Future of Mason Survey

Prepared for the Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® and

presented to the community as a free resource by the REALTOR®

Party and American Strategies.

This statistically valid community survey was conducted to help

ensure the success of the Mason Corridor by outline general

community understandings and to identify potential

opportunities/challenges to the immediate and long term success

of this community shaping housing, transit, and livability

project.

For more information visit www.fcbr.org/housingfuture ,

www.fcbr.org/FutureofMasonSurvey, or Like Protecting Our Housing

Future on Facebook

Future of Mason Survey- Key Points of Consideration

The following items have been identified by FCBR staff as key points of consideration related to the 2014 Future of Mason Survey. For more information and key points be sure to review the key findings identified in the American Strategies Report and statistically valid community survey itself. Should you have questions please contact Clint at 970-402-0852 or clint@fcbr.org.

Why did FCBR choose to do a survey on Mason?

• To provide the community with statistically valid information • To improve the likelihood of the Mason Corridor’s success • Because Fort Collins is at a crossroad for housing, transit, and livability • Because it is critical that our community realize the opportunities and challenges related to Mason’s success • Because housing affordability is a concern for Fort Collins and Mason will play a critical role for decades to come • Because we promised our members that we would utilize their investments in Advocacy for the betterment of Ft. Collins

Key General Survey Results & Implications:

• 94% say Fort Collins offers Excellent/Good Quality of Life o Fort Collins won’t lose a significant number of people to out migration and continued in migration is likely o Fort Collins need pragmatic and utilitarian Planning based on anticipated growth

• 93% of respondents said owning a car is important for transportation with 67% saying it’s very important o Planning efforts involving Manson will need to take our love of car’s into consideration

• There is greater awareness of MAX than there is for Mason o Mason Corridor is more than Bus Rapid Transit. We must make sure housing and livability are considered

• The general awareness of Mason/MAX is limited o It is crucial to raise awareness about Mason and its potential impact on housing and livability to improve chances

for success in these key quality of life areas

Key Housing Results & Implications:

• The Mason Corridor will serve as the core of our Housing Future and Fort Collins must think strategically to promote

housing diversity and achievability for all wage earners. • Housing needs for low income earners is 20 points higher than those with moderate incomes

o Fort Collins yet to recognize our challenge with housing affordability applies to all income earners • 6 in 10 residents oppose increased height restrictions

o Without areas of greater density the future of affordability, availability, and transit will be in question • According to respondents affordable housing for working/middle class income earners is least likely outcome of

the corridor’s development o Fort Collins must explore how to ensure that Mason will offer a greater variety of homes and apartments for people

with working and middle class incomes. • Significant majority of respondents believe that a greater variety of housing options will be available, like

apartment buildings, duplexes, & townhomes because of Mason. o There is a disconnect between these types of housing being available and their perceived ability to lessen the cost

of housing. o Density to respondents does not increase affordability.

Parking & Height Key Results & Implications:

• Parking & Building Heights are primarily obstacles to Masons’ development according to respondents o Parking & height are emotion based arguments that need changed to practicum based discussions.

• Parking, for housing and business, was identified as the biggest obstacle for the Mason Corridor’s success o Fort Collins must weigh all future impacts along with the current impacts as the corridor starts to build out with

transit in mind. We should not forego tomorrow’s opportunities based on today’s challenges. o Parking like the corridor needs to be addressed holistically and take into consideration our long term strategy

for this corridor and our community. o The cost of parking, especially structured parking, will have a significant impact on housing costs.

• 57% believe Fort Collins should keep existing height limits

o Height along the corridor will help to alleviate the need for height elsewhere. If not on Mason….then where? o Density via height will significantly increase the chance that housing affordability and quality transit are

available in the future o An investment in Height along this corridor will help to address our need for more housing units in a way that

limits upward developments impact on the entire community. o If we aren’t willing to invest in height along this corridor then we must open up to more 2-3- &4 story buildings

in every neighborhood in our growth management area. • Nearly 60% feel that it won’t be a challenge to attract developers who will build a variety of housing options,

like townhomes, condominiums, and apartment buildings o Fort Collins has a history of high quality locally developed projects o Fiscal and political realities for Transit Oriented development projects along Mason make it more difficult o Just because Fort Collins allows this type of development to occur doesn’t mean it will without catalyst projects

Proactively & Positively Pursuing a Better Future by utilizing the Mason Survey Results

• Now that FCBR and the community have a better grasp on the opportunities and challenges to Mason’s success FCBR’s next steps will be to pursue Smart Growth Grants available to us via our member’s investments from the National Association of REALTORS®.

• FCBR will continue to work proactively with the City on the upcoming discussions of Housing Affordability and Parking Strategies along Mason and asks others to join in these important conversations.

• The survey demonstrates that the community is concerned about housing affordability and diversity. FCBR will utilize this information and our Affordable=Achievable campaign to continue to lead the conversation about the need to protect our entire housing spectrum.

• FCBR’s leadership will continue to explore new and innovative approaches to our Advocacy efforts. Especially if FCBR can utilize our members investments in a way that returns value to the entire community and promotes short/long term Housing Sustainability.

• Find Your voice in this important conversation and join these community defining discussions and policy decisions. • Help FCBR Protect Our Housing and support our Affordable=Achievable campaign efforts

For more information visit www.fcbr.org/housingfuture , www.fcbr.org/FutureofMasonSurvey, or Like Protecting Our Housing Future on Facebook

Fort Collins Board of REALTORS®

Report on Citywide Smart Growth Survey

Slide 1

Executive Summary

Most Fort Collins residents have heard at least some information about the Mason Corridor and MAX development

projects. Their knowledge, however, is limited as only one-third have heard “a lot” of information and just 19 percent describe themselves as “very familiar” with the new development. The challenge for proponents is to deepen residents’ understanding

about the project and the personal transit, housing, recreational and business opportunities it affords them. Parking and opposition to loosening building

height restrictions are seen as the primary obstacles to successful implementation of the Mason Corridor project.

Slide 2

Executive SummaryBroad awareness of MAX and Mason Corridor. While only one-third report having heard a lot about the projects, most residents have heard at least something about MAX (72 percent heard a lot or some) or the Mason Corridor (62 percent). Awareness is higher among residents over the age of 50 and college graduates and lower among younger residents, singles and non-college graduates.

Residents mostly favorable about Mason Corridor, but feelings lack intensity. After hearing a brief description of the project, 80 percent have a favorable opinion about it. However, just 36 percent are very favorable, with 44 percent only somewhat favorable.

Almost half will ride MAX at least occasionally. Forty-six percent think they will ride MAX for travel to work, school or other reasons. Singles, those under the age of 50 and men are the most likely to say they will use the bus. The generic numbers drop considerably when residents are asked how they will use the bus. One-quarter say the will utilize it for errands or to get to CSU. Only 14 percent overall will use it for their commute to work. However, 41 percent say they will use the bus occasionally for recreation.

Note that those who say they are most likely to use MAX are currently among the least informed about the project.

Slide 3

Executive Summary

Confidence in MAX. A strong majority (59 percent) agree that a highly likely outcome of the Mason Corridor development program is that MAX will provide convenient and dependable bus service throughout the day. Only 32 percent see reliable service as being an obstacle to successful development.

Business and shopping most likely outcomes. Residents see more shopping and increased business along the corridor as the most likely outcomes for the development project. They are less likely to believe that there will be a greater variety of housing options, especially for people with working and middle-class incomes.

Parking and building heights primary obstacles. Finding space for parking at new businesses or residences is perceived to be the top obstacle that will make it difficult for the Mason Corridor to develop and grow as planned. Community opposition to tall buildings is also problematic (30 percent huge obstacle; 63 percent huge or medium).

Slide 4

Executive Summary

Fort Collins offers an excellent quality of life. A majority (57 percent) of residents describe the quality of life in Fort Collins as “excellent.” With another 37 percent describing the quality of life as “good,” fully nine-in-ten are positive about the quality of life in the city.

Not enough CSU parking, low-income housing or, for some, public transportation.Close to two-thirds say there is “too little” parking around CSU, and a majority feel that there is not enough housing in the city for people with low incomes. Residents are split when it comes to public transportation: 44 percent feel there is the right amount but a nearly identical 42 percent say there is too little.

Public supports height limits. Most residents (57 percent) think Fort Collins should keep the existing height limits on buildings. Only 37 percent would like to allow taller buildings.

Slide 5

Environment and Mood

Slide 6

Slide 7

How would you describe the quality of life in Fort Collins - excellent, good, just fair or poor?

Fort Collins Offers Exceptional Quality of Life

57% Excellent

37%Good

5% Fair /Poor

94% Total Excellent/Good

Slide 8

Do you think there is too much, too little, or the right amount of each of the following in Fort Collins?

City Lacks Enough Parking and Low Income HousingMany Note Lack of Enough Public Transit

62

55

42

36

3128 28

2523

11 10

1922

44

50

61

47

62

67

4650

61

2 15

2 24 5 4

9

31

2117

21

1012

6

20

5 5

23

7 80

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Parking around Colorado State

University

Housing for people with low

incomes

Public transportation

Housing for people with moderate incomes

Parking around businesses and

stores

Parking near large housing developments

Shops or restaurants

within an easy walk of your

house

Safe routes for riding bikes to

work and shopping

Housing for students

New houses and apartments being built

New stores and offices being

built

% Too Little % Right Amount % Too Much % Don't Know

Slide 9

As you may know Fort Collins now limits how high buildings can be constructed in order to maintain the city’s historic views. Some people believe taller building should be allowed in some downtown and business areas to accommodate

the city’s growing population and businesses, and to limit sprawl and development outside of Fort Collins. Do you think Fort Collins should keep its existing height limits or allow taller buildings to be built in some areas?

Most Favor Existing Limits on Building HeightsBig Gender Gap on the Issue

5765

47 4353

3728

4754

39

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Total Women Men College Educated Men

Non College Men

% Keep Limits % Allow Taller Buildings

Mason Corridor and MAX

Slide 10

Slide 11

Now, on a slightly different subject, how much, if anything, have you seen, read or heard about the MAX Bus Rapid Transit system – a

lot, some, not too much, or nothing at all?

Most Have At Least Some Awareness of MAX and Mason Corridor Projects

But Few Have Heard “A Lot” About the Projects

35% A Lot

37% Some

15% Not Too

Much

13% Nothing

At All

Seen/Heard/Read About MAX

And how much, if anything have you seen, read or heard about the development of Mason Corridor in Fort Collins -– a lot, some, not too

much, or nothing at all?

30% A Lot

32% Some

18% Not Too

Much

18% Nothing

At All

Seen/Heard/Read About Mason Corridor

Slide 12

Now, on a slightly different subject, how much, if anything, have you seen, read or heard about the MAX Bus Rapid Transit system – a lot, some, not too much, or nothing at all?

Older and College Residents Are Most InformedYounger and Non-College Graduates Least Informed

35

58 5747 44 42 40

30 29 26 25 25

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Seen/Heard/Read About MAX - % A Lot

Slide 13

Just so that everyone taking this survey has the same information, let me read you a description of these projects.

The Mason Corridor is a five-mile, north-south byway from Cherry Street to south of Harmony Road. It combines a bicycle and pedestrian trail with a restricted lane for a new Bus Rapid Transit system called MAX. The Mason Corridor project will connect downtown, Colorado State University, and

local business and neighborhoods. The corridor also provides new opportunities for business, residential and recreational development.

Based on what you know, would you say you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of the Mason Corridor development project?

After Hearing Description, Residents Overwhelmingly Favorable Towards Mason Corridor Project

36% Very 16%

Total

80% Total

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Favorable Unfavorable

3650 46 44 44 40

0102030405060

% Very Favorable

Most likely to be VERY favorable

Slide 14

Once it is complete, do you think you will ride MAX, the new bus service, for travel to work, school, errands or other reasons?

Almost Half Say They Will Ride MAX

4648

6

% Yes % No % Don't Know

4655

4351

41

54

35

5745

57

41

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

% Yes

Total Key distinctions by party ID, gender, age, marital status and phone type for interview

Slide 15

Once it is complete, do you think you will ride MAX, the new bus service, for travel to work, school, errands or other reasons?

Poster Child for Likely MAX Rider: A Young, Single Man

46

62 6357 56

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Total Younger Men

Age 18-29 Single Younger Non College

% Yes

Slide 16

(ASKED OF THOSE WHO INDICATED THEY WILL RIDE MAX) Please tell me if you think you would use MAX for each of the following...

Many Will Use MAX Just for RecreationErrands and School Next Top Uses

41

26 2214

6

21 2532

51 51 51 51

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

For recreation, like going out to eat, listening to music or visiting a park

To run errands, like shopping or medical

appointments

To go to school or the CSU campus

Commuting to and from work

% Yes % No % Won't Ride MAX At All

Slide 17

Now I am going to read a number of different things that may happen along with the development of the Mason Corridor and the MAX Bus Rapid Transit System. After I read each one, please tell me how likely it is that each one

will occur once construction of the Mason Corridor and MAX are complete.

Business and Shopping Most Likely Outcomes

14

23

23

33

37

43

48

59

50

66

70

63

75

79

86

90

0 20 40 60 80 100

A greater variety of affordable homes and apartments will be available for people with working and middle-class incomes

More good jobs will come to the area

A greater variety of housing options will be available, like apartment buildings, duplexes and townhomes

There won't be enough places to park

There will be more apartment buildings for students

There will be more shopping and entertainment opportunities

Increased business along the corridor will result in more tax revenue for the city

The MAX bus will provide convenient and dependable service throughout the day

% Definitely Will Happen/Will Very Likely Happen % Total Likely to Happen

Slide 18

Now I am going to read a number of different things that may happen along with the development of the Mason Corridor and the MAX Bus Rapid Transit System. After I read each one, please tell me how likely it is that each one

will occur once construction of the Mason Corridor and MAX are complete.

Younger and Non-College Residents More Optimistic About Positive Outcomes

Total Age 18-49 Age 50+ Non-College College

Convenient and dependable service +84 +94 +69 +83 +83

Increased business +74 +84 +64 +73 +76

Shopping and entertainment +62 +75 +47 +65 +60

Apartments for students +55 +62 +42 +63 +49

Variety of housing options +43 +53 +30 +54 +34

More good jobs +36 +44 +29 +54 +26

Not enough parking +33 +20 +47 +27 +35

Affordable housing +9 +19 -5 +26 -3

Net Difference: Likely to Happen (Definitely, Very Likely, Somewhat Likely) – Not Likely to Happen (Not That Likely, Not At All Likely)

Slide 19

Some people say that there may be some obstacles that may make it difficult for the Mason Corridor to develop and grow as planned. I am going to read you a list of these obstacles. After I read each one please tell me whether you think that is a huge

obstacle to the development of Mason Corridor, a medium-size obstacle, a small obstacle, or not an obstacle at all to the development of the Mason Corridor.

Parking and Building Heights Primary Obstacles

10

10

10

30

31

33

32

38

41

63

70

69

0 20 40 60 80

Providing timely and reliable bus service

Attracting developers who will build a variety of housing options, like town homes, condominiums and apartment buildings

Attracting enough new businesses

Community resistance to tall buildings

Finding parking space for new businesses

Finding parking space for new housing developments

% Huge Obstacle % Huge/Medium-Size Obstacle

Survey MethodologyAmerican Strategies, Inc. designed and administered this telephone survey conducted by professional interviewers. The survey reached 400 adults, 18 years or older. The survey was conducted February 10 - 12, 2014.

Telephone numbers were generated by a random selection of voting age population residents. 30% of respondents were reached on a wireless phone. The sample was stratified by ward. Quotas were assigned to reflect the proportion of residents in each of these areas to the overall voting age population. The data were weighted by age to ensure an accurate reflection of the population. The sample size with these weights applied is 400.

In interpreting survey results, all sample surveys are subject to possible sampling error: that is, the results of a survey may differ from those which would be obtained if the entire population were interviewed. The size of the sampling error depends upon both the total number of respondents in the survey and the percentage distribution of responses to a particular question. For example, if a response to a given question to which all respondents answered was 50%, we could be 95% confident that the true percentage would fall within plus or minus 4.9% of this percentage or between 45.1% and 54.9%. The table below represents the estimated sampling error for different percentage distributions of responses.

Slide 20