Findings from the 2nd Annual Citizens’ Poll on Economic Development Show Voters Favor Spending

Voters state that economic development is a top priority to them, and support spending more state resources to fund programs that bring in new jobs, and increase exposure for tourism, and other Colorado products and services. These findings are from the just-released 2nd Annual Citizens’ Poll on Economic Development sponsored by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC).

Results from this highly anticipated poll were released at the opening session of the EDCC 2007 Fall Conference, which brings together an historic group of top elected officials, business leaders, and economic development leaders each year to set priorities for economic growth at the state and local levels and map out strategies to increase the state’s competitiveness for securing new jobs for the state.

According to pollster Floyd Ciruli of Ciruli & Associates, who conducted the poll on behalf of EDCC, economic development is a high or very high priority to 70% of the voters. Other key findings from this release show:
Voters who prioritize economic development favor promoting Colorado products and services, more job training, offering incentives for job relocation, and local recruiting for jobs.
When asked to choose, voters support use of state tax dollars to promote tourism and recruit jobs by about 2 to 1.
Coloradoans remain upbeat about the state and even more positive about their local areas. However, they are extremely concerned about the national economy.
The public believes good public services and infrastructure is essential for strong a strong economy and job creation. Issues cited as most important include water, transportation, K-12, higher education and a well-educated workforce.
Immigration is still a top issue for Colorado voters, but health care has surged into second place, followed by education and transportation. The economy dropped from third to fifth.
Voters believe Colorado does an average job competing for new and expanding businesses.
The job performance of Colorado legislators moved to 59%, up from 55% from last year. However, about half of respondents say they don’t trust state government.

“Understanding how Colorado’s citizens feel about economic development, and how well their priorities are fused into public policy is critical to the future of our state,” said Bill Becker, Chair of EDCC and president of Adams County Economic Development. Our business leaders and employees, entrepreneurs, and professionals in all sectors are closest to the real workings of our economy and can guide us in setting priorities that will impact many generations to come.”

For a complete copy of the survey tool and results, contact Tricia Allen at Adams County Economic Development at 303-450-5106 or tallen@adamscountyed.com.

About EDCC

The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) is a state-wide, nonprofit organization dedicated to successful, responsible economic development. EDCC professionally represents the collective economic development interests of both the private and public sectors. Our mission is to strategically retain, expand and attract primary employers.

The members of EDCC are diverse in make-up, but identical in mission; to ensure Colorado and its communities, counties and regions succeed in the core business of economic development ... quality primary job creation. Our members are rural and urban, public and private, for profit and not-for-profit, individual communities, counties and regional groups. They are economic development professionals, community volunteers, business leaders, and politicians.

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For more information visit www.edcconline.org.

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