Predicting Local Concern about Growth: The Roots of Citizen Discontent

Abstract

Residents’ concerns about local population growth are known to affect whether or not cities adopt more restrictive growth policies. This paper analyzes the factors which contribute to residents’ heightened concerns about local growth’s consequences. Social characteristics and community factors, referred to here as demographic variables, are typically considered the predictors of local residents’ growth concerns. The effects of demographic variables and residents’ attitudes are contrasted in a survey conducted recently in Orange County, California. Perceived community quality indicators are better predictors of local concern about growth than are demographic characteristics. The significant resident attitudes include local government ratings, perceived rapid growth, and fiscal conservatism. Homeownership is a marginally significant demographic factor. It thus appears that local concern about growth can emerge among a broad range of individuals having, in common, citizen discontent rather than demographic similarities.

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