what we HEARD, part 1
In the first round of engagement that took place August-November 2020, over 3,000 residents participated directly in efforts to define existing conditions and establish a shared vision. In part 1, we provide an overview of the quantitative survey results.
SURVEY RESULTS
The results below only reflect quantitative responses. We’re still reading through the open-ended responses!
We received a total of 2,529 responses. From Charleston residents - homeowners, tenants and currently unhoused individuals. People who work in Charleston. People who aren’t part of the workforce. New and long-time community members. Spanish, French and German speakers. Men, women and people who identify as non-binary or genderqueer.
Representation: Compared to the demographics of the City’s population, there was an over-representation of white respondents, lower Peninsula residents, and respondents age 35 and above; and an under-representation of tenants, lower-income respondents (making $32,760 or less annually), Black/African-American respondents, Upper Peninsula and James Island residents, and youth (age 24 and younger).
FLOODING
20% responded their home or property has been damaged by flooding in the past.
This percentage was 3-5 points higher among youth, tenants and lower-income respondents.
78% responded they are somewhat or very concerned about their home or property being impacted by flooding in the future.
Responses were roughly split 40/40 between those who have and haven’t taken actions to protect their home from flood damage (15% not applicable).
The percentage of those who have taken actions was 10 points lower among youth and tenants. The percentage of ‘Not Applicable’ was roughly double for Black/African-American respondents, lower-income respondents, youth and tenants
These trends were consistent across all under-represented categories.
HOUSING & Mobility
41% responded they are somewhat or very concerned about being able to stay in their current housing.
This percentage was more than 10 points higher among Black/African-American and Upper Peninsula respondents; and more than 20 points higher among lower-income respondents, youth and tenants
87% of respondents use a personal car as their primary mode of transportation; followed by 7% who walk, and 4% who bike.
The percentage using alternative modes of transportation was 21 points higher for youth, 13 points higher for tenants, and 6 points higher for lower-income respondents. 4% of Black/African-American respondents use a rideshare service as their primary mode of transportation and 3.4% of youth carpool.
76% responded they would walk or bike to places they go often, if they had a safe and convenient way to do so.
Among all under-represented groups - with the exception of Black/African-American respondents - a higher percentage answered ‘Yes.’
46% responded they would use a water taxi daily, weekly or monthly if it were offered as a public transportation option.
This percentage increased to over 50% for respondents in all under-represented categories. 12% of of youth responded ‘Daily’ (3 times higher than overall).
Among Black/ African-American respondents, lower-income respondents, youth, tenants and upper peninsula residents, there was more support for all tools; with the exception that only 38% of Black/African-American respondents were in support of smaller private yards and more shared community open space.
employment & the economy
The following make it difficult for respondents to obtain a job in their preferred field, or to advance in their current field:
acceptable pay rate (58%)
limited job openings (53%)
affordable office and/or commercial space (26%)
child or other family care (17%)
access to reliable transportation (14%)
access to business start-up loans (10%)
no classes and/or training offered locally (8%)
access to continuing education loans (4%)
The percentage of ‘lack of access to loans’ (both for business start-up and continuing education) was double for Black/African-American respondents; and ‘lack of access to reliable transportation’ was double for youth and lower-income respondents.
Respondents reported being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the following ways;
lost income (39%)
changed work location/commute (39%)
children’s education (23%)
lost a job (13%)
lost housing or at risk (2%)
There was a 3-5 times higher percentage of Black/African-American respondents, lower-income respondents, youth and tenants that reported losing housing or being at risk of losing housing; and roughly double the percentage of lower-income respondents, youth and tenants that reported losing a job.
QUALITY OF LIFE & LAND USE
tOP 5* MOST IMPORTANT FOR IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE:
Effective drainage and flood management
Clean environment (air, water, soil, etc.)
Preservation of cultural history and racial diversity
Having multiple options for housing types and price levels
Having multiple options for transportation
*adjusted to reflect rankings across under-represented categories
86% would like to see more land and water access preserved for recreational public use.
The following were selected at even higher percentages by respondents in these under-represented categories: Black/African American: employment options and offices; Lower-income: employment options, offices, trade workshops, parks, community centers and cultural institutions; Tenants: employment options, offices, trade workshops, grocery stores and cultural institutions; Youth: employment options, parks, community centers, grocery stores and cultural institutions
To view and download all findings from the first round of engagement, click here.
Chloe Stuber, Planner with the City of Charleston, getting ready to dive into the qualitative survey responses.