Public Opinion

Language Matters: “Climate Change” Generates More Concern Than “Climate Crisis”
A recent study found that the terms “climate change” and “global warming” are more familiar and generate greater public concern than less recognized terms like “climate crisis” and “climate justice.”

New York Residents Support Affordable Housing, Survey Says
Contrary to the dominant narrative about the negative perceptions of affordable housing projects among the public, a recent survey reveals widespread support for affordable housing in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan region.

Do Americans Want More Housing, or More Zoning?
The answer depends on how the question is phrased.

Public Opinion Souring on Housing in California
New survey data shows more Californians are considering leaving the state in response to skyrocketing housing prices.

Poll: On Housing, Californians Want What the Legislature Won't Give
"This particular solution, which has been very controversial in the Legislature, is not very controversial when it comes to the general public."

Friday Funny: The Onion Brings Climate Change Close to Home
The Onion's satirical news skills are put to use in canvassing public opinion about climate change.

Survey: Public Not Sold on New Supply as a Solution to the Housing Crisis
The public and the "urbanism cognoscenti" do not see eye to eye when it comes to housing policy. A new survey makes the disconnect in opinions on matters of supply, regulations, and affordable housing very clear.

Utilities Still Catching Up to Public Opinion on Renewable Energy
Renewable energy enjoys broad public support—the utility industry is more skeptical.

Poll Details Massachusetts Residents' Views on Transit
Massachusetts voters are pro-transportation investment, whether by cities or by the state.
Survey Finds Support for Transit in Atlanta
Residents of metropolitan Atlanta showed signs of a strengthening economy, a fast growing region, and, perhaps surprisingly, strong support for public transit.
Poll: Utah Residents Strongly Support Mixed-Use, Transit, and Walkability
Density isn't always a dirty word, apparently—as residents of Utah have voiced their support of more urban typologies to support its expected population growth over the next several decades.
A Small Town Supports Citywide 25-mph Speed Limit
One town in Georgia recently conducted a public opinion poll finding that most of its 19,000-plus citizens support reduced speed limits on all city streets.
Building Support for Affordable Housing
A recent article on PlannersWeb acts as a kind of playbook for building public support for affordable housing projects.

Denver Planning Board Steamrolls Opposition in Rezoning Controversy
In news that will come as either refreshing or frightening depending on your perspective, the Denver Planning Board recently ignored public opposition and voted to recommend rezoning in the University Park neighborhood.
Study: Portland Citizens Want Transportation Safety Investments
A recent telephone poll of Portland citizens asked what types of transportation investments they prioritize for the city. The top two responses both include “safe.”

Public Sets Low Priority for Improving Transportation Infrastructure
A new survey of the American people from the Pew Research Center ranks the priorities of the public on matters like the deficit, healthcare, and crime. Bringing up the rear of public concern: infrastructure and global warming.
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