2008 Orono Citizen Survey Results

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The following conclusions can be drawn from the 2008 study of the City of Orono: • Orono residents are very satisfied with their quality of life, and the city ranks among the top four communities across the Metropolitan Area. • City services receive spotty ratings. Two — police protection and fire protection — are rated highly favorably. But, two services are rated comparatively low: street lighting, street sweeping. • Tax hostility is high. Seventy-nine percent consider their property taxes "high." In fact, a decisive 82% majority oppose an increase in city property taxes to enhance current city services or offer additional city services. • Most residents are satisfied with the current mix and number of parks and recreational facilities in and around the community. In fact, over four -out -of -five residents believe the current facilities are adequate and see no need to develop a more extensive park system. Instead, they prioritize the preservation of more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open space, and wildlife habitats. Second, matching their recreational pursuits, residents would stress the development of additional passive facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens over the development of additional active park facilities, such as ballfields and playgrounds. • Solid majorities of residents think the City is doing an exemplary job in protecting the local environment. "Sustainability" is both well understood and assigned high importance. Residents endorse the City taking a leadership in Lake Minnetonka environmental causes. And, they are particularly supportive of efforts to preserve open space in the community. • City residents express confidence in the current approach to residential development. They enthusiastically support higher density development near Lake Minnetonka and lower density developments in Northern Orono. One key development desire is a grocery store on Highway 12. • Concerns about safety are minimal. Only two percent believe they are unsafe in their neighborhood. • Interactions with City Staff rate among the most highly regarded in the Metropolitan Area suburbs. • Residents are progressive on transportation issues. While most rate their commute to and from work favorably, they also support a series of new facilities and efforts. A majority want expanded automobile traffic corridors for commuter traffic moving within and through the community. They solidly favor the construction of an expanded park -and - ride lot in the Navarre area or in Northern Orono and the establishment of more frequent 119