Downtown Redevelopment and Public Opinion: A Survey of Citizen Attitudes for the Downtown Improvement Committee

Abstract

There is widespread and strong affection for downtown Lawrence among Douglas County residents. The most highly rates aspects of the downtown focuses on its appearance and ambiance, though such characteristics as merchandise quality, customer service, and safety are also highly regarded. Those living outside of Lawrence are positive about the downtown, but they are less positive than Lawrence residents. Persons who voted in the April 1987 referendum tend to be more positive about the downtown than non­voters.

The results of the April 1987 referendum cannot be well explained by public preferences for minimizing public financing of downtown improve­ments. Nevertheless, most citizens believe voters must approve future downtown redevelopment projects, and 45 percent of all respondents view minimizing public funding as a very important goal. To succeed in a future referendum, a downtown plan must appeal to a wide variety of citizens who have diverse views regarding new shopping developments, downtown preservation, economic growth, as well as public funding.