The annual Quality of Life Survey helps the Planning Commission understand the concerns of Hillsborough County residents and how those concerns could be addressed in the local comprehensive plans.  Surveys were mailed in January 2008 to 9,000 randomly selected registered voters in Hillsborough County.

“With six years of data, it is interesting to note the change in respondent’s perception,” Planning Commission Economic Research Manager Suzi Dieringer said.  Most of the eighteen factors received lower scores when compared to the initial survey.  This means respondents have a lower perception of their quality of life over time.

Growth Management and Affordable Housing were the lowest scoring factors and remain well below the scores from the initial survey in 2002.  When asked which factors should receive more attention in 2008, respondents said the Transportation System and Education System factors. 

Again this year, questions of special interest were asked separately on the back of the Survey form.  One new question was added to the four questions asked last year.  The focus of all five questions was transportation and growth. 

Similar to last year, almost 94 percent of respondents indicated new growth should pay for itself.  Over 80 percent also anticipate the need for rail/transit within the next 50 years and support rail/transit in addition to roads to address regional transportation issues. 

Interestingly, over 73 percent of respondents believe residential construction should be encouraged in vacant, urban areas to shorten commutes and decrease traffic congestion.  “It’s clear that transportation is still a major concern for citizens.  We must work toward a variety of transportation alternatives in order to grow our economy and promote redevelopment of our urban and suburban areas,” said Planning Commission Executive Director Robert B. Hunter, FAICP.

The complete report can be found at http://www.theplanningcommission.org/library/qols/qolsresults.