2008 Orono Citizen Survey Results

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Summary and Conclusions Sixty-two percent of the City rates their quality of life as Excellent," while another 37% rate it as Good." EXCELLENT" ratings are among the highest in the Metropolitan Area. Only two suggestions are made by a moderate 10% of residents to significantly improve the quality of life in Orono: "better street repair" and "lower taxes." Three images come to mind when respondents think about the City of Orono. Thirty-nine percent pictures "Lake Minnetonka," while 22% visualize "open space." A smaller nine percent think about the city's "schools." Similarly, in identifying the aspects of the community they like most, "open space," at 29%, and "Lake Minnesota," at 16%, rank the highest. Just behind, respondents point to "large lots," at 14%, "small town ambience," at 11%, and "quiet and peacefulness," at 10%. The most serious issue facing the community is "high taxes," cited by 29%. "Too much growth" and "quality of schools" are both pointed to by nine percent. Boosters, at eight percent, feel there are "no serious issues" facing the city. "Open space," at 40%, is the key aspect of the community which residents think is the best of the past that should be preserved as Orono moves forward into the future. "Lake water quality" is mentioned by 10%, "forested areas," by nine percent, and "lot sizes" is pointed to by eight percent. "Street repair," at 28%, and "lower taxes," at seven percent, lead the list of improvements the community should make in the future. Seventeen percent think there is "nothing" currently missing from the City of Orono which, if present, would greatly improve the quality of life for residents. But, 22% point to the need for a "grocery store," and seven percent want more "restaurants." Fear of crime is a non -issue in Orono. Ninety-eight percent report they feel "safe" in their neighborhood. The two percent who feel "unsafe" want "more street lighting." 23