The document summarizes the key findings from a survey of 469 regional leaders in Middle Tennessee regarding regional collaboration and transportation issues. Some of the main findings include: - Improving transit options is ranked as the most important transportation strategy for the region. - Transportation and infrastructure issues are seen as most important for quality of life and economic vitality. - The greatest benefit of a regional transit system is seen as reduced traffic congestion. - Funding is viewed as the biggest barrier to expanding transit options across the region. - "Middle TN" is the preferred term to describe the 10-county region.

1. Convening the Region Summit 2009 Key Issue: Regional Transit System Development May 27 th , 2009 War Memorial Auditorium Nashville, TN

10. Overall Summary

11. Respondent Demographics

12. Nearly one-half of respondents work for a private company; 32% government, 11% non-profit. Which of the following most accurately describes your occupational status?

13. Of those respondents who participated in the survey, one-half currently live in Davidson County. In which Middle Tennessee County do you currently live?

14. Just 28% of respondents surveyed hold an Elected or Appointed position in Middle TN. Do you currently hold an ELECTED or APPOINTED position with any Middle TN governmental agency, planning board, advisory board, etc.?

15. Over one-half of all respondents have lived in another city the size of Nashville or larger. At any point in your adult life (ages 18 and up), have you lived in any other U.S. city the size of Nashville or larger?

16. Regional Collaboration

17. Regional Opportunities and Crises/Problems are the top 2 motivators for regional collaboration. What would motivate you and the constituents you serve to encourage/ensure regional collaboration? Check all that apply.

18. Currently just 27% say regional collaboration is working, but 81% say it is a Very Important issue. How would you rate our region’s current effectiveness in regional collaboration? How important is it for Middle TN communities & governments to work together to address regional priorities & issues?

19. Over 2/3 of respondents say improving Transit Options is the most important focus for Middle TN. Please rank order the importance of the following transportation strategies in terms of what the Nashville Region should focus on over the next 10 years?

20. Transportation & Other Infrastructure are the most important issues for Middle TN to focus on. How important do you think each of the following issues are to the quality of life and economic vitality in our region over the next 10 years?

21. The greatest benefit of a regional transit system is Reduced Traffic Congestion. What do you see as the benefits of investing in a Regional Transit System? Check all that apply.

22. 8 of 10 respondents say Funding is the biggest barrier to making transit options available to all. What are the barriers to making transit options available to citizens of the region? Check all that apply.

23. Nearly one-half of respondents say “Middle TN” is the best term to describe the 10-county region. What title or term best describes our 10-county region?