Executive Summary

Minnesota is changing. In a state where the storied “consensus" once meant a high degree of civic engagement and shared vision for economic, social and educational betterment in the state, we see divisions into increasingly irreconcilable camps. There is deep skepticism about public institutions and strong disagreement on their role, and abiding concern about the rapid growth and change in the make-up of our communities. Clearly, the causes of these disruptions are multi-fold, including the changing economy, the increasingly racially diverse immigration into the state, and the polarization of politics. Regardless, there is an increasing belief that community in Minnesota is on the decline, as fewer people know their neighbors, the quality of public schools seems to erode, transportation infrastructure fails to keep up with need, and taxes seem persistently high. One change, which parallels a national political phenomenon, is the growth of exurbia. These fast growing counties are neither urban nor rural, and are distinct from older suburbs in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. These counties both reflect and generate some of the most important changes in the state and understanding them is the key to understanding the direction of economic, political, and social change in Minnesota.

Methodology
This report is based upon six focus groups and a statewide survey of Minnesota. Six focus groups among men and women in Anoka, Scott and Hennepin counties. Focus groups were conducted in Hennepin county on February 10, 2004 among white men and women between the ages 45 to 60 years old. Focus groups were conducted on February 9, 2004 and February 11, 2004 in Anoka and Scott Counties, respectively, among White men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. The statewide survey was conducted among 700 likely Minnesota voters between May 10 and May 16, 2004. The exurban survey was conducted among 500 likely exurban Minnesota voters between June 24 and June 28, 2004.

Key Findings

• Exurbia is an area of rapid growth. The differences between exurbia in Minnesota and the rest of the state are more cultural and political than demographic
• Exurbanites in Minnesota are more optimstic than the rest of the state, even though they hold more intense concerns about government waste and taxes.
• Minnesotans are responsive to a call for investment in schools, transportation infrastructure, and reducing health care costs, while simultaneously introducing measures that ensure accountability