Better Pensacola Forum

September 2008 The Better Pensacola Forum released its first annual attitude survey. The Quality of Life survey was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington, D.C. The company surveyed 800 registered Escambia County voters during the week of July 22-27, 2008. Escambia County and Pensacola on the Right Track or Wrong Track: 54% Escambia say headed in wrong direction; 52% Pensacola say headed in wrong direction. Only 20% say we are headed in the right direction in either jurisdiction. College graduates are the most pessimistic - 62% wrong direction Most important issues Escambia: Economy/jobs 28%, Education 15%, Poor Leadership 14% Pensacola: Economy/jobs 28%, Education 8%, tie Poor Leadership, Taxes/Govt spending 9% Quality of Life rating Excellent 7%; Good 44%; Just Fair 39%; Poor 10%…..split evenly 51%-49%. 62% African-Americans rate negatively compared to 46% of white voters. Rate Escambia as a place to live for the following types of people: Only positive ratings: Retirees 72%; Families with children 52% Negative ratings: Recent college grads 90%; New businesses 65%; Young, singles 54%; Minorities 56%; Immigrants 54%

Rating Quality of Life Factors Negative ratings: Quality of public schools 67% Public safety & crime 72% Availability of healthcare 44% Traffic 72% Public transportation 73% Ratings across Demographic Differences Negative ratings Quality of public schools: Black 66%, White 67%; Male 71%, Female 63% Affordable Housing: Less than $40K 76%; more 59% Healthcare: Black 52%, White 38%; Less than $40K 60%; more 33% Rating other Quality of Life factors Natural beauty: Positive 69% Parks, beaches: Positive 67% Cultural: Positive 40%; Just Fair 45% Vibrant nightlife: Positive 33%; Just Fair 33% Compared to 5 years, are you visiting Downtown Pensacola for entertainment: Same: 49% Less: 39% More: 11% Not sure 1% Rating: Economic Factors Economic development/job growth plan & vision: Negative 86% Job opportunities in your field: Negative 71% Affordable housing availability: Negative 65% Over the next five years, do you think quality will: Stay Same: 53% Improve: 32% Deteriorate: 15% Not Sure: 1% Rating of Economic Conditions in Escambia County: Negative Rating: 86% Five years from now: Same 40%; Improve 30%; Deteriorate 22%; Not Sure 8%

Concern over own or family job security: Concerned 58% By Race: White 57%; Black 72% By Income: More than $40K 49%; Less than $40K 69% By Education: College grad 53%; Non-grad 61% Likelihood of Moving from areas within next 5 years Not Likely 69%; Likely 31% Why leave? Poor Economy 84%; Poor leadership 81%; Poor job opportunities 72%; Poor education 50%; No sense things will improve 68%; Lack of entertainment 41% Out-migration of 18-25 year olds: Likely: 53%; Not Likely 46%, Note Sure 1% Why leave? Poor job opportunities 87%; Poor Economy 82%; Lack of entertainment 70% Does Escambia County offer kind of advantages and opportunities to attract and keep young people and talented people to the area? Yes: 12%; No 88% How serious do you think the loss of young people is for Escambia County? Serious 83%; Not serious 16% Rate Elected Officials in success in addressing new challenges and in attacting economic opportunity and job growth Escambia County: Negative 93% Pensacola: Negative 90% State legislative delegation: Negative 81% Confident leaders have vision, plans and leadership for economic development, revitalization: Escambia County: Agree 42%; Disagree/Not sure 58% Pensacola: Agree 42%; Disagree/Not sure 59% Support consolidation Support 59%; Oppose 22%; Not sure 19% Support By Demographic: Pensacola resident: 55%; County 60% Democrat: 53%; Republican 61%; Independent 67% Black 60%; White 56% Male 70%; Female 48% Grad 66%; Non-grad 55% Less than $40K 51%; More 63% If it meant a substantial savings to your tax bill, would you support consolidation? Support 85%; Oppose 8%; Not sure 7% How important is Community Maritime Park: Important 72%; Not important 27%; Not sure 1% Without leadership and a clear, shared vision there is little chance for coordinated, successful efforts to attract economic opportunity, jobs and to improve the overall quality of life Agree 91%; Disagree 8%