Charlotte MOVES Task Force Report December 2020 | Page 83

TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT IN CHARLOTTE AND THE REGION Private Polling and Focus Groups
Earlier this year a multi-stage regional research project on transportation in the Charlotte area kicked off with third party Anzalone Liszt Grove Research and the American Cities Climate Challenge to measure quantitative and qualitative public support for transportation investment .
Private Polling
The research began in mid-August ( during the COVID-19 pandemic ) with quantitative research of 501 registered voters in Mecklenburg , Iredell , Gaston and Union Counties .
Key Findings :
• Support across geographic , partisan and demographic lines for expanding transportation options in the Charlotte region for both economic and quality of life reasons .
• 80 % agree that having more transportation options is important .
• 70 % support expanding the number of local transportation options .
• 80 % agree businesses would benefit from new investments in transportation .
Focus Groups
In November 2020 , focus group sessions were conducted to explore public response to more specific transportation investments ( rail transit , bus , bike , greenway , pedestrian , and roadway ) and potential funding sources including new taxes . Five focus groups of six individuals each ( for a total of 30 residents ) were conducted and participants included residents of Mecklenburg , Iredell , Gaston and Union Counties and ranged in age ( 20 ’ s to late 60 ’ s ), gender , race and political affiliation .
Key Findings :
• General support for transportation investment and expressed excitement about the prospect of progress , noting that investment in transportation options is good for the community , good for business and good for future generations .
• Concern that Charlotte and the region will be left behind , recognizing that infrastructure isn ’ t keeping up with the region ’ s growth .
• An openness to identifying new funding sources ( specifically increased sales tax ) to ensure these transportation plans are implemented , expressing “ progress cost money ”.
• Sensitivity to property tax increases in Mecklenburg County and raising fees , specifically vehicle fees which was a reaction disproportionate to the amount of potential revenue raised .
• There was also a desire to be more easily connected to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the uptown area of Charlotte .
HOW | The Funding Strategy 73