A Model of Prediction of Voter Approval for the Expansion of a Greenways System in Leon County, Florida

Abstract

This thesis examines the level of public support for the development of a greenway system in Leon County, Florida. The data for the study was acquired through a mail survey (N=390) to a randomly sampled selection of Leon County, Florida registered voters. The results of the survey were interpreted using logistic regression. In addition, the analysis determines survey respondents’ perceived level of access to existing Leon County trails. The analysis reveals that gender, age, education, length of time at current residence, renting versus owning property, and political ideology are significant in predicting voter approval of the Leon County greenway system and the use of public funds for its further development. The findings suggest the utility of a prediction model for other communities facing ballot measures to fund park, open space, and trail development.