3. Project Objectives
• Determine factors critical in the success of
Arlington County’s master transportation plan.
• Understand the current and projected needs of
the business community in terms of transportation
programs and services.
• Assess the quality of transportation facilities and
services in Arlington County.
• Gauge the extent to which transportation services
and facilities support the overall success of
Arlington County’s business community.
3 Southeastern Institute of Research
4. Methodology
Phase I – Conduct focus group conversations with
members of the Arlington business community.
Phase II – Conduct a 12-minute online survey with a
representative sample of those in the Arlington
business community.
4 Southeastern Institute of Research
6. Focus Groups
• The following focus groups were held in late
November and early December of 2011:
– 2 Retail and small business
– 2 Hotel
– 2 C-level executives
– 1 Developer
• In total, 34 people attended
– A variety of businesses were represented
– Representatives from several BIDs attended
6 Southeastern Institute of Research
7. Focus Group Summary of Findings (1 of 2)
• In terms of overall business climate, Arlington may be faring
better than other locations, but there are still concerns and
uncertainty surrounding the future.
• Transportation options set Arlington apart, but may not be
available to all Arlington workers.
• Mixed-use development gives life to the area and reduces
traffic, but business leaders want to make sure
transportation is integrated into the development process.
• Some business leaders feel Arlington’s identity is unclear.
• Smart growth has set Arlington apart, yet the business
community recognizes public transportation options and
capacity need to grow with population growth.
7 Southeastern Institute of Research
8. Focus Group Summary of Findings (2 of 2)
• There is a perceived need for better coordination
throughout the region.
• Respondents express a number of parking needs, including
more parking, better signage and more handicapped
accessible parking.
• Safety is a concern and is seen as a shared responsibility.
• Tax policies may be creating a disadvantage to Arlington-
based businesses.
• There is room for improvement in the relationship between
developers and the County.
8 Southeastern Institute of Research
10. Survey Methodology
• A 15-minute questionnaire was designed by Arlington
County Commuter Services, SIR and LDA Consulting.
• 212 completes
– 146 came from email invitation
– 33 came from BID links
• Ballston = 3
• Crystal City = 8
• Rosslyn = 22
– 33 came from letter invitation
• Survey classification
– 35 Residential and Commercial Developers
– 156 C-Class Business Leaders
– 21 HR Business Leaders
• The fieldwork was conducted from August 15 to November
15, 2012.
10 Southeastern Institute of Research
11. Sample Generation – Email Invites
• 1,766 Arlington County business leaders were invited by the
Arlington Department of Environmental Services, Division of
Transportation & Development, to participate in the study
via an initial mail letter.
– The survey invitation letter was signed by Dennis
Leach, Transportation Director.
– The business leader contacts came from four sources, and the
lists were de-duplicated. The sources are:
• Arlington Transportation Partners
• Arlington Economic Development
• Retail Partners
• Contact information was provided for 17 developers
– Recipients were given a link to connect to the online
survey, either via the mailed out letter or an email invitation
for those with an email address.
11 Southeastern Institute of Research
12. Sample Generation – BID Links
• Additionally, unique links were set up for three Business
Improvement Districts, which were responsible for
contacting their members and inviting them to take the
online survey. The three BIDs are:
– Ballston
– Crystal City
– Rosslyn
• Developers who agree that transportation services and improvements should be funded by:
12 Southeastern Institute of Research
• Residential property tax – 25%
13. Sample Generation – Reminder Emails
and Phone Calls
• Reminder emails were sent to all non-respondents from the
contact list with emails; also, telephone calls were
attempted with non-responders.
– 754 contacts did not have an email address and were not
contacted beyond the initial letter
– 1,012 emails were sent to those who had email addresses
– 357 of those 1,012 emails had bad contact information
13 Southeastern Institute of Research
14. Survey Sample
Business Leader Survey Versions
• Of the estimated 700 viable contacts who were reachable by
current and valid email or physical addresses, a 30%
response rate (212 completes) was achieved as follows:
– Developers
• 35 total respondents
• Referred to as “D” in report
– HR Professionals
• 21 total respondents
• Referred to as “H” in report
– C-level
• 156 total respondents
• Referred to as “C” in report
14 Southeastern Institute of Research
16. Respondent Organization Classification
Business office 32%
Non-profit organization 25%
Property development 17%
Other 15%
Restaurant 5%
Hotel 4%
Retail business 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
2012 n = 212
H, D, C A1. Please select the category that best describes your organization.
16 Southeastern Institute of Research
17. Respondent Position Classification
Chairman, Owner, President 24%
11%
Director, Exec Director 21%
12%
VP, Exec VP 21%
13%
CEO, CFO 17%
16%
12% 2012
Other 15%
2007
GM 7%
13%
Property Mgr. 10%
HR Professional 10%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
2012 n = 212
H, D, C A2.Please select the phrase that best describes your position:
2007 n = 120
17 Southeastern Institute of Research
18. Tenure of Business in Arlington County
100%
2012
2007
80%
60%
40% 34% 37%
18% 17% 14% 20%
20% 13% 13% 16%
12%
3% 1%
0%
Less than 1-5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 More than
1 year years years years years 20 years
2012 n = 212
H, D, C A1-D, A3-H, C. How long has your organization been developing/been located in Arlington County?
2007 n = 119
18 Southeastern Institute of Research
19. Businesses’ Locations in Arlington
Rosslyn 23%
Crystal City/National Airport 20%
Ballston 19%
Clarendon 15%
Court House 13%
Pentagon/Pentagon City 7%
North Arlington 7%
Columbia Pike 7%
Virginia Square 5%
South Arlington 4%
Shirlington 4%
East Falls Church 3%
Other 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
2012 n = 177 F2-H. G2-C. Please select the area(s) that best describes the location(s) of your [worksites; stores
H, C of establishments; properties] in Arlington County. Please check all that apply.
19 Southeastern Institute of Research
20. Development in Arlington County
Crystal City/National Airport 23%
Rosslyn 20%
Ballston 20%
North Arlington 11%
Virginia Square 11%
Clarendon 9%
Columbia Pike 9%
South Arlington 6%
Court House 3%
Shirlington 3%
! Caution ! Pentagon/Pentagon City None
Small sample
size. East Falls Church reported
Other 17%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Developers Only F2- D. G2-C. In what areas have you developed properties over the past five years? Please check
n = 35 all that apply.
20 Southeastern Institute of Research
21. In
Top Business Locations – 2012 vs. 2007
2012, businesses
report an average 23%
of 1.3 business Rosslyn
locations in the 23%
County.
20%
Crystal City/National Airport
14%
19%
Ballston
17%
15%
Clarendon
10%
13%
Court House
8%
2012 2007 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
2012 n = 177
F2-H. G2-C. Please select the area(s) that best describes the location(s) of your [worksites; stores
H, C
of establishments; properties] in Arlington County. Please check all that apply.
2007 n = 120
21 Southeastern Institute of Research
22. Business Locations – 2012 vs. 2007
Pentagon/Pentagon City 7%
0%
North Arlington 7%
6%
Columbia Pike 7%
4%
Virginia Square 5%
7%
South Arlington 4%
0%
Shirlington 4%
6%
East Falls Church 3%
3%
Other 3%
2%
2012 2007 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
2012 n = 177
F2-H. G2-C. Please select the area(s) that best describes the location(s) of your [worksites; stores
H, C
of establishments; properties] in Arlington County. Please check all that apply.
2007 n = 120
22 Southeastern Institute of Research
23. Business Types
Non-profit organization/association 23%
Business, personnel, or professional 12%
Hospitality, restaurants, hotels, tourism 10%
Technology consulting 9%
Education 6%
Retail or wholesale trade 5%
Defense contracting 5%
Banking finance, insurance, real estate 3%
Public administration, government 2%
Public utility or transportation 2%
Hospital, medical services 1%
Other 19%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
n = 164 F4-H. G4-C. What is the primary work or business of your organization?
H, C
23 Southeastern Institute of Research
24. Half of survey Organization Types
respondents
represent a private
company, while an
additional third
represent a non- Private company 52%
profit organization
or trade
association. Non-profit/trade 35%
Federal government agency 4%
Local government agency 3%
State government agency 1%
Other 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 164
H, C
F5-H. G5-C. Which of the following best describes your organization type?
Restaurant/Retail and
Hotel not shown
24 Southeastern Institute of Research
26. 1
Business leaders are more likely than are other
Arlington workers to live in Arlington County.
But a higher share of business leaders (62%)
drive alone to work, compared with the drive
alone rate of all Arlington workers (55%).
26 Southeastern Institute of Research
27. About a third
(35%) of business
leaders working in
Business Leaders Residency
Arlington County
reside in the Virginia - outside of Arlington 37%
County, compared
with only 22% of Maryland 11%
all Arlington
workers. North Arlington 10%
District of Columbia 7%
Ballston 5%
South Arlington 5%
Clarendon 4%
Columbia Pike 3%
Crystal City/National Airport 3%
East Falls Church 3%
Court House 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 193
H, D, C F8-H. F3-D. G10-C. In which of the following areas do you live?
27 Southeastern Institute of Research
28. Six in ten business
leaders surveyed Business Leaders’ Commute Mode
reported
commuting to
work in single Drive Alone 62%
occupancy
vehicles. Metrorail 7%
This was slightly Carpool 7%
higher than the
55% of all Walk 7%
Arlington workers
who drive alone to
work.
Bicycle 6%
Telework 4%
Other 3%
Bus 2%
Commuter Train 1%
Vanpool 1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 163 F9-H. G11-C. What type of transportation do you typically use to get to work? Please choose only
H, C the one type you use most days in a typical week for the longest distance part of your trip.
28 Southeastern Institute of Research
29. Implication
There may be a “PR story” in the fact that AC
business leaders’ commute mode split mirrors
the entire County. Business leaders are leading
the way. They can help the County
move towards 40/60.
It is critical that AC continue to educate business
leaders about the benefits of non-SOV travel; as
they gain more information, they will be more
likely, if not to change their own travel habits, to
provide information to employees, impacting a
positive trend towards sustainable travel.
29 Southeastern Institute of Research
30. Overall Business
Satisfaction
30 Southeastern Institute of Research
31. 2
Even though most business leaders reside
outside of the County, they have a positive
perception of Arlington County, both as a place
to live and as a place to conduct business. A
large share also rate QOL higher than for other
parts of the Washington metro area.
31 Southeastern Institute of Research
32. Almost all business
leaders rate the
quality of life in Quality of Life in Arlington County
Arlington County
as very good or
excellent.
Further, they tend
to rate the quality
of life as
significantly better Bottom 3
than that of other
metro D.C. areas 14%
and other metro
areas in
the U.S.
Top 2
86%
n = 212
H, D, C
‘Top 2’ refers to
answers 4 + 5 while B1. Overall, how would you rate the quality of life in Arlington County?
‘Bottom 3’ refers to
answers 1, 2 and 3. 32 Southeastern Institute of Research
33. Qualitative
research
Quality of Life in Arlington County
participants
cautioned that a
focus on urban
development
could neglect the Compared to:
large suburban
portion of the Other areas in the Greater
County and create 50% 22% 72%
an identity crisis Washington region
for the area.
The United States 48% 32% 80%
4 5 - Quality of life in Arlington is
much better
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 212 B2. How does the quality of life in Arlington County compare to the quality of life in each of the
H, D, C following?
33 Southeastern Institute of Research
34. Similarly, the
business climate in
Business Climate in Arlington County
Arlington County is
considered to be
very good to
excellent, significa
ntly better than
U.S. metro areas
and tending
toward better than
the average D.C.
Bottom 3
metro area. 27%
Top 2
73%
n = 191
D, C
‘Top 2’ refers to
answers 4 + 5 while B3. How would you rate the overall business climate in Arlington County?
‘Bottom 3’ refers to
answers 1, 2 and 3. 34 Southeastern Institute of Research
35. Qualitative
research
participants
Business Climate in Arlington County
expressed
opinions that the
business climate in
Arlington County is Compared to:
better than
average despite
economic
Other areas in the Greater
45% 13% 58%
uncertainty Washington region
resulting in large
part from BRAC
impacts.
The United States 46% 24% 70%
4
5 - Overall climate in Arlington is
much better 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 191 B4. How does the overall business climate in Arlington County compare to the overall business
D, C climate in each of the following?
35 Southeastern Institute of Research
36. Despite economic
concerns, over half
of developers still
consider Arlington
Arlington as a Place to Develop
County to be a
better than
average place to 100%
develop both
residential and 77% 74%
80%
commercial
projects. 54% 57% 55% 23%
60% 34%
14% 17%
40% 26%
Thinking about the
number of parking 51%
spaces for a new 20% 40% 43% 40%
development, dev
29% 5 -Excellent
elopers prefer: 0% 4
A minimum #
24%
A maximum #
12%
A # range
65%
! Caution !
C1. Next, considering all factors that are important to your organization when looking at a place to
Small Sample develop/locate your business, how would you rate Arlington County?
Size C4. Overall, how would you rate Arlington County as a place to develop the following?
n = 35 36 Southeastern Institute of Research
D
37. In
general, developer Rating of Arlington County as a Business Location
s and business
leaders are less
positive about
Arlington County 100%
5 - Very good
as a business 88%
location than they 4
were five years
ago, in part due to 80%
economic
71%
concerns.
60% 34%
63% 30%
40%
20% 42% 41%
25%
0%
2007 2012 C Class Only 2012 Total Sample
2012 n = 191
D, C C1-D. B10-C. Next, considering all factors that are important to your organization when looking at
2007 n = 118 a place to develop/locate your business, how would you rate Arlington County?
37 Southeastern Institute of Research
38. Open-ended Reasons for Arlington Business Rating
question.
Great place/amenities 27% Arlington County
Accessibility/transportation 22% is praised for its
transportation
Retaining qualified workforce 17%
system and the
Great location 15% effective tie-in to
Expensive 14% the
Metro, allowing
Area economy 7% residents and
Quality workforce 5% workers
accessibility to
Regulations 5% the entire D.C.
Average/in the middle 5% area.
Other 34%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 130
C B11. Why did you give that rating?
38 Southeastern Institute of Research
39. 40% of developers
say there are far
Five Year Prediction for Arlington’s Business
fewer vacancies at
their properties
Climate and Quality of Life
today compared to
a year ago.
B6
Occupied properties
34% 11% 45%
(D only, n = 35)
4 in 10
respondents
anticipate the
business climate
and the quality of
Business climate in Arlington 32% 7% 39%
life in Arlington
County to continue
to improve.
Quality of life in Arlington 34% 7% 41%
4
5 - Will get significantly better
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 191
D, C B7. How do you predict each of the following will change in the next five years?
39 Southeastern Institute of Research
40. Five Year Prediction for Arlington’s Business
Climate and Quality of Life
Occupied Properties
17% 37% 45%
(D only n = 35)
Business Climate in Worse
13% 47% 39%
Arlington The Same
Better
Quality of Life in Arlington 5% 53% 41%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
B7. How do you predict each of the following will change in the next five years?
n = 191
D, C
40 Southeastern Institute of Research
41. 3
Business leaders share some concerns –
particularly about the economy in
general, worker recruitment/retention, and
managing the transportation infrastructure in
a growing metro area;
16% say “transportation/commuting” is a
workforce concern.
41 Southeastern Institute of Research
42. Open-ended Current Concerns About Business as a Whole
question.
Economy 17%
Government/Regulation related 17%
Qualitative
research Operating costs 15% Only 7% of
participants voiced
Budget/Profit/ROI 15% Business Leaders
concern about
consider
government cuts Transportation 7%
and felt the County Transportation to
government could Competition 6% be a problem in
be doing more to
attract private Occupancy/Property values 5% Arlington County.
companies:
specifically, some
Funding 4%
felt other area Qualified workforce 3%
county
governments were
more flexible with
leasing terms. Other 6%
None 5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 135 B5. Thinking of your business in general, what is your greatest concern today related to your
H, C business as a whole?
42 Southeastern Institute of Research
43. Open-ended Current Concerns About Workforce
question.
Finding qualified workforce 27%
Despite general Transportation/commuting 16%
concerns about
the shifting
workforce Retaining qualified workforce 15%
(government to
private sector) Providing competitive pay/benefits
qualitative 14%
research
participants Housing affordability 7%
vocalized their
opinions that
Arlington County is
still creating jobs.
Other responses 14%
No particular concerns 8%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 155 B6. Thinking of your business in general, what is your greatest concern today related to your
D, C workforce?
43 Southeastern Institute of Research
44. Open-ended Future Concerns About Business as a Whole
question.
Growth/sustainability of business 17%
Cost of doing business/living 16%
Only 7% of
Economy 12% Business Leaders
Workforce concerns 9% consider
Real estate/occupancy 8% Transportation to
be a future
Transportation related 7% concern in
Government related 5% Arlington County.
Funding 5%
Competition 3%
Other responses 11%
No particular concerns 5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 157 B8. Looking five years into the future, what is your biggest long-term concern related to your
D, C business as a whole?
44 Southeastern Institute of Research
45. Open-ended Future Concerns About Workforce
question.
Retaining qualified workforce 19%
Transportation/commuting 14% Traffic concerns
Finding qualified workforce include
13% congestion in the
Costs/budget/economy 13% metro
Housing affordability 8% area, accessibility
of transportation
Providing competitive pay/benefits 7% and commuting
Managing company size 4% affordability.
Maintaining business environment 3%
Other responses 5%
No particular concerns 15%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 140 B9. Looking five years into the future, what is your biggest long-term concern related to your
H, C workforce?
45 Southeastern Institute of Research
46. Future Transportation Concerns
• “*The biggest concern is for+ affordable, accessible and
worry-free options for the employees that not only come in
super early in the morning but also have to stay at work past
midnight.”
• “*The biggest long-term concern about workforce is] about
whether employees can continue to afford the cost to
commute.”
• “In my opinion, the single factor that prevents the
Washington metropolitan area from being rated among the
world’s best in terms of quality of life is traffic congestion.
Contrary to what many believe, the answer is not more
roads and more parking structures. The fix will require a
more comprehensive public transportation system that will
result in noticeably less cars on the road and better general
health due to better air quality.”
46 Southeastern Institute of Research
47. Developers who
agree that
Ways That a Transportation System Can
transportation
services and Affect Development
improvements be
funded by:
Residential Ability to attract tenants, R 43% 38% 81%
property tax – 25% 39% 28% 67%
(8 developers)
48% 33% 81%
Commercial C 39% 28% 67%
property tax – 50%
(17 developers)
Ability to charge particular rent, R 52% 29% 81%
D18. Agree 4 or 5 56% 17% 73%
52% 14% 66%
Transportation has C 44% 17% 61%
more of a
perceived impact Property operations, R 43% 19% 62%
on residential 28% 17% 45%
development.
43% 5% 48%
! Caution ! C 44% 11% 55%
Small Sample
Size 4 5 - Very important 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
n = 35 D11 (Residential) D13 (Commercial). In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the
D transportation system affect your properties?
R = Residential
C = Commercial Southeastern Institute of Research
47
48. Implication
Arlington County’s transportation infrastructure and
commuting options should continue to be treated as
integral to giving the County a competitive edge in
supporting development and business. A focus on
attracting private sector business is crucial as impacts
from declining government employment and
occupancy continue.
48 Southeastern Institute of Research
50. 4
Business leaders give Arlington high marks
as a business location for the quality of the
transportation system and its
accessibility to customers.
But leaders also cite the high importance
of continued investment in transportation.
50 Southeastern Institute of Research
51. A quality Importance of Business Attributes (1/2)
transportation
system is the most
important
consideration
when making the Quality of transportation system, 2012 25% 61% 86%
decision of where 21% 71% 92%
to locate a
business. 26% 53% 79%
Other important
33% 44% 77%
2007 51% 32% 83%
considerations
include availability Availability of skilled workforce, 2012 26% 50% 76%
of 19% 61% 80%
parking, reputation
of the area and 28% 46% 74%
availability of a
skilled workforce. 19% 49% 68%
2007 14% 67% 81%
Availability of business support svc.… 33% 26% 59%
28% 36% 64%
17% 34% 51%
2007 20% 33% 53%
4 5 - Very important 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
2012 n = 156 B12. When your organization considered alternative locations for locating your business or part of
C your business, how important are each of these attributes in the decision process?
2007 n = 117
51 Southeastern Institute of Research
52. Importance of Business Attributes (2/2)
Qualitative
research
participants 29% 22% 51%
cautioned that a 2007 30% 19% 49%
better balance 0%
between Affordable employee housing, 2012 20% 26% 46%
developers, the
County and the
22% 20% 42%
community, specifi
cally for assuring 16% 26% 42%
an integrated 2007 22% 19% 41%
transportation
system, is crucial. Recreational opportunities, 2012 22% 15% 37%
22% 5% 27%
18% 17% 35%
2007 21% 9% 30%
Workforce training opps., 2012 17% 16% 33%
19% 12% 31%
19% 12% 31%
2007 23% 15% 38%
2012 n = 156 4 5 - Very important 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
C B12. When your organization considered alternative locations for locating your business or part of
2007 n = 117 your business, how important are each of these attributes in the decision process?
52 Southeastern Institute of Research
53. Most Important Attribute in Selecting a
Open-ended
question. Business Location
Access to customers 24% 38% of Business
Affordability/costs 18% Leaders named
transportation
Transportation/access 12% and accessibility
Location 10% as the most
important
Good business environment 7% attribute in
Workforce 5% selecting a
business
Accessibility 2% location.
Other responses 16%
None 7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
B13. What is the single most important attribute in selecting a location to start, relocate or expand
your business?
53 Southeastern Institute of Research
54. Arlington County’s Performance of
Business Attributes (1/2)
Reputation of area, 2012 36% 51% 87%
28% 54% 82%
33% 43% 76%
2007 22% 57% 79%
Quality of transportation system, 2012 39% 34% 73%
27% 52% 79%
39% 29% 68%
2007 39% 30% 69%
Availability of skilled workforce, 2012 36% 31% 67%
38% 34% 72%
32% 29% 61%
2007 41% 19% 60%
Pro-business climate, 2012 32% 26% 58%
4 5 - Very good 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
2012 n = 177 B3-H. B14-C. Now using this same list, based on your experience with locating your business in
H, C Arlington County, please rate Arlington County’s performance in delivering on these attributes, using
2007 n = 117 a scale of 1 to 5.
54 Southeastern Institute of Research
55. Arlington County’s Performance of
Business Attributes (2/2)
29% 29% 58%
2007 38% 25% 63%
Access to colleges and universities 2012 25% 32% 57%
34% 30% 64%
34% 20% 54%
2007 38% 26% 64%
Quality of K-12 education, 2012 20% 29% 49%
25% 30% 55%
30% 14% 44%
26% 11% 37%
2007 28% 14% 42%
Tax structure/incentives, 2012 18% 7% 25%
20% 24% 44%
7%5% 12%
2007 10%4% 14%
4 5 - Very good 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
2012 n = 177 B3-H. B14-C. Now using this same list, based on your experience with locating your business in
H, C Arlington County, please rate Arlington County’s performance in delivering on these attributes, using
2007 n = 117 a scale of 1 to 5.
55 Southeastern Institute of Research
56. Of the business
Arlington County’s Performance on
attributes
considered to be Important Business Attributes
most
important, Arlingto
n County falls far
short in terms of
Reputation of area 87%
providing 77%
adequate parking
and has
considerable Quality of transportation 73%
strides to make in 86%
offering a pro-
system
business climate
Availability of skilled Performance
and providing a 67%
quality
workforce 76% (4 + 5)
transportation
system. Importance
Pro-business climate 58% (4 + 5)
74%
Availability of parking 44%
79%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Importance
n = 156
C
Performance
n = 177
H, C 56 Southeastern Institute of Research
57. This map helps
illustrate how
Opportunity Map
drivers of
satisfaction and
perceived
performance on
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY BUILD AND MAINTAIN
attributes can
highlight ACCS
strengths and
Opportunities for Continue to invest
opportunities.
improvement and develop to build
strength
Importance
SAVE RESOURCES RESERVE STRENGTH
Should not invest A reserve that
resources here can “protect”
0%
0% 100%
n = 191
D, C
Performance
57 Southeastern Institute of Research
58. Business Attribute Opportunity Map
Performance (Mean = 3.3)
4.2 Parking Transportation
Area Reputation
Skilled Workforce
3.8 Business Climate
Customer Prox.
Importance (Mean = 3.4)
3.4 Business Support
Tax Structure
Residential
3 Housing I…
K-12 Recreation
Entertainment
Training
2.6
Colleges/Univs.
2.2
2.2 2.7 3.2 3.7 4.2
58 Southeastern Institute of Research
59. Attributes by
quadrant. Build Opportunity Map
and maintain are
strengths that are
important. Reserve
strengths tend to
be niche GROWTH OPPORTUNITY BUILD AND MAINTAIN
attributes, importa
nt to small market • Quality of Transportation System
segments. Save • Availability of Parking • Reputation of Area
resources are • Availability of Business Support • Availability of Skilled Workforce
limitations, but as Services • Pro-business Climate
not important to • Tax Structure and Incentives • Proximity to Customers
the market.
Importance
Growth
opportunities are
important to
Business Leaders SAVE RESOURCES RESERVE STRENGTH
but not rated
highly: this is • Affordable Housing for • Attractive Residential
where you focus Employees Communities
for the greatest • Workforce Training • Accessibility of Recreational
ROI. • Quality of Education K-12 Opportunities
• Proximity to Colleges & • Accessibility of Entertainment
Universities Opportunities
n = 191
D, C
Mean Importance
60%
Mean Performance
Performance
59 Southeastern Institute of Research
60. While Arlington Importance of County Investment
County currently
has a world class
transportation Maintaining transportation system (D
infrastructure in 29% 69% 98%
only, n = 35)
place, there is a
clear perceived Improving the transportation system 29% 50% 79%
need among
business leaders to Developing and improving the technology
38% 35% 73%
maintain and infrastructure
constantly improve
the systems to Attracting more private businesses 34% 37% 71%
meet the growing
community needs. Providing more parking 29% 36% 65%
Providing more affordable housing options 21% 30% 51%
Developing urban villages 30% 20% 50%
Attracting more government jobs 24% 24% 48%
Providing workforce training opportunities 18% 18% 36%
4 5 - Very important 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 191 D-C5, C-B16. How important is it for the County to invest in each of the following? Please use a
D, C scale of 1 to 5 where “1” is “Not at all Important” and “5” is “Very Important.”
60 Southeastern Institute of Research
61. Implication
Arlington County currently has a positive reputation
among business leaders as a place to live, work and
conduct business, and transportation contributes to
the positive view. Focus on continual improvements
to the transportation system is crucial to
maintaining the County’s metro area and national
advantage. Purposeful development that aligns
with the public transportation system is essential.
61 Southeastern Institute of Research
63. 5
Even before its expected growth, Arlington
County is considered to have
challenges, including parking and traffic
congestion, for SOV drivers. Regional
transportation system integration shows some
shortcomings.
63 Southeastern Institute of Research
64. Overall satisfaction
(ratings of 4 + 5)
with both the
Transportation System Satisfaction
regional and
Arlington County
While overall satisfaction with the regional
transportation
systems is down 1 county transportation system has
and
slightly from remained steady, fewer business leaders 5 - Very satisfied
2007, with those 4
indicating they are
consider their satisfaction level to be the
“Very Satisfied”
0.8
highest than in 2007.
down significantly.
62% 61%
0.6
51% 50%
17%
Focus group
14% 32%
participants felt 0.4 24%
that, in
general, Arlington’
s transportation 0.2 44%
system sets it 36% 30%
apart, but may not 27%
be available to all
county workers. 0
2007 Arlington County
transportation
system, 2012
2012 n = 212 D1-D, C1-H, C. Overall, how satisfied are you with the regional transportation system?
H, D, C D2-D, C2-H, C. And how satisfied are you with the transportation system in Arlington County?
2007 n = 120
64 Southeastern Institute of Research
65. Arlington County Transportation
The majority of
developers and
System Ratings
business leaders
alike consider
Arlington County Access to transportation options
(D only, n = 35) 49% 26% 75%
to have access to
multiple Reliability of travel options
(D only, n = 35) 54% 17% 71%
transportation
options. Availability of multiple different
transportation options 42% 20% 62%
Availability of taxis 41% 17% 58%
Quality of transportation options
(D only, n = 35) 46% 9% 55%
Ease of getting around without a car 33% 16% 49%
Regional coordination of the transportation
system 26% 10% 36%
Ease of getting around in a car 22% 7% 29%
Availability of parking 20% 7% 27%
4 5 - Excellent 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
D3-D. C3-H, C. Overall, how would you rate Arlington County on each of the following?
n = 212
H, D, C Southeastern Institute of Research
65
66. The biggest
transportation
Arlington County Transportation
concerns among
business leaders: Areas for Improvement
Lack of available
parking
34% rating as
“Poor” (1 or 2). Neg. Pos.
Ease of getting around in a car
Difficulty in getting 37% 12% 25% 22% 7% 29%
around in a car
37% rating as
“Poor” (1 or 2). Availability of parking 34% 9% 25% 20% 7% 27%
Regional coordination of the
transportation system 17% 4%13% 27% 10% 37%
Regional
coordination of
the transportation Ease of getting around
system, while not
without a car 14% 4%10% 33% 16% 49%
rated
poorly, received a
mediocre 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
rating, with 45%
rating it as a 3.
1 - Poor 2 4 5 - Excellent
D3-D. C3-H, C. Overall, how would you rate Arlington County on each of the following?
n = 212
H, D, C Southeastern Institute of Research
66
67. Concerns About Arlington County
Open-ended
question. Transportation System
18%
Metro issues 16% Note: See
11% Appendix for full
Traffic congestion
Bus issues listing of open-
and parking are 10%
significant 7% ended questions.
concerns.
System aging/capacity 4%
Business leaders 4%
also cite metro
and bus Off hours public transport 4%
issues, including 3%
regional
coordination and Connectivity to other areas 2%
connectivity. 2%
23%
No particular concerns 19%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 112
H, C C4. What concerns, if any, do you have regarding Arlington County’s transportation system?
67 Southeastern Institute of Research
68. Open-ended
Suggested Improvements to Arlington
question.
County Transportation System
Metro related 14%
Suggested
improvements Bike related 11% Note: See
from qualitative Appendix for full
research Parking related 11%
participants listing of open-
include aligning Connect regional modes 9% ended questions.
development with
the metro
Bus concerns 8%
system, expanding 8%
the network of
More public transit
bike paths and Information technology
keeping
6%
transportation I-66 congestion 5%
costs to a
minimum.
Efficient N/S Other responses 32%
routes are
specifically No particular concerns 15%
needed.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 114 C5. What improvements should the County make in terms of the transportation system?
H, C
68 Southeastern Institute of Research
69. In Transportation System’s Positive Effects
general, business
leaders considered
the transportation
on Businesses (1/2)
system to have
greater impacts on
businesses in 2007
than in the most
Ability to recruit employees, 2012 34% 36% 70%
recent survey. 2007 41% 28% 69%
Customer ability to reach biz, 2012 31% 39% 70%
Qualitative
research
2007 39% 30% 69%
participants report
that businesses Access to broad workforce, 2012 37% 31% 68%
elect to locate in
Arlington County 2007 38% 29% 68%
because of the
transportation
system and the
Ability to retain employees, 2012 37% 27% 64%
difficulty of 2007 37% 25% 62%
mobility in the
district.
Employee morale, 2012 34% 29% 63%
2007 42% 15% 57%
4 5 - Very positively 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
2012 n = 177
H, C C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
2007 n = 117 County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
69 Southeastern Institute of Research
70. In Transportation System’s Positive Effects
general, business
leaders considered
the transportation
on Businesses (2/2)
system to have
greater impacts on Employee productivity, 2012 34% 27% 61%
businesses in 2007 39% 16% 56%
than in the most
recent survey.
33% 26% 59%
2007 39% 24% 63%
Qualitative
research Employee health, 2012 37% 20% 57%
participants report 25% 8% 32%
that businesses
elect to locate in
Arlington County 34% 18% 52%
because of the 2007 29% 15% 44%
transportation
system and the Cost to obtain supplies, 2012 30% 19% 49%
difficulty of
mobility in the
29% 18% 47%
district.
28% 21% 49%
2007 22% 17% 39%
4 5 - Very positively 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
2012 n = 177
H, C C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
2007 n = 117 County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
70 Southeastern Institute of Research
71. 6 of 8 hotels
Transportation System’s 2012 Effect on:
indicated that Negative Effects Positive Effects
transportation
affects their ability 70%
Ability to recruit employees 6% 34% 36%
to attract guests.
Customers' ability to reach business 11% 31% 39% 70%
4 of 8 hotels
indicated that
transportation Access to broad workforce 7% 37% 31% 68%
affects the room
rates they are able Ability to retain employees 7% 37% 27% 64%
to charge. 1 - Very
negatively Employee morale 13% 34% 29% 63%
All hotels offer 2
some sort of Employee productivity 12% 34% 27% 61%
transportation 4
assistance to their Employee attendance 10% 33% 26% 59%
guests. 5 - Very
positively Employee health 8% 37% 20% 57%
Cost to deliver services/products 11% 34% 18% 52%
Cost to obtain supplies
11% 30% 19% 49%
Emergency preparedness 16% 28% 21% 49%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
2012 n = 177 C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
H, C County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
71 Southeastern Institute of Research
72. 6 of 8 hotels
Transportation System’s 2012 Effect on:
indicated that
transportation
affects their ability
Emergency preparedness 5% 11%
to attract guests.
4 of 8 hotels
Employee morale 2% 11% Negative effects of
indicated that the transportation
transportation Employee productivity 3% 9%
system include lack of
affects the room
rates they are able Cost to deliver services/products 4% 7% emergency
to charge. preparedness, emplo
Cost to obtain supplies 2% 9%
yee performance and
All hotels offer
some sort of Employee attendance 2% 8% the costs associated
transportation with transporting
assistance to their Customers' ability to reach business 2% 7% goods or services.
guests.
Employee health 1% 7%
Access to broad workforce 2% 5%
1 - Very negatively
Ability to retain employees 1% 6%
2 - Somewhat negatively
Ability to recruit employees 2% 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
2012 n = 177 C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
H, C County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
72 Southeastern Institute of Research
73. In Transportation System’s Negative Effects
general, business
leaders considered
the transportation
on Businesses (1/2)
system to have
greater impacts on Emergency preparedness 12%
businesses in 2007 11%
than in the most
recent survey.
Employee morale 11%
15%
Qualitative
research Employee productivity 9%
participants report 11%
that businesses
elect to locate in
Arlington County Employee attendance 9%
because of the 15%
transportation
system and the
difficulty of Cost to obtain supplies 9%
mobility in the
13%
district.
Customer ability to reach biz 8%
13%
2012 2007 0% 10% 20% 30%
2012 n = 177
H, C C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
2007 n = 117 County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
73 Southeastern Institute of Research
74. In Transportation System’s Negative Effects
general, business
leaders considered
the transportation
on Businesses (2/2)
system to have
greater impacts on 7%
businesses in 2007 Cost to deliver svcs/products
14%
than in the most
recent survey.
Ability to retain employees 6%
16%
Qualitative
research
participants report
that businesses Access to broad workforce 6%
elect to locate in 12%
Arlington County
because of the
transportation
Employee health 6%
system and the
difficulty of 8%
mobility in the
district.
Ability to recruit employees 5%
16%
2012 2007 0% 10% 20% 30%
2012 n = 177
H, C C7. In what ways and to what extent does the quality of the transportation system in Arlington
2007 n = 117 County affect your organization’s ability to conduct business?
74 Southeastern Institute of Research
75. Implication
While there may not be a solution, it is important
to acknowledge the challenges that traffic
congestion presents. Parking solutions should be a
constant consideration, and continuing efforts to
manage a seamless regional system will allow
commuters to more easily accomplish
non-SOV travel.
75 Southeastern Institute of Research
76. 6
Few business leaders are currently aware of
Arlington County’s goal to manage rush hour
traffic. While some question how realistic the
goal actually is and are unsure how hard the
County is working to achieve the goal, they do
nonetheless acknowledge its importance.
76 Southeastern Institute of Research
77. Similarly, qualitativ
87% of Business Leaders Are Unaware of
e research
participants were Arlington County’s Rush Hour Traffic Goals
largely unaware of
Arlington’s goal.
Nonetheless, they
agreed that the
rush hour traffic
goal is important
and noted that in No
order for it to be
achieved, the 87%
County must be
more flexible in
terms of acquiring
and locating
businesses
adjacent to Yes
existing
sustainable 11%
transportation
options.
Not sure 2%
D15 –D. C9-H, C. Arlington County would like to keep rush hour traffic at no more than 5 percent
n = 209 above 2005 levels for the next 20 years, even though population and employment in the County will
H, D, C grow. Prior to this survey, were you aware of this goal?
77 Southeastern Institute of Research
78. A minority, 11% of Business Leaders’ Attitudes
business
leaders, indicated
knowledge of
About Rush Hour Traffic Goals
Arlington County’s
rush hour traffic
goal. The majority It is important to achieve this… 33% 28% 61%
consider it to be
important and in
the best interest of
the
County, although The goal is in the best interest… 33% 28% 61%
relatively few
consider the
County to be
working diligently
to achieve it.
The County needs to do more… 31% 22% 53%
This goal is realistic 18% 8% 26%
The County is working hard… 19% 6% 25%
4
5 - Strongly agree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 209 D16 –D. C10-H, C. To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements? Please use a
H, D, C scale of 1 to 5 where “1” means “strongly disagree” and “5” means “strongly agree.”
78 Southeastern Institute of Research
79. Business Leaders’ Attitudes
One-third of About Rush Hour Traffic Goals
business
leaders feel that % Disagree % Agree
Arlington
County’s traffic It is important to…4% 9% 33% 28%
goal is
unrealistic.
The goal is in the best interest…3% 6% 33% 28%
The County needs to do…4% 5% 31% 22%
1 - Strongly disagree
This goal is realistic 12% 20% 2 18% 8%
4
5 - Strongly agree
The County is working hard…4% 15% 19% 6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
n = 209 D16 –D. C10-H, C. To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements? Please use a
H, D, C scale of 1 to 5 where “1” means “strongly disagree” and “5” means “strongly agree.”
79 Southeastern Institute of Research
80. Focus group
Business Leaders’ Attitudes About Rush
participants noted
that pubic
transportation
Hour Traffic Goal
options need to
increase with
increases in
population and
business. After being told of Arlington
Specifically, they
County's 20 year growth
questioned the predicitons, the percent of
opportunity to
business leaders considering the
expand the metro 28% 48% 76%
system, as the Arlington County goal to be
orange line is
reportedly
important jumped from 61% to
currently 76%, with "very important"
overcrowded.
jumping from 28% to 44%
Focus should be
kept on those
travelling
through, as well as
within, the County. 4 5 - Very important 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
D17-D. C11-H, C. According to some predictions, over the next 20 years, the population of Arlington
County is expected to grow by approximately 20%, and the number of individuals employed by
businesses in the County is expected to grow by 30%. If those predictions are accurate, how
n = 209 important is the County’s goal to keep rush hour traffic at no more than 5% above 2005 levels?
H, D, C Please use a scale where “1” means “not at all important” and “5” means “very important.”
80 Southeastern Institute of Research
81. Allocation of Transportation Infrastructure
Funding for Arlington County
Average amount
allocated out of
$100 total. Information $19.71
Services $16.94
Total sample
$19.71
average in ( ). ($19.18)
$29.55
Transit $33.00
($29.86) $26.39
C-Level
$32.58 Developers
Parking $24.15
($30.26) HR
$25.00
! Caution !
Small Sample $39.92
Roads $34.53
Sizes HR and
Developers. ($39.44) $44.21
$- $10.00 $20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00
n = 212
H, D, C
D6-D. C6-C, H. If you had $100 to allocate across the following parts of Arlington County’s
H = 21 transportation system, how would you do it?
D = 35
C = 156 81 Southeastern Institute of Research
82. Implication
As few business leaders are aware of the County’s
current traffic goal and many are not of the
mindset that the County is working hard to
achieve what is considered to be an important
goal, proactive communication about the goal and
steps taken to achieve it is paramount.
82 Southeastern Institute of Research