For the seventh consecutive year, the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission conducted an annual Quality of Life Survey.  Citizens evaluated eighteen quality of life factors based on their perception of that factor compared to last year.  The Survey helps the Planning Commission understand the concerns of Hillsborough County residents and how those concerns could be addressed in local comprehensive plans.  Surveys were mailed in January to 10,000 randomly selected registered voters in Hillsborough County.

Only six of the eighteen factors received lower scores when compared with Survey results from 2005, the height of the economic boom, reflecting respondent’s lower perception of those factors.  “I expected, given the current state of the economy, resulting negative public opinion,” Planning Commission Economic Research Manager Suzi Dieringer said.  Interestingly, five factors were perceived more favorably.  The remaining seven factors did not score statistically different than they had in 2005.  “It’s unfortunate the Survey can’t tell us why attitudes have changed,” Dieringer said.

Unsurprisingly, Economic Opportunities was the lowest scoring factor this year, whereas in 2005 it ranked third.  The Growth Management factor improved the most since 2005, receiving its highest score since the Survey began in 2002.  The Survey defines Growth Management as the availability of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles.  “Clearly, the high score means citizens recognize that our urban services area is working to manage growth and provide lifestyle choices,” said Planning Commission Executive Director Robert B. Hunter, FAICP.   

Again this year, questions of special interest were asked separately on the back of the Survey form.  Residents were asked their opinion on statements related to sustainability and growth.  Seventy-seven percent of respondents agreed the best, long-term solution to reduce traffic congestion is expanding public transportation, including commuter rail.  When asked to rank sustainable transportation solutions, “building new roads” was ranked lowest.  “I think this is evident, citizens want mobility choices,” said Hunter.  

The complete report can be found at www.theplanningcommission.org. 

The Planning Commission is the official Land Planning Agency for the four jurisdictions, the cities of Plant City, Tampa, Temple Terrace and Unincorporated Hillsborough County.  It also serves as staff to the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Hillsborough River Planning Board.

For more information contact:

Suzi Dieringer

Economic Research Manager

Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission

(813) 273-3774, ext. 348