. |
1720 |
21.8% |
| Other |
245 |
3.1% |
| For the above future to become a reality, I would support improving the following, only if it was accomplished using existing funds or through volunteer investments. |
None. I do not support this alternative future. |
354 |
4.7% |
| K-12 teachers and schools |
2803 |
37.2% |
| Daycare, pre-school, mentoring and tutoring programs |
2810 |
37.3% |
| Neighborhoods |
3000 |
39.9% |
| Job training |
3200 |
42.5% |
| Business Services |
2783 |
37.0% |
| Developing the infrastructure needed for high-speed Internet to be available throughout the region |
2740 |
36.4% |
| None. I do not support only using existing funds or volunteer investments to pursue this future. |
1282 |
17.0% |
| Other |
196 |
2.6% |