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 | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 + | 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 | 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) | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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? | 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. | 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