2015
COMMUNITY
SURVEY
Public Attitudes,
Perceptions, and
Awareness of County
Programs and
Services
Analysis of
Migration to
Mecklenburg County
Prepared by: Mecklenburg County
Strategic Planning and Evaluation
County Manager’s Office
October 2015
Table of Contents
page
page
page
page
3
6
14 30 47
Background
& Methods
Trends –
Perceptions of
Government
Department
Highlights
Analysis –
Moving to Mecklenburg
page
Appendix::
Supplemental Data &
Analysis
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2
Background
& Methods
History and Purpose
2015 Survey
Survey
History and Purpose
Perceptions
Awareness
Attitudes
Understanding the perceptions and
awareness of County programs and
services
The Mecklenburg County Community
Survey has now completed its 13th
year of assessing residents’
perceptions and awareness of County
programs and services.
Broad understanding of attitudes are
combined with specific areas of interest
about:
The results provide data to make
informed decisions about County
programs and services.
 County communications strategies
It is also useful in understanding
differences among subgroups of the
population and areas within the
County.
 Decisions to move to Mecklenburg
 Facilities use (e.g., libraries and parks)
 Voter experience during an election
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4
Survey
2015
Winter 2015
Planning
Spring 2015
Design
Summer 2015
Data Collection
The survey was administered by
mail, web and phone.
A random sample of 1,072
households
95% level of confidence with a
precision rate of at least +/-3%.
The Mecklenburg County Community
Survey was conducted in the summer
of 2015 to help assess resident
perceptions and awareness of County
programs and services. The survey
was administered by mail, web and
phone.
Questions on the survey were
tailored to issues of strategic
importance for Mecklenburg County
and its departments and programs.
A seven-page survey was mailed to a
random sample of households
throughout Mecklenburg County.
Approximately three days after the
surveys were mailed, each household
that received a survey also received
an automated voice message
encouraging them to complete the
survey. The survey could either be
taken online, on paper, or over the
phone with a live interviewer.
The results of the random sample of
1,072 households have a 95% level of
confidence with a precision rate of at
least +/-3%.
ETC Institute was contracted to
administer the survey.
Data results shown in this document are un-weighted summaries of the 2015 survey responses. All calculations exclude null responses and “don’t know” responses.
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5
Trends –
Perceptions of
Government
Government Perceptions
GovernmentTrust
Openness and
Transparency
Citizen Participation
Community Vision
Trends
Perceptions of
Government
100%
1.
Value in the
services
provided
Trends are generally positive
or flat for these questions
since 2012
Full Questions:
1. There is value in the services
provided by Mecklenburg County to
Residents.
2. Mecklenburg County spends my
local tax dollars on services that help
residents improve their community.
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
Date
Survey Question
80%
89%
86%
88%
82%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2012
2013
2014
2015
Date
Survey Question
100%
2.
Tax dollars
for services
that improve
community
74%
80%
71%
80%
67%
66%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2012
2013
2014
2015
Target
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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7
Trends
Government Trust
Date
Survey Question
100%
This question saw significant
improvement since it was last
asked in 2011, reaching the
target of 80%.
Full Question:
Please indicate your level of
agreement or disagreement with the
following statement: I trust the
information I receive from
Mecklenburg County.
Trust
information I
receive from
the County
80%
77%
80%
80%
73%
69%
60%
66%
40%
20%
0%
2008
2009
2010
2011
2015
Question not asked
From 2012 to 2014.
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
Target
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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8
Trends
Open and
Transparent
In this initial year, 50 percent of
respondents answered “yes.”
New question for FY15
Perceptions
50 %
Yes
Full Question:
Do you consider Mecklenburg
County government to be open
and transparent?
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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9
Trends
Citizen Participation
Date
Survey Question
100%
Satisfaction with
opportunities for citizen
participation are stable from
2014, but down from prior
years
Full Question:
I am satisfied with opportunities for
citizen participation in County policy
development and decision-making.
72%
80%
Satisfied with
opportunities
for citizen
participation
60%
80%
64%
60%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2012
2013
2014
2015
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
Target
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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10
Trends
Community Vision
The Board has set a vision for the
community. The Board's vision is
summed up in the following
statement:
"Mecklenburg County will be a
community of pride and choice for
people to LIVE, WORK and
RECREATE.“
Mecklenburg County uses a
scorecard to translate its vision to
action.
The Community & Corporate
Scorecard includes 21 measureable
goals. These goals are grouped into
four related areas, called Focus Areas.
The Community Survey asks
perception questions about the
community as a place to live, work
and recreate.
LIVE
WORK
82%
82%
75%
Up slightly from FY14
Down from 86% in FY14
Stable from FY14
RECREATE
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11
Date
Survey Question
Trends
Community Vision
100%
82%
1.
82%
76%
82%
80%
80%
72%
As a place to
LIVE
79%
81%
75%
60%
40%
Broadly positive trends in these
three questions over time, with
the exception of dips in 1. and 2.
during 2010-2011
20%
0%
2008
Survey Question
2009
2.
As a place to
WORK
2013
2014
2015
77%
73%
80%
80%
82%
77%
67%
60%
67%
40%
1. Mecklenburg County as a place to live.
20%
2. Mecklenburg County as a place to work.
0%
Survey Question
100%
3. Mecklenburg County as a place to recreate.
Percentages = Excellent + Good
2011Date2012
86%
72%
Full Questions:
2010
100%
3.
As a place to
RECREATE
2008
2009
73%
80%
60%
2010
70%
Date
2011
2012
2013
2015
79%
74%
80%
75%
74%
71%
2014
75%
40%
20%
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions
asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based
on survey history.
|
0%
Target
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
12
2015
Trends Summary
Perceptions of
Government

Continued high and relatively stable results
in perception in the value of government
services.

Some decline in perception that local tax
dollars spent on services that help residents
improve their community.

Trust in information from the County has
increased to the target of 80 percent

Vision (LIVE, WORK, and RECREATE)
questions have seen broadly positive trends,
but with flattening of Work and Recreate
perceptions recently.
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13
Department
Highlights
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Library
Park & Recreation
Public Health
Community Support
Services
Public Information
Elections
Social Services
Departments
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Library, Use
Date
Survey Question
100%
80%
Results shown reflect
responses to these questions
about the Library.
Full Question:
Within the past 12 months, have you
visited or used a Charlotte
Mecklenburg Library for any reason,
for example to vote, to access
wireless or a computer, to attend a
program or a community event?
Have you
visited a
library in the
past 12
months
69%
*
60%
58%
49%
49%
40%
20%
0%
2012
2013
2014
2015
*Wording for this question changed from
2014 to 2015. In 2014 and prior years,
the question excluded voting.
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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15
Departments
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Library, Use per Month
Results shown reflect
responses to these questions
about the Library. These are
new questions for FY15.
Full Question
New question for FY15
ThreeFour
14%
Five +
9%
< Once
45%
Twice
16%
In a typical month, approximately
how many times would you say you
have visited or used the CharlotteMecklenburg Library?
Once
16%
< Once
Once
Twice
Three-Four
Five +
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16
Departments
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Library
New questions for FY15
Question
(percent strongly agree + agree)
Results shown reflect
responses to these questions
about the Library.
Full Question:
Please indicate your level of
agreement or disagreement with the
following statements about the
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
FY15
Improves quality of life
93%
Is a community champion for pre-K
89%
Is important to me & my family
89%
Enhances my image of community
86%
Is a top institution in community
85%
Is a valuable resource for finding job
82%
Has enhanced my education
75%
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history
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17
Departments
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Library
New question for FY15
70%
60%
Results shown reflect
responses to these questions
about the Library. These are
new questions for FY15.
Full Question:
When accessing Charlotte
Mecklenburg Library materials, which
format do you prefer?
63%
50%
40%
30%
30%
20%
10%
7%
0%
Physical (print
book, CD, DVD,
etc.)
Both Digital and
Physical
Digital (eBook,
eAudio, eVideo,
eMagazine)
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18
Departments
Community Support Services
Awareness of Programs
Date
Survey Question
100%
1.
Domestic
Violence
Programs
Awareness of programs has
shown declines since 2014
60%
75%
75%
73%
73%
69%
73%
64%
40%
20%
0%
Full Questions:
2008
1. Did you know the County has a
Survey Question
domestic violence/crisis program that
offers individual and group
counseling for victims, as well as
educational programs for those
supporting a victim?
2.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Date
100%
Homelessness
Services
80%
67%
65%
60% 64%
2. Did you know the County provides
40%
coordinated assessment to assist
homeless people to get shelter and
housing?
20%
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
76%
80%
63%
64%
59%
Homeless services question was worded
differently in 2015.
0%
2010
2011
2012
2013
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
2014
2015
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19
Departments
Community Support Services
New questions for FY15
Awareness of Programs
50%
45%
40%
New questions in FY15 set a baseline
of awareness
Full Questions:
1. Did you know the County has a youth prevention
program which provides educational programming
on teen dating violence in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools?
2. Are you aware of the community program
designed to end veteran homelessness called
“Housing Our Heroes?”
3. Are you aware of the community program
designed to end chronic homelessness called
“Housing First Charlotte Mecklenburg, 2016?”
35%
30%
25%
43%
32%
20%
26%
15%
10%
5%
0%
1. Youth prevention, 2. "Housing Our
education for teen
Heroes"
dating violence
3. "Housing First
Charlotte-Meck
2016"
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
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20
Trends
Elections
Some decline in the voting
experience from FY14 to
FY15
Perceptions of the voting experience
are also tracked in the Community
Survey.
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
Residents who voted in November
general/local election (percent “yes”)
54%
75%
74%
82%
Of those who voted on election day,
residents who rated the overall experience
at voting location as “excellent” or “good”
91%
94%
94%
88%
Residents who participated in early
voting
35%
60%
47%
56%
Of those who participated in early voting,
residents who rated the overall experience
at voting location as “excellent” and “good”
97%
93%
93%
90%
Participation in elections has
fluctuated over time with the cycle of
local and national contests. The
experience by residents has
continued to be strong, with some
decline from FY14 to FY15.
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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21
Departments
Park & Recreation
Stable participation in
programs over time, with an
increase from 2014 to 2015
Date
Survey Question
100%
1.
Park and Rec
improve quality
of life
95%
98%
97%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2013
Full Questions:
1. Do you believe parks, greenways,
nature preserves, and recreational
facilities improve the quality of life in
Mecklenburg County?
2. Have you or other members of
your household participated in any
recreation programs offered by the
Mecklenburg County Park and
Recreation Department within the
past 12 months?
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
2014
2015
Date
Survey Question
100%
80%
2.
Participated in
recreation
programs
60%
40%
20%
23%
22%
17%
0%
2013
2014
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
2015
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22
Departments
Park & Recreation
Reasons for not participating in
recreation programs
FY13
FY14
FY15
Not aware of programs
38%
51%
53%
Results shown reflect
responses to these questions
about Mecklenburg County
Parks & Rec programs
No convenient locations
18%
17%
26%
No convenient time
31%
20%
28%
No interest in the programs
26%
38%
45%
A new reason for not participating in
recreation programs was also added
in FY15 – Cost of the program, which
was indicated to be an issue for 22
percent of respondents.
Cost of the program
*
*
22%
(percent indicating reason for non-participation)
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
* Question not asked in that year.
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23
Departments
Public Health
Awareness of Programs
Date
Survey Question
100%
71%
80%
64%
1.
60%
80%
68%
66%
65%
64%
Immunizations
70%
68%
40%
Results show relatively stable
awareness levels with slight
declines since 2014
20%
0%
2008
2009
2010
2012
2011
2013
2015
2014
Full Question:
1. Did you know the County provides
children with immunizations against
vaccine-preventable diseases (i.e.
polio, measles, etc.)?
2. Did you know the County has a
program to test, diagnose and
provide case management to
persons with HIV, syphilis and other
sexually transmitted diseases?
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
Date
Survey Question
100%
2.
Test, diagnose,
provide case
management
for HIV, STDs
80%
52%
60% 50%
51%
48%
40%
57%
52%
53%
49%
20%
0%
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
2013
2014
|
2015
24
Departments
Public Health
Awareness & Opinion
100%
New questions for FY15
90%
86%
80%
70%
New questions in FY15 set a
baseline of awareness and
opinion
Full Questions:
60%
50%
61%
40%
1. Did you know about the new
tobacco free parks and smoke free
government facilities plans
implemented in March 2015?
2. Would you support a measure
requiring all public places in the
county (defined as businesses /
worksites that allow the public inside)
to be smoke-free indoors?
Percentages =
1. “Yes” Responses
2. Agree + Strongly Agree
30%
20%
10%
0%
1.
2.
Tobacco-free parks and Support making all public
smoke-free government
places smoke-free?
facilities
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25
Departments
Public Information
Date
Survey Question
100%
Perceptions have remained
very stable over time on this
question.
Full Questions:
Would you say Mecklenburg County
does an “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or
“poor” job of communicating
information about County issues,
services, and performance to the
public?
80%
Communicating
information to
the public
60%
52%
49%
40% 46%
44%
46%
47%
46%
45%
20%
0%
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Percentages = Excellent + Good
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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26
Departments
Public Information
Two years of data are
available for these questions.
Use of the county website
shows very stable, with a
drop in ability to locate
information from FY14 to
FY15.
Full Questions:
1. Within the last 12 months, how
often have you used the County’s
website to access County services or
information?
2. When visiting
www.MecklenburgCountyNC.gov,
how often are you able to find what
you are looking for?
Percentages = Often + Sometimes
100%
FY14,
99%
90%
80%
FY15,
93%
70%
60%
50%
FY14,
65%
FY15,
66%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1. Residents who used
County’s website for
services in the past 12
months
2. Residents able to locate
information on website
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled over time for questions asked consistently in the survey. Years available vary based on survey history.
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27
Departments
Department of Social
Services
Accessing Services
New questions in FY15 set a baseline of
awareness. Questions were requested
by DSS but have implications for many
services.
New Questions for FY15
90%
80%
70%
80%
60%
50%
40%
41%
Full Questions:
1. If you needed to apply for or access County
services, how likely would you be to do so online?
2. When conducting business with the County by
telephone, how willing are you to use an
automated voice response system instead of
speaking with a person?
Percentages =
1. Very Likely + Likely
2. Very Willing + Willing
30%
20%
10%
0%
1. Apply/access County
services online
2. Use automated voice
response
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28
Department
Summary

Some decline in awareness of programs is
evident across a range of departments

Some decline in voter experience from FY14
to FY15

High level of support for making public
places smoke-free

Strong preference for use of online systems
compared to automated voice systems for
applying for County services

Some indication in declining interest in
programs for Parks and Recreation

Nearly 40% of respondents prefer either
digital or digital and physical library
materials
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29
Analysis –
Moving to
Mecklenburg
Context
Choosing a Community
Moving to Mecklenburg
Summary
Context
Moving to
Mecklenburg
Recent data show the
Charlotte metro is in the top
10 nationally in attracting
new residents
The Raleigh and Charlotte metro
areas continue at the top of the
charts for growth nationally.
This strong flow of new residents has
a large impact on many programs
and services provided by the County.
Source: Wendell Cox. Available at: http://www.newgeography.com/content/004882-still-moving-texas-the-2014-metropolitan-population-estimates
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31
Analysis
Moving to
Mecklenburg
Most important community
characteristics
Why did YOU move to Mecklenburg?
From Theory
To Practice
Questions were added in FY15 to
help understand the continued heavy
in-migration to Mecklenburg County.
This section looks at the overall
results of those questions as well as
areas of differences in attitude or
perception by demographic subgroups.
The first set of slides considers
attitudes of respondents when they
think about what characteristics are
important. Essentially, a theoretical
exercise.
Mecklenburg
County
Full Questions:
(1) When choosing a community in
which to reside, please indicate the
level of importance for each
characteristic.
The second part of the analysis
considers a more concrete question:
(2) What was the primary reason
for you moving to Mecklenburg
County?
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32
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Cost of living, 96%
Employment opportunities, 93%
Priorities for choosing a
community
Community vibrancy, 89%
Affordable housing, 89%
Quality of schools, 86%
Migration decisions are complex.
This question was designed to better
understand what makes a community
more attractive.
Recreational opportunities, 85%
Proximity to family, 72%
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
Colleges/Universities, 65%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
33
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Cost of Living
100%
98%
96.00%
90%
91%
80%
The most chosen
characteristic was “Cost of
Living.” There was little
difference among age
groups.
The cost of living characteristic was the
highest ranking consideration overall
with 96 percent of all respondents
considering this “very important” or
“important.”
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
18 to 34
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
Millennial*
35 to 50
Gen X
51 to 69
Baby Boomers
70 to 87
Silent
*Note: Age groupings are explained
in the Appendix, page 48 of this
report.
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
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34
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Employment Opportunities
96%
100%
93.00%
Employment opportunities
were most important to
higher income groups
There was some variation by income
range for this question, but little
difference among age groups.
86%
80%
60%
40%
20%
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
0%
<15K
15K to
24,999
25K to
34,999
35K to
49,999
50K to
74,999
75K to
99,999
100K to
149,999
150K or
more
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
35
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Affordable housing as most
important to Hispanics
compared to other
racial/ethnic groups
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
Affordable Housing
100%
98%
89.00%
86%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Hispanic
White
African
American
Asian
|
36
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Community Vibrancy
100%
94%
89.00%
80%
Community Vibrancy was
ranked lower by some lower
educated groups
Full Question:
60%
40%
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic
20%
Percentages = Very Important + Important
0%
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
80%
< HS
HS
Special/
Tech Sch
Some
College
College
Grad
Post Grad, Post Grad
no Degree
Degree
|
37
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Quality of Schools
100%
93%
86.00%
Quality of schools was ranked
lower by some middleincome groups
80%
77%
60%
40%
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic
20%
0%
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
<15K
15K to
24,999
25K to
34,999
35K to
49,999
50K to
74,999
75K to
99,999
100K to
149,999
150K or
more
|
38
Recreational Opportunities
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
100%
93%
85.00%
80%
78%
60%
40%
Importance of recreational
opportunities tended to fall
with greater age and rise with
education.
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic
20%
0%
< HS
HS
Special/
Tech Sch
Some
College
College
Grad
Post Grad, Post Grad
no Degree Degree
100%
94%
85.00%
80%
81%
60%
Percentages = Very Important + Important
40%
20%
0%
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
18 to 34
35 to 50
Millennial
Gen X
51 to 69
Baby Boomers
70 to 87
Silent
|
39
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Proximity to Family
100%
83%
80%
Millennials are almost as
likely to rank this as
important as older groups.
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
Millennials – 78 percent ranked this as
“very important” or “important.” Only
slightly below the 81 percent of Silent
Generation.
72.00%
68%
60%
40%
20%
0%
18 to 34
Millennial
35 to 50
51 to 69
70 to 87
Gen X
Baby Boomers
Silent
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
40
Analysis
Choosing a
Community
Presence of Colleges/Universities
100%
80%
The presence of Colleges and
Universities was important to
older residents.
Full Question:
When choosing a community in which
to reside, please indicate the level of
importance for each characteristic.
71 percent of 70-87 year olds found
this “very important” or “important”
compared to 65 percent of 18-34 year
olds.
71%
65.00%
60%
61%
40%
20%
0%
Millennial
18
to 34
Millennial
35 Gen
to 50 X
Gen X
Baby
51 toBoomers
69
Baby Boomers
Silent
70
to 87
Silent
Percentages = Very Important + Important
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
41
Analysis
Moving to
Mecklenburg
Why did YOU move to
Mecklenburg?
From Theory
To Practice
Now we look at the second question
related to moving to Mecklenburg.
The next slides show results of
respondents who have actually made
the decision to move to the County.
Mecklenburg
County
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for
you moving to Mecklenburg
County?
|
42
Analysis
Moving to
Mecklenburg
50%
Millennials
45%
Gen Xers
40%
Full Question:
What was the primary reason
for you moving to
Mecklenburg County?
35%
30%
Baby
Boomers
25%
Employment
opportunities trumped
all other reasons listed
for moving to
Mecklenburg County.
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Recreational Community
Opportunit.. Vibrancy
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY 15 Survey.
Note: Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded.
Quality
Schools
Affordable
Housing
Cost of
Living
Attend
College
Proximity to
Accept
Seek
Family
Employment
Employment
|
43
Analysis
Moving
for Jobs
The largest group moving
here (those accepting jobs)
have college and post
graduate degrees (83 %)
By
Education
This group mainly consists of
Baby Boomers and Gen Xer’s,
(over 80%)
83 %
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
OMB Analysis – Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded
|
44
Analysis
Moving
Recently
g
g
100%
Community Vibrancy and
Proximity to Family stand out
in the group that has moved
most recently
College
Vibrancy
80%
Affordable
Housing
Cost
60%
Family
Full Question:
40%
%
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
20%
Seek/
Accept
Job
0%
< 1 year
1 - 2 years
3 - 4 years
5-10 years
OMB Analysis. Note: Respondents who were Mecklenburg County natives were excluded as were residents in the Mecklenburg over 10 years and
those who did not list a specific reason for moving to the County.
|
45
Summary
Moving to
Mecklenburg
Moving to Mecklenburg
• Mecklenburg continues to grow
rapidly, and a respectable amount
of that growth is in the Millennial
generation (18 to 34 year olds).
• The County’s strongest growth,
however, has been among the
Gen X and Baby Boomer
generations.
School Enrollment
Impacts
Demographics of
Education
Employment drives
the final decision
• The Gen X and Baby Boomer
groups are the most likely to have
school-aged children. In an era
with rapidly declining birthrates
and falling school enrollments in
many areas, continued strong inmigration from these groups
could translate into continued
school enrollment growth.
• The educational profile of the
groups moving to Mecklenburg
have college and post-graduate
degrees. This is a critical trend for
economic development and
maintaining a flexible workforce.
Making the List, Then
Making the Move
• In the question about what
characteristics are most important
when considering where to reside,
cost of living and recreational
opportunities ranked high.
• Among those who had actually
moved to Mecklenburg,
employment is the key issue,
followed by family considerations.
• Together, these questions begin to
tell the story of the decisions
involved in moving to
Mecklenburg County.
• In the national environment, the
County is “checking the box” in
making the list of communities to
consider.
|
46
Appendix:
Supplemental
Data & Analysis
Analysis
Digging Deeper into
the FY15 Results
Differences by age,
racial or ethnic
group, education or
length of time
residing in
Mecklenburg
County
This section gives further details
about the FY15 survey results. It
includes more about the population
sample, and highlights the responses
to some additional questions.
Differences in responses between
sub-groups of the population are
also included on perceptions of
government services as well as the
Moving to Mecklenburg questions.
This year’s Community Survey
adjusted the demographic questions
so that any analysis could be done
using the emerging named
generations that are based on a set
of demographic characteristics.
The Pew Research Center lists (right)
a concise set of descriptions of these
groups. The groups are based on
adult age in 2015.
|
Source: http://www.people-press.org/2015/09/03/the-whys-and-hows-of-generations-research/
48
Survey
The Sample
The sample was designed to
align to Census
demographics for
Mecklenburg County.
The sample set exceeded
requirements for establishing
statistically valid results.
The vendor fielding the survey
monitored the responses by gender,
age and race.
Additional sampling is often needed
to reach certain minority populations,
such as young adults and males.
Sixty-one percent of respondents had lived in Mecklenburg
County for 15+ years.
Data results shown in this document are un-weighted summaries of the 2015 survey responses. All calculations exclude null responses and “don’t know” responses.
|
49
Survey
The Sample How long in Meck?
In this sample, the length of
residency is longer for older
groups. Nearly 40 percent of
Gen X’ers respondents have
lived in Mecklenburg 10 years
or less.
Have lived in Mecklenburg 10 years
or less:
18 to 34 – 59 Percent
35 to 50 – 36 Percent
100%
80%
59%
<=10
years
36%
<=10
years
17%
15%
51 to 69
70 to 87
60%
40%
<=10
years
> 10
years
20%
0%
18 to 34
35 to 50
Millennial
Gen X
Baby Boomers
Silent
51 to 69 – 17 Percent
70 to 87 – 15 Percent
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
50
Results
In Context- A place
to LIVE / WORK
The region experienced
challenges that may have
affected attitudes about the
area as a place to live and
work during the period 20102011
The lower results for questions about
the County as a place to live and
work in 2010 and 2011 coincide with
the unusual period of continued
population growth with high
unemployment experienced here
during and after the official end of
the Great Recession.
|
Source: Bill Graves, UNC Charlotte. Available at: https://ui.uncc.edu/story/charlotte-population-growth-poverty
51
100%
Analysis
Value in Services
80%
90%
88.00%
87%
60%
40%
Relatively little Age or
Racial/Ethnic differences in
perceived value of County
services.
Overall positive response rate to this
question was 88 percent.
20%
0%
Hispanic
100%
African
American
88%
88.00%
Asian
94%
Full Question:
80%
There is value in the services
provided by Mecklenburg County to
residents.
White
60%
40%
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
20%
0%
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
18 to 34
35 to 50
51 to 69
70 to 87
Millennial
Gen X
Baby Boomers
Silent
|
52
Analysis
Value in Services
Education levels showed
some differences in
perceived value in County
services.
88 percent of respondents overall
agreed or strongly agreed with this
statement, but there were some
differences by education groups. All
education groups met or exceeded
the 80 percent target.
Full Question:
100%
94%
88.00%
83%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
< HS
HS
Special/
Tech Sch
Some
College
College
Grad
Post Grad, Post Grad
no Degree Degree
There is value in the services
provided by Mecklenburg County to
residents.
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
53
100%
Analysis
Tax Dollars Spent
80%
76%
67.00%
65%
60%
40%
Some differences among
racial groups, with African
Americans showing the
lowest positive response.
Very little difference by
age categories.
Full Question:
Mecklenburg County spends my local
tax dollars on services that help
residents improve their community.
20%
0%
Hispanic
White
African
American
Asian
100%
80%
69%
67%
67.00%
60%
40%
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
20%
0%
18 to 34
Millennial
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey
35 to 50
Gen X
51 to 69
Baby Boomers
70 to 87
Silent
|
54
100%
Analysis
Tax Dollars Spent
85%
80%
67.00%
60%
57%
40%
More differences in
perceptions by education
and length of time in
Mecklenburg
Full Question:
Mecklenburg County spends my local
tax dollars on services that help
residents improve their community.
20%
0%
< HS
HS
Special/
Tech Sch
Some
College
College
Grad
Post Grad, Post Grad
no Degree Degree
100%
86%
80%
67.00%
60%
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
54%
40%
20%
0%
< 1 year
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
1 - 2 years 3 - 4 years 5-10 years 11-15 yea.. > 15 years
|
55
95%
100%
Analysis
Trust Information
80%
80.00%
79%
60%
40%
Trust showed as higher
among Hispanics and
Asians and lower in older
groups.
20%
0%
White
Hispanic
Full Question:
Please indicate your level of
agreement or disagreement with the
following statement: I trust the
information I receive from
Mecklenburg County.
100%
80%
African American
Asian
89%
80.00%
74%
60%
40%
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
20%
0%
18 to 34
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
Millennial
35 to 50
Gen X
51 to 69
70 to 87
Baby Boomers
Silent
|
56
100%
Analysis
Open Government
80%
73%
60%
50.00%
Lower positive responses
were registered among
some education levels
and among Whites
compared to other
racial/ethnic groups
Full Question:
Do you consider Mecklenburg
County government to be open and
transparent?
Age groups showed little difference
on this question.
40%
38%
20%
0%
< HS
HS
Special/
Tech Sch
Some
College
College
Grad
Post Grad, Post Grad
no Degree
Degree
100%
80%
66%
60%
50.00%
47%
40%
20%
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
0%
Hispanic
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
White
African
American
Asian
|
57
100%
Analysis
Opportunities to
Participate
80%
60%
61%
60.00%
59%
40%
Little difference by age.
More differences by race,
with Whites the least
satisfied.
Full Question:
I am satisfied with opportunities for
citizen participation in County policy
development and decision-making.
Percentages = Strongly Agree + Agree
20%
0%
18 to 34
35 to 50
Millennial
Gen X
51 to 69
70 to 87
Baby Boomers
Silent
100%
73%
80%
60%
60.00%
58%
40%
20%
0%
Hispanic
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
White
African
American
Asian
|
58
Analysis
Program Awareness
Veterans were slightly more aware of “Housing Our Heroes”
than non-veterans.
100%
Overall, 32 percent of
respondents were familiar
with this program
Full Question:
Are you aware of the community
program designed to end veteran
homelessness called “Housing Our
Heroes?”
80%
60%
40%
34%
31%
32.00%
20%
0%
Veterans
Non-Veterans
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
|
59
Analysis
Program Awareness
Veterans were slightly less aware of coordinated assistance
for the homeless provided by the County than non-veterans
100%
Overall, 59 percent of
respondents were familiar
with this program
80%
59%
60%
Full Question:
Did you know that the County
provides coordinated assessment to
assist homeless people to get shelter
and housing?
Percentages = “Yes” Responses
OMB Analysis: Answers compiled from the FY15 Survey.
59.00%
57%
40%
20%
0%
Veterans
Non-Veterans
|
60
Analysis
Moving to Meck
for Jobs
The profile of the largest
group moving here (those
accepting jobs) is
Boomers and Gen Xers
with college and post
graduate degrees.
By
Age
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
By
Education
OMB Analysis – Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded
|
61
Analysis
Moving to Meck
for Family
Baby Boomers and those
with college degrees were
the largest groups moving
to be closer to family.
By
Age
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
By
Education
OMB Analysis – Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded
|
62
Analysis
Moving to Meck
for Cost of Living
Cost of living is more
important to Boomers
and Gen Xers as well as
those with college or
some college.
By
Age
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
By
Education
OMB Analysis – Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded
|
63
Analysis
Moving to Meck
for Community
Vibrancy
Community vibrancy is
most important to
Millennials and Baby
Boomers and to college
graduates
By
Age
Full Question:
What was the primary reason for you
moving to Mecklenburg County?
By
Education
OMB Analysis – Respondents who were Mecklenburg natives were excluded
|
64
2015
COMMUNITY
SURVEY
Public Attitudes,
Perceptions, and
Awareness of County
Programs and
Services
Analysis of
Migration to
Mecklenburg County
Prepared by: Mecklenburg County
Strategic Planning and Evaluation
County Manager’s Office
October 2015