streetcar community attitudes survey - community development and

08 Fall

PREPARED FOR:

CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO

Streetcar Community Attitudes Survey - Community

Development and Transportation Principles

October 2011

PREPARED BY:

DHM RESEARCH

(503) 220-0575 • 203 SW Pine St., Portland, OR 97204 • www.dhmresearch.com

http://www.dhmresearch.com/

DHM Research | Lake Oswego Streetcar Community Attitudes Survey, October 2011 2

1. INTRODUCTION & METHODOLOGY

Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. (DHM Research) conducted a telephone survey of registered

voters in the City of Lake Oswego. The primary objectives of the survey were to measure

support for bringing streetcar service from Portland to Lake Oswego along Highway 43 and

to assess voter priorities on a range of community development and transportation priorities

involved in such a project.

Research Methodology: Between October 10 and 14, 2011, DHM Research conducted a

12 minute telephone survey of 300 registered voters in the City of Lake Oswego. This is a

sufficient sample size to assess voters’ opinions generally and to review findings by multiple

subgroups, including gender, age, political party, and area of the city.1

Voters were contacted using a list of registered voters. This list included both land line and

cell phone numbers. In gathering the responses, a variety of quality control measures were

used, including questionnaire pre-testing and validation. Quotas were set by age, gender,

zip code, and political party based on the total population of voters living in the city for a

representative sample.

Statement of Limitations: Any sampling of opinions or attitudes is subject to a margin of

error, which represents the difference between a sample of a given population and the total

population (here, registered voters in Lake Oswego). For a sample size of 300, if

respondents answered a particular question in the proportion of 90% one way and 10% the

other way, the margin of error would be +/-3.4%, at the 95% confidence level. If they

answered 50% each way, the margin of error would be +/-5.6%.

These plus-minus error margins represent differences between the sample and total

population at a confidence interval, or probability, calculated to be 95%. This means that

there is a 95% probability that the sample taken for this study would fall within the stated

margins of error if compared with the results achieved from surveying the entire population.

DHM Research: We have been providing opinion research and consultation throughout the

Pacific Northwest and other regions of the United States for over three decades. The firm is

non-partisan and independent and specializes in research projects to support public policy-

making. www.dhmresearch.com

1 Using the voter file, respondents were matched to their zip code and precinct. From this information, it was

possible to analyze the data by area of the city. For east and west comparisons the respondents were grouped by

the 97304 (east) and 97035 (west) zip codes. For north and south comparisons, respondents were grouped

according to their voter precincts.


2. SUMMARY & OBSERVATIONS

While the streetcar project is important to many, and a priority to some, there are

also many other issues voters in Lake Oswego would like their elected officials to

do something about.

In an open-ended question to start the survey, 18% of voters said the streetcar was

the most important issue they would like their city elected officials to do something

about. This was more than any other single issue, but it also means that a large

marjority (82%) felt that some other issue was more important. Other important

issues were education, taxing, and city finances.

When it came to transportation priorities, 30% of voters said the streetcar was the

most mentioned issue. But, again, this means that a strong majority (70%) gave

priority to some other transportation priority. Other issues mentioned were

imporving bus service, traffic congention, and road repair.

The survey asked voters to rate the priority of addressing six transportation

problems in Lake Oswego. Above all other priorities was repairing and maintaining

exisiting neighborhood roads and streets.

54% said that maintaining and repairing existing roads was a high or urgent priority,

which was the only problem tested to have a majority feel this strongly.

Reducing traffic congestion was rated the next highest priority. However, the overall

results of the survey suggest that there is not consensus among Lake Oswego voters

if this is best addressed by the streetcar project, improved bus service, or widening

Highway 43.

Although some problems were clearly seen as less of a priority – e.g., traffic

congestion in Lake Grove and downtown parking – a majority said that all the issues

tested were at least a medium priority.

For broader community development ideas, voters in the survey said that

restricting additional development so that Lake Oswego maintains its existing

character was the most acceptable.

Although this survey did not test community satisfaction, from the past quantitative

and qualitative studies DHM Research has conducted for Lake Oswego, we know that

residents greatly value living in Lake Owsego and specifically choose the city because

of the charcter of it’s neighborhoods. It is not surprising that without specific

information about the location, design, amenties, and cost of new development that

voters would be find it acceptable to be restrictive.

The second most acceptable development idea tested was encouraging transporation

alternatives to driving, such as public transit, biking, and walking.


The survey asked voters for their support of the streetcar project twice, once

without providing information about cost and financing, and again after providing

this information. In both tests, a slight majority opposed the project, and about

four in 10 supported it.

In the initial test, 52% said they opposed the project, including 32% who said they

were ―not at all supportive.‖ On the other had, 39% said that they supported the

project, with 18% being ―completely supportive.‖

In the final test, after being provided cost and finance information, 52% opposed

the project and 40% supported it. An equal percertages was ―not at all supportive‖

(32%) and slightly fewer were ―completely supportive‖ (14%).

Voters were presented four statements about the cost and finances of the

streetcar project and asked if they made them more supportive, less supportive, or

made no difference.

The statements that made the most voters relatively more supportive indicated that

the streetcar project would be paid for by fees on new development and not increase

their taxes (37%) and that the funds for existing city services would not be used to

pay for the project (38%).

Statements about specific dollar amonts for the total cost of the project (24%) and

the City’s share of the total cost (31%) moved fewer voters to being supportive of

the project.

The survey concluded by asking voters – open ended – to offer their ideas to

address traffic congestion on Highway 43 if the streetcar project does not go

forward. The most suggested idea was improving bus service (31%).

The next most mentioned ideas were to widen Highway 43 (7%) and add bike paths

(6%).

7% said that traffic congestion on Highway 43 is not a problem.

Overall, this survey indicates that the streetcar project is an important issue, but

voters in Lake Oswego also have many other priorities that they would like their

elected city officals to do something about. When asked directly to rate their

support, more are opposed to the project, but there is a significant support for it

as well. Voters’ opinions appear motivated more by ensuring that funding for

public services will not be cut, and that taxes will not increase, than by the total

cost of the project.


3. KEY FINDINGS

3.1 | Most Important Issues

The survey started by asking voters, open ended, what is the most important issue in Lake

Oswego that you would like your elected officials to do something about (Q1)? The open-

ended comments were coded into categories and are summarized in Table 1. At 18%, the

top mentioned issue was the streetcar (or trolley). The next most mentioned issue was

education. When all categories related to education were grouped together (funding,

quality, and general comments), education was mentioned by a total of 12% of the voters.

City taxing, spending, and financing comments were mentioned by 8% of voters. Twelve

percent (12%) could not name any issues and 14% said they did not know what elected

officials should do.

Table 1

Most Important Issue for Elected Officials to Do Something About (Q1)

Response Category N=300

Streetcar/trolley mention 18%

Education funding 6%

Infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks, etc.) 6%

Water and sewage fees 5%

Doing something with the WEB 5%

Education – general 4%

Government spending 3%

Balancing the budget 3%

Education quality 2%

Traffic congestion 2%

Reduce taxes 2%

All other responses 1% or less

Other 8%

Nothing/none 12%

Don’t know 14%

Source: DHM Research, October 2011

Demographic Differences: The most notable difference in the issues mentioned related to

the streetcar. By area, it was brought up as an issue nearly twice as often in the 97034 zip

code area (23%), which is the eastern side of the city, than in 97035 area (12%). It was

also mentioned more by those with children in the household (30%) than those without

(13%), and those ages 35-54 (30%) compared to those ages 18-34 (9%) and 55+ (12%).


Table 2

Most Important Transportation Issue in Lake Oswego (Q2)


Streetcar/trolley mentioned 30%

Improve bus service (bus stops, availability) 10%


Road repair 6%

More public transportation 6%

More bike paths 4%

Pedestrian safety 2%


Other 8%

Nothing/none 19%

Don’t know 4%


Next, voters were asked to focus on the transportation issue in Lake Oswego that they

would most like their elected officials to do something about (Q2). Their responses are

presented in Table 2. Again, the streetcar was the most mentioned issue (30%). Next was

improving bus service (10%), and another 6% mentioned bringing more public

transportation service to the city generally. Traffic congestion was mentioned by 7% of the

voters and 6% mentioned road repair. Nineteen percent (19%) said there were no issues to

address and 4% said they did not know.

Demographic Differences: At 43%, voters ages 35-54 were much more likely to mention

the streetcar than those younger (9%) and older (27%). It was also more frequently

mentioned by those with children in the household (40%) than those without children

(25%). There were no statistically significant differences by area of the city.

Table 3

Streetcar Project Suggestions (Q3)


Get rid of it/don’t build it 36%

Approve it/build it 20%

Waste of money 14%

Focus on buses 4%

Find funding for streetcar 3%

Use money for more important issues 3%

Complete it quickly 3%

Price availability for everyone 3%


Nothing/none 1%

Don’t know 27%

DHM Research, October 2011


Those who mentioned the streetcar in Q1 or Q2 were asked what, specifically, they would

like their elected officials to do about it. Table 3 lists their responses. Thirty-six percent

(36%) said not to build it, and another 14% said that it is a waste of money. Four percent

(4%) wanted elected officials to focus on buses (4%), or use the money for more important

issues (3%). On the other hand, 20% said to build it, and 6% made comments about

finding the necessary funds (3%) and to complete it quickly (3%).

Table 4

Reasons for Streetcar Project Suggestions (Q4)


Don’t support the idea 24%

Wasteful spending 22%

Expensive/cost 16%

Good idea/support it 14%

Reduce traffic congestion 11%

Money could be spend elsewhere 11%

Convenience 10%

Improve communities 8%

Generate revenue for city 7%

Lack of ridership 6%

Ruin communities 5%

Alternate means of transportation 5%

Majority disapprove 4%

Focus should be on riding the bus 4%

Against raising taxes 3%

Good for the environment 3%

Keep up with population growth 1%

Nothing/none 6%

Don’t know 0%


After asking these voters what they would like their elected officials to do about the

streetcar, a follow-up question asked why they would like their elected officials to act in a

particular way. Table 4 shows the coded responses. Frequently mentioned concerns were

about wasteful spending (22%) and the expense or cost of the streetcar (16%). The most

mentioned comments that were supportive of the streetcar were about reducing traffic

congestion (11%) and increasing convenience (10%).

3.2 | Transportation Project Priorities

The next section of the survey asked the voters about issues that some in Lake Oswego

consider to be transportation problems and to rate each as a low priority, medium priority,

high priority, or urgent priority (Q5-Q11). Because there is a tendency, in exercises like

this, for survey takers to rate each item at the extremes of the scale, and thereby not


differentiate between the items tested, these voters were instructed to be selective with

their ratings and try not to say ―urgent‖ for all the priorities.

The results are summarized in Chart 1. The issues were sorted into three tiers based on

their combined percentages of high and urgent priority.

Tier 1

One transportation project priority stood out above the rest: repairing and maintaining

existing neighborhood roads and side streets (Q8). This was the only problem tested in

which a majority (54%) said it was a high (47%) or urgent (7%) priority.

Demographic Differences: Among demographic groups, the only statistically significant

difference was by gender, with 61% of females rating this as a high or urgent priority

compared to 47% of males who rated it similarly. Although it was not a statistically

significant difference, it is worth noting that voters in the 97034 area were more likely to

say that this is a high or urgent priority (59%) than those in the 97035 area (48%).

47%

39%

41%

41%

36%

18%

10%

38%

39%

34%

33%

32%

45%

35%

13%

13%

21%

20%

26%

27%

47%

1%

3%

4%

5%

3%

8%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Improve parking in downtown Lake Oswego

Reducing traffic congestion in the Lake Grove

neighborhood

Having more pathways that connect pedestrians

to neighborhoods and shopping areas.

Having more bicycle routes in Lake Oswego

Having more frequent public transportation

service to and from Lake Oswego

Reducing traffic congestion on Highway 43

between Lake Oswego and Portland

Repairing and maintaining existing neighborhood

roads and side streets

CHART 1: TRANSPORTATION PROJECT PRIORITIES (Q5-Q11)

Low priority Medium priority High priority Urgent priority Don’t know


Tie

r 1

Tie

r 2

Tie

r 3


Tier 2

Four projects fell into the second tier based on their percentages of high and urgent priority

ratings:

Reducing traffic congestion on Highway 43 between Lake Oswego and

Portland (35%) (Q5)

Having more frequent public transportation service to and from Lake

Oswego (29%) (Q9)

Having more bicycle routes in Lake Oswego (24%) (Q11)

Having more pathways that connect pedestrians to neighborhoods and

shopping centers (24%) (Q10)

Demographic Differences: The priority of reducing traffic congestion on Highway 43

differed by area of the city. Forty-two percent (42%) of voters living in the 97034 zip code

area (eastern) said that it is a high or urgent priority compared to 28% of those living in the

97035 zip code area (western). It was also more urgent in northeast voter precincts (52%)

than northwest (29%) or southern (29%) parts of the city.

There was a sharp partisan divide when it came to having more frequent public

transportation service to and from Lake Oswego. Nearly one-half (46%) of Democrats said

it was a high or urgent priority versus just 12% of Republicans and 22% of Independents.

Also, as would be expected, it was a greater priority among streetcar supporters (53%)

than those who were neutral (16%) or opposed (14%) to it.

Having more bicycle routes in Lake Oswego was a greater priority among 35-54 year olds

(37%) and those with household incomes between $75,000 - $149,999 (36%). It was also

a greater priority among Democrats (31%) compared to Republicans (15%) or

Independents (26%).

Voters with children in the household (34%) were more likely to say that having pathways

that connect pedestrians to neighborhoods and shopping areas is a high or urgent priority

than those without children (20%). It was also deemed a greater priority among voters

ages 35-54 (31%).

Tier 3

The two issues that were rated as the lowest priorities were:

Reducing traffic congestion in the Lake Grove neighborhood (16%) (Q6)

Improve parking in downtown Lake Oswego (14%) (Q7)

It is notable that although these problems rated the lowest, a majority (53%-61%) of

voters still rated them as at least a medium priority.

Demographic Differences: The level of priority for reducing traffic congestion in Lake

Grove was consistent across demographic groups and there were no statistically significant

differences.


When it comes to parking in downtown Lake Oswego, females were more likely to say it is a

high or urgent priority (22%) than males (7%). It was also considered a greater priority

among voters 18-34 (19%) and 55+ years old (18%) than those 35-54 (8%). Despite the

fact that these are location specific issues, there were no statistically significant differences

by areas of the city.

3.3 | Community Planning Principles

Voters who took the survey were asked to rate the acceptability of six principles relating to

the type of development they would like to see used in community planning for Lake

Oswego in the next ten years (Q12-Q17). They rated each principle on a 1-7 scale where 1

meant ―not at all acceptable‖ and 7 meant ―very acceptable.‖ Taking into account both the

average, or mean, response and the percentages of 6-7 reponses (those that are most

acceptable), the principles tested sorted into five tiers. The results are summarized in Chart

2.

In addition to their rank order, it is worth noting that none of the six principles were judged

as unacceptable by a majority of voters. Also, for five of the priciples, the percentage of

voters who rated it as a 6-7 was greater than the percentage who rated it a 1-2.

15%

10%

9%

8%

13%

5%

12%

10%

10%

8%

7%

8%

15%

12%

6%

10%

10%

12%

15%

20%

18%

13%

10%

13%

26%

22%

26%

27%

18%

14%

8%

12%

15%

17%

17%

16%

8%

13%

16%

16%

24%

30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Mix different development types together, such

as buildings in which people can live above retail shops and offices.

Encourage development that allows people to

shop closer to where they live.

Encourage additional development in

underdeveloped areas of Lake Oswego, but only of the type that maintains the character of our

existing neighborhoods.

Encourage the development of housing that is

affordable to new families, teachers, police officers, and young professionals.

Encourage public transit, biking, and walking as

an alternative to the automobile.

Restrict additional development so that Lake

Oswego maintains its existing character.

CHART 2: ACCEPTABILITY OF PLANNING PRINCIPAL (Q12-Q17) 1-7 scale: 1=not at all, 7=very

1:Not at all 2 3 4 5 6 7: Very Source: DHM Research, October 2011

Tie

r 1

Tie

r 2

Tie

r 3

Tie

r 4

Tie

r 5

Mean

5.0

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.2

3.8


Tier 1

The most acceptable community planning principle was to restrict additional

development so that Lake Oswego maintains its existing character (Q15). Nearly

one-half (46%) rated this 6-7 and it had a mean rating of 5.0.

Demographic Differences: Voter sentiment about this planning principle was consistent

across demographic groups. There were no statistically significant differences by age,

gender, area of the city, or other subgroup.

Tier 2

The second most acceptable planning principle was encouraging public transit, biking,

and walking as an alternative to the automobile (Q13). Four in 10 (41%) rated this 6-

7 and it had a mean rating of 4.6.

Demographic Differences: The greatest differences for this priority related to political

party and area of the city. Comparing means, Democrats (5.2) and Independents (5.2)

rated this as more acceptable than Republicans (3.5). It was also rated higher among voters

in the northeast part of the city (5.1) than those in the northwest (4.5) and southern parts

(4.3)

Tier 3

Two planning principles fell into a third tier of acceptability:

Encourage the development of housing that is affordable to new families,

teachers, police officers, and young professionals (6-7: 33%; mean: 4.6)

(Q17)

Encourage additional development in underdeveloped areas of Lake

Oswego, but only of the type that maintains the character of our existing

neighborhoods (6-7: 31%; mean: 4.5) (Q16)

Demographic Differences: Voters who said that the principle of encouraging the

development of housing that is affordable to new families was more acceptable tended to be

women (4.9), Democrats (5.0), and those with household incomes less than $150,000 (4.9-

5.0). It was also judged to be more acceptable by those who were neutral or supportive

about bringing streetcar service to Lake Oswego (5.0-5.2).

Democrats (5.0) and those with household incomes between $75,000 - $149,999 (5.0)

were the demographic groups that rated the principle of encouraging additional

development in underdeveloped areas as acceptable, so long as it maintains the character

of Lake Oswego’s existing neighborhoods. It was also seen as more acceptable in the

northern part of the city (4.7) than in the southern part (4.2).


Tier 4

In the fourth tier, by itself, was the principle to encourage development that allows

people to shop closer to where they live (6-7: 25%; mean: 4.2) (Q12).

Demographic Differences: Political party affiliation was the only demographic difference

for this planning principle. On average, Democrats rated it 4.8 compared to ratings of 3.5

by Republicans and 4.3 by Independents. It should be noted that one-third (34%) of

Republicans rated this principle 1 or 2 on the seven-point scale.

Tier 5

The least acceptable principle was to mix different development types together, such

as buildings in which people can live above retail shops and offices (6-7: 16%;

mean: 3.8) (Q14). It is important to note that survey respondents were not given any

context about where this development may occur, what it would look like, or what amenities

it could include. In other research projects, DHM Research has found that providing more

detailed information about this type of mixed-use development can make people more

supportive. That does not, however, necessarily mean that the same would be true in Lake

Oswego, and the survey did not have the opportunity to explore the issue more deeply.

Even so, with a mean rating of 3.8, voters on average found this principle more acceptable

than not.

Demographic Differences: Again, the greatest demographic differences were by political

party affiliation. Mean ratings for Democrats (4.1) and Independents (4.3) were significantly

higher than those of Republicans (3.1). Additionally, four out of 10 (41%) Republicans rated

this principle as a 1 or 2, or not at all acceptable.

3.4 | Streetcar: Initial Supportive Level

The final section of the survey assessed voter support for bringing streetcar service to Lake

Oswego. Support levels were measured twice. In the initial test, survey respondents were

not given any information about the projected cost or funding mechanism to fund a

streetcar. After being presented four statements about costs and funding, they were asked

again about their support.


The language of the initial test was: As you may have heard, the City of Lake Oswego

continues to explore streetcar service between Portland and Lake Oswego

adjacent to Highway 43. This streetcar would connect directly to the existing

streetcar in downtown Portland. Based on what you know, please rate your level

of support for the streetcar project using a 1 to 9 scale, where 1 means ―not at all

supportive‖ and 9 means ―completely supportive‖ (Q18).

Chart 3 displays the results of the initial test. The mean rating was 4.4. Fifty-two percent

(52%) leaned somewhat unsupportive to not at all supportive, while 39% leaned somewhat

supportive to completely supportive. It worth noting the percentage of voters who placed

themselves at the extremes of the scales: 18% were completely supportive (9 on the scale)

and 32% were not at all supportive (1 on the scale).

Demographic Differences: Levels of support (and opposition) to the streetcar were

characterized by area of the city, political affiliation, and having children at home. On

average, voters living in the 97035 zip code– which is farther away from the proposed

streetcar project – were more supportive having a mean of 5.0 than those living in the

97034 zip code where the mean was 3.9. Nearly six in 10 (59%) 97034 voters were

generally not supportive of the streetcar and 40% rated their support as 1, or not at all

supportive. When comparing the northern and southern parts of the city, there was not a

statistically significant difference in the overall average level of support.

Democrats were significantly more supportive of the streetcar (5.1) than Republicans (3.4),

with Independents falling in between (4.5). One-half (51%) of Democrats were at least

somewhat supportive, and 70% of Republicans were at least somewhat unsupportive, with

44% who were completely unsupportive.

32%

8%

6%

6%

9%

7%

9%

5%

18%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

1:Not at all supportive

2

3

4

5: Neutral

6

7

8

9: Completely supportive

CHART 3: SUPPORT LEVEL - INITIAL TEST (Q18)


39%

52%

Mean: 4.4


Voters with children in the home were less supportive of the streetcar than those without

children, both on average (4.1 vs. 4.6) and as a percent of those who rated their supportive

level from 1-4 (62% vs. 47%).

After rating their support for the streetcar, the survey respondents were asked, open ended,

why they rated their support the way they did (Q19). The responses were coded based on

level of support. Voters who rated their support from 1-4 were coded as ―not supportive,‖ 6-

9 were ―supportive,‖ and 5 were ―neutral.‖2

Table 5 shows that of those who support the streetcar, 4 in 10 voters (42%) said that they

favor bringing streetcar service to Lake Oswego because they are supportive of public

transportation. Another 20% said it was because they believe that it would help reduce

traffic congestion.

Table 5

Comments Supportive of the Streetcar (Q19)

Comments N=114

Support public transportation 42%


Convenience 10%

More people will use it 9%

Cost/expensive 9%

Less dependence on automobiles 8%

Need transportation to Portland 8%

Need more information 6%

Would use it 6%

Good to have alternate forms of transportation 6%

Save on gas 5%

Already have adequate public transportation 5%


Not enough people will use it 4%

Money can be better used on other projects 4%

Bring in revenue to downtown 3%


Other 15%


2 Some comments may appear contradictory. For example, 4% of people who supported the streetcar commented

that ―not enough people will use it.‖ The reason for this was that survey respondents often qualified their answers

or offered caveats. In this example, a set of participants supported the streetcar despite reservations about the

number of riders.


“I think a lot of people work in downtown Portland and if there was something that

connected them to the streetcar downtown they would use it.”

“Well there is a ton of traffic on that road and it’s impossible to widen so they need

the streetcar.”

“I think it is an important priority to reduce traffic and give an alternative to driving

to downtown Portland.”

“I think it’s a good idea. A lot of people travel [on] Highway 43, and there’s no

reason to drive in their car.”

As Table 6 summarizes, nearly one-half (48%) of voters generally opposed to the streetcar

said it is because of cost or that it is too expensive. Thirty-seven percent (37%) said that it

is unnecessary and another 15% felt that not enough people will use it. Fifteen percent

(15%) also said that the money needed for the streetcar could be better used on other

projects.

Table 6

Comments Opposed to the Streetcar (Q19)

Not Supportive N=156

Cost/expensive 48%

Unnecessary 37%





Wasteful spending – general 3%

I wouldn’t use it 3%

Affects property values of neighborhoods 3%

Reduces congestion 3%


Other 20%

Nothing/none 1%


“The streetcar project is one that costs a lot of money and I think it is not so

important as the bus service.”

“I just think there is a better way to spend the money in the metro area. It would be

nice and fun, but it isn’t needed.”

“I don't think it would be used. People like us don’t use public transit as much as

other areas.”

“Because it really doesn't affect me. I live on the other side of town, and it seems

that we could use the tax payer dollars on other priorities.”


Table 7 shows that voters neutral to the streetcar (5 on the 9-point scale) shared many of

the same concerns as those opposed and supportive. On the negative side, 49% said that

cost is a concern and 20% said that not enough people will use it. On the positive side, 24%

commented that they are generally supportive of public transportation. Sixteen-percent

(16%) said that they needed more information before concluding one way or the other.

Table 7

Comments Neutral Towards the Streetcar (Q19)

Neutral N=27

Cost/expensive 49%





Unnecessary 12%


Bad economy 3%


Against tax increases 3%

Other 13%


“I know there’s a pretty big cost and [it is] questionable how useful it would be.”

“I think it would be great to have better connections to the City of Portland, but the

costs proposed make it a tough choice.”

“I think it might be good for some people but I just don't think many Lake Oswego

residents are going to use it to get to the downtown area.”


3.5 | Streetcar: Cost Information

Because there are different levels of awareness and knowledge about the streetcar project,

one objective of the survey was to assess if voters’ attitudes changed when they were given

information about the cost and financing of the streetcar project. To that end, the voters

were read four statements about cost and financing and asked, for each, if knowing this

information made them more likely to support the project, less likely, or if it didn’t make

any difference (Q20-Q23). The results are presented in Chart 4.

For each of the four statements, a plurality of voters (41%-48%) said that the information

presented made no difference. However, for three of the four statements, more voters said

the information made them more likely to support the project.

The statement with the highest percentage of ―more likely‖ to support responses was none

of the current funds that pay for police, fire, parks, schools, or any other public

service in Lake Oswego would be used to pay for the streetcar project (Q23).

Thirty-eight percent (38%) said that knowing this makes them more likely to support the

project, 11% said less likely, and 48% said that it makes no difference.

Next was the statement that the City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the streetcar

project costs would be paid for solely from revenues and fees from new

development. Your taxes would not increase to pay for the streetcar project (Q22).

Thirty-seven percent (37%) said that this made them more likely to support the project,

16% said less likely, and 42% said it made no difference.

24%

31%

37%

38%

24%

23%

16%

11%

47%

41%

42%

48%

6%

5%

5%

3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

There have been concerns about the cost of providing streetcar service between Lake Oswego and Portland. The figure often mentioned is $458 million dollars, however, this includes all of the most expensive options, is …

The vast majority of the streetcar costs would be paid for by the federal government, State, Metro, and the City of Portland. The City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the total cost is expected to be about $17 million dollars.

City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the streetcar project costs would be paid for solely from revenues and fees from new development. Your taxes would not increase to pay for the streetcar project.

None of the current funds that pay for police, fire, parks, schools, or any other public service in Lake Oswego would be used to pay for the streetcar project.

CHART 4: EFFECT OF COST INFORMATION (Q20-Q23)

More likely to support Less likely to support No difference Don’t know



The statement that was the third most likely to shift support towards favoring the streetcar

project was the vast majority of the streetcar costs would be paid for by the federal

government, state, Metro, and the City of Portland. The City of Lake Oswego’s

portion of the total cost is expected to be about $17 million dollars (Q21). Three in

ten (31%) said that this made them more likely to support the project, while 23% said it

made them less likely, and 41% said it made no difference.

The statement that moved the least people was there have been concerns about the

cost of providing streetcar service between Lake Oswego and Portland. The figure

often mentioned is $458 million dollars, however, this includes all of the most

expensive options, is in 2017 dollars, and includes the value of railroad right of

way donated to the project. Engineers are in the process of reworking the project

and believe that the actual cost of the project could be half as much, or between

$200 and $250 million dollars (Q20). Just 24% of the voters said that knowing this

about the project made them more likely to support it, while an equal percent (24%) said it

would make them less likely, and 47% said it would make no difference.

It may seem odd to hear that when voters learned that the streetcar project may cost less

than is often discussed one-fourth of voters became less supportive. However, it is likely

that the survey call was the first time that many voters learned about the cost projections of

the streetcar. Learning of a cost may have made them less supportive of the idea, even if

the cost is less than the original estimate.

Looking at these four statements as a group, it is notable that the statements that specified

the overall costs of the project had the least impact on voter attitudes. Rather, what

mattered most was learning that bringing streetcar service to Lake Oswego would not

increase their taxes or affect funding for public services.

Demographic Differences: There were few subgroup variations for these cost and

financing statements. The only consistent difference was that, for each statement, more

Democrats than Republicans or Independents said that they would be more likely to support

the streetcar project based on the information presented. For example, for the four

statements, Democrats were 9-13 percentage points more likely to support the streetcar

project, while Republicans were 3-12 percentage points less likely to support it.

To further understand the influence of these costs and financing statements, the results

were analyzed by how voters initially rated their support for the streetcar project. The

voters were divided into three categories: ―Strong Opposers‖ who rated their initial support

from 1-3, ―Fence Sitters‖ from 4-6, and ―Strong Supporters‖ from 7-9. Chart 5 shows that

the statement that most influenced Fence Sitters was that the streetcar project would be

paid for by revenues and fees from new development and that their taxes would not

increase. Fifty-five percent (55%) said that this made them more likely to support the

project, which was eight percentage points higher than the 47% of Fence Sitters who said

they were more likely to support the project because none of the current funds that pay for

other city services would be used to pay for the streetcar.


Interestingly, statements that have the most effect differed for voters who were initially

Strong Supporters of the streetcar. Sixty-four percent (64%) of this group said they were

more likely to support the streetcar because funds for other city services would not be used

compared to 57% who said they were more likely to support the streetcar because it would

be paid for by new development revenues and fees and that their taxes would not increase.

56%

57%

57%

64%

20%

41%

55%

47%

4%

8%

15%

16%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

There have been concerns about the cost of providing streetcar service between Lake Oswego and Portland. The figure often mentioned is $458 million dollars, however....the actual cost of the project could be half as much, or between $200 and $250 million

The vast majority of the streetcar costs would be paid for by the federal government, State, Metro, and the City of Portland. The City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the total cost is expected to be about $17 million dollars.

City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the streetcar project costs would be paid for solely from revenues and fees from new development. Your taxes would not increase to pay for the streetcar project.

None of the current funds that pay for police, fire, parks, schools, or any other public service in Lake Oswego would be used to pay for the streetcar project.

CHART 5: MORE LIKELY TO SUPPORT, BY INITIAL SUPPORT LEVEL

(Q24)

Strong opposers (1-3) Fence sitters (4-6) Strong supporters (7-9)



3.6 | Streetcar: Final Test

After presenting the survey respondents with cost and finance information about providing

streetcar service between Portland and Lake Oswego, the respondents were asked again to

rate their level of support from 1 (not at all supportive) to 9 (completely supportive). The

results are displayed in Chart 6.

There was very little change from the initial test to the final test, with the averages going

from 4.4 in the initial test to 4.3 in the final test.

In the final test, 40% said they were generally supportive (rating=6-9), compared to 38%

in the initial test who were supportive. The percentage of voters that were completely

supportive (rating=9) fell from 18% in the initial test to 14% in the final test. In both tests,

52% were generally not supportive (rating=1-4) and 32% said that they were not at all

supportive (rating=1).

Demographic Differences: On average, Democrats still rated their support higher (5.3)

than Republicans (3.1) or Independents (4.3). In the final test, there were no longer any

statistically significant differences by area of the city, with the average support declining in

97035 to 4.7 (from 5.0) and rising in 97034 to 4.0 (from 3.9).

32%

9%

5%

6%

7%

9%

12%

5%

14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

1:Not at all

2

3

4

5: Neutral

6

7

8

9: Completely

CHART 6: SUPPORT LEVEL - POST-TEST (Q24)


40%

52%

Mean: 4.3


3.7 | Streetcar Alternatives

The survey concluded by asking if the streetcar did not come to Lake Oswego, what

alternatives would you recommend to City leaders to address traffic congestion

along Highway 43 from Lake Oswego to Portland (Q25). The coded responses are

presented in Table 8.

Table 8

Suggested Alternatives to Address Traffic Congestion (Q25)

Alternative Suggestion N=300

Improving bus service (frequency/hours of

service/routes) 31%

Widen Highway 43 and other streets 7%

Traffic congestion isn’t a problem 7%

Bike paths 6%

Promote bus ridership 4%

Road repair 4%

Water taxi/ferry 3%


Other3 14%

Nothing/none 15%

Don’t know 10%


“I supposed enhanced bus service, and encouraging a true city plan for carpooling.”

“Bike paths and maybe increased bus service or walking and bike paths.”

“Add a lane to highway 43, and if that’s not possible then have bus service.”

“People always talk about how bad it is but I drive on it all the time and it's not that

bad.”

Mentioned by 31% of the voters, improved bus service was the most suggested alternative

to the streetcar project. Another 4% said that the city should do more public outreach and

promotion to encourage bus ridership.

Other responses were to widen Highway 43 and other streets (7%), add bicycle paths (6%),

and develop a water taxi service (4%). Seven percent (7%) specifically said that traffic

congestion is not a problem and 15% said that nothing should be done. Another 10% said

that they did not know.

3 These comments were typically not related to congestion, traffic, the streetcar, or were not applicable to the

question. For example, two responses coded as ‖other‖ were: “keep it affordable” and “improving cell phone

reception.”


LAKE OSWEGO TRANSPORTATION SURVEY

October 2011; N=300; City of Lake Oswego voters

12 minutes; margin of error +/-5.7%

DHM Research

Hello, this is ______ of DHM Research, a public opinion research firm in Oregon. We are

doing research about issues in your community. We are not trying to sell anything. May I

please speak to (Must speak to name on list; if unavailable, schedule callback).

WARM-UP

1. What is the most important issue in Lake Oswego you would like your elected city

officials to do something about? (Open. Enter first response given.)


Streetcar/trolley mention 18%

Education funding 6%

Infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks, etc.) 6%

Water and sewage fees 5%

Doing something with the WEB 5%

Education – general 4%

Government spending 3%

Balancing the budget 3%

Education quality 2%


Reduce taxes 2%


Other 8%

Nothing/none 12%

Don’t know 14%

2. Now I’d like to focus on transportation issues in Lake Oswego. What is the most

important transportation issue in Lake Oswego you would like your elected city officials

to do something about? (Open. Enter first response given.)


Streetcar/trolley mentioned 30%

Improve bus service (bus stops, availability) 10%


Road repair 6%

More public transportation 6%

More bike paths 4%

Pedestrian safety 2%


Other 8%

Nothing/none 19%

Don’t know 4%


3. (IF STREET CAR MENTIONED TO Q1-2) You mention the streetcar. What do you want

your elected city officials to do about it? (Open. Accept multiple responses.)


Get rid of it/don’t build it 36%

Approve it/build it 20%

Waste of money 14%

Focus on buses 4%

Find funding for streetcar 3%

Use money for more important issues 3%

Complete it quickly 3%

Price availability for everyone 3%


Nothing/none 1%

Don’t know 27%

4. (IF STREET CAR MENTIONED TO Q1-2) Why? (Open. Accept multiple responses.)


Don’t support the idea 24%

Wasteful spending 22%

Expensive/cost 16%

Good idea/support it 14%


Money could be spend elsewhere 11%

Convenience 10%

Improve communities 8%

Generate revenue for city 7%

Lack of ridership 6%

Ruin communities 5%

Alternate means of transportation 5%

Majority disapprove 4%

Focus should be on riding the bus 4%

Against raising taxes 3%


Keep up with population growth 1%

Nothing/none 6%

Don’t know 0%


TRANSPORTATION PROJECT PRIORITIES

I’m going to read to you a list of items that some Lake Oswego residents consider to be

transportation problems. Over the next 10 years, the City of Lake Oswego will be facing

many difficult issues and competing demands. With limited resources, they won’t be able to

do everything and must establish priorities. Knowing that financial resources are limited,

what priority should Lake Oswego give to each possible transportation project: low priority,

medium priority, high priority, or urgent priority? Try not to say urgent for all the projects.

Be selective in your rating. Also, remember that we’re talking about projects to address

over the next ten years. You may have other problems or projects in mind, but please limit your answers for now to just the projects I’m going to read you. (Rotate Q5-Q11)

Response Category N=300 Low

priority Medium priority

High priority

Urgent priority

Don’t know

5. Reducing traffic congestion on Highway 43 between Lake Oswego and Portland

18% 45% 27% 8% 2%

6. Reducing traffic congestion in the Lake Grove neighborhood

39% 39% 13% 3% 6%

7. Improve parking in downtown Lake Oswego

47% 38% 13% 1% 1%

8. Repairing and maintaining existing neighborhood roads and side streets

10% 35% 47% 7% 1%

9. Having more frequent public

transportation service to and from Lake Oswego

36% 32% 26% 3% 4%

10. Having more pathways that connect

pedestrians to neighborhoods and

shopping areas. 41% 34% 21% 4% 1%

11. Having more bicycle routes in Lake Oswego

41% 33% 20% 5% 1%

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VALUES

I’m going to read you some general principles or ideas that might be used in planning for

Lake Oswego in the next 10 years. Some of these you may consider to be qualities of a

place to live. After I read each one, tell me how acceptable it is to you that the principle or

idea guide planning for your city government. Please use a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means

―not at all acceptable‖ and 7 means ―very acceptable.‖ Remember you can choose any

point on the scale. (Rotate Q12-Q17)

Response Category

1—

Not at all 2 3 4 5 6

7 Very Mean

Don’t know

12. Encourage development

that allows people to

shop closer to where

they live.

10% 10% 12% 20% 22% 12% 13% 4.2 1%

13. Encourage public

transit, biking, and

walking as an

alternative to the automobile.

13% 7% 10% 10% 18% 17% 24% 4.6 1%


Response Category

1—Not at all 2 3 4 5 6

7 Very Mean

Don’t know

14. Mix different

development types

together such as

buildings in which

people can live above retail shops and offices.

15% 12% 15% 15% 26% 8% 8% 3.8 1%

15. Restrict additional

development so that

Lake Oswego maintains

its existing character.

5% 8% 12% 13% 14% 16% 30% 5.0 2%

16. Encourage additional

development in

underdeveloped areas

of Lake Oswego, but

only of the type that

maintains the character

of our existing neighborhoods.

9% 10% 6% 18% 26% 15% 16% 4.5 1%

17. Encourage the

development of housing

that is affordable to

new families, teachers,

police officers, and young professionals.

8% 8% 10% 13% 27% 17% 16% 4.6 2%

STREETCAR SUPPORT INITIAL TEST

18. As you may have heard, the City of Lake Oswego continues to explore streetcar service

between Portland and Lake Oswego adjacent to Highway 43. This streetcar would

connect directly to the existing streetcar in downtown Portland. Based on what you

know, please rate your level of support for the streetcar project using a 1 to 9 scale where 1 means ―not at all supportive‖ and 9 means ―completely supportive.‖


1—Not at all supportive 32%

2 8%

3 6%

4 6%

5--Neutral 9%

6 7%

7 9%

8 5%

9—Completely supportive 18%

8+9 23%

Mean 4.4

Don’t know 1%


19. Why did you give it a rating of (rating from Q18)? (Open; code responses based on

rating from Q18 ―Not Supportive‖=1-4, ―Neutral‖=5, ―Supportive‖=6-9, ―Don’t

know‖)

Not Supportive N=156

Cost/expensive 48%

Unnecessary 37%





Wasteful spending—general 3%


Affects property values of neighborhoods 3%

Reduces congestion 3%


Other 20%

Nothing/none 1%

Neutral N=27

Cost/expensive 49%





Unnecessary 12%


Bad economy 3%


Against tax increases 3%

Other 13%

Supportive N=114



Convenience 10%

More people will use it 9%

Cost/expensive 9%

Less dependence on automobiles 8%

Need transportation to Portland 8%


Would use it 6%

Good to have alternate forms of transportation 6%

Save on gas 5%





Bring in revenue to downtown 3%


Other 15%


STREETCAR COST INFORMATION

Now I would like to give you some information about the streetcar project. After each

statement, please tell me if the information makes you more likely to support the project,

less likely, or it doesn’t make any difference in how you feel. Again, if you don’t know or

are unsure, just let me know. Let’s start with this statement: (Rotate Q20-Q23). Does this

information make you more likely to support the streetcar project, less likely, or it doesn’t

make any difference in how you feel.

Response Category

More likely to support

Less likely to support

No difference

Don’t know

20. There have been concerns about the cost of

providing streetcar service between Lake

Oswego and Portland. The figure often

mentioned is $458 million dollars, however,

this includes all of the most expensive options,

is in 2017 dollars, and includes the value of

railroad right of way donated to the project.

Engineers are in the process of reworking the

project and believe that the actual cost of the

project could be half as much, or between

$200 and $250 million dollars.

24% 24% 47% 6%

21. The vast majority of the streetcar costs would

be paid for by the federal government, State,

Metro, and the City of Portland. The City of

Lake Oswego’s portion of the total cost is expected to be about $17 million dollars.

31% 23% 41% 5%

22. City of Lake Oswego’s portion of the streetcar

project costs would be paid for solely from

revenues and fees from new development.

Your taxes would not increase to pay for the streetcar project.

37% 16% 42% 5%

23. None of the current funds that pay for police,

fire, parks, schools, or any other public service

in Lake Oswego would be used to pay for the streetcar project.

38% 11% 48% 3%


STREETCAR SUPPORT POST-TEST

24. Now that you’ve heard a little more about the cost of providing streetcar service

between Portland and Lake Oswego, I’d like to ask you again to rate your level of

support for the streetcar project using a 1 to 9 scale where 1 means ―not at all supportive‖ and 9 means ―completely supportive.‖


1—Not at all supportive 32%

2 9%

3 5%

4 6%

5--Neutral 7%

6 9%

7 12%

8 5%

9—Completely supportive 14%

8+9 19%

Mean 4.3

Don’t know 1%

25. If streetcar service did not come to Lake Oswego, what alternatives would you

recommend to city leaders to address traffic congestion along Highway 43 from Lake

Oswego to Portland? (Open)


Improving bus service (frequency/hours of

service/routes) 31%

Widen Highway 43 and other roads 7%

Traffic congestion isn’t a problem 7%

Bike paths 6%

Promote bus ridership 4%

Road repair 4%

Water taxi/ferry 3%


Other4 14%

Nothing/none 15%

Don’t know 10%

4 These comments typically were not related to congestion, traffic, the streetcar, or were not applicable to the

question. For example, two responses coded as other were: “keep it affordable” and “improving cell phone

reception.”


DEMOGRAPHICS

26. What is your age?


18-24 7%

25-34 9%

35-54 36%

55-64 14%

65+ 34%

Refused 1%

27. Gender (BY OBSERVATION)


Male 50%

Female 50%

28. Party Registration Party (DO NOT ASK—RECORD FROM SAMPLE)


Democrat 45%

Republican 36%

Independent/other 20%

29. Area of Lake Oswego by Zip Code (DO NOT ASK—RECORD FROM SAMPLE)


97034 (eastern area of city) 53%

97035 (western area of city) 46%

All others 1%

30. Area of Lake Oswego: Voter Precinct (DO NOT ASK—RECORD FROM SAMPLE)


Northeast area precincts 28%

Northwest area precincts 33%

Southern area precincts 39%

31. Do any children in K-12 School live in your home?


Yes 31%

No 67%

Refused 2%

32. Vote History Voting history (FROM SAMPLE)


0/1 of 4 9%

2 of 4 17%

3 of 4 25%

4 of 4 49%


33. Which category best describes your 2010 gross household income, before taxes?

Remember to include everyone living in your household. Your best estimate will do.


Less than $24,999 4%

$25,000-$49,999 13%

$50,000-$74,999 14%

$75,000-$99,999 17%

$100,000-$149,999 12%

$150,000+ 14%

Refused 26%

streetcar community attitudes survey - community development and

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