SEATTLE, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Half of
residents believe the Puget Sound area is growing into a "world
class" region in terms of economic opportunities and quality of
life, according to a new Atlantic Media/Allstate Regional Renewal
Poll released today. The broader outlook among Puget Sound area
residents is even more bright, with 69 percent saying the region is
moving in a positive direction, despite real concerns about the
region's ability to manage rapid population growth and maintain
affordability for average families. Young people in particular are
enthusiastic about future opportunities, with 76% of millennials
weighing in to say the area is headed in the right direction.
The Atlantic is presenting a related event in Seattle this
evening at Impact Hub. To see in-depth poll data, please visit
http://www.therenewalproject.com/.
The Atlantic Media/Allstate Regional Renewal Poll asked
residents living in the Puget Sound region about their perceptions
of the area's living standards, growth, personal finances,
community engagement, and benefits of the region.
Quality of Life and Managing Growth
When
considering the opportunities and challenges brought about by
recent growth, more than three quarters of millennials say the
region is moving in a positive direction; 69 percent of Generation
Xers and 61 percent of Baby Boomers are similarly enthusiastic.
This optimism for the region is tempered, however, by concerns
about whether this fast population growth will benefit everyone in
the community. Seventy percent of all respondents believe the Puget
Sound region's population growth benefits only a few and creates
obstacles for average families, and 50% of all respondents think
the growth has had a negative impact on the region (vs. 41 percent
who see a positive impact).
- Three quarters (75 percent) affirm the Puget Sound region is
best for their career and family life, and 65 percent indicate that
staying in the area provides more opportunities for young people
than other parts of the country.
- Seven in ten locals consider the region unprepared to handle
the population growth; however, residents living within the city of
Seattle are more optimistic than
any another demographic that the area can handle the changes (35
percent).
- In terms of local quality of life, 72 percent believe that a
combination of residents, businesses and government working
together towards a shared goal is the most effective way to improve
their communities' quality of life, compared to stand alone
reliance on more business investment (9 percent) or more local
government investment (7 percent).
"Seattle area residents are
extremely positive about the region's long-term trajectory and the
growing economic opportunity it provides," said Atlantic senior
editor Ronald Brownstein, who
supervises the poll. "But that optimism is clearly tempered by
concerns about the implications of the region's success for
congestion, housing affordability and the ability of middle-income
families to thrive here. Seattle,
like many New Economy centers, has moved far past the fears of
decline that gripped most major cities not long ago. But in these
flush times, it is now grappling with the very real problems of
success."
"The Puget Sound region is a national model of how American
cities can evolve to manage success and maximize growth
opportunities," said Brian Walsh,
Allstate Field Senior Vice President, based in Bothell, WA. "Allstate is dedicated to helping
local communities thrive by supporting small businesses and
encouraging innovation at the local level through programs like The
Renewal Project."
Financial Health and Minimum Wage
Puget Sound
residents are split when it comes to their current financial
situations, with 45 percent stating that they can live comfortably
and save for retirement, while 44 percent get by each month, though
have difficulty saving or investing. In terms of Seattle's step up to a mandatory $15 minimum wage, residents are both hopeful and
skeptical of the new law's impact:
- A plurality (47 percent) says the minimum wage increase will
have a positive impact on the region's economy.
- Slightly more than half (52 percent) believe families will be
able to more easily pay their bills and save money, while 78
percent express concern that costs for consumer goods and services
will rise.
- Two-thirds (67 percent) believe businesses will reduce hours or
layoff employees and 57 percent say employers will create fewer
jobs as a result of the initiative.
Non-profit and Volunteer Support
Non-profit
groups and volunteer organizations are particularly active in the
Puget Sound region, with 91 percent of residents saying that these
groups make their presence known.
- More than three-quarters (77 percent) of residents say
companies in the region are engaged in addressing the area's needs
and concerns.
- When considering devoting their own time to a local cause,
two-thirds of locals cite work (34 percent) or family obligations
(32 percent) as their biggest obstacles to volunteering.
Regional Pride
In addition to job
opportunities, Puget Sound residents tout the region's
environmentally friendly energy use and future climate neutral
vision (76 percent) and mild climate (81 percent) as among the key
reasons for attracting residents. In addition, the must-see
attractions and landmark companies provide national and
international draws.
- Almost all residents (96 percent) highlight Pike Place Market
and the Seattle Waterfront as must see attractions, just ahead of
Mount Rainier (86 percent) and the Space Needle (81 percent).
- Residents also celebrate the large organizations headquartered
in the region, citing Microsoft (27 percent), The Gates Foundation
(20 percent), Amazon (12 percent) and Costco (11 percent), as the
corporations they are most proud to have based in the area.
- The accessibility of quality doctors and hospitals (86
percent), quality of parks and recreational opportunities (85
percent), and relations between residents of all backgrounds (70
percent) are proclaimed high-quality aspects of their
community.
The poll is part of an ongoing editorial and marketing
partnership between Allstate and The Atlantic. The
centerpiece of the partnership is The Renewal Project, a
social-first website and newsroom run by Atlantic Media Strategies,
the creative agency and consulting arm of The Atlantic, that
spotlights individuals and organizations advancing social good and
contributing to civic innovation in America.
Survey Methodology
The Allstate/The Atlantic
Renewal Project Poll investigates the views of Puget Sound Region
residents across the 4-County Core Metro Area, including
King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. The poll was conducted by
FTI Consulting from September 20-24,
2017. The survey included a sample of 400 adults, age 18+,
living in the Puget Sound Region, which were reached via cell phone
(n=200) and landline phone (n=200). The margin of error for a
sample of 400 is +/- 4.9 in 95 out of 100 cases.
About Allstate Corporation
The Allstate
Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held
personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million
households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and
other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass
and Answer Financial brand names. Other growth platforms include
predictive analytics company Arity and consumer-product protection
plan company SquareTrade. Allstate is widely known through the
slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." Allstate agencies are
in virtually every local community in America. In 2016, The
Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave
$42 million to support local
communities.
About The Atlantic
Founded in 1857 and today one of the fastest growing media
platforms in the industry, The Atlantic has
throughout its history championed the power of big ideas and
continues to shape global debate across print, digital, events, and
video platforms. With its award-winning digital presence
TheAtlantic.com and CityLab.com on cities around the
world, The Atlantic is a multimedia forum on the
most critical issues of our times—from politics, business, urban
affairs, and the economy, to technology, arts, and
culture. The Atlantic is the 2016 National
Magazine of the Year. Bob Cohn is
President of The Atlantic.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a
global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations
manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial,
legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and
transactional. With more than 4,700 employees located in 29
countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients
to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges
and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated
$1.81 billion in revenues during
fiscal year 2016. For more information, visit
www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter
(@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Allstate Corporation