The United States Conference of MayorsZogby Strategies 2020 National Youth Poll

A Survey of Gen Z
& Millennials’
Behavior & Values

es Conference of
by Strategies
nal Youth Poll

Polling Conducted by:

ennials’ Behavior & Values
THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS

 THE UNITED STATES
CONFERENCE OF MAYORS
Bryan K. Barnett
Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI
President

Greg Fischer
Mayor of Louisville
Vice President

Nan Whaley
Mayor of Dayton
Second Vice President

Shane Bemis
Mayor of Gresham
Chair, Youth Involvement Task Force

Tom Cochran
CEO and Executive Director 
The U.S. Conference of Mayors

About The U.S. Conference of Mayors:
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the
official nonpartisan organization of
cities with populations of 30,000 or
more. There are nearly 1,400 such
cities in the country today, and each
city is represented in the Conference
by its chief elected official, the mayor.
Learn more at www.usmayors.org.

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 Sample Characteristics
Sample Characteristics
Demographics

18 – 29 Likely Voters

Male

501

Female

501

Transgender/Non-binary

--

Age 18 – 24

501

Age 25 - 29

501

Democrat

391

Republican

311

Independent/unaffiliated

301

White

493

African American

168

Hispanic

187

Sample Characteristics Continued
Asian

79

Other

59

Demographics

18 – 29 Likely Voters

College Degree

702

No College Degree

300

Large City

346

Small City

258

Suburbs

247

Rural

137

Progressive

117

Liberal

222

Moderate

297

Conservative

178

Very Conservative

58

Libertarian

22

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

3

 Methodology
• J
  ohn Zogby Strategies (JZS) was commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to conduct
a nationwide online survey of 1,000 18 – 29 year old (registered) likely voters about current
political issues, their values, and behavior. The online survey was conducted December 9th –
December 11th, 2019.
• T
  he margin of error for the sample of 1,002 is +/- 3.2 percentage points.
• E
  ach email invitation was password coded and secured to prevent each respondent from taking
the survey more than once. Subsets of the data have a larger margin of error than the whole
data set. As a rule, we do not rely on the validity of very small subsets, especially smaller than
70 respondents. At that subset we can make estimations based on the data, but in such cases
the data is more qualitative than quantitative.
• W
  hile additional factors can create error, such as question wording and question order, JZS took
steps to reduce such error.
• S
  light weights were added for age, education, gender, party, and race to be representative of the
18 - 29 population of the United States.

4

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Executive Analysis
Future Economic Outlook
• O
  nly 19% feel that the worst of the financial crisis of a decade ago is behind them. The largest
plurality (30%) say that they are still in the headwinds and that it is hard to plan their future, and
another 28% suggest that their sentiments depend on who is elected President.
• A
  slight majority (54%) believe in the most basic form of the American Dream (to be better off
financially than your parents) whereas one-third do not believe they will be better off than their
parents.
• A
  plurality (49%) are optimistic about their job prospects and social relationships in a fastchanging world. On the flip side, 42% are concerned about what the future holds for them.

Top Two Issues that Impact Presidential Vote
• O
  verall, the top issue is the economy and jobs (29%), followed closely by access to health care
(25%). The top five are rounded out by issues related to education and student debt (20%),
global warming (18%), and immigration (18%).
• W
  hile young men are more likely to cite the economy (32%) than women (26%), women feel
more influenced by the need for health care (29%) than men (21%).
• “
  Other combined” includes choices – reducing crime and gun violence (16%), poverty/closing
wealth gap (14%), protecting civil rights, particularly among minorities (14%), rebuild our nation’s
infrastructure (11%), mental health and substance abuse (10%), gender/racial pay equality (10%),
and those not sure (3%).

Defining Issues for the Two Generations
• G
  lobal warming may prove to be one of the defining issues for younger Millennials and Gen Z.
Overall, 80% say that it is a major threat to human life on earth as we know it – 52% strongly
agree. In another question on the same topic, almost three to one (58% to 21%), young voters
agree with the statement that the climate crisis warrants bold measures vs. a rejection of strong
action because of the costs to act.
• A
  lso, three out of five of these two age cohorts either try to reduce their carbon footprint
practically every day (25%) or in major life decisions only (35%). Only 27% rarely consider.
• A
  second defining issue for these cohorts is gun violence. These young voters were asked to check
off from a list of actions they felt would “most likely curb gun violence”. Their most preferred
selection was enacting universal background checks (45%). Second place were red flag laws which
allow law enforcement to ban firearm possession by those individuals who are considered to be a
threat to society (33%).

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

5

 Executive Analysis,

continued

Overall Outlook - a Balance of Cynicism and Optimism
• T
  here is noticeable cynicism when it comes to anticipating interference in the upcoming 2020
Presidential election results, as well as current job prospects and future economic outlook.
• O
  n the flip side, there is a sizeable amount of 18-29 year olds who hold a positive outlook
regarding AI’s impact on the future economy; a strong majority want cities to pave the way in
curbing global warming in light of Washington gridlock; and a solid majority believe in the long
run that they will be better off financially than their parents.

Final thoughts to consider:
• Y
  oung women have provided the deciding vote in recent years. They do differ from men in the
emphasis on issues like health care, guns, and global warming.
• Y
  ounger Born Again voters are not your “grandfather’s Christian conservatives.” We have been
following this trend for the past two decades. They may tilt conservative on some issues, but
they are committed to better communities and a better world, and they favor serious action on
climate and guns.

6

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Likelihood of Voting in 2020 Presidential
Election?
Likelihood of Voting in 2020 Presidential Election?

Somewhat
Likely
10%

Very Likely
22%

Definitely
68%

Likelihood of Voting in 2020 State Primary
or Caucus?
Likelihood of Voting in 2020 State Primary or Caucus?

Not Likely At All
4%
Somewhat
Likely
18%

Very Likely
24%

Not Sure
3%

Definitely
51%

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

7

 Which of the following best describes what
influences you to vote?
Which of the following best describes what influences you to vote?

None of these
reasons,
something else.
10%
I vote mainly
because a
candidate
excites me.
15%

• A
  majority of 18-29 year old voters say they are
motivated out of civic duty (60%), while just 12%
 cite
A majority
of 18-29
year influence,
old voters and
say they
are
tradition
or family
15% need
a
motivated
out
of
civic
duty
(60%),
while
just
12%
cite
candidate to excite them.

Not Sure
3%

tradition or family influence, and 15% need candidate to
excite them.

• T
  he numbers are a solid majority across the board,
 although
The numbers
are a less
solid (50%)
majorityofacross
the board,
slightly
independents
although
slightly
less
(50%)
of
independents
suggest
they
suggest they vote out of civic duty.

I vote mainly
because it is a
tradition in my
family.
12%

I vote mainly
because it is a civic
duty...
60%

vote out of civic duty.

Top two issues that will most effect your
Top two issueswho
that will to
mostvote
effect your
decision
who two]
to vote?for [select two]?
decision
for
[select
79%

Economy, jobs and job training
Access to affordable health care
Educational attainment and student debt
Immigration reform
Addressing global warming

• W
  hile young men are more likely to cite the economy
 While young men are more likely to cite the economy
(32%) than women
(26%),
women
feel more
influenced
by by
(32%) than
women
(26%), women
feel more
influenced
the need forthe
health
(29%)
need care
for health
carethan
(29%)men
than(21%).
men (21%).

Other combined
29%

25%
20%

8

• O
  verall, the top issue is the economy and jobs (29%),
followed closely
bythe
access
to health
care (25%).
The
 Overall,
top issue
is the economy
and jobs
(29%),
by access
health care
(25%). The top
top five are followed
roundedclosely
out by
issuestorelated
to education
are(20%),
roundedglobal
out by issues
related
to education
and studentfive
debt
warming
(18%),
and and
immigrationstudent
(18%). debt (20%), global warming (18%), and
immigration (18%).

19%

18%

• “
  Other” includes
reducing
crimecrime
and gun
 “Other”choices
includes–choices
– reducing
and gun
violence
(16%),
poverty/closing
wealth
gap
violence (16%), poverty/closing wealth gap (14%),(14%),
protecting
rights, particularly
minorities
protecting civil
rights,civil
particularly
amongamong
minorities
(14%),
(14%),
rebuild
nation’s
infrastructure
(11%),
rebuild nation’s infrastructure (11%), mental healthmental
and health
and substance abuse (10%), gender/racial pay equality
substance abuse (10%), gender/racial pay equality (10%),
(10%), and those not sure (3%)
and those not sure (3%).

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Do you agree or disagree that Global
is a major
toa major
human
life
onlife on
DoWarming
you agree or disagree
that Globalthreat
Warming is
threat to
human
earth
as we know
earth
as it?
we know it?
4%

Not Sure

6%

Strongly Disagree

11%

Somewhat
Disagree
Somewhat Agree

28%

Strongly Agree
52%

• G
  lobal warming may prove to be one of the defining
 Global warming
mayand
prove
to Z.
beOverall,
one of the
defining
issues for younger
Millennials
Gen
80%
say
issues for younger Millennials and Gen Z. Overall, 80%
that it is a major threat to human life on earth as we know
say that it is a major threat to human life on earth as
it – 52% strongly
agree.
we know
it – 52% strongly agree.
• Y
  oung men
(82%)
are (82%)
in unison,
 (76%)
Young and
men women
(76%) and
women
are in unison,
although 60%
of women
while
although
60% strongly
of womenagree
strongly
agree43%
whileof43% of
men
do.
Gen
Z
and
Millennials
speak
with
one voice
men do. Gen Z and Millennials speak with one voice
on on
as do all races.
this, as do allthis,
races.

Which of the following statements best
describes your stance on how to address
Which of the following statements best describes your stance on how to
Global
Warming?
Global
Warming?
58%

Drastic times call
for bold measures
Beyond capability
of the U.S
Government
Neither
21%

Not Sure
11%

10%

address

• B
  y almost three to one (58% to 21%), young voters
agree with the statement that the climate crisis
warrants
bold measures
vs.(58%
a rejection
strong
 By almost
three to one
to 21%),of
young
voters agree
actionwith
because
of the costs
the statement
that to
theact.
climate crisis warrants bold
measures vs. a rejection of strong action because of the costs
to act.
• T
  his sentiment
is shared by men and women (men
52%-26%, women 64%-15%), Born Again/Evangelicals
 This sentiment
is shared
by men and
women
(men 52%-26%,
(50%-25%),
Democrats
(78%-14%)
and
independents
women 64%-15%), Born Again/Evangelicals (50%-25%),
(58%-16%), whites (53%-22%), Hispanics (65%-17%)
Democrats (78%-14%) and independents (58%16%), whites
and African
Americans
(53%-22%),
Hispanics(58%-23%).
(65%-17%) and African Americans

(58%-23%).

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

9

 In light of Washington gridlock, what role do
In light of Washington gridlock, what role do you believe States and cities should play
you believe States
and cities
should play in
in addressing
global warming?
addressing Global Warming?
74%

Large role
Small role
Not Sure

• I n the absence of strong federal action, 74% of the sample
 In the absence of strong federal action, 74% of the
agrees that statessample
and cities
should
play either
a large
role play
agrees
that states
and cities
should
(35%) or somewhat
large
role (39%)
in attacking
global
either
a large
role (35%)
or somewhat
large role
warming.
(39%) in attacking global warming.

16%
9%

Which of the following forms of legislation do
Which
the following
forms of likely
legislationto
do you
thinkthe
are most
likely to curb the
you ofthink
are most
curb
recent
recent wave of gun violence [choose all that apply]?
wave of gun violence [choose all that apply]?
65%

Universal background
checks
Red flag legislation

44%
A federal ban on all
automatic (assault rifle)
firearms

33%
26% 26% 26%

A federal registry for all
owners of firearms
Requiring a federal
license to own a firearm
Other combined

• A
  second defining issue for these cohorts is gun violence.
These young voters were asked to check off what they
 be
A second
defining issue
these most
cohortslikely
is guncurb
violence.
felt would
the actions
that for
would
gunThese
young voters were asked to check off what they felt would be the
violence.

actions that would most likely curb gun violence.
 Overall and across the board with 45%, the top choice was
background
checks
including
52%was
among
• O
  verall andenacting
acrossuniversal
the board
with 45%,
the– top
choice
women,
50%
among
Born
Again/Evangelicals,
47%
of
all
whites,
enacting universal background checks – including 52%
and 41% of non-whites.
among women,
50% among Born Again/Evangelicals,
 Second place were red flag laws which allow law enforcement to
47% of all whites,
andpossession
41% of non-whites.
ban firearm
by those individuals who are considered
to be a threat to society (33%).
 “Other”
– federal
• S
  econd place
wereincludes
red flagchoices
laws which
allowlaw
lawmandating smart
technology (21%), legislation allowing teachers to carry (17%),
enforcement
to ban
possession
by those
individuals
banning
all firearm
firearms (11%),
no legislation
is necessary
(8%), and
who are considered
to (8%)
be a threat to society (33%).
those not sure

• “
  Other” includes choices – federal law mandating smart
technology (21%), legislation allowing teachers to carry
(17%), banning all firearms (11%), no legislation is necessary
(8%), and those not sure (8%).
10

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 ...best describes your stance on DACA, or
the Dream Act, regarding the issue of
…best describes your stance on DACA, or the Dream Act, regarding the issue of
immigration?
immigration?

56%
Should be granted legal
status, allowed pathway to
citizenship
Should be deported
Neither
Not sure

18%
14%

12%

• O
  verwhelmingly, the most diverse age cohorts
in US
history support
young
Dreamers.
A in US
Overwhelmingly,
the most
diverse
age cohorts
majority
of
56%
prefer
that
they
be
granted
theprefer
history support young Dreamers. A majority of 56%
rights
USbe
citizens,
only
18%
say they
thatofthey
granted while
the rights
of US
citizens,
while only
18% be
say deported.
they should be deported.
should

Support
thisgreat
great across
board
– men
(53%-23%),
• S
  upport
is is
this
acrossthe
the
board
– men
women (60%-12%),
those with passports
(61%-18%) and
(53%-23%),
women (60%-12%),
those with
those without passports (51%-17%), Catholics (64%-17%),
passports (61%-18%) and those without
Protestants (50%-19%), Born Again/Evangelicals (50%passports
(51%-17%),
Catholics
18%), Democrats
(74%-12%)
and (64%independents (58%17%),
Protestants
(50%-19%),
Bornare
Again/
13%). On this one, only Republicans
least supportive
Evangelicals
(50%-18%),
with 33% favoring
citizen Democrats
rights and 29%(74%-12%)
preferring
anddeportation.
independents (58%-13%). On this one,
only Republicans are least supportive with
33% favoring citizen rights and 29% preferring
deportation.

...best
describes
stance
onalong
building
a
…best reflects
your stance your
on building
a border wall
southern border?
border wall along the southern border?
56%

A signal that our
government is turning
hostile to immigrants and
asylum seekers

Essential for the survival of
the American tradition of
rule of law and protecting
Americans from people
who do not share our
values

27%

• B
  y two to one, these young voters believe that
building
border
wallyoung
is a poor
while
 By twoato
one, these
voterssolution,
believe that
building a
onlyborder
27% feel
it aispoor
essential.
wall is
solution, while only 27% feel it is
essential.
• A
  gain only Republicans have a majority who
 Again
havewho
a majority
whoit)
favor
the wall
favor
theonly
wallRepublicans
(53% to 27%
oppose
– while
(53%
to
27%
who
oppose
it)
–
while
majorities
of
other
majorities of other groups feel the wall is a bad
groups feel the wall is a bad answer.
answer.

Neither
10%

7%

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

11

 ...best describes your view on whether
or not your vote counts in the upcoming
…best represents yourelection?
view on whether or not your vote counts in the upcoming
Presidential
Presidential election?

38%

This election day, every
citizen's vote counts

36%

After 2016, I'm less trusting
that results of the election
will be decided upon fairly
Neither
16%
11%

• H
  aving been born into a nation with disputed elections
and hacking technology, these young voters are not
very sanguine about their vote. The sample is actually
of likely
voters,been
butborn
36%into
stilla feel
less
trusting
the
 Having
nation
with
disputedof
elections
and
hacking
technology,
these
young
voters
are
very
results of elections, and only 38% feel that everynot
vote
sanguine
about their
vote. The
sample
is actually of likely
counts. The
skepticism
is across
the
board.
voters, but 36% still feel less trusting of the results of
elections, and only 38% feel that every vote counts. The
skepticism is across the board.

Not sure

Regarding the economy and job outlook,
Regarding the economy and job outlook, do you feel that…?
do you feel that...?
30%

2008 financial crisis is behind
us and prosperity is around
the corner

28%

Still in the headwinds of the
2008 financial crisis and
idifficult to financially plan

19%

...all depends on who is
elected as President in 2020
14%

None of these

10%
Not Sure

12

19%ofofthese
these cohorts
cohorts feel
• O
  Only
nly 19%
feel that
that the
the worst
worstof the
financial
crisis
of
a
decade
ago
is
behind
them.
The largest
of the financial crisis of a decade ago is behind
plurality
(30%)
say that
they are
still insay
the headwinds
and
them.
The
largest
plurality
(30%)
that
that it is hard to plan their future, and another 28%
they are still in the headwinds and that it is
suggest that their sentiments depend on who is elected
hard to plan their future, and another 28%
President.
suggest that their sentiments depend on who
elected
President.
 isOn
this issue,
partisanship reigns supreme with 15% of
Democrats vs 29% of Republicans expressing optimism
37%
of Democrats
and 20%
of Republicans
• O
  and
n this
issue,
partisanship
reigns
supreme expressing
the pessimistic
view.
with
15% of Democrats
vs 29% of Republicans
expressing optimism and 37% of Democrats
and 20% of Republicans expressing the
pessimistic view.

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 How important is it to you that the U.S. is
the strongest military power on the planet?

How important is it to you that the U.S is the strongest military power on the planet?

42%
39%
Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not Important At All
13%
Not Sure
6%

• T
  hese are not citizens of the post-World War
II “American
ten (42%)
say
 These areCentury”.
not citizensFour
of theofpost-World
War
II “American
very Century”.
important
and
roughly
the
same
(39%)
Four of ten (42%) say very important and
roughly theimportant.
same (39%)
say somewhat
important.
say somewhat
Democrats
and
Democrats
and
independents
again
line
up
independents again line up with each other –with
33%each
other – 33%
and 34% of independents
Democrats
andDemocrats
34% of independents
say very say very
important,
while
42%
and
43%
respectively
saysay
somewhat
important, while 42% and 43% respectively
important. Three in five Republicans (59%) line up with
somewhat important. Three in five Republicans
the strongest military while 33% say somewhat important.
(59%) line up with the strongest military while
33% say somewhat important.

...statements about the role of American
…statements about the role of American foreign policy come closest to your view?
foreign
policy come closest to your view?
65%

America should work
closely with allies to
address the major
challenges of the world
Should go-at-it-alone to
seek our own solutions,
even if unpopular with
allies
Neither
19%
8%

9%

• I n more poignant results of the transition from
the
Century,
two inofthree
(65%) want
 American
In more poignant
results
the transition
from the
the US
to
work
on
global
crises
closely
with the US to
American Century, two in three (65%) want
allieswork
while
go-at-it-alone
on 19%
globalfavor
crisesaclosely
with allies policy.
while 19% favor a
go-at-it-alone policy.
• T
  his includes 57% of men, 73% of women, 64%
This includes
of men, 66%
73% of
of Born
women, 64% of
of Catholics
and 57%
Protestants,
Catholics
and
Protestants,
66%
of
Born
Again/Evangelicals,
Again Evangelicals, 77% of Democrats, 49% of
77% of Democrats, 49% of Republicans, and 65% of
Republicans, and 65% of independents.
independents.

Not Sure

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

13

 Do you agree or disagree that the U.S. must
Do you agree or disagree that the US must have the strongest economy in the world?
have the strongest economy in the world?

8%

Not Sure
Disagree

26%

• T
  wo in three (66%) agree that the US should have the
strongest economy in the world.
 Two in three (66%) agree that the US should have the
strongest economy in the world.

Agree
66%

What impact will the rise of Artificial
Intelligence have on the future of the
What impact will the rise of Artificial Intelligence have on the future of the economy
economy and your
prospects?
and yourjob
job prospects?

46%
Positive
34%

Negative
No Impact
16%

3%

14

Not sure

• O
  verall the children of new technology appear less troubled
theof
children
of new
technology(AI)
appear
about theOverall
impact
artificial
intelligence
on less
the
troubled about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on
economy and their job prospects. Less than half (46%)
the economy and their job prospects. Less than half (46%)
believe that the impact will be either very or somewhat
believe that the impact will be either very or somewhat
positive while
34%
think
willitbe
positive
while
34% it
think
willnegative.
be negative.
• M
  en are
optimistic
(52%-32%)
than
women
 more
Men are
more optimistic
(52%-32%)
than
women(40%(40%as are with
thosepassports
with passports
(52%-32%)over
over those
37%), as 37%),
are those
(52%-32%)
those
without
passports
(39%-37%).
Hispanics
(46%-32%)
without passports (39%-37%). Hispanics (46%-32%)and
and
African
Americans
(52%-32%)
also
weigh
in
positively.
African Americans (52%-32%) also weigh in positively.

 But while Democrats (53%-31%) and Republicans (44%• B
  ut while Democrats (53%-31%) and Republicans (44%-34%)
34%) tilt favorably, independents are really mixed (40%tilt favorably,
39%).independents are really mixed (40%-39%).

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Do you own a firearm?
Do you own a firearm?

71%

Yes
No
Refuse
24%
5%

• S
  even of ten (71%) report that they don’t own a firearm,
whereas almost one-quarter (24%) do; leaving 5% who
refuse
to answer.
 Seven
of ten (71%) report that they don’t own a firearm,
whereas almost one-quarter (24%) do; leaving 5% who
• R
  egionrefuse
playstoaanswer.
factor regarding gun ownership with 13%
from the East, 20% from the West, 25% from Central/
 Lakes,
Region plays
factor
regarding
gun ownership with 13%
Great
and a32%
from
the South.
from the East, 20% from the West, 25% from
Central/Great Lakes, and 32% from the South.
• R
  egarding gun ownership, there is also a noticeable
divide
betweengun
those
18-24 and
and 30%
 Regarding
ownership,
there25-29
is also a(18%
noticeable
divide
respectively).
between those 18-24 and 25- 29 (18% and 30%
respectively).

Have you, a relative, or a friend been
Have you, a relative,
or a friend
directly
affected by gun violence?
directly
affected
bybeen
gun
violence?
67%

Yes
No
Not sure

29%

• W
  hile almost three of ten (29%) say they have a relative
or friend who has been directly affected by gun violence,
roughly two-thirds (67%) do not.
 While almost three of ten (29%) say they have a relative
or friend
who has(44%)
been directly
affected by gun(42%)
violence,
• A
  frican
Americans
and Progressives
report
roughly
two-thirds
(67%)
do
not.
notably higher than the overall when it comes to having a
relative or a friend directly affected by gun violence.
 African Americans (44%) and Progressives (42%) report
notably higher than the overall when it comes to having a
relative or a friend directly affected by gun violence.

5%

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

15

 Regarding any gun violence in your
Regarding any gun violence in your community, how safe do you feel?
community, how safe do you feel?

0%

Not sure
Not an issue

2%

Unsafe
Safe

29%

• T
  wo-thirds report that they feel safe in their community,
regarding the issue of gun violence. Notably, nearly three
 Two-thirds
report that they feel safe in their community,
of ten
(29%) don’t.
regarding the issue of gun violence. Notably, nearly three
of ten (29%) don’t.
• R
  egarding those who feel safest – Republicans (80%)
and Whites
(74%)
the flip side,
Regarding
thoselead
who the
feel way.
safest On
– Republicans
(80%)those
and
who feel
least
safe
include
African
Americans
(45%)
Whites (74%) lead the way. On the flip side, those who and
Democrats
(39%).
feel least
safe include African Americans (45%) and
Democrats (39%).

66%

Which of the following best describes how
Which
of theyou
following
best describesto
howreduce
often you attempt
your carbon
often
attempt
yourto reduce
carbon
footprint?
footprint?

13%
Not sure
27%

rarely consider
35%

25%

16

In major life
decisions only
Practically
every day

• T
  hree out of five of these two age cohorts either try
to reduce their carbon footprint practically every day
 Three out of five of these two age cohorts either try to
(25%) or in major life decisions only (35%). Only 27%
reduce their carbon footprint practically every day (25%)
rarely consider.
or in major life decisions only (35%). Only 27% rarely
consider.
• N
  ot surprisingly, Progressives rank highest among
those
who
select practically
day (36%),
 Not
surprisingly,
Progressivesevery
rank highest
amongwith
those
whotrailing
select practically
day (36%),
with Liberals
Liberals
not tooevery
far behind
at 32%.
trailing not too far behind at 32%.

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Do you have a close friend who is...
Do you have a close
who is...A member
of a different race?
A member
of afriend
different
race?

76%

Yes
No
Refuse
22%
5%

• O
  verall, the two most diverse cohorts, report over threequarters (76%) who say they have a friend that is of a
 Overall,
the two most diverse cohorts, report over threedifferent
race.
quarters (76%) who say they have a friend that is of a
different race.
• R
  egarding race, Whites and Hispanics report highest
with
78%, Asians
74%,and
andHispanics
Africanreport
Americans
with
 Regarding
race,at
Whites
highest with
63% 78%,
who Asians
reportathaving
a friend
a different
(74%), and
Africanof
Americans
withrace.
63%

who report having a friend of a different race.
• L
  ooking at the full spectrum of ideology also reveals a
 Looking
the full
spectrum of ideology
also
reveals a70% of
pattern
withat85%
of Progressives,
82% of
Liberals,
pattern
with
85%
of
Progressives,
82%
of
Liberals,
70% of
Moderates, 74% of Conservatives, and 60% of those
Very
Moderates,
74%
of
Conservatives,
and
60%
of
those
Very
Conservative (although they are statistically low) – say
Conservative (although they are statistically low) – say
they have a friend that is a member of a different race.
they have a friend that is a member of a different race.

Do you have a close friend who is...
Do you have a close friend who is…An immigrant?
An immigrant?
• O
  ur sample is almost evenly split on those who have a
friend who is an immigrant and those without.
52%
Yes
46%

No
Refuse

 Our sample is almost evenly split on those who have a
• A
  regional
breakdown
reveals
from the East
friend who
is an immigrant
andthat
thosethose
without.
are most likely to have an immigrant friend (55%);
 A regional
thatfar
those
from with
the East
are
residents
frombreakdown
the Westreveals
are not
behind
54%.
most
likely
to
have
an
immigrant
friend
(55%);
residents
Those from the South and Central/Great Lakes report
the39%
Westrespectively).
are not far behind with 54%. Those from
lowerfrom
(41%,
the South and Central/Great Lakes report lower (41%, 39%
respectively).

2%

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

17

 Do you have a close friend who is...
In Do
the
legal
you US
have awithout
close friend who
is...In papers?
the US without legal papers?
• O
  f those who say they have an immigrant friend, one third
say their friend is without legal papers.

60%

Yes
No
33%

 Of those who say they have an immigrant friend, onethird say their friend is without legal papers.

Refuse
7%

How
frequently
youto asay
adhere
How frequently
would youwould
say you adhere
veganyou
or vegetarian
diet?
to a vegan or vegetarian diet?
• A
  bout one of ten (11%) say they follow a vegan or
vegetarian diet all of the time. Almost one-fifth (19%)
report some of the time.

1%
Not sure
45%
24%

19%
11%

18

Never
Rarely

 About one of ten (11%) say they follow a vegan or
vegetarian diet all of the time. Almost one-fifth (19%)
report some of the time.

Some of the
time
All of the time

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 What is your
mode
of
What isprimary
your primary mode
of transportation?
transportation?
0%
Other

5%

Walk

0%

Scooter

2%

Rideshare

1%

Taxi
Public

10%

Bicycle

6%
76%

Automobile

• A
  super majority (76%) of Gen Z and Millennials primarily
rely on a car for transportation. A very distant second
 A super majority (76%) of Gen Z and Millennials primarily
place is public transportation (10%).
rely on a car for transportation. A very distant second
place is public transportation (10%).
• T
  here is a noticeable difference between those age 18-24
(69%) and
those
25-29 (83%).
There
is a noticeable
difference between those age 18-24
(69%) and those 25-29 (83%).
• R
  ace is also a factor – 87% of whites, 67% of Hispanics,
 Asians,
Race is also
a factor
– 87%
of whites,
67% of Hispanics,
63% of
and
57% of
African
Americans
all report
63%
of
Asians,
and
57%
of
African
Americans
all
reportfrom
that an automobile is their primary mode of getting
that an automobile is their primary mode of getting from
place to place.
place to place.

Which of the following best describes your
Which of the following best describes your college debt situation?
college debt situation?

5%
34%

33%

11%
18%

Not sure

Never took on

Eventually in
10+ years

• A
  plurality (34%) say they have never taken on any
student loan debt. Another one-third believe they
will pay off their student loan debt, but it will take
A plurality (34%) say they have never taken on any student
over ten years to do so. Almost one-fifth (18%) have
loan debt. Another one-third believe they will pay off their
paid
off their
student
already,
and
11%tobelieve
student
loan debt,
but itdebt
will take
over ten
years
do so.
they
will one-fifth
never pay
it off.
Almost
(18%)
have paid off their student debt

already, and 11% believe they will never pay it off.

Don't expect
will ever pay
off
Paid off

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

19

 Currently, do you expect to retire at some
Currently, or
do you
expect toas
retirelong
at some point
or work live?
as long as you live?
point
work
as you

12%

Not sure

23%
Work as long
as I live
41%

24%

• A
  plurality (41%) believe they will retire after 65. About
one-quarter (24%) believe they will retire before 65, while
again,
almost
one-quarter
(23%)
A plurality
(41%)
believe they will
retire believe
after 65. they
About will
one- work as
long
as they
quarter
(24%)live.
believe they will retire before 65, while again,
almost one-quarter (23%) believe they will work as long as
they live.

After 65

Before 65

Do you vape?

Do you vape
• F
  our out of five (81%) of survey respondents do not vape.
• M
  en are slightly more likely to report vaping than women
 Four out of five (81%) of survey respondents do not vape.
(23%
to 14%).
81%
No

Yes

 Men are slightly more likely to report vaping than women
(23% to 14%).

19%

20

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Do you believe that when you reach the
appropriate age, Social Security will still be
Do you believe that when you reach the appropriate retirement age, Social Security
availablewill
for
you in the future?
still be available for you in the future?

20%

44%

Not sure

No

• A
  plurality of Gen Z and Millennials (44%) do not believe
Social Security will be available to them by the time they
retire.
 A plurality of Gen Z and Millennials (44%) do not believe
Social Security will be available to them by the time they
retire.

Yes
36%

Do you agree or disagree that you will be
Do you agree or disagree that you will be better off than your parents financially?
better off than your parents financially?

12%

Not sure

33%
Disagree

54%

Agree

• A
  slight majority (54%) believe in the most basic form of the
American Dream (to be better off financially than your parents)
 A slight majority (54%) believe in the most basic form of
whereas one-third
do Dream
not believe
theyoffwill
be better
the American
(to be better
financially
than off than
their parents.
your parents) whereas one-third do not believe they will
be better off than their parents.

• R
  ace is a factor with 69% of African Americans believing they
 Race is a factor with 69% of African Americans believing
will be better
their
followed
by 56%
of Asians,
theyoff
willthan
be better
offparents,
than their parents,
followed
by 56%
54% of Hispanics,
of White.
of Asians,and
54% 50%
of Hispanics,
and 50% of White.

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

21

 Which statement best describes your
Which statement
describes
your attitude about the future?
attitude
aboutbest
the
future?

49%
42%
Optimistic
Concerned
Neither
Not Sure
5%

• A
  plurality (49%) are optimistic about their job
prospects and social relationships in a fast-changing
world whereas 42% are concerned about what the
 holds
A plurality
(49%) are optimistic about their job prospects
future
for them.
and social relationships in a fast-changing world whereas
are concerned
about whatthan
the future
holds
for them.
• M
  en are42%
slightly
more optimistic
women
(54%
to
45%) and those with a valid passport report (55%) are
 Men are slightly more optimistic than women (54% to
optimistic
vs.and
43%
of with
those
without
a passport
who
45%)
those
a valid
passport
report (55%)
are
report having
concern
about
the
future.
optimistic vs. 43% of those without a passport who report

having concern about the future.

4%

Do you feel your parents have left you a
Do you feel your parents have left you a better world or one that is far worse off?
better world or one that is far worse off?
40%

36%
27%

A better world
A world that is
far worse off
Not Sure

22

• M
  illennials, and in particular Gen Z, have known a world
of continuous disruption. It is of little surprise that a
plurality
(40%)and
believe
their parents
have
left athem
 Millennials,
in particular
Gen Z, have
known
world
with of
a world
far worse
off. However,
continuous
disruption.
It is of little almost
surprise the
that same
a
amount
(36%)
believe
their
parents
have
left
them
plurality (40%) believe their parents have left them withwith
a
world
far worse
off.one-quarter
However, almost
the are
samenot
amount
a better
world.
Over
(27%)
sure.
(36%) believe their parents have left them with a better
world.
Over
one-quarter (27%)
not 41%
sure.of Men far
• G
  ender
plays
a significant
factorare
with
more likely to believe a better world vs. just 26% of
 Gender plays a significant factor with 41% of Men far
women.
more likely to believe a better world vs. just 26% of
women.

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

 Which of the following news sources do you
trust in covering the 2020 Presidential
election?
Which of the following news sources do you trust in covering the 2020 Presidential
Top 10
election?
Top 10
NPR

14%

Local Paper

15%

WSJ

15%

NYT

19%

Local TV

21%

NBC

27%

CBS

27%

Fox News

28%
35%

CNN

36%

ABC

• T
  he top 5 consisted of all major networks.

 played
The topsomewhat
5 consisted of
• R
  ace
ofalla major
factornetworks.
regarding the top
3 choices:
 Race played somewhat of a factor regarding the top 3
  o  Whites
– Fox News (33%), ABC (31%), and CNN
choices:
(31%) o Whites – Fox News (33%), ABC (31%), and CNN (31%)
o Hispanics
CNN (41%),
(33%),
andCBS
CBS (28%)
(28%)
  o Hispanics
– CNN–(41%),
ABCABC
(33%),
and
o African Americans – ABC (54%), NBC (39%), CBS
  o  African Americans
– ABC (54%), NBC (39%), CBS
(37%)
(37%)o Asians – CNN (55%), ABC (39%), and CBS (37%)
  o Asians – CNN (55%), ABC (39%), and CBS (37%)

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS-ZOGBY STRATEGIES 2020 NATIONAL YOUTH POLL

23

 THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS

Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director
1620 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202.293.7330
usmayors.org