A clear majority of Bend residents surveyed support OSU-Cascades’ planned westside campus, according to a poll released today by community coalition “Now for Bend,” which supports the expansion.
The poll, which surveyed 300 Bend residents in April, was conducted by GS Strategy Group with a 5 percent margin of error. It found that 59 percent of those polled favored the westside expansion, while 35 percent were opposed. It also asked questions targeted at more general attitudes, finding that 70 percent of respondents believe Central Oregon needs more higher education options, with 84 percent agreeing the region is overdue for a four-year university.
“Having a four-year university here is the missing piece when it comes to opportunities for educational and economic advancement. If we don’t establish a campus on the westside now, we will likely wait 10 to 20 more years. That leaves a generation without options,” said Janie Teater, Now for Bend’s co-coordinator, in a release.
The poll also tapped into attitudes about the ongoing delay caused by repeated appeals seeking to overturn approval of OSU-Cascades’ site-plan for the 10-acre campus. More than 60 percent indicated they want to see that process move forward.
“A key ingredient for a stable economy is a thriving university,” said Amy Tykeson, co-coordinator for Now for Bend. “The healthy, sustainable communities known for livability, innovation and economic development all have a four-year college. Bend has all the elements of a great community, with one glaring exception. This campus turns us toward the future with opportunities for students to advance and businesses to succeed.”
The poll additionally broke down some of the demographics of those in support and opposition to the westside expansion. It finds that support is strongest among people 45 and younger (67 percent), those making less than $50,000 (64 percent), and people who live within a mile of the new campus site (59 percent).
Those opposed are more likely to be over 45 (42 percent), make more than $100,000 (42 percent), and identify as politically independent (50 percent).
Both self-identified Democrats and Republicans—as well as east and west side residents—support the campus at rates of about 60 percent. Overall, the greatest factor influencing whether or not someone supports the proposed campus is age, with a margin of about 42 percent separating the pros and the cons among those under 45.
Now for Bend has also launched a website boasting 55 coalition partners and including personal testimonials from community members explaining their support. Check it out here: www.nowforbend.com.
Note: Edited to more clearly reflect that the a majority of those polled favor the westside campus expansion.
This article appears in Jun 3-10, 2015.
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The questions in the poll were extremely biased. The results, therefore are meaningless PR.
Shannon, it is my opinion that the Truth in Site group has been spreading biased disinformation for over a year now, so advocacy in the opposite direction is warranted.
.003% of a random sampling isn’t a large enough sample size to be meaningful. I fully support an extension college here, I just feel there are other parcels of land better suited for future growth of the campus. No matter where it’s built will take a major capital investment! Lots of money being spent already on keeping a gravel pit closed-$30k a month, not sure on the PR feel good stories.
Coalition Members have a ve$ted interest in the proposed campus site. It is too bad they can’t look beyond their bank accounts and see what is needed for a real university campus.
Most of the Coalition members have absolutely no $ to be gained from the proposed site over any other site. This is simply untrue.
I would just like to see how the main question is worded. I am a bit of a statistics geek and am just curious. Why didn’t you give it above as it is the headline'(or did I miss it?)
Curious: The question was “Would you favor or oppose the expansion of the OSU-Cascades campus on the west side of Bend?”