NACo Reports on Horizon Program across the Northwest Area Region
Study: People look to local leadership to reduce poverty
By Justin Carmody
Community Services Assistant
A survey of eight states in the Northwest released last month by the Northwest Area Foundation showed that residents of the Northwest strongly believe that their local elected officials have an important role to play in reducing poverty. The survey explored the public’s perspective on poverty in their community and local elected officials’ role in helping individuals who are struggling to make ends meet. Survey results showed that the public is acutely aware of people struggling financially in their communities, but believe poverty can be reduced at the local level.
The Northwest Area Foundation commissioned Lake Research Partners to conduct this survey in: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. The survey showed some clear priorities in addressing poverty in people’s communities as well as high expectations for local officials in making these improvements. Nine of 10 people surveyed said that local elected officials have a responsibility to reduce poverty at the local level.
“Americans are saying that they want their local elected officials to take a very active role in helping people who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Karl Stauber, president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. “Our work in communities is showing us that county commissioners can be pivotal in addressing the priorities Americans listed in the survey: attracting businesses with good-paying jobs, and improving access and reducing costs related to health care.”
ÊOther methods of reducing poverty in the community that are listed as top priorities are creating more affordable housing, providing better social services, improving public transportation and mobilizing churches and other community groups to get involved.
Although the survey found high expectations for local officials and a comprehensive list of priorities for making improvements, most people surveyed were optimistic about reducing poverty locally. Local elected officials received high marks for being knowledgeable about community members’ struggles to make ends meet and being accessible to speak with individuals about helping those in the community who are in need.