Day 1: Participant survey; Conclusion
Day 1 concluded with an anonymous keypad voting session to learn more about the collective views of the participants. Overall, participants were generally optimistic on most subjects, with the notable exceptions of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing water resources, and preserving natural areas. Participants were also doubtful that the state legislature would be helpful on issues facing the Texas Triangle.
Full survey results (pdf, 228 kb)
Video will be posted soon.
The majority of the respondents came from either Houston or Austin, representing a variety of interests. These interests included (in descending order) environmental groups, development entities, business/economic organizations, and government. Respondents, when allowed to select three weighted choices, expressed the most interest in transportation issues (26%), followed by quality of life (16%), water (15%), green infrastructure (14%), energy (8%), and climate change (8%).
An overwhelming majority (75%) said that transportation provides the greatest opportunity for the Texas Triangle to work together. At the same time, respondents said that water (46%) and green infrastructure (33%) were the most difficult issues for the megaregion to tackle. Over 90 percent said that climate change was a concern or a major concern.
A majority (65%) were confident or somewhat confident that Texas can provide safe and healthy food for its growing population. The same was true of meeting the state’s future energy needs (84%), high-speed rail (81%), providing adequate drinking water (59%), and creating a connected open space and trail system (59%), although respondents were fairly tepid about the last two.
But when it came to retaining natural areas, participants were pessimistic. Sixty six percent said that they were doubtful or pessimistic that Texas could preserve its open spaces. Respondents were even more pessimistic on reducing carbon emissions (87% doubtful or pessimistic) and improving social equity (78%). Sixty seven percent also expressed doubt that the Texas legislature would provide support for investments in urban areas.
A plurality (46%) said that a new public agency should take the lead on high-speed rail in Texas, while 21% favored TxDOT and 16% preferred a private entity. A plurality also said that a public-private partnership should be in charge of building (44%) and operating (47%) the network. Participants overwhelmingly thought that Dallas and Houston should be connected first, and 71% believe a high-speed rail system will be in place in 15 years.
Full survey results (pdf, 228 kb)