08-14-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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of obtained. The interviews lasted from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on answers to questions provided by respondents. More than one individual participated in some interviews. Analysis of Responses The research assistant typed notes during each interview and consulted tapes to clarify comments if necessary. After notes were transcribed, the research assistant used software programs to obtain counts of word frequencies from the transcriptions. These word counts then were used to determine common themes across informants. The themes typically cut across questions — the goal of establishing themes is to present a broad, synthetic interpretation of responses that complements quantitative information from user counts and surveys and provides context and perspective for planning and decision-making. The strength of the key informant methodology is that it provides insights that cannot be obtained from surveys that require respondents to check a box or simply answer yes or no to questions. As noted, these insights provide rich contextual information for policy -makers. The principal limitation of the key informant method is that participants are not randomly selected and the results cannot be generalized to a broader population. The strength of the method is that it generates details and interpretations that lead to insights that cannot typically be made with other methodologies. 3. Results The key informants each offered useful insights about the values of trails, concerns about trails, and issues for planners and policy -makers to address as they work to develop and manage the greenway network in Central Ohio. All agreed that trails add value to the neighborhoods and municipalities in which they are located and to the region as a whole. Most noted the broad social benefits of trails, citing better opportunities for fitness and recreation, greater access to green space, better health, and respite from congested streets. Many also cited the economic benefits of connecting people to destinations, stimulating retail activity, linking to transit, and attracting and retaining talent. Perceptions of crime and safety drew concern; and while trails hold the potential to impact commerce, most feel this effect is under -realized. These individuals believe trails and a regional expansion of non -motorized transportation infrastructure can increase livability and strengthen the future of Columbus and Central Ohio. The research team identified five general themes that emerged from analyses of the key informants' responses to questions: • Value added by greenways; • Connectivity matters; • Crime and safety concerns; • Economic impact expanding: amenity attracts and retains talent; • What the future holds. 42