Quotes From Survey Participants

OVERALL RATING

Nine hundred residents shared their views through telephone and online opinion surveys conducted in the first half of 2019. Key findings are summarized, including ratings for different aspects of life in Flint. Ratings are based on a scale of one to five, in which five means “very positive” and one means “very negative.” For more information about how the ratings were calculated, see Methodology.

THINGS TO CELEBRATE/
THINGS TO IMPROVE

This section highlights survey results regarding what’s working and what needs improvement. If a section of Focus on Flint does not include information about Things to Celebrate or Things to Improve, it’s because the survey didn’t yield responses to fit the categories.

ALSO HEARD

In addition to results of the opinion survey, Focus on Flint shares information that local nonprofit organizations and agencies have reported hearing from the residents they serve.

SUPPORT FROM MOTT

Support for the organizations and programs presented in bold text includes funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which produced this report. To learn more, visit the Foundation’s website, Mott.org.

FACTS & FIGURES

Each section includes data and statistics that illuminate strengths of the Flint community and highlight challenges. These facts were collected through opinion surveys of Flint residents; from city, state and federal agencies; and from local nonprofit organizations. The Flint surveys were conducted in the first half of 2019. Unless otherwise noted, all remaining data are from 2018.

DID YOU KNOW?

This section highlights organizations and programs working to address issues in the Flint community and provides information about how to connect with them.

THE ISSUE AND THE RESPONSE

Focus on Flint explores nine important issues facing the local community: Arts and Culture, Economy, Education, Health, Housing, Public Safety, Quality of Life, Standard of Living and Water. This section describes why each issue is critical to the community and summarizes work underway.

BEST PART OF LIVING IN FLINT

BIGGEST CONCERNS / TOP PRIORITIES

“The water crisis. We are still living with undrinkable water. It’s time for this problem to be fixed once and for all.”

“Education is the most important.”

“Crime, blight and not enough police officers.”

“Water bills are ridiculously high for the quality of water we get.”

“We need an educational system that teaches actual trades and prepares our future leaders for survival and success … real and true things that will help my daughters live happy and fulfilling lives.”

“We need youth activities that keep them off the streets and out of trouble.”

“Bringing industry, good jobs and job training back to the community.”

“Making sure that areas other than downtown Flint see positive improvements and that we don’t gentrify — socioeconomically and racially — the downtown area as part of the improvements that are happening.”

Focus on Flint