Transportation remains region's most important problem, residents say

But annual survey shows concern about crime rising

ST. PAUL--Jan. 30, 2006—Traffic congestion and transportation issues remain the number one problem facing the Twin Cities metro area. But a new Metropolitan Council survey finds concern shifting to other issues as well.

According to the 2005 Metro Residents Survey, conducted last October and November, 35 percent of metro residents said transportation is the region’s “single most important problem,” down from 49 percent a year ago and from 58 percent in 2003, when concern about transportation peaked.

When traffic congestion is separated out from transportation in general, 24 percent of residents said it was their top concern, compared with 37 percent in 2004.

“It could be that people are becoming more accustomed to congestion,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “It may also be that people are encouraged by the success of recent investments in light rail transit and the prospects of future investments, like Northstar commuter rail.”

Concern about transportation, the survey shows, depends on location. Transportation was mentioned most often by those who live in the suburbs. Forty percent of suburban residents ranked it the region’s most important problem, compared with 22 percent of Minneapolis and St. Paul residents.

To meet the region’s long-term transportation needs, more residents in 2005 cited commuter and light rail as a “very important” element than in previous surveys. Expanding the bus system also rose in importance among the various programs. First and foremost, said residents, is optimizing the capacity and safety of existing roads.

Meanwhile, concern about crime is on the rise. Twenty-six percent of residents in the region surveyed cited crime-related issues as the single-most important problem, compared with 17 percent a year ago.

Concern about crime has steadily increased since a low point in 2001, when only 9 percent of residents said it was the region’s most important problem. This is still far below the peak level of concern: 61 percent in 1993.

Trailing transportation and crime in the 2005 survey was growth, named as the most important problem by 11 percent of those surveyed, consistent with recent years. Just under half of residents think the metro area is growing too fast. Just over half think growth is occurring at the right pace.

Sentiments about growth within one’s own community have shifted, however. In 2005, 38 percent of people thought their own community was growing too fast, compared with 26 percent in 2000. In developing suburbs—where growth is now occurring—residents are twice as likely to feel that local growth is happening too fast; 59 percent, compared with about one-quarter of residents in Minneapolis, St. Paul and developed suburbs.

Despite their concerns, 96 percent of Twin Cities residents feel the region is a better place to live than other metro areas. There is concern, however, that the region’s quality of life is slipping. About 31 percent of residents, up from 24 percent in 2004, feel that the quality of life has gotten worse in the last year.

Among the things residents like best: parks, trails and natural areas, which were thought to be the region’s most attractive features by 37 percent of survey respondents. The next most-cited assets were arts and culture, good neighborhoods, the “variety of things to do” and shopping.

As for the Metro Council itself, positive public opinion remained steady compared with 2004 and is greatly improved from five years ago. Thirty-seven percent of residents think the Council is doing a very good or good job; 46 percent give the Council a rating of “fair.”

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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