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• Conducted by: Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Columbia, Maryland (301) 519-9688
• Published 1/28/03
Background & Research Objectives
This survey was commissioned by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, The Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Piedmont Environmental Council. Core to each of their missions is to advocate for public policies that preserve and enhance the quality of life in Virginia. One of the greatest threats to the quality of life in Virginia, as well as communities around the Mid-Atlantic Region and the nation, is the general failure to effectively manage growth and development.
In order to successfully advocate and represent an informed position of the residents and voters of Virginia, these organizations sought to better understand the public's awareness and attitudes towards growth management issues and public policy.
That is the context in which this survey was conducted. The research objectives for the survey focused on:
- Benchmarking the quality of life statewide and in 'high impact' regions that have experienced substantial growth or are presently dealing with substantial growth pressures.
- Documenting important factors that contribute to the quality of life of Virginians.
- Identifying what Virginians feel threatens their quality of life and important issues facing their region and county.
- Measuring concern about the impact of growth, sprawl and attitudes towards current land-use policies.
- Documenting Virginian's awareness and satisfaction with their local and state governments' efforts to curb sprawl and protect their quality of life.
- Understanding attitudes towards and political support for the concept of 'Smart Growth' and specific legislative proposals to empower local communities with growth management tools, like 'Adequate Public Facility Ordinances', 'Impact Fees' and state support and incentives to local governments.
These objectives were accomplished by the survey and are detailed in this report.
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