After pandemic gloom, are Bay Area residents feeling more optimistic about the region?

"The gloomy mood that settled over the Bay Area in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is finally showing signs of breaking. A new survey of residents across the region found nearly half agree the Bay Area is headed in the right direction, up from 38% last year and just 29% in 2023. The annual poll conducted by the Bay Area News Group and Joint Venture Silicon Valley, an economic think tank, seeks to capture the tenor of the times."

"The more optimistic outlook comes as fewer people are fleeing the region following a pandemic exodus. Crime is largely declining after recent surges, some cities are making progress on homelessness, and new political leaders are pledging fresh approaches to the region's most pressing challenges. The survey is revealing that, yeah, we got beat up for a while, but now we're feeling better, said Russell Hancock, president and CEO of the San Jose-based Joint Venture Silicon Valley."

"When asked which issues pose a serious problem for the region, large majorities agreed that housing costs (96%), the cost of living (95%), homelessness (94%) and wealth inequality (80%) are significant challenges. The poll surveyed 1,634 registered voters in August to gather a representative sample of the core Bay Area counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and San Francisco."

Resident sentiment in the Bay Area has improved, with 47% now saying the region is headed in the right direction, up from 38% last year and 29% in 2023. Fewer people are leaving after the pandemic exodus. Crime has largely declined following recent surges. Some cities are making measurable progress on homelessness while newly elected city leaders promise fresh approaches to public safety and downtown revitalization. Significant concerns persist: 53% still say the region is headed the wrong way, nearly 60% report worsening quality of life over five years, and respondents cite housing costs, cost of living, homelessness and wealth inequality as top problems.

Read at www.mercurynews.com