Increased investment in regional transit What do voters think?

1. Increased investment in regional transitWhat do voters think? William Schroeer Study 4

2. The vast majority of Minnesotans say the state will benefit from an expanded and improved public transit system. “Minnesota would benefit from an expanded and improved public transit system, such as rail and buses.” Statewide Metro Region

3. “Minnesota would benefit from having an expanded and improved public transportation system, such as rail and buses.”

4. A majority of voters across the political spectrum believe public transit benefits Minnesota. “Would benefit From Expanded and Improved Public Transit System” By Party

5. There is widespread agreement among Minnesotans that roads alone will not solve congestion. “Building additional roads or highway lanes alone would solve the Twin Cities' traffic congestion problems.” Metro Region By Party Statewide By Party

6. Two-thirds of Minnesotans say they would use transit if it were available and more convenient. “I would like to use public transit such as rail or buses more often, but it is not convenient to or available from my home or work.”

7. Strong support among Minnesota voters for making investments in transit. “Would you support or oppose the state of Minnesota making additional investments in expanding and improving public transit, including buses, trains and light rail if it would ease traffic congestion and provide more transportation choices?” 58% Strongly 51% Strongly

8. Support is high across gender and age groups

9. There is broad support among Minnesota voters for a sales tax increase in the seven-county metro area to fund public transit improvements • 65% of Minnesota voters say they find a 0.5% increase in the metro area sales tax an acceptable way to fund improving light rail, buses, and other public transit choices (33% unacceptable). • 57% of voters in 7 metro counties also say this is an acceptable option for funding transportation improvements. • 74% of voters outside the Twin Cities metro find the sales tax option acceptable.

10. Existing Transit System Help transform today’s transit map… into a competitive economic engine. Visit www.MoreJobsLessTraffic.com for info. Will Schroeer Director, Infrastructure for Economic Development 612.370.9157 wschroeer@minneapolischamber.org

11. Extra / backup material

12. TodayTransit gets people to work • 80% of riders going to work or school • 40% of downtown Minneapolis • US Bank: 50% • Ameriprise: 60%

13. Today and tomorrowWe need transit to compete for workers

14. Transit makes possible a regionthat draws workers and jobs “Companies are recruiting and targeting the next generation of talented workers, the Generation Y/millennials who increasingly prefer urban lifestyles with mass transit.” • Urban Land Institute Source: Jeffrey Spivak, “Urban Office Momentum”, Urban Land, September 14, 2011

15. Uncertainty delays development • Uncertainty about funds • delays transit construction, • delays jobs, • delays development. • Businesses and institutions tell us that they are waiting to see where SW LRT will go before building and investing.

16. A thriving region is a product we are making. Transit is a necessary component. If we put in too little, we’ll get a less competitive product.

17. Other regions know this Maps to same scale Source: Bill Rankin, McKinsey team analysis

18. Our competition is far aheadAnd widening their lead Source: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2013/01/01/openings-and-construction-starts-planned-for-2013/

19. …And are benefitting from their investments Denver: #1 Destination for Millennials Minneapolis: #39 Mayor Hancock: “They’re coming for transit.”