For Immediate Release: Survey Data on Occupy Oakland

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2011

New data shows Oakland Residents fear the impact of Occupy Oakland
on business and agree overnight camping should end

Oakland Residents favor jobs and local businesses over encampment

Oakland, CA – Today, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce released new polling from EMC Research.  The results draw a clear distinction in attitudes among Oakland voters. 

Oakland voters are generally in support of the principles of the Occupy Wall Street movement. However, they recognize the huge impact that the on-going encampment has had on local business and jobs and want it to end.

“It has become clear that Oakland residents want jobs, not tents,” said Joseph Haraburda, President of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.  “Oaklanders know that the encampment is damaging our city’s reputation as a place to locate and grow small business and cutting off vital customers from businesses who need them now more than ever.”

Surveys were conducted among 1,100 Oakland voters/residents on November 8 and 9.  Key findings include:

·         Almost two-thirds (63%) say that the impact of occupy Oakland on local businesses and workers has been harmful

·         More than one third (37%) of all voters say they are less likely to go to downtown Oakland because of occupy Oakland

·         Only one-third say overnight camping should be allowed on Frank Ogawa Plaza

·         Of those expressing an opinion about the encampment nearly 60% say the encampment should end.

Voters were also asked their opinion of Mayor Jean Quan’s handling of Occupy Oakland.  The findings include:

·         Nearly three-quarters (73%) of voters disapprove of the way, Mayor Jean Quan is handling Occupy Oakland, only about one in ten (11%) approved of her handling of the occupation.

“These results confirm what we’ve been hearing from business owners, Oakland homeowners, residents, and even the police union – we need the Mayor to lead us to a successful and peaceful resolution,” added Haraburda.  “Our economy depends on it,” he added.

A press conference to discuss the poll results will be held at the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce,

475 14^th Street

at 2pm today.

For more information contact Paul Junge (510) 874 – 4817 with the Chamber or Ruth Bernstein of EMC Research at (510) 550 – 8922.   # # #