School of Public Service Surveys

From Interim Dean Andrew Giacomazzi

The Sixth Annual Public Policy Survey

At the center of the vision of the School of Public Service is to be a trusted resource for policymakers who are working to find effective solutions to public concerns. To help fulfill our vision of assisting decision-makers in making informed decisions, we conduct surveys across the city, state and region.

This month we released the Sixth Annual Public Policy Survey, which polled Idahoans from across the Gem State on the issues they care about most. This year’s edition also included questions about Idahoans’ experiences with, and attitudes about, the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this issue of Public Interest, we’ll share the results of our Public Policy Survey with you. We’ll also share an Idaho Public Television interview with School of Public Service Survey Director Jeffrey Lyons and a Blue Review interview about this year’s survey findings.

Recently, I’m sure you’ll agree, there has been no shortage of things for the public to be concerned about. We share your concerns, as well as your desire to make Idaho the best place it can be. It is our sincere hope that our surveys will be a trusted resource to decision-makers and thought leaders as we work in the public interest.

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Giacomazzi
Interim Dean, School of Public Service
Boise State University

Survey Finds Optimism Among Idahoans Despite Divisions About the Pandemic

The Boise State School of Public Service conducted its Sixth Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey at the end of 2020, surveying 1,000 adults over the age of 18 who currently live in Idaho.

The survey’s key findings include:

More Idahoans believe the state is headed in the right direction than not.
Idahoans say education is at the top of the list of issues that the Idaho Legislature should address in the coming year.
A narrow majority of Idahoans would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if one were available today.
Idahoans are divided on how to use an expected budget surplus, with tax relief being the most popular option.
Idahoans are favorable toward a criminal justice system that focuses on rehabilitation and education of offenders.
A majority of people in the state have confidence in the security of Idaho’s elections.

Read the Sixth Annual Statewide Survey on the School of Public Service Website

School of Public Service Interim Dean Andy Giacomazzi interviews Survey Director Jeff Lyons

Academics talking Academics in Elevators

In another exciting episode of Academics Talking Academics in Elevators, School of Public Service Interim Dean Andy Giacomazzi is joined by School of Public Service Survey Director Jeff Lyons. Andy and Jeff discuss:

What are some of the challenging aspects of running large surveys?
What are some of the key findings from the 6th Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey?
Was there anything this year that surprised you?
If someone is interested in conducting a survey (or adding a question to an existing of ours) whom should they contact?

Survey Director Jeff Lyons Appears on Idaho Reports

Professor Jeffrey Lyons of Boise State University’s School of Public Service discusses the most recent Public Policy Survey with Idaho Public Television. He also shares insights into what Idahoans feel about the pandemic, vaccines, and mask mandates.

Watch on Idaho Public Television

Blue Review interviews Jeffrey Lyons and Vanessa Fry

What’s Trending in Idaho?

In a Blue Review interview, Vanessa Fry of the Idaho Policy Institute and Boise State School of Public Service Survey Director Jeffrey Lyons discuss findings from the Sixth Annual Statewide Survey. Fry and Lyons discuss how Idahoans feel about COVID-19, what Idahoans would like to do with an expected budget surplus, and how they feel about the general direction of the state.

“The goal of our survey work is always to provide data on the decisions and policies being discussed in Idaho. This means that there are some issues we always ask questions about such as taxes and education, and others that are more specific to a certain year. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic was one of those timely issues that we sought to provide public opinion data on.”