houston area survey
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MAKING SENSE OF OUR TIMES: Tracking the Economic and Demographic Changes
Through 26 Years of Houston Surveys
STEPHEN L. KLINEBERGThe Latest Findings from the Houston Area Survey
March 2007
Supported by foundations, corporations, and individuals, the annual surveys have now interviewed 26 scientifically selected representative samples of Harris County residents.
In May 1982, just two months after the first Houston survey was completed, the 80-year oil boom suddenly collapsed.
The region recovered from deep and prolonged recession in the mid 1980s to find itself squarely in the midst of . . .
• a restructured economy and • a demographic revolution.
These are the same transformations that have refashioned American society itself in recent years. For more than a quarter-century, the Houston Area Survey has tracked the public’s changing perspectives on these remarkable trends.
THE HOUSTON AREA SURVEY (1982-2007)
FIGURE 1: POSITIVE RATINGS OF JOB OPPOR-TUNITIES IN THE HOUSTON AREA (1982-2007)
18
31
6767
52
60
53
50
4039
7372
52
48
4140
2927
4546
11
27
38
47
41
76
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cen
t Giv
ing
Po
sitiv
e R
atin
gs
Percent rating "job opportunities in the Houston area" as either "excellent" or "good."
FIGURE 2: NEGATIVE RATINGS OF JOB OP-PORTUNITIES IN RELATION TO THE OFFI- CIAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATES (1982-2007)
23
50
71
87
80
65
49
42
46
42
36
5658
43
3025
30
23
5654
70
65
5252
58
56
7.0
5.3
6.6
6.3
5.9
5.5
5.0
4.7
3.7
4.34.4
5.65.7
6.0
7.1
7.8
5.25.2
6.3
8.3
7.8
9.6
10.1
9.8
6.7
4.7
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
Giv
ing
Ne
ga
tiv
e R
ati
ng
s
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
Off
icia
l Un
em
plo
ym
en
t R
ate
s
Percent rating "job opportunities in the Houstonarea" as only "fair" or "poor," in relation to theofficial unemployment rates in Harris County.
negative ratings of job opportunities
unemployment rates
THE RESTRUCTURED ECONOMY
The resource-based industrial-era economy has now re- ceded into history. It has been replaced by an increasingly
high-tech, worldwide, knowledge-based economic system.
The traditional “blue collar path” to financial security has largely disappeared. Most good-paying jobs today require high levels of technical skills and educational credentials.
In the 2006 survey, 77% disagreed that “a high school education is enough to get a good job.” In 2007, 61% of area residents agreed that “there are very few good jobs in today’s economy for people without a college education.”
In the new, increasingly unequal, knowledge-based econ- omy, “What you earn depends on what you have learned.”
FIGURE 3: CONCERNS ABOUT HEALTH CARE, POVERTY, AND INEQUALITY (1997-2007)
63
54
60
76
71
74
71
52
72
6769
67
6264
59
6263
5353
48
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cen
t of R
esp
on
den
ts
For: "federal health insurance to cover the medical expenses of all Americans."
A "very serious problem" for U.S. if the rich-poor gap gets significantly bigger.
We're now spending "too little" money on improving the conditions of the poor.
Willing to pay higher taxes to improve access to quality health care in Houston.
For federal health insur-ance for all Americans.
Spending "too little" on poverty. Growing gap is " very serious."
Willing to pay higher taxes to improve health care access.
FIGURE 4: CHANGES IN TWO MEASURES OF THE WORK ETHIC (1982-2007)
8078
81
7877
7576
75
78
76
8081
8382
88
85
76
61
5857
6264
6060
55
58
52
57
4948
51
60
46
73
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
"If you work hard in this city,eventually you will succeed."
"People who work hard and live by the rulesare not getting a fair break these days."
Houston's prospects will now increasingly depend on the city’s ability to attract and retain the nation’s most skilled and creative “knowledge workers” and high-tech companies.
This will require significant and sustained improvements in . . . the region’s mobility and traffic congestion
• the revitalization and preservation of downtown areas
• the variety of its venues for sports, arts, and culture
• the enhancement of its parks, trees, and bayous
• the richness of its hiking, boating, and birding areas
• the quality of its air and water
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE
The public’s support for new initiatives along these lines has grown continuously and significantly across the years.
FIGURE 5: AIR POLLUTION CONCERNS IN THE HOUSTON AREA (1995-2007)
38
36
30 30
44
36
4544
56
46
5249
56
70
79
74
50
49 49
46 47
53
60 61
5355
59
6365
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cen
t o
f R
esp
on
den
ts
Favor requiring emissions tests on all vehicles in Houston.
We're now spending "too little" on protecting the environment.
The efforts to control air and water pollution in Houston area are "poor."
"Very concerned" about health effects of air pollution.
FIGURE 6: ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND TRADEOFFS (THE 2007 SURVEY)
65.7
60.5 59.3
44.5
34.9
24.8
34.336.4
50.8
57.0
9.5
5.2 4.3 4.7
8.1
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
Requiring power plantsto reduce their
emissions ofgreenhouse gases,
even if electricity rateswill rise?
Raising taxes to setaside and protect
wetlands, forests, andprairies throughout the
Houston area?
Raising taxes to makemajor improvements inthe area's quality of life,
such as pollutioncontrol and parks?
Raising taxes tolandscape and plant
trees along the majorfreeways into Houston?
Strengthening pollutioncontrols will result in
too many restrictions onindividuals and
businesses.
Per
cen
t o
f R
esp
on
den
ts
For it/Agree Against it/Disagree Don't know/No opinion
FIGURE 7: “WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN THE HOUSTON AREA TODAY?” (1982-2007)
28
1113
4037
60
20
24
21
31
1920
11
19
59
45
34
2426 25
8 9 34
3 7 8
12
22 22
34 33 33
4851
4341
37
8
31
10 10 11
89
1310
1815
25
12
1412
42
72
2623
27
12
31
38
1314
6
10 1113
21
35
60
73
49
65
39
54
26
17
13
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cen
t o
f R
esp
on
den
ts
traffic economy crime
"What would you say is the biggest problemfacing people in the Houston area today?"
(traffic)
(economy)
(crime)
(traffic)
(crime)
FIGURE 8: RATINGS OF THE HOUSTON AREA IN GENERAL AS A PLACE TO LIVE (2005, 2007)
25.2
31.3
53.2 51.8
13.2
7.9
2.5 2.4
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
2005 2007
"Compared to most other metropolitan areas in the country, would you say that the Houston area is a muchbetter place, a slightly better place, a slightly worse place, or a much worse place in which to live?"
Per
cent
of R
espo
nden
ts
Much better Slightly better Slightly worse Much worse
FIGURE 9: ASSESSMENTS OF TRAFFIC IN THE HOUSTON AREA AND OF THREE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS (2003, 2005, 2007)
72
22
7
6260
80
68
23
9
60
65
77
61
22
9
55
64
78
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Worse Same Better More highways Urbancommunities
Public transit
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
2003 2005 2007
"Over the past three years , has traffic generally gotten better, gotten worse, or has it stayed about the same?"
"Which of these would be the best long-term solution to the traffic problems in the Houston area?"
FIGURE 10: “HOW WORRIED ARE YOU THAT YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER WILL BECOME THE VICTIM OF A CRIME?” (1995-2007)
41
31 3232
3737
32
28
27
20
23
21
2627 27
27
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
or
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Not very worried/Not worried at all Very worried
"How worried are you personally that you or a member of your family will become the victim of a crime?"
("very worried.")
("not very worried"/"not worried at all.")
("not worried.")
("very worried.")
FIGURE 11: SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY (1999-2007)
61
64
55
60
68
6364
57
5453
61
55
53
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cent
of R
espo
nden
ts
For: "the death penalty for persons convicted of murder."
For: "a true life sentence w ithout the possibility of parole, as an alternative to the death penalty."
The penalty for persons convicted of first-degree murder should generally be life imprisonment w ith no chance for parole or w ith
a chance for parole after 25 years, but not the death penalty.
FIGURE 12: THE IMPORTANCE OF DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT, BY HOME ZIP CODE (1995-2007)
52
44
49
54
5654
68
55
44
504847
56
55
4443
45 44
49
3838
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Per
cen
t Say
ing
, "V
ery
Imp
ort
ant."
Inside Loop Outside Loop Outside City
"How important is it for the future of Housoton to makemajor improvements in the downtown areas of the city?"
FIGURE 13: PERCENT OF ANGLOS “VERY IN-TERESTED” IN MOVING FROM SUBURBS TO CITY AND FROM CITY TO SUBURBS (1999-2007)
18.3
5.3
7.7
4.9
14.7
13.2
6.36.5
11.611.6
12.8
14.5
17.616.4
0.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
17.5
20.0
22.5
1999 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Suburban Anglos Urban Anglos
"Very interested" in someday moving to the suburbs.
"Very interested" in someday moving to the city.
FIGURE 14: ASSESSMENTS OF POPULATION GROWTH AND URBAN PLANNING (2007 SURVEY)
48.8
19.7
69.8
47.9
40.1
50.3
22.4
34.9
11.1
30
7.8
17.2
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
If a million new residentsmove into Harris County,where should most of the
growth occur?
Will an additional millionresidents make living
conditions better, worse, orhave no clear effect?
Need better land-use planningto guide development, orleave people free to build
wherever they want?
Would you favor or opposecreating a General Plan to
guide Houston's futuregrowth?
Per
cen
t o
f R
esp
on
den
ts
In already developed
areas In the open
spaces
No opinion
Better
Worse
No clear
effect/ DK
Better land-use planning
Free to build
where-ever
No opinion
Strongly favor
Some-what favor
Oppose/ No opinion
THE DEMOGRAPHIC REVOLUTION
Along with the major immigration capitals of L.A. and N.Y., closely following upon Miami, San Francisco, and Chicago, Houston is at the forefront of the new ethnic diversity that is refashioning the socio-political landscape of urban America. Throughout all of its history . . .
• this was essentially a bi-racial Southern city,
• dominated and controlled, in an automatic, taken- for-granted way, by white men.
Today . . .
• Houston is one of the most culturally diverse metro-politan areas in the country, and
• all of its ethnic communities are now “minorities.”
FIGURE 15: THE DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSFOR-MATIONS OF HARRIS COUNTY (1960-2005)
Source: U.S. Census (www.census.gov); classifications based on Texas State Data Center conventions; total populations are given in parentheses; *from the 2005 American Community Study, households only.
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
1960(1,243,258)
1970(1,741,912)
1980(2,409,547)
1990(2,818,199)
2000(3,400,578)
2005, est.*(3,647,656)
Po
pu
lati
on
, in
Mill
ion
s
Anglos Blacks Hispanics Asians/Others
0.3%6.0%
19.8%
73.9%
0.8% 9.9%
20.1%
69.2%
2.1%
15.5%
19.7%
62.7%
4.1%
22.7%
19.1%
54.0%
6.5%
33.0%
18.3%
42.2%
6.6%
37.8%
17.8%
37.9%
INTERACTIONS OF ETHNICITY AND AGE
The other demographic revolution: the remarkable “aging,” or “graying,” of the American population.
Today’s seniors are primarily Anglos, as are the 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964, now aged 42 to 60. In the next 30 years, the numbers over age 65 will double.
The younger populations who will replace the “baby boom” are disproportionately non-Anglo and far less privileged.
The “aging of America” is thus almost as much a division along economic and ethnic lines as along generational lines.
Nowhere is this ongoing transformation more clearly seen than in the age distributions of the Harris County population.
FIGURE 16: THE PROPORTIONS IN FOUR AGE GROUPS WHO ARE ANGLO, BLACK, LATINO, AND ASIAN OR OTHER (2002-2006, COMBINED)
62.3
44.8
26.9
15.818.1 18.6
23.0
14.5
31.6
43.6
3.2 5.0 5.1 6.5
71.3
9.7
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Ages 60-93 (N=621) Ages 45-59 (N=854) Ages 30-44 (N=938) Ages 18-29 (N=674)
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Anglos Blacks Hispanics Asians/Others
FIGURE 17: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT IN FIVE HOUSTON COMMUNITIES (1994-2006)
75
12
19
50
15
18
27
33
25
18
30
37
31
15
36
29
16
7
18
9
42
13
25
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
Asian Immigrants(N=1,029)
US-born Anglos(N=5,353)
US-born Blacks(N=5,210)
US-born Latinos(N=2,462)
Latino Immigrants(N=2,976)
Per
cen
t of R
esp
on
den
ts
Less than H.S. H.S. diploma Some college College degree Post-graduate
FIGURE 18: POSITIVE RATINGS OVER THE YEARS OF “THE RELATIONS AMONG ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE HOUSTON AREA” (1992-2007)
39
20
44
38
49
49
5250
51
44
48
42
3230
29
23
26
25
31
46
38
35
30
35
28
33
23
20
24
15
19
16
11
47
34
42
48
50
404041
2925
30
25
23
2632
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Anglos Blacks Latinos
Percent rating "the relations amongethnic groups in the Houston area"
as either "excellent" or "good."
Anglos
LatinosBlacks
FIGURE 19: ATTITUDES TOWARD HOUSTON’S INCREASING ETHNIC DIVERSITY (1994–2007)
69
57
59
64
66
60
54
63 64
62
67
69
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
"The increasing ethnic diversity in Houston brought about by immigration
is a good thing" (vs. "a bad thing").
"The increasing ethnic diversity in Houston will eventually become a source of great strength
for the city" (vs. "a growing problem").
FIGURE 20: CHANGING PERSPECTIVES ON THE NEW IMMIGRATION (1995–2007)
35
59
4446
4140
48
61
51
57
37
61
54
39
57
52
54
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Disagree that: "We should take action to reduce the number of new
immigrants coming to America."
The new immigration mostly strengthens (vs.
"threatens") Amer. culture.
During next ten years, admitmore or same number of legal
immigrants as in last ten years.
FIGURE 21: ATTITUDES TOWARD “ILLEGAL” IMMIGRATION (FROM THE 2007 SURVEY)
71.268.1
55.8
43.9
24.826.7
35.1
46.5
4.0 5.2
9.1 9.6
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
The children of illegal immigrantsshould have the right to attend the
public schools.
Granting illegal immigrants a path tolegal citizenship, if they speak English
and have no criminal record?
Imposing fines and criminal chargesagainst employers in this communtiy
who hire illegal immigrants?
A law that would deny health andwelfare services to illegal immigrants
in Texas?
Per
cen
t o
f R
epo
nd
ents
For it/Agree Against it/Disagree No Opinion/Don't know
FIGURE 22: PERSPECTIVES ON ABORTION RIGHTS (HOUSTON AREA SURVEY, 1990-2007)
5856
5051
5654
60
56
51
54
57 57
55
4849
46
59
63
66
585859
63
58
56 56
33
28
25
36
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cen
t o
f R
esp
on
den
ts
Against: a law making it moredifficult to obtain an abortion.
Agree: Abortion should be legal for any reason.
Believe abortion is morally wrong.
Against: a law requiring parental con-sent for a minor to have an abortion.
FIGURE 23: PERSPECTIVES ON HOMOSEXU-ALITY (HOUSTON AREA SURVEY, 1991-2007)
66
60
54
30
48
60
56
19
2927 26
3841
36
59
55
5054
49
55
51
59
52
3737
37
32
34
41
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cent
of R
espo
nden
ts
For: Allowing homosexualsto teach in the public schools.
Believe homosexu-ality is morally wrong.
"Marriages between homosexuals should be given the same legal status as
heterosexual marriages."
"Homosexual couples should be legally permitted to adopt children."
Homosexuality is smth.people cannot change.
FIGURE 24: ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHER “SOCIAL AGENDA” ISSUES (THE 2007 SURVEY)
78.5
23.8
55.2
23.6
15.4
69.5
34.9
52
6.1 6.79.9
24.4
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
A woman over the age of 18should be able to buy emergencycontraception over the counter.
A law that would allowpharmacists to refuse to sell any
drugs that run counter to theirreligious beliefs?
Government funding of medicalresearch using stem cells
obtained from human embryos?
What about a person whoundergoes a sex change
operation? Is that morally wrongor morally acceptable?
Per
cen
t of R
esp
on
den
ts
For it/Agree/Acceptable Against it/Disagree/Wrong No Opinion/Depends/Don't know
FIGURE 25: PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL ILLNESS (FROM THE 2004 AND 2007 SURVEYS)
55.5
47.4
37.5
43.1
51.4
39.9
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
"Most people being treated for mentalillness are able to live a normal life."
Would *not* be concerned ifdiscovered that a mental patient was
living in neighborhood.
"Know of anyone among your friendsor family who has been diagnosed
with a mental illness?"
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
2004 2007
FIGURE 26: INTERETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN BELIEFS ABOUT EQUALITY OF OPPORTU-NITY IN AMERICAN SOCIETY TODAY (2006)
56 57
52
2622
28
77
68
58
70
52
6163
34
46
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
Blacks and other minoritieshave same opportunities as
whites in U.S. today
Blacks are 'very often' or'fairly often' discriminated
against in Houston.
Hispanics are 'very often' or'fairly often' discriminated
against in Houston.
The criminal justice systemin Houston is biased against
blacks.
If Katrina victims had beenwhite, the govt.'s responsewould have been quicker.
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Anglos (N=504) Blacks (N=503) Latinos (N=500)
FIGURE 27: CHANGING PERSPECTIVES ON THE AMERICAN FUTURE (1988-2007)
44 45
42
51
57
45
39
30
35 34
3134
35
4443
41
37 32
26
48
53
48
61
68
54
47
59
5355
46
5351
595961 6164
67
45
48
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Per
cent
of R
espo
nden
ts
Better times More difficult times
"When you look ahead to the next few years,do you tend to believe the country is headedfor better times or more difficult times?"
["more difficult times."]
["better times."]
FIGURE 28: PARTY PREFERENCES AMONG HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS (1988-2007)
34
40 40
4141
43
40
43424142
44
4948
47
50
44
3332
42
35
48
40 39 40 39
35
41 42
37 3839 40 39 40
41
37
37
43
43
24
21
29
32
23
171919
18
2018
20
22
171516
1314
11
16
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Declared or leaning Republican Declared or leaning Democrat Neither Party/Can't Say
"Would you call yourself a Republican, a Democrat, anIndependent, or something else?" [IF NEITHER MAJORPARTY IS NAMED:] "Do you think of yourself as closer to the Republican Party or to the Democratic Party?"
Republicans
Democrats
Neither Party
On 29 September 2005, thousands of hurricane evacuees began arriving at the Reliant Complex and the GRB. Some 60,000 Houstonians came out to help, providing unexpected evidence of civic engagement in a city where measures of community connectedness (“social capital”) are generally low.
There were unusually favorable stories in the national media; and in January 2006, The Dallas Morning News, despite time- honored rivalries, named Houston as the “Texan of the Year.”
But by mid October, concerns were already rapidly mounting, primarily with regard to the strain on public services (on area schools, hospitals, and the criminal justice system); and most of the newcomers were showing little interest in going home.
KATRINA IN TWO PHASES: FROM CIVIC PRIDE TO “COMPASSION FATIGUE”?
FIGURE 29: PERCEPTIONS OF THE EFFECTS ON HOUSTON OF THE EVACUEES (HAS, 2006)
97
74
66
2
2225
14
9
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
The Houston community reallycame together to help the evacuees.
Helping the evacuees has put aconsiderable strain on the Houston
community.
A major increase in violent crimehas occurred in Houston because
of the evacuees.
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Agree
Disagree
No opinion
FIGURE 30: SUMMARY ASSESSMENTS OF THE KATRINA EXPERIENCE (2006-2007)
36.3
10.7
46.7
64.8
17.0
24.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
2006 2007
Pe
rce
nt
of
Re
sp
on
de
nts
Good thing Bad thing Not clear/Can't say
"On balance would you say that the overall impact of the evacuees on Houston has been a good thing for the city or a bad thing for the city?"
"Would you say that the overall impact of the Katrina evacuees, who came to Houston morethan a year ago, has been a good thing or a bad thing for the city, or has it had no clear effect?"
CAN THE CIVIC ENERGY MOBILIZED BY KATRINA BE RECAPTURED TO MEET HOUSTON’S CENTRAL CHALLENGES?
This city and nation will need to nurture a far more educated workforce, and fashion policies that can reduce the growing inequalities and prevent the rise of a new urban underclass.
To attract the most innovative companies and talented indi- viduals, Houston will need to become a more environmen- tally appealing urban destination, and develop the research centers that will fuel the new engines of economic growth.
If the region is to flourish in the 21st century, it will need to grow into a more inclusive multiethnic society, one with true equality of opportunity, where all communities are invited to participate as full partners in shaping the Houston future.
Professor Stephen L. KlinebergDepartment of Sociology, MS-28Rice University, P. O. Box 1892Houston, Texas 77251-1892
Telephone: 713-348-3484 or 713-665-2010
email address: [email protected]
Web: www.houstonareasurvey.org
For additional copies of the 2005 report, call Rice University at: 713-348-4225.
CONTACT INFORMATION