Bay Area residents feel better about region, but agree nation's outlook is dim

"Bay Area residents are feeling more optimistic about the region, but the overwhelming majority agree the outlook is dim for the nation as a whole, according to a new poll by the Bay Area News Group and Joint Venture Silicon Valley. The annual survey found that nearly half of residents think the Bay Area is headed in the right direction, up from 29% in 2023."

"In 2023, when Joe Biden was still president, only 24% said the country was trending in the right direction, following a nationwide surge in inflation. Still, the poll makes clear Bay Area residents are no fans of Trump. Large majorities of respondents agreed his policies would hurt the region, including tariffs (73%), Medicaid cuts (71%), limits on international work visas (66%) and immigration enforcement (64%)."

Bay Area residents show increased regional optimism, with nearly half saying the Bay Area is headed in the right direction, up from 29% in 2023. Improvements align with declining crime, some progress on homelessness and new political leadership promising fresh approaches. National sentiment remains low, with only 27% saying the United States is on the right track and similar negative views in 2023. Large majorities believe Trump policies—tariffs (73%), Medicaid cuts (71%), limits on international work visas (66%) and immigration enforcement (64%)—would hurt the region. Personal outlooks are strong, with 81% reporting positive life trajectories.

Read at www.mercurynews.com