TallahasseeVoices is a pro bono internet survey panel sponsored by Kerr & Downs Research, which thanks media partners, WCTV, WFSU‐FM, the Tallahassee Democrat

State of the Local EconomyCitizens’ Perspective

TallahasseeVoices is a pro bono internet survey panel sponsored by Kerr & Downs Research, which thanks media partners, WCTV, WFSU FM, the Tallahassee Democrat for covering citizens’ voices as expressed ‐

through TallahasseeVoices. Survey was conducted in August 2010; 527 of the 6,000 panel members responded. Results were weighted to reflect the demographics of the 90%+ local residents who have access to the internet at home, work, or

school.

Contact: Phillip Downs, Ph.D., Senior Partner, Kerr & Downs ResearchProfessor of Marketing, Florida State University

Founder, TallahasseeVoices [email protected]

Source: TallahasseeVoices Sponsored by Kerr & Downs Research

Impact of Economy on Local Residents

• 2010 has been much more difficult on local residents than 2009– Twice as many lost jobs in 2010– Twice as many had benefits cut in 2010– Nearly twice as many had pay cuts in 2010

To compensate for tough times– 6 in 10 residents

• Eat out less• Buy fewer clothes• Use less energy

– 5 in 10 • Buy cheaper foods• Contribute less to charity

– 4 in 10• Eat at less expensive restaurants• Go out less often• Delay house repairs• Eliminate vacations

National policies

• 66% say higher taxes are not the solution• Only 21% say Obama’s stimulus package has

helped them• 66% say Obama’s stimulus package will hurt the

next generation• Only 22% say the stimulus package has helped

the nation• Only 5% give President Obama an “Excellent”

rating on handling the economy

Local economy

• Most residents do not see the local economy improving until Winter 2012

• Only 3% give the City & County commissions “Excellent” ratings on creating jobs

• 7 in 10 residents say local commissions should be more pro growth in their policies

Other

Had benefits reduced

Had pay cut

Had hours cut back

Lost a job

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

13%

18%

19%

24%

37%

5%

8%

11%

21%

16%

Negative impacts of economy on local residents

20092010


Saved less

Less socializing with friends

Postponed a major purchase such as a refrigerator, furniture

Get fewer/cheaper haircuts, manicures, pedicures

Eliminated a vacation

Delayed repairs to house, vehicles, ect.

Go to the movies, sporting events, etc. less frequently

Eat at less expensive restaurants

Fewer charitable donations

Buy cheaper foods at grocery store

Used less energy at home(lower temperature in winter, large wash loads, etc.)

Eat out less frequently

Buy fewer clothes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%31%

32%

35%

36%

39%

39%

43%

44%

46%

46%

55%

59%

60%

30%

26%

25%

39%

31%

40%

39%

37%

34%

52%

50%

65%

52%

Changes in lifestyle because of the economy

20092010


Grow your own food

Go to Starbucks less often

Less drinking, smoking, etc

Took a less expensive vacation

Postponed buying a vehicle

Saved more

Shop at shrift stores(goodwill, second hand stores, ect)

-10% 10% 30% 50% 70%

8%

13%

13%

15%

17%

17%

19%

20%

22%

24%

25%

27%

30%

6%

10%

16%

14%

17%

11%

14%

13%

20%

18%

21%

21%

21%

20092010


Changes in lifestyle because of the economy(continued)

Other

None

Move tp smaller home

Sell 2nd or 3rd home

Go back to school

Use public transportation more

Bought a more fuel efficient vehicle

Got a second(third)job

Carpool

Refinanced a mortage

Bike, walk more rather than take a vehicle

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

3%

9%

2%

2%

4%

5%

5%

5%

6%

6%

7%

7%

8%

3%

2%

4%

5%

5%

8%

8%

4%

7%

20092010


Changes in lifestyle because of the economy(continued)

Not sure

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

15%

19%

66%

48%

26%

26%

Higher taxes are part of the solution to the current state of the economy

20092010


Not sure

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

15%

21%

64%

31%

30%

39%

President Obama's stimulus package has/will help you personally

20092010


Not Sure

No

Yes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

13%

21%

66%

28%

46%

26%

Obama's stimulus package will increase financial burdens on future generations

20092010


Not Sure

No

Yes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

13%

65%

22%

President Obama's stimulus package has helped the national economy


Don't know

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

1%

48%

24%

22%

5%

Obama's performance in handling the economy?


Never

Spring 2010

Summer 2010

Fall 2010

Winter 2011

Spring 2011

Summer 2011

Fall 2011

Winter 2012

After winter 2012

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

12%

0%

0%

1%

3%

11%

13%

10%

17%

33%

When will our national economy return to normal?


Never

Spring 2010

Summer 2010

Fall 2010

Winter 2011

Spring 2011

Summer 2011

Fall 2011

Winter 2012

After winter 2012

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

10%

0%

0%

3%

6%

8%

13%

14%

15%

31%

When will our local economy return to normal?


Don't know

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

31%

42%

18%

7%

3%

Rate the City Commission in terms of taking actions that create local jobs


Don't know

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

31%

40%

20%

5%

3%

Rate the County Commission in terms of taking actions that create jobs


Not sure

Agree-commissions should take more pro-growth stances

Disagree-commissions should NOT take more pro-growth stances

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

16%

69%

15%

City and County commissions should take more pro-growth stances given the state of the economy


Documents

TallahasseeVoices is a pro bono internet survey panel sponsored by Kerr & Downs Research, which thanks media partners, WCTV, WFSU‐FM, the Tallahassee Democrat