Grand Vision 2009

Public Opinion Survey

Results

Prepared for:
Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee
People and Land

Written by:

Public Policy Associates, Incorporated

119 Pere Marquette Drive
Lansing, MI 48912-1231
(517) 485-4477
Fax: 485-4488

May 2009
Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1

Survey Findings .............................................................................................................................. 2

Participation in the Grand Vision Process .................................................................................. 2
Questions About Transportation Investment .............................................................................. 3
Questions About Development ................................................................................................. 10
Questions Exploring a Broad Regional Vision......................................................................... 14
Scenario Analysis...................................................................................................................... 16
Perceptions of the Grand Vision Process.................................................................................. 18
Participant Demographics......................................................................................................... 19

Conclusions................................................................................................................................... 23
Introduction
This report presents the results of a telephone survey conducted in March and April 2009 among
residents of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford Counties. The
survey questions were derived from questions explored in the Grand Vision Decision, a broad
public-input process in which area residents explored options for future growth and development
patterns and registered their preferences by responding to questions posed through a written
“scorecard.” The survey’s purpose was to compare general public opinion on scorecard
questions to the preferences expressed by those participating in the Grand Vision Decision.

The survey was designed with the guidance of a regional team including:

 Marsha Smith, Executive Director, Rotary Charities of Traverse City

 Cathlyn Sommerfield, Research Services Director, Northwestern Michigan College
 Matt McCauley, Associate Director for Regional Planning and Community Development,
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
 Jim Lively, Program Director, Michigan Land Use Institute
 Gordon Hayward, Planner, Peninsula Township
 Tom Emling, Specialist-Outreach, Michigan State University

Doug Christensen of Mead & Hunt, Inc., consultant to the Grand Vision process, also
contributed as a member of the survey design team.

The survey was conducted by Northwestern Michigan College using a random-digit-dial sample
of residential telephone numbers. Quotas of 75 completed surveys were established for all
counties except Grand Traverse, the most populous county in the region, for which 200 surveys
were completed. The final survey result set included 578 valid respondents.1 The survey data
were weighted to adjust for overrepresentation of females and those in older age brackets, and
also to adjust for overrepresentation of less populous counties in the region-wide results.

The margin of error for regional results is estimated at +/- 5.1%. Results for Grand Traverse
County are associated with a margin of error of +/-6.9%, while results for all other counties have
a higher margin of error of +/-11.3%. The reader should note that these estimates reflect only
that portion of survey error associated with sampling.

1
Two completed surveys were with respondents who indicated they were Missaukee County residents and three did
not name a county. These surveys were not considered in the analysis.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 1 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
Survey Findings

Participation in the Grand Vision Process

Survey participants were first provided with a brief overview of the Grand Vision process, then
asked whether they had been involved in the Grand Vision and if they had completed a
scorecard. As shown in Figure 1, 17% of those completing the survey had some level of
participation in the Grand Vision, with most of these having completed a scorecard. Nearly half
of those surveyed had not participated and had not previously been aware of the process. The
remaining respondents (36%) were aware of the Grand Vision, but reported no involvement.

Awareness of the Grand Vision and Nature of Past Participation

2009 Public Opinion Survey

Involved/completed
scorecard Scorecard only
4% 11%

Involved/no scorecard
2%
Have not previously
heard about the Grand
Vision
47%

Have heard about the

Grand Vision, but have
not been involved
36%

Figure 1

Residents of Antrim and Wexford Counties were significantly less likely to report participation
in the Grand Vision (less than 10% in each county) and significantly more likely to report that
they had not previously heard of the Grand Vision (more than 60% in each county). Residents of
Leelanau and Benzie Counties were most likely to report past participation as well as least likely
to report that they had not previously heard of the Grand Vision.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 2 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
Questions About Transportation Investment
The survey included numerous questions focused on how the region should invest in
transportation infrastructure, most of which were derived from the Grand Vision scorecard.2 The
first of these focused on trails and sidewalks, and the region-wide results are shown in Figure 2.

As shown in the graphic, 80% of regional respondents agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that
future transportation investments should include trails and sidewalks, “even if it means some
roads aren’t widened.” Responses to the parallel question on the scorecard were comparable,
with 84% indicating that they “agree” or “agree strongly,” excluding 13% of respondents who
were “neutral” on the question.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"I think future investments in transportation should include trails and
sidewalks for biking and walking, even if it means some roads aren't
widened."

Disagree Strongly Don't Know

7% 2%

Agree Strongly
Disagree Somewhat 40%
11%

Scorecard Results:
84% “Agree Strongly”
Agree Somewhat or “Agree” (“Neutral”
40% responses excluded)

Figure 2

Additional analysis explored how preferences regarding trails and sidewalks varied with
respondents’ personal characteristics (gender, age, income, employment status, educational
attainment, own/rent status, type of community, and presence of children in the home3). Table 1
shows the combined percentages of those agreeing “strongly” and “somewhat” with the
statement among several demographic subgroups.4

2
As a general rule, most questions within the survey were intended to mirror scorecard questions as closely as
possible, and many used verbatim language from the scorecard. In some instances, the language used on the written
scorecard was inappropriate for a telephone survey due to length or complexity of sentence structure.
3
An additional variable capturing permanent and seasonal residency status was captured, but is not included in
breakout analyses as only 12 respondents were seasonal residents.
4
Demographic breakouts throughout this report exclude “don’t know” responses. Data were unweighted for the
calculation of demographic breakouts.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 3 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
 Table 1: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”
Statement Tested: "I think future investments in transportation should include trails and sidewalks for biking and
walking, even if it means some roads aren't widened."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 95% High school diploma or less 74% Employed full time 82%
25-34 87% Some college 76% Employed part time 89%
35-44 78% Associate’s degree 81% Self-employed 78%
45-54 86% Bachelor’s degree 81% Retired 70%
55-64 80% Graduate degree 90% Laid off/unemployed 79%
65 and up 69% Person with disabilities 81%
Household Income Homemaker 94%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 79% All others 85%
Male 72% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 76%
Female 84% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 83% Community Type5
$100,000/yr or more 77% City 87%
Property Suburban 80%
Own 79% Children in the Home Small city/village center 81%
Rent/Other 84% Yes 85% Other villages 72%
No 77% Rural/Unincorporated 76%
County
Antrim 72% Grand Traverse 89% Leelanau 86%
Benzie 73% Kalkaska 70% Wexford 83%

As shown in Table 1, all demographic subgroups supported the statement. Support was greatest
among females, renters, those with children, those with higher educational attainment, those
currently living in cities, those in younger age brackets, and those residing in Grand Traverse and
Leelanau counties.

Figure 3 and Table 2 show the results for the second question regarding transportation
investment, focused on investment in public transportation. Seventy-six percent of regional
respondents agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that future transportation investments should
include “more public transportation, including in-town buses and regional bus service, even if it
means some roads aren’t widened.” Responses to the parallel question on the scorecard were
again comparable, with 80% indicating that they “agree” or “agree strongly,” excluding 17% of
respondents who were “neutral” on the question.

5
The “community type” variable was derived from respondents’ identification of their home city, village, township,
or other place. The cities of Traverse City and Cadillac were classified as “city.” “Suburban” places included
Garfield Township, East Bay Township, Blair Township, Long Lake Township, Haring Charter Township,
Peninsula Township, and Elmwood Charter Township. The “small city/village center” category includes
respondents from the City of Frankfurt, the City of Manton, Mancelona (Village and Township), Acme (Village and
Township), Interlochen and Green Lake Township, Kingsley and Paradise Township, Kalkaska (Village and
Township), and Suttons Bay (Village and Township). “Other villages” included respondents from Bellaire,
Benzonia, Beulah, Buckley, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Ellsworth, Empire, Fife Lake, Honor, Lake Ann, Mesick, and
Northport. Persons residing in all other communities were classified as “rural/unincorporated.”

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 4 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
 Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:
"I think future investments in transportation should include more
public transportation, including in-town buses and regional bus
service, even if it means some roads aren't widened."

Disagree Strongly Don't Know

6% 3%

Agree Strongly
37%
Disagree Somewhat
15%
Scorecard Results:
80% “Agree Strongly”
Agree Somewhat
or “Agree” (“Neutral”
39% responses excluded)

Figure 3

Table 2: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”

Statement Tested: "I think future investments in transportation should include more public transportation,
including in-town buses and regional bus service, even if it means some roads aren’t widened."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 84% High school diploma or less 80% Employed full time 75%
25-34 89% Some college 81% Employed part time 78%
35-44 72% Associate’s degree 75% Self-employed 78%
45-54 76% Bachelor’s degree 73% Retired 76%
55-64 78% Graduate degree 73% Laid off/unemployed 72%
65 and up 76% Person with disabilities 81%
Household Income Homemaker 87%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 81% All others 100%
Male 69% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 81%
Female 82% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 73% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 70% City 83%
Property Suburban 75%
Own 76% Children in the Home Small city/village center 77%
Rent/Other 84% Yes 78% Other villages 78%
No 77% Rural/Unincorporated 76%
County
Antrim 73% Grand Traverse 78% Leelanau 73%
Benzie 78% Kalkaska 83% Wexford 81%

As shown in Table 2, all demographic subgroups supported the statement. Support was greatest
among females, renters, those with lower educational attainment, those in lower income brackets,
those currently living in cities, those in younger age brackets, and those residing in Kalkaska and
Wexford counties.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 5 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
Figure 4 and Table 3 show the results for the third question regarding transportation, focused on
respondents’ willingness to tolerate additional traffic in villages and cities if jobs and amenities
were within walking distance of parking. Eighty percent of regional respondents supported the
statement “strongly” or “somewhat.” In the scorecard process, 67% indicated that they “agree”
or “agree strongly” with the statement, excluding 20% of respondents who were “neutral” on this
issue.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"I think increased traffic in our villages and cities would be okay if I
could park once and walk to shops, jobs, schools and parks."

Don't Know
Disagree Strongly 5%
3%

Agree Strongly
Disagree Somewhat 41%
12%

Scorecard Results:
67% “Agree Strongly”
Agree Somewhat
or “Agree” (“Neutral”
39% responses excluded)

Figure 4

Table 3: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”

Statement Tested: "I think increased traffic in our villages and cities would be okay if I could park once and walk
to shops, jobs, schools and parks."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 84% High school diploma or less 80% Employed full time 84%
25-34 94% Some college 78% Employed part time 85%
35-44 83% Associate’s degree 90% Self-employed 85%
45-54 81% Bachelor’s degree 83% Retired 78%
55-64 82% Graduate degree 82% Laid off/unemployed 85%
65 and up 78% Person with disabilities 78%
Household Income Homemaker 77%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 79% All others 69%
Male 79% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 80%
Female 84% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 86% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 81% City 80%
Property Suburban 86%
Own 81% Children in the Home Small city/village center 86%
Rent/Other 90% Yes 86% Other villages 85%
No 81% Rural/Unincorporated 79%
County
Antrim 91% Grand Traverse 86% Leelanau 76%
Benzie 81% Kalkaska 77% Wexford 81%

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 6 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
As shown in Table 3, all demographic subgroups supported the statement. Support was greatest
among females, renters, those currently living in suburban or village areas, those in younger age
brackets, and those residing in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties.

Figure 5 and Table 4 show the results for the fourth question regarding transportation, focused on
new and widened roads as a first priority for transportation investment.

Fifty-nine percent of regional respondents agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that “building new
roads and widening existing roads should be the first priority for transportation spending in the
region.” In comparison, 46% of scorecard participants “agreed” or “agreed strongly” (excluding
23% who chose the “neutral” response).

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"I think building new roads and widening existing roads should be the
first priority for transportation spending in the region."

Don't Know
1%
Disagree Strongly
14% Agree Strongly
26%

Disagree Somewhat Scorecard Results:

26%
Agree Somewhat
46% “Agree Strongly”
33% or “Agree” (“Neutral”
responses excluded)

Figure 5

There are many potential causes of the difference in results between the scorecard and the
survey, such as evolution in public discussion over time, or the additional discussion available to
scorecard participants around the key issues considered in the Grand Vision. However, one of
the most likely reasons for the difference has to do with the geography of participation in both
scorecard and survey. As shown in Table 4, residents of Antrim, Kalkaska, and Wexford
counties were significantly more likely than other regional residents to prioritize new and wider
roads. However, residents of these counties were less likely, on a per-capita basis, to complete
scorecards than residents of the other counties,6 suggesting a possible under-representation of
interest in new or wider roads in the scorecard voting.

6
Data provided by the Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee showed that residents of these three counties
contributed 20.8% of all scorecards received, but constitute 38% of the region’s population.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

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 Table 4: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”
Statement Tested: "I think building new roads and widening existing roads should be the first priority for
transportation spending in the region."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 68% High school diploma or less 66% Employed full time 58%
25-34 63% Some college 56% Employed part time 44%
35-44 53% Associate’s degree 68% Self-employed 44%
45-54 52% Bachelor’s degree 49% Retired 60%
55-64 54% Graduate degree 44% Laid off/unemployed 48%
65 and up 64% Person with disabilities 71%
Household Income Homemaker 73%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 61% All others 62%
Male 64% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 61%
Female 53% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 53% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 49% City 58%
Property Suburban 56%
Own 56% Children in the Home Small City/Village Center 60%
Rent/Other 66% Yes 54% Other Villages 59%
No 58% Rural/Unincorporated 56%
County
Antrim 66% Grand Traverse 56% Leelanau 42%
Benzie 58% Kalkaska 74% Wexford 67%

As shown in Table 4, a simple majority of most demographic subgroups supported the statement.
Support was greatest among males, renters, those with educational attainment less than a
bachelor’s degree, those in lower household income brackets, those younger than 35 or 65 and
older, and, as discussed above, those residing in Antrim, Kalkaska, and Wexford counties.

Figure 6 and Table 5 show the results for the final question regarding transportation, which asked
respondents to choose a priority between “repairing and improving the roads we have,” or
“expanding capacity with new and wider roads.” There was no scorecard parallel for this
question.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 8 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
 Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:
"As the region invests in our road system, should the top priority be
repairing and improving the roads we have, or expanding capacity
with new and wider roads?"

Don't know (do not read)

Expanding capacity with 2%
new and wider roads
12%

Maintaining and
improving the roads we
have
86%

Figure 6

Table 5: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Prioritizing Maintenance of Existing

Roads Over Expanding Capacity With New and Wider Roads
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 84% High school diploma or less 85% Employed full time 90%
25-34 89% Some college 91% Employed part time 85%
35-44 80% Associate’s degree 92% Self-employed 94%
45-54 93% Bachelor’s degree 87% Retired 86%
55-64 93% Graduate degree 87% Laid off/unemployed 94%
65 and up 82% Person with disabilities 95%
Household Income Homemaker 73%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 88% All others 86%
Male 86% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 87%
Female 89% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 89% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 87% City 86%
Property Suburban 90%
Own 88% Children in the Home Small city/village center 85%
Rent/Other 86% Yes 87% Other villages 85%
No 89% Rural/Unincorporated 90%
County
Antrim 85% Grand Traverse 90% Leelanau 95%
Benzie 81% Kalkaska 78% Wexford 89%

As shown in Table 5, responses varied little by demographic subgroups. Eighty-six percent of

regional respondents, overall, favored “maintaining and improving the roads we have,” and this
statistic increases to 88% if “don’t know” responses are excluded. Homemakers—a very small
group within the respondent pool—were the only group with less than 80% favoring
maintenance and improvement over expansion of the road system.

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Questions About Development
The survey included three agree-disagree questions focused on development preferences, each of
which was again derived from the Grand Vision scorecard. The first of these focused on
respondents’ interest in compact, walkable/bike-friendly residential living, and the region-wide
results are shown in Figure 7. Fifty-three percent of respondents “agreed somewhat” or “agreed
strongly” with the statement, whereas 64% of scorecard participants “agreed” or “agreed
strongly” (excluding 17% of respondents who chose the “neutral” response).

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"I would consider living in a neighborhood with smaller yards and
some apartments or condominiums if I could walk or ride a bike to
shops, jobs, schools and parks."
Don't Know
5%

Agree Strongly
24%
Disagree Strongly
22%

Scorecard Results:
Agree Somewhat 64% “Agree Strongly”
Disagree Somewhat 29% or “Agree” (“Neutral”
20% responses excluded)

Figure 7

As with questions focused on transportation investment, demographic breakouts focused on

respondents’ personal characteristics (gender, age, income, employment status, educational
attainment, own/rent status, type of community, and presence of children in the home) are
presented. Table 6 shows the combined percentages of those agreeing “strongly” and
“somewhat” with the statement among several demographic subgroups.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 10 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
 Table 6: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”
Statement Tested: "I would consider living in a neighborhood with smaller yards and some apartments or
condominiums if I could walk or ride a bike to shops, jobs, schools and parks."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 63% High school diploma or less 57% Employed full time 53%
25-34 47% Some college 51% Employed part time 61%
35-44 57% Associate’s degree 63% Self-employed 58%
45-54 51% Bachelor’s degree 61% Retired 59%
55-64 58% Graduate degree 50% Laid off/unemployed 56%
65 and up 59% Person with disabilities 57%
Household Income Homemaker 52%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 60% All others 58%
Male 52% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 55%
Female 58% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 53% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 53% City 68%
Property Suburban 49%
Own 55% Children in the Home Small city/village center 47%
Rent/Other 63% Yes 52% Other villages 61%
No 58% Rural/Unincorporated 56%
County
Antrim 50% Grand Traverse 55% Leelanau 66%
Benzie 61% Kalkaska 49% Wexford 59%

As shown in Table 6, a simple majority of most demographic subgroups supported the statement.
Support was greatest among those already living in a city or smaller village, among renters, and
among those residing in Leelanau County.

Figure 8 and Table 7 show the results for the second question regarding development, focused on
taller buildings in the region’s cities and villages. Twenty-four percent of survey respondents
agreed “somewhat” or “strongly” that they “oppose taller buildings in the region’s cities and
villages, even if it means that we need to build on farm and forest lands.” Twenty-one percent of
scorecard participants “agreed” or “agreed strongly” in response to the same question (excluding
14% who were “neutral” on the issue).

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

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 Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:
"I oppose taller buildings in our villages and cities even if it means
that we need to build on farm and forest lands."

Don't Know
5%
Agree Strongly
10%

Agree Somewhat
14%

Disagree Strongly
Disagree Somewhat Scorecard Results:
46%
25% 21% “Agree Strongly”
or “Agree” (“Neutral”
responses excluded)

Figure 8

Table 7: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”

Statement Tested: "I oppose taller buildings in our villages and cities even if it means that we need to build on
farm and forest lands."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 16% High school diploma or less 32% Employed full time 25%
25-34 26% Some college 24% Employed part time 28%
35-44 21% Associate’s degree 30% Self-employed 17%
45-54 22% Bachelor’s degree 29% Retired 38%
55-64 32% Graduate degree 23% Laid off/unemployed 13%
65 and up 36% Person with disabilities 26%
Household Income Homemaker 30%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 25% All others 14%
Male 28% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr: 28%
Female 28% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 30% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 29% City 28%
Property Suburban 30%
Own 29% Children in the Home Small City/Village Center 29%
Rent/Other 19% Yes 22% Other Villages 23%
No 30% Rural/Unincorporated 27%
County
Antrim 34% Grand Traverse 26% Leelanau 31%
Benzie 22% Kalkaska 21% Wexford 16%

As shown in Table 7, all tested demographic subgroups disagreed with this statement.
Opposition to taller buildings in the region’s cities and villages was strongest among those aged
65 and greater, most of whom are retirees, and among those residing in Antrim County.
However, even among this group, most disagreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that they are

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 12 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
opposed to taller buildings in the region’s villages and cities “even if it means that we need to
build on farm and forest lands.”

Figure 9 and Table 8 show the results for the final agree-disagree question regarding
development, which asked whether new country homes should be allowed even if they result in
infrastructure costs to other regional residents. Forty-six percent of survey respondents agreed
with the statement “strongly” or “somewhat,” as compared to 55% of scorecard participants who
“agreed” or “agreed strongly” (excluding 29% of participants who were “neutral” as to this
particular question).

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"I think people should be able to build new homes in country areas,
even if it means we have to spend tax dollars to build roads, sewers
and schools."
Don't Know
4%
Agree Strongly
16%
Disagree Strongly
26%

Scorecard Results:
Agree Somewhat 55% “Agree Strongly”
30% or “Agree” (“Neutral”
Disagree Somewhat
responses excluded)
24%

Figure 9

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee Page 13 Public Policy Associates, Incorporated
 Table 8: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”
Statement Tested: "I think people should be able to build new homes in country areas, even if it means we have to
spend tax dollars to build roads, sewers and schools."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 67% High school diploma or less 46% Employed full time 48%
25-34 59% Some college 53% Employed part time 55%
35-44 45% Associate’s degree 55% Self-employed 59%
45-54 51% Bachelor’s degree 51% Retired 44%
55-64 45% Graduate degree 37% Laid off/unemployed 44%
65 and up 48% Person with disabilities 50%
Household Income Homemaker 53%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 48% All others 62%
Male 46% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 54%
Female 51% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 48% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 48% City 47%
Property Suburban 44%
Own 49% Children in the Home Small city/village center 58%
Rent/Other 52% Yes 51% Other villages 46%
No 48% Rural/Unincorporated 50%
County
Antrim 56% Grand Traverse 42% Leelanau 47%
Benzie 50% Kalkaska 62% Wexford 47%

As shown in Table 8, there was some variation on this issue based on the respondents’ personal
situations and attributes. Respondents were more likely to agree that “people should be able to
build new homes in country areas, even if” there are associated infrastructure costs if they were
younger than 35; if they were in part-time or self-employment; if they reside in Kalkaska or
Antrim counties; and if they currently live in one of the region’s small cities or larger village
communities (this category includes respondents from Frankfort, Manton, and the Mancelona,
Acme, Interlochen/Green Lake, Kingsley/Paradise, Kalkaska, and Suttons Bay communities).

Questions Exploring a Broad Regional Vision

The survey included two questions that explored elements of a broad vision for the region.
These focused on the importance of vibrant downtowns and the importance of preserving the
region’s working lands, environment, and scenic qualities. Figure 10 and Table 9 show the
results for the first agree-disagree question, focused on downtown areas.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey Results May 2009

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 Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:
"As the region develops in the future, it is important that we create a
group of unique villages and cities that are active and charming places
with a main street or a downtown."

Don't Know
Disagree Strongly
4%
5%

Disagree Somewhat
11%
Agree Strongly
44%

Agree Somewhat
36%

Figure 10

Table 9: Demographic Breakouts: Percentages Agreeing “Strongly” or “Somewhat”

Statement Tested: "As the region develops in the future, it is important that we create a group of unique villages
and cities that are active and charming places with a main street or a downtown."
Attribute Percent Attribute Percent Attribute Percent
Age Education Employment
18-24 95% High school diploma or less 78% Employed full time 85%
25-34 84% Some college 80% Employed part time 94%
35-44 87% Associate’s degree 88% Self-employed 80%
45-54 86% Bachelor’s degree 83% Retired 75%
55-64 77% Graduate degree 78% Laid off/unemployed 59%
65 and up 72% Person with disabilities 79%
Household Income Homemaker 81%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 74% All others 85%
Male 82% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 88%
Female 80% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 79% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 86% City 86%
Property Suburban 80%
Own 80% Children in the Home Small city/village center 86%
Rent/Other 83% Yes 86% Other villages 87%
No 78% Rural/Unincorporated 76%
County
Antrim 84% Grand Traverse 84% Leelanau 85%
Benzie 82% Kalkaska 81% Wexford 86%

As shown in Table 9, all types of people in all types of situations supported the vision statement.
The breadth of support exhibited was influenced by age: 95% of respondents under the age of 25
agreed “somewhat” or “strongly” in response to the statement about the importance of vibrant
downtowns, and while support remained very high through all age brackets, it was reduced
somewhat among those over the age of 55. Support for the statement was higher among those

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currently living in a city or village environment than among those currently living in a
community classified as suburban or rural; however, even in rural environments, 75% of
respondents supported the principle.

Figure 11 shows the results for the second agree-disagree question, focused on resource and land
preservation.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

"As the region develops in the future, it is important that we protect
and preserve the farm land, orchards, forests, water quality, and
scenic beauty of the region."

Disagree Somewhat
0.6% Don't Know
0.5%

Agree Somewhat
18%

Agree Strongly
81%

Figure 11

Of the nearly 600 people responding to the survey, three “disagreed somewhat” with the
statement and three volunteered the response of “I don’t know.” Given the overwhelming
support for this principle, no demographic analysis was pursued.

Scenario Analysis
As in the Grand Vision scorecard process, survey participants were provided with a list of four
possible future scenarios for regional development and asked to select the one that they
personally preferred. The specific vision descriptions provided for survey participants were
shorter than those used in the Grand Vision scorecard process due to concerns about respondent
fatigue—specifically, concerns that respondents would not be able to process the amount of
description and verbiage used in the written scorecard. The verbatim descriptions used in the
telephone survey were as follows:

Vision A: Future growth will follow the existing trend of widely spaced development in
rural or country areas. Most transportation spending will be dedicated to new and
widened roads.

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 Vision B: Future growth will occur in rural or country areas with new homes being
clustered together to maximize open space. Most transportation spending will be
dedicated to new and widened roads with limited investment in biking and walking trails.

Vision C: Future growth will occur primarily in the region's cities and villages, with large
amounts of open space preserved in country areas. There will be some investment in
biking and walking trails, regional bus service, and some spending on new and wider
roads.

Vision D: Future growth will occur primarily in Traverse City and Cadillac, with large
amounts of open space preserved in country areas. Transportation spending will include
investment in expanded bus service, sidewalks, and biking paths in those two main cities,
with limited investment in new and wider roads in the broader region.

Figure 12 shows the regional results. A simple majority (55%) of regional respondents
preferred option C and a plurality (29%) preferred option D. There was very little
support for options A or B. The findings are highly consistent with scorecard results.

Grand Vision Public Opinion Survey, March-April 2009:

Preferred Future Development Scenario--Regional Results

Don't Know Vision A

3% 6%
Vision B
7%
Vision D
29%

Scorecard Results:
Vision C 51% “Vision C” and
55% 30% “Vision D”

Figure 12

Demographic analysis of the scenario choices explored whether choices and preferences varied
systematically as a function of age, income, education, gender, presence of children in the home,
employment status, type of community, and county. No statistically significant differences in
scenario choice were found with the exception of Wexford County residents, who showed
greater support for vision “D” (52%) than vision “C” (33%).

Table 10 shows, for the various demographics explored throughout this report, the percentage
selecting vision “C,” and the percentage selecting vision “D.” The table confirms that, within
most identifiable groups (i.e., age groups, males, city dwellers, etc.), the regional pattern applies:
the greatest proportion of respondents preferred option “C,” a plurality preferred option “D,” and
very few favored options “A” or “B.”

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 Table 10: Demographic Breakouts: Scenario Selections
% % % % % %
Attribute “C” “D” Attribute “C” “D” Attribute “C” “D”
Age Education Employment
High school diploma or
18-24 68% 21% less 60% 24% Employed full time 59% 26%
25-34 60% 35% Some college 50% 40% Employed part time 58% 36%
35-44 59% 26% Associate’s degree 55% 32% Self-employed 50% 36%
45-54 50% 38% Bachelor’s degree 54% 35% Retired 56% 31%
55-64 54% 33% Graduate degree 60% 28% Laid off/unemployed 45% 39%
65 and up 58% 30% Person with disabilities 52% 48%
Household Income Homemaker 55% 36%
Gender Less than $35,000/yr 53% 33% All others 42% 33%
Male 54% 29% $35,000/yr - $49,999/yr 58% 30%
Female 56% 33% $50,000/yr - $99,999/yr 59% 29% Community Type
$100,000/yr or more 50% 40% City 55% 35%
Property Suburban 60% 27%
Small city/village
Own 57% 31% Children in the Home center 60% 31%
Rent/Other 44% 44% Yes 57% 32% Other Villages 49% 35%
No 55% 32% Rural/Unincorporated 54% 32%
County
Antrim 63% 19% Grand Traverse 62% 28% Leelanau 66% 21%
Benzie 62% 28% Kalkaska 60% 27% Wexford 33% 52%

Perceptions of the Grand Vision Process

The survey included three questions focused on the perceptions of the Grand Vision process.
The results of these questions are displayed in Table 11. The table also provides results for three
subgroups: those with prior involvement in the Grand Vision process; those aware, but not
previously involved, in the Grand Vision; and those without prior awareness of the Grand Vision
process.

Table 11: Survey Responses Related to the Grand Vision Process

Responses
Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Don’t
Overall and by Subgroups Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Know*
“I support the idea of my community, along with the region’s villages, cities, townships, and counties,
working together to plan for future growth.”
Overall 69.9% 25.1% 2.4% 1.2% 1.4%
Past involvement in the Grand Vision 76.2% 21.0% 1.0% 1.9% 0.0%
Heard of Grand Vision, but not involved 73.3% 23.8% 1.0% 1.4% 0.5%
No prior awareness of the Grand Vision 64.6% 27.7% 4.4% 0.7% 2.6%
“To help create a future that I want, I want my local elected officials to participate in the Grand Vision.”
Overall 69.4% 23.4% 2.5% 2.2% 2.4%
Past involvement in the Grand Vision 76.9% 14.4% 2.9% 1.9% 3.8%
Heard of Grand Vision, but not involved 66.2% 27.6% 2.9% 1.9% 1.4%
No prior awareness of the Grand Vision 69.0% 23.6% 2.2% 2.6% 2.6%

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 Table 11: Survey Responses Related to the Grand Vision Process
Responses
Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Don’t
Overall and by Subgroups Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Know*
“I am interested in helping my community to create our future together as part of the Grand Vision.”
Overall 41.8% 47.0% 5.4% 2.5% 3.3%
Past involvement in the Grand Vision 52.4% 42.9% 2.9% 0.0% 1.9%
Heard of Grand Vision, but not involved 40.0% 47.6% 6.2% 3.8% 2.4%
No prior awareness of the Grand Vision 39.0% 47.8% 5.9% 2.6% 4.8%
* “Don’t know” responses were recorded when offered, but were not articulated as a response option by interviewers.

Table 11 shows that, by these measures, the Grand Vision process has support among survey
participants. Support and interest tended to be highest among those with past involvement.
However, those without past involvement were generally supportive of the process as well.

Participant Demographics
Demographic information collected from survey participants included county of residence, home
community, household income bracket, educational attainment, employment status, own/rent
status, age bracket, gender, and year-round/seasonal residency.

County quotas were established to ensure adequate representation of each of the region’s six
counties. Final data presented in the preceding sections rely on weighted data; Table 12 shows
the raw (unweighted) counts and percentages.

Table 12: County of Residence

County Frequency Percent
Antrim 75 13.0%
Benzie 76 13.1%
Grand Traverse 200 34.6%
Kalkaska 77 13.3%
Leelanau 75 13.0%
Wexford 75 13.0%
Total 578 100.0%

Table 13 shows the type of community in which respondents live. As described on page 4
above, respondents were classified into a community type based on their named home
community (city, village, township, or other). The typology was developed by Public Policy
Associates, Incorporated (PPA) and is predominantly based on population and municipal form.

Table 13: Type of Community/Settlement Pattern

Community Type Frequency Percent
City 104 18.0%
Suburban 112 19.4%

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 Table 13: Type of Community/Settlement Pattern
Community Type Frequency Percent
Small City or Village Center 78 13.5%
All Other Villages 56 9.7%
Rural and All Other 217 37.5%
Unknown 11 1.9%
Total 578 100.0%

Table 14 shows respondents’ household income brackets. As shown in the table, nearly half of
the respondents reported annual household income of less than $50,000 per year.

Table 14: Household Annual Income Bracket

Household Income Bracket Frequency Percent
Less than $35,000 160 27.7%
$35,000 - $49,999 121 20.9%
$50,000 - $99,999 179 31.0%
$100,000 or More 78 13.5%
Refused/Unknown 40 6.9%
Total 578 100.0%

According to U. S. Census estimates for 2005-2007, the median household income in Grand
Traverse County was $49,066; in Antrim County, $43,849; in Wexford County, $38,687; and in
Leelanau County, $54,502. Estimates for Benzie and Kalkaska Counties are not available for the
most recent period. 1999 estimated household income was $37,350 in Benzie County and
$36,072 in Kalkaska County. On a bracket-by-bracket basis, a comparison of survey results to
the household income distribution for the four counties with current Census data suggests that
the survey respondents may somewhat underrepresent those in the lowest income bracket and
overrepresent those in the $35,000-$49,999 bracket.

Table 15 shows respondents’ reported levels of educational attainment. In comparison to data

reported through the U. S. Census, survey participants did reveal higher levels of educational
attainment, on average, than the population at large. Census data for the four counties with
estimates available for 2005-2007 shows percentages of county-level population aged 25 and
older with a high school diploma/GED or less ranging from 32.5% (Leelanau County) to 53.7%
(Wexford County), whereas those in this educational classification comprised only 26.8% of
survey respondents.

Table 15: Highest Level of Education Attained

Response Frequency Percent
Some High School or Less 13 2.2%
High School Diploma or GED 142 24.6%
Some College 145 25.1%
Two-Year or Associate’s Degree 75 13.0%
Four-Year or Bachelor’s Degree 114 19.7%

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 Table 15: Highest Level of Education Attained
Response Frequency Percent
Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional
Degree 87 15.1%
Refused/Unknown 2 0.3%
Total 578 100.0%

Table 16 shows respondents’ employment status. Thirty-three percent are in full-time

employment. Another 18.5% are in part-time or self-employment. Nearly 16% were
unemployed or out of the labor force for reasons other than retirement, while 30% were retired.

Table 16: Primary Employment Status

Response Frequency Percent
Full-Time Employee 191 33.0%
Part-Time Employee 56 9.7%
Self-Employed 51 8.8%
Retired 173 29.9%
Laid Off 12 2.1%
Unemployed 21 3.6%
Disabled 21 3.6%
Full-Time Student 3 0.5%
Homemaker 34 5.9%
Other 11 1.9%
Refused/Unknown 5 0.9%
Total 578 99.9%

Table 17 shows respondents’ own/rent status. Almost 90% of survey participants were
homeowners, while 8.8% were renters and the remainder had a live-in or other arrangement.

Table 17: Own/Rent Status

Response Frequency Percent
Own Home/Property 510 88.2%
Rent Home/Property 51 8.8%
Live With a Family Member 10 1.7%
All Other Living Arrangements 5 0.9%
Refused/Unknown 2 0.3%
Total 578 99.9%

Table 18 shows the unweighted age brackets of survey participants. Approximately

three-quarters of the sample was aged 45 or above. A screen was imposed midway through the
survey to exclude potential respondents in the upper age brackets (females were similarly
overrepresented and screened in the later days of survey administration).

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 Table 18: Age Categories
Age Category Frequency Percent
18-24 19 3.3%
25-34 38 6.6%
35-44 80 13.8%
45-54 140 24.2%
55-64 148 25.6%
65 and above 149 25.8%
Refused/unknown 4 0.7%
Total 578 100.0%

Additional demographic data included gender and year-round/seasonal residency status. The
survey participants had the following characteristics:

 Gender: Male 37.7% (218 respondents), female 62.3% (360 respondents)

 Residency: Year-round 97.6% (564 respondents), seasonal 2.1% (12 respondents), unknown
or refused 0.3% (2 respondents)

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Conclusions
 The most favored future scenario among visions A, B, C, and D, was vision C, selected by
55% of respondents. Vision D was a remote second choice, selected by 29% of survey
participants.
 The results mirror scorecard results closely.
 This pattern—vision C as the most common choice, followed by vision D—was also
exhibited within most demographic subgroups (i.e., females, seniors, those with some
college). The only group to vary notably was Wexford County residents, who opted for
vision D in 52% of cases and vision C in 33% of cases.

 Respondents were broadly supportive of two vision statements tested in the survey. The first
was focused on the importance of unique and vibrant city and village centers, and the second
on preserving the scenic beauty and natural assets of the region.

 Survey participants have favorable attitudes about the Grand Vision process, as revealed in
their responses to questions focused on a regional approach to planning for future growth,
involvement of their local elected officials in the Grand Vision, and their own personal
involvement in the process. Responses were favorable whether respondents had previously
participated in the Grand Vision, had heard of the process but not participated to date, or
were hearing of the Grand Vision for the first time in the context of the survey.

 Regional residents are highly supportive of future investment in trails and sidewalks and in
public transportation. More than 80% of respondents to both the survey and the scorecard
agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that they support future investment in trails and sidewalks
“even if it means some roads aren’t widened.” More than 75% of respondents to both the
survey and the scorecard agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that they support future
investment in public transportation, “even if it means some roads aren’t widened.”

 Regional respondents would prefer taller buildings in the region’s cities and villages to
placing new development on farm or forest lands. Only 21% of scorecard participants, and
24% of survey respondents, agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that “I oppose taller buildings
in our cities and villages even if it means that we have to build on farm or forest lands.”

 Many residents of the region would consider living in a neighborhood “with smaller yards
and some apartments or condominiums” if they could “walk or ride a bike to shops, jobs,
schools and parks.” Fifty-three percent of survey respondents agreed “strongly” or
“somewhat” with this statement, while 64% of scorecard respondents agreed “strongly” or
“somewhat.”

 Regional residents are divided on the priority to be placed on building new roads and
widening existing roads. Fifty-nine percent of survey respondents, and 46% of scorecard
participants, agreed “strongly” or “somewhat” that “building new roads and widening
existing roads should be the first priority for transportation spending in the region.” Support

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 for the statement in the context of the survey was elevated among those with lesser
education, those with lesser household income, males, renters, those younger than 35 or 65
and older, and residents of Antrim, Kalkaska, and Wexford Counties. When asked to choose
between “expanding capacity with new and wider roads” or “repairing and improving the
roads we have,” 86% of regional survey respondents prioritized maintenance over expansion.

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