2006 Metro Residents Survey What citizens think about the region’s quality of life, leading regional issues, problems and solutions

Background An opinion poll – measuring and understanding public opinion Similar to Gallup Poll’s Soul of the City survey in 20 metro areas Provides a time-series –

Topics investigated Assets of the region – quality of place Major problems facing the region Transportation solutions The Metropolitan Council, its responsibilities and performance

Most attractive feature or asset

The most important problem facing the Twin Cities Transportation and traffic, 33%

taxes Most important problem: Economy and taxes

social Most important problem: Crime and social

Most important problem: Transportation and traffic

Concern over traffic and transportation Vehicle miles traveled have been growing steadily for years Roads filled – and congestion delays quickly doubled ( ) Public concern erupted – transportation identified by 58% as most important problem (2003)

Still a concern? Some bottleneck relief Some drivers have become accustomed to the new commuting environment Congestion delays have not noticeably worsened since 2003

The most important problem facing the Twin Cities Transportation and traffic, 33%

Support for transportation solutions

Metropolitan Council name recognition and public opinion

Heard of the Metropolitan Council

Approve of performance

Importance of Council programs

All programs considered very or moderately important by 70–90%

2006 Metro Residents Survey What citizens think about the region’s quality of life, leading regional issues, problems and solutions

Overall concern: Top 3 identified problems

A more diverse population benefits the region?

Where people live – and where they’d prefer to live?