Regional Poll Reveals 80% of Tri-Valley Residents Prioritize Open Space
Photo by Spencer DeMera
CONTACT: Rebecca Spector, Tri-Valley Conservancy, (925) 449-8706 x1
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New poll shows 80% of voters in the Tri-Valley rank open space high in the list of priorities for land use along with wildlife protection and access to public nature trails.
(Livermore, Calif. May 13, 2026) -- An overwhelming majority of voters in the Tri-Valley believe open space should be a top priority when it comes to land use, with 80 percent of respondents marking it as extremely or very important, according to a 2026 poll conducted by Lake Research Partners.
Respondents also signaled strong support for wildlife protection, with 72 percent of those surveyed viewing it as extremely or very important. Similarly, access to public nature trails emerged as a pivotal focus, with 77 percent of respondents indicating it is extremely or very important. The majority also list agriculture as a high priority, with 65 percent of respondents listing it as very or extremely important to land use in the region.
"These results confirm that the community’s values are aligned with Tri-Valley Conservancy’s core mission to protect both open space and agriculture," said Rebecca Spector, executive director of Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC). "It’s clear that preserving our open spaces, supporting local agriculture, and protecting wildlife are top priorities for the people who live here."
The poll also asked residents to describe in their own words what makes their local community special. The responses were remarkably balanced, with three themes tied for the top spot: 22% cited open lands, recreation, and the region’s agricultural heritage; 22% highlighted low crime rates and a sense of security; and 22% pointed to a strong sense of friendliness and community connection.
Overall, Tri-Valley voters remain optimistic about the future. The survey found that nearly three-fifths of residents believe their community is moving in the right direction, compared to roughly a quarter who expressed concern otherwise.
“Growing up in the Tri-Valley, I feel a responsibility to ensure that the lands that define our region don't disappear,” said Diana Roberts, TVC’s conservation manager. “In addition to beauty, our lands provide unseen benefits: they recharge our groundwater, provide a home for local wildlife, and keep our air clean. This poll shows the community understands that nature is essential to our community’s identity and enjoyment.”
When asked about the best reasons to protect open space in the Tri-Valley area, responses focused on preventing overdevelopment and preserving the rural character of the area (21%). Respondents also noted the importance of open space for people’s quality of life and wellbeing (19%) and protecting wildlife and habitat (18%).
Other notable findings include:
Over two-thirds of respondents side with preserving open lands and the Tri-Valley's agricultural heritage and natural beauty (68%) over using available land to build more housing so people can afford to live here (25%).
Three-quarters of respondents agree that letting development extend beyond cities risks losing open space, parks, and agriculture that define our communities (76%) over the need to develop open land around cities to reduce congestion and provide more housing (20%).
The survey, commissioned by TVC to assess community priorities in the region, included 600 registered voters in the Tri-Valley and an additional sample of 100 registered voters in the City of Livermore. It was conducted on March 5-10, 2026, by live telephone and text-to-online interview in both English and Spanish.
To ensure the results accurately reflect the diverse makeup of the electorate, researchers adjusted the data to match the true proportions of the population, including age, gender, geography, and party affiliation, ensuring a statistically representative snapshot of the voting public.
To read the full report, visit https://www.trivalleyconservancy.org/regional-poll
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Tri-Valley Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust based in Livermore, CA, protecting more than 6,100 acres across the Tri-Valley region. Our mission is to promote economically sustainable vineyards and orchards, and increase permanently protected, biologically diverse open spaces. Through conservation easements, land stewardship, education, advocacy and outreach, TVC supports a Tri-Valley region where agricultural, range and park lands are preserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.