09-11-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Survey —Page 2 of 2) housing opportunities and development options that are more efficient, as well as transit- and pedestrian fncndly and respectful of the natural environment and regional amenities.” “Secondly, the survey shows we have it pretty good here,” said Mondale. “Area residents, and even folks in our neighboring Minnesota counties, appreciate and want to preserve our quality of life. But they increasingly recognize the growing threats to our mobility and economic prosperity.” Survey findings: Quality of life: • 98 percent of respondents said the Twin Cities is a better place to live than other metropolitan areas, consistent with survey findings since the early ’80s. Respondents cite employment opportunities, parks and recreation, air and water quality, arts and cultural activities and, most often, the natural environment as reasons for the high rating. More than half, 52 percent, expect their financial prospects to improve during the next year. • 96 percent of respondents from the four Minnesota collar counties, (Chisago, Isanti, Sherburne and Wright) polled for the first time as part of this survey, also gave the Twin Cities high marks for quality of life. Emerging Smart Growth issues: • Concerns about development-related issues, including transportation (primarily traffic), housing affordability and urban sprawl were cited by 34 percent of respondents as the number one problem facing the region, continuing an upward trend since 1995. 82 percent said traffic congestion has gotten worse in the past year, the same as last year when two- thirds of respondents suggested transit as the remedy, with 28 percent specifically citing light rail. 31 percent cited road or freeway improvements, 14 percent suggested promoting carpooling and only 7 percent suggested adding new roads. • An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated support for Smart Growth objectives of more efficient development patterns: 90 percent said they support housing that meets the needs of a wide range of ages and incomes; 85 percent said neighborhoods should be walkable and transit-oriented; 80 percent said neighborhoods should integrate housing, offices, retail and other land uses; and 82 percent said daily work commutes should be 20 minutes or less. Social issues: • Social concerns, including crime, welfare, homelessness, drugs, discrimination, poverty and family problems, was the top problem according to 39 percent of respondents, down significantly from the mid-’90s when social concerns, including crime, was named the top problem by 73 percent. The survey randomly sampled about 800 metro-area and 400 collar-county residents by telephone. Its results are accurate within plus or minus 3.5 percent. The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency for the seven-county metro area. The Council advocates Smart Growth development for vital communities and a competitive region. It runs the regional bus system, collects and treats wastewater and manages water resources preservation, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. -30-