Document Lafayette_doc_50fd740705

2955 Valmont Road, Suite 300 777 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 500 Boulder, CO 80301 Washington, DC 20002 www.n-r-c.com • [PHONE REDACTED] www.icma.org • 202-289-ICMA The National Citizen Survey™ CITY OF LAFAYETTE, CO 2012 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Contents Survey Background 1 About The National Citizen Survey™ 1 Understanding the Results 3 Executive Summary 5 Community Ratings 7 Overall Community Quality 7 Community Design 9 Transportation 9 Housing 13 Land Use and Zoning 15 Economic Sustainability 18 Public Safety 22 Environmental Sustainability 27 Recreation and Wellness 30 Parks and Recreation 30 Culture, Arts and Education 32 Health and Wellness 34 Community Inclusiveness 35 Civic Engagement 38 Civic Activity 38 Information and Awareness 41 Social Engagement 42 Public Trust 43 City of Lafayette Employees 45 From Data to Action 47 Resident Priorities 47 City of Lafayette Action Chart™ 48 Using Your Action Chart™ 50 Custom Questions 52 Appendix A: Complete Survey Frequencies 55 Frequencies Excluding “Don’t Know” Responses 55 Frequencies Including “Don’t Know” Responses 68 Appendix B: Survey Methodology 86 Appendix C: Survey Materials 96 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 1 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Survey Background ABOUT THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SURVEY™ The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS) is a collaborative effort between National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The NCS was developed by NRC to provide a statistically valid survey of resident opinions about community and services provided by local government. The survey results may be used by staff, elected officials and other stakeholders for community planning and resource allocation, program improvement and policy making. FIGURE 1: THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SURVEY™ METHODS AND GOALS The NCS focuses on a series of community characteristics and local government services, as well as issues of public trust. Resident behaviors related to civic engagement in the community also were measured in the survey. Assessment Goals Assessment Methods Survey Objectives • Multi-contact mailed survey • Representative sample of 1,200 households • 360 surveys returned; 31% response rate • 5% margin of error • Data statistically weighted to reflect population Immediate • Provide useful information for: • Planning • Resource allocation • Performance measurement • Program and policy evaluation • Identify community and weaknesses • Identify service and weaknesses Long-term • Improved services • More civic engagement • Better community quality of life • Stronger public trust ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 2 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 2: THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SURVEY™ FOCUS AREAS The survey and its administration are standardized to assure high quality research methods and directly comparable results across The National Citizen Survey™ jurisdictions. Participating households are selected at random and the household member who responds is selected without bias. Multiple mailings give each household more than one chance to participate with self- addressed and postage-paid envelopes. Results are statistically weighted to reflect the proper demographic composition of the entire community. A total of 360 completed surveys were obtained, providing an overall response rate of 31%. Typically, response rates obtained on citizen surveys range from 25% to 40%. The National Citizen Survey™ customized for the City of Lafayette was developed in close cooperation with local jurisdiction staff. Lafayette staff selected items from a menu of questions about services and community issues and provided the appropriate letterhead and signatures for mailings. City of Lafayette staff also augmented The National Citizen Survey™ basic service through a variety of options including crosstabulations of results and several custom questions. COMMUNITY QUALITY Quality of life Quality of neighborhood Place to live COMMUNITY DESIGN Transportation Ease of travel, transit services, street maintenance Housing Housing options, cost, affordability Land Use and Zoning New development, growth, code enforcement Economic Sustainability Employment, shopping and retail, City as a place to work PUBLIC SAFETY Safety in neighborhood and downtown Crime victimization Police, fire, EMS services Emergency preparedness ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Cleanliness Air quality Preservation of natural areas Garbage and recycling services RECREATION AND WELLNESS Parks and Recreation Recreation opportunities, use of parks and facilities, programs and classes Culture, Arts and Education Cultural and educational opportunities, libraries, schools Health and Wellness Availability of food, health services, social services COMMUNITY INCLUSIVENESS Sense of community Racial and cultural acceptance Senior, youth and low-income services CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Civic Activity Volunteerism Civic attentiveness Voting behavior Social Engagement Neighborliness, social and religious events Information and Awareness Public information, publications, Web site PUBLIC TRUST Cooperation in community Value of services Direction of community Citizen involvement Employees ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 3 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS As shown in Figure 2, this report is based around respondents’ opinions about eight larger categories: community quality, community design, public safety, environmental sustainability, recreation and wellness, community inclusiveness, civic engagement and public trust. Each report section begins with residents’ ratings of community characteristics and is followed by residents’ ratings of service quality. For all evaluative questions, the percent of residents rating the service or community feature as “excellent” or “good” is presented. To see the full set of responses for each question on the survey, please see Appendix A: Complete Survey Frequencies. Margin of Error The margin of error around results for the City of Lafayette Survey (360 completed surveys) is plus or minus five percentage points. This is a measure of the precision of your results; a larger number of completed surveys gives a smaller (more precise) margin of error, while a smaller number of surveys yields a larger margin of error. With your margin of error, you may conclude that when 60% of survey respondents report that a particular service is “excellent” or “good,” somewhere between 55-65% of all residents are likely to feel that way. Comparing Survey Results Certain kinds of services tend to be thought better of by residents in many communities across the country. For example, public safety services tend to be received better than transportation services by residents of most American communities. Where possible, the better comparison is not from one service to another in the City of Lafayette, but from City of Lafayette services to services like them provided by other jurisdictions. Benchmark Comparisons NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in citizen surveys from approximately 500 jurisdictions whose residents evaluated local government services and gave their opinion about the quality of community life. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each jurisdiction; most communities conduct surveys every year or in alternating years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The City of Lafayette chose to have comparisons made to the entire database. A benchmark comparison (the average rating from all the comparison jurisdictions where a similar question was asked) has been provided when a similar question on the City of Lafayette survey was included in NRC’s database and there were at least five jurisdictions in which the question was asked. For most questions compared to the entire dataset, there were more than 100 jurisdictions included in the benchmark comparison. Where comparisons for quality ratings were available, the City of Lafayette results were generally noted as being “above” the benchmark, “below” the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark. For some questions – those related to resident behavior, circumstance or to a local problem – the comparison to the benchmark is designated as “more,” “similar” or “less” (for example, the percent of crime victims, residents visiting a park or residents identifying code enforcement as a problem.) In instances where ratings are considerably higher or lower than the benchmark, these ratings have been further demarcated by the attribute of “much,” (for example, “much less” or “much above”). These labels come from a statistical comparison of the City of Lafayette's rating to the benchmark. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 4 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. “Don’t Know” Responses and Rounding On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix A. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. For some questions, respondents were permitted to select more than one answer. When the total exceeds 100% in a table for a multiple response question, it is because some respondents did select more than one response. When a table for a question that only permitted a single response does not total to exactly 100%, it is due to the customary practice of percentages being rounded to the nearest whole number. For more information on understanding The NCS report, please see Appendix B: Survey Methodology. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 5 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Executive Summary This report of the City of Lafayette survey provides the opinions of a representative sample of residents about community quality of life, service delivery, civic participation and unique issues of local interest. A periodic sounding of resident opinion offers staff, elected officials and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify challenges and to plan for and evaluate improvements and to sustain services and amenities for long-term success. Most residents experienced a good quality of life in the City of Lafayette and believed the City was a good place to live. The overall quality of life in the City of Lafayette was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 87% of respondents. A majority reported they plan on staying in the City of Lafayette for the next five years. A variety of characteristics of the community were evaluated by those participating in the study. The three characteristics receiving the most favorable ratings were ease of car travel, quality of the overall natural environment and ease of walking in Lafayette. The two characteristics receiving the least positive ratings were shopping opportunities and employment opportunities. Ratings of community characteristics were compared to the benchmark database. Of the 27 characteristics for which comparisons were available, 14 were above the national benchmark comparison, seven were similar to the national benchmark comparison and six were below. Residents in the City of Lafayette were somewhat civically engaged. While only 21% had attended a meeting of local elected public officials or other local public meeting in the previous 12 months, 96% had provided help to a friend or neighbor. Less than half had volunteered their time to some group or activity in the City of Lafayette, which was lower than the benchmark. In general, survey respondents demonstrated strong trust in local government. A majority rated the overall direction being taken by the City of Lafayette as “good” or “excellent.” This was higher than the benchmark. Those residents who had interacted with an employee of the City of Lafayette in the previous 12 months gave high marks to those employees. Most rated their overall impression of employees as “excellent” or “good.” On average, residents gave generally favorable ratings to a majority of local government services. City services rated were able to be compared to the benchmark database. Of the 35 services for which comparisons were available, 19 were above the benchmark comparison, 12 were similar to the benchmark comparison and four were below. Several services were rated much above the benchmark comparison, including: preservation of natural areas, services to seniors, services to youth, services to low income people, recreation programs and facilities, city parks and transit services. Among those that were rated lower than the benchmark comparison were emergency preparedness, economic development and snow removal. Respondents were asked to rate how frequently they participated in various activities in Lafayette. The most popular activities included providing help to a friend or neighbor and recycling; while the least popular activities were watching a meeting of local elected officials and attending a meeting of local elected officials. Generally, participation rates in the various activities in the community were higher than other communities. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 6 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. A Key Driver Analysis was conducted for the City of Lafayette which examined the relationships between ratings of each service and ratings of the City of Lafayette’s services overall. Those key driver services that correlated most strongly with residents’ perceptions about overall City service quality have been identified. By targeting improvements in key services, the City of Lafayette can focus on the services that have the greatest likelihood of influencing residents’ opinions about overall service quality. Services found to be influential in ratings of overall service quality from the Key Driver Analysis were: ƒ Garbage collection ƒ Land use, planning and zoning ƒ Police services ƒ Public library services Of these services, those deserving the most attention may be that which was similar to the benchmark comparison: police services. For garbage collection, land use, planning and zoning, and public library services, the City of Lafayette was above the benchmark and should continue to ensure high quality performance. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 7 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Community Ratings OVERALL COMMUNITY QUALITY Overall quality of community life may be the single best indicator of success in providing the natural ambience, services and amenities that make for an attractive community. The National Citizen Survey™ contained many questions related to quality of community life in the City of Lafayette – not only direct questions about quality of life overall and in neighborhoods, but questions to measure residents’ commitment to the City of Lafayette. Residents were asked whether they planned to move soon or if they would recommend the City of Lafayette to others. Intentions to stay and willingness to make recommendations provide evidence that the City of Lafayette offers services and amenities that work. Most of the City of Lafayette’s residents gave high ratings to their neighborhoods and the community as a place to live. Further, most reported they would recommend the community to others and plan to stay for the next five years. FIGURE 3: RATINGS OF OVERALL COMMUNITY QUALITY 32% 38% 28% 62% 52% 59% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Lafayette as a place to live Your neighborhood as a place to live The overall quality of life in Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 4: LIKELIHOOD OF REMAINING IN COMMUNITY AND RECOMMENDING COMMUNITY Very likely 56% Very likely 50% Somewhat likely 29% Somewhat likely 43% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Remain in Lafayette for the next five years Recommend living in Lafayette to someone who asks Percent "likely" ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 8 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 5: OVERALL COMMUNITY QUALITY BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Overall quality of life in Lafayette Above Your neighborhood as place to live Above Lafayette as a place to live Similar Recommend living in Lafayette to someone who asks Above Remain in Lafayette for the next five years Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 9 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. COMMUNITY DESIGN Transportation The ability to move easily throughout a community can greatly affect the quality of life of residents by diminishing time wasted in traffic congestion and by providing opportunities to travel quickly and safely by modes other than the automobile. High quality options for resident mobility not only require local government to remove barriers to flow but they require government programs and policies that create quality opportunities for all modes of travel. Residents responding to the survey were given a list of six aspects of mobility to rate on a scale of “excellent,” “good,” “fair” and “poor.” Ease of car travel was given the most positive rating, followed by ease of walking. All of these ratings were much above the benchmark. FIGURE 6: RATINGS OF TRANSPORTATION IN COMMUNITY 13% 29% 32% 23% 24% 29% 55% 46% 45% 43% 46% 52% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Traffic flow on major streets Availability of paths and walking trails Ease of walking in Lafayette Ease of bicycle travel in Lafayette Ease of bus travel in Lafayette Ease of car travel in Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 7: COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Ease of car travel in Lafayette Much above Ease of bus travel in Lafayette Much above Ease of bicycle travel in Lafayette Much above Ease of walking in Lafayette Much above Availability of paths and walking trails Much above Traffic flow on major streets Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 10 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Eight transportation services were rated in Lafayette. As experienced in most communities across America, ratings tended to be somewhat favorable. Street repair, street lighting, bus or transit services and the amount of public parking were above the benchmark; snow removal was below the benchmark and street cleaning, sidewalk maintenance and traffic signal timing were similar to the benchmark. FIGURE 8: RATINGS OF TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SERVICES 11% 23% 11% 11% 13% 13% 9% 52% 50% 42% 42% 33% 53% 55% 46% 11% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Amount of public parking Bus or transit services Traffic signal timing Sidewalk maintenance Snow removal Street lighting Street cleaning Street repair Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 9: TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Street repair Above Street cleaning Similar Street lighting Above Snow removal Much below Sidewalk maintenance Similar Traffic signal timing Similar Bus or transit services Much above Amount of public parking Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 11 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. By measuring choice of travel mode over time, communities can monitor their success in providing attractive alternatives to the traditional mode of travel, the single-occupied automobile. When asked how they typically traveled to work, single-occupancy (SOV) travel was the overwhelming mode of use. However, 6% of work commute trips were made by transit, 2% by bicycle and 1% by foot. FIGURE 10: FREQUENCY OF BUS USE IN LAST 12 MONTHS Once or twice 16% 3 to 12 times 9% 13 to 26 times 4% More than 26 times 8% Never 63% FIGURE 11: FREQUENCY OF BUS USE BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Ridden a local bus within Lafayette Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 12 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 12: MODE OF TRAVEL USED FOR WORK COMMUTE 12% 2% 1% 6% 7% 72% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Work at home Bicycle Walk Bus, rail, subway or other public transportation Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) with other children or adults Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) by myself Percent of days per week mode used FIGURE 13: DRIVE ALONE BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Average percent of work commute trips made by driving alone Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 13 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Housing Housing variety and affordability are not luxuries for any community. When there are too few options for housing style and affordability, the characteristics of a community tilt toward a single group, often of well-off residents. While this may seem attractive to a community, the absence of affordable townhomes, condominiums, mobile homes, single family detached homes and apartments means that in addition to losing the vibrancy of diverse thoughts and lifestyles, the community loses the service workers that sustain all communities – police officers, school teachers, house painters and electricians. These workers must live elsewhere and commute in at great personal cost and to the detriment of traffic flow and air quality. Furthermore lower income residents pay so much of their income to rent or mortgage that little remains to bolster their own quality of life or local business. The survey of the City of Lafayette residents asked respondents to reflect on the availability of affordable housing as well as the variety of housing options. The availability of affordable housing was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 52% of respondents, while the variety of housing options was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 63% of respondents. The rating of perceived affordable housing availability was better in the City of Lafayette than the ratings, on average, in comparison jurisdictions. FIGURE 14: RATINGS OF HOUSING IN COMMUNITY 17% 10% 46% 42% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 15: HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Availability of affordable quality housing Above Variety of housing options Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 14 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. To augment the perceptions of affordable housing in Lafayette, the cost of housing as reported in the survey was compared to residents’ reported income to create a rough estimate of the proportion of residents of the City of Lafayette experiencing housing cost stress. About one third of survey participants were found to pay housing costs of more than 30% of their household income. FIGURE 16: PROPORTION OF RESPONDENTS WHOSE HOUSING COSTS ARE "AFFORDABLE" Housing costs LESS than 30% of income 69% Housing costs 30% or MORE of income 31% FIGURE 17: HOUSING COSTS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Experiencing housing costs stress (housing costs 30% or MORE of income) Less ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 15 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Land Use and Zoning Community development contributes to a feeling among residents and even visitors of the attention given to the speed of growth, the location of residences and businesses, the kind of housing that is appropriate for the community and the ease of access to commerce, green space and residences. Even the community’s overall appearance often is attributed to the planning and enforcement functions of the local jurisdiction. Residents will appreciate an attractive, well-planned community. The NCS questionnaire asked residents to evaluate the quality of new development, the appearance of the City of Lafayette and the speed of population growth. Problems with the appearance of property were rated, and the quality of land use planning, zoning and code enforcement services were evaluated. The overall quality of new development in the City of Lafayette was rated as “excellent” by 15% of respondents and as “good” by an additional 45%. The overall appearance of Lafayette was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 64% of respondents and was lower than the benchmark. When rating to what extent run down buildings, weed lots or junk vehicles were a problem in the City of Lafayette, 14% thought they were a “major” problem. The service of land use, planning and zoning was rated above the benchmark and the service of animal control was similar to the benchmark. FIGURE 18: RATINGS OF THE COMMUNITY'S "BUILT ENVIRONMENT" 11% 15% 53% 45% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Overall appearance of Lafayette Overall quality of new development in Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 19: BUILT ENVIRONMENT BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Quality of new development in Lafayette Similar Overall appearance of Lafayette Below ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 16 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 20: RATINGS OF POPULATION GROWTH Much too slow 1% Somewhat too slow 6% Right amount 64% Somewhat too fast 22% Much too fast 6% FIGURE 21: POPULATION GROWTH BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Population growth seen as too fast Much less FIGURE 22: RATINGS OF NUISANCE PROBLEMS Minor problem 34% Moderate problem 39% Major problem 14% Not a problem 13% FIGURE 23: NUISANCE PROBLEMS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Run down buildings, weed lots and junk vehicles seen as a "major" problem Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 17 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 24: RATINGS OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY CODE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES 11% 11% 50% 38% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Animal control Land use, planning and zoning Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 25: PLANNING AND COMMUNITY CODE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Land use, planning and zoning Above Animal control Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 18 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY The United States has been in recession since late 2007 with an accelerated downturn occurring in the fourth quarter of 2008. Officially we emerged from recession in the third quarter of 2009, but high unemployment lingers, keeping a lid on a strong recovery. Many readers worry that the ill health of the economy will color how residents perceive their environment and the services that local government delivers. NRC researchers have found that the economic downturn has chastened Americans’ view of their own economic futures but has not colored their perspectives about community services or quality of life. Survey respondents were asked to rate a number of community features related to economic opportunity and growth. The most positively rated features were Lafayette as a place to work and the overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette. Receiving the lowest rating was employment opportunities. FIGURE 26: RATINGS OF ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES 17% 39% 31% 24% 5% 2% 5% 16% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette Lafayette as a place to work Shopping opportunities Employment opportunities Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 27: ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Employment opportunities Much below Shopping opportunities Much below Lafayette as a place to work Below Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette Much below ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 19 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Residents were asked to evaluate the speed of jobs growth and retail growth on a scale from “much too slow” to “much too fast.” When asked about the rate of jobs growth in Lafayette, 51% responded that it was “too slow,” while 48% reported retail growth as “too slow.” More residents in Lafayette compared to other jurisdictions believed that retail growth was too slow and more residents believed that jobs growth was too slow. FIGURE 28: RATINGS OF RETAIL AND JOBS GROWTH Retail Growth Somewhat too slow 48% Right amount 36% Somewhat too fast 2% Much too fast 1% Jobs Growth Somewhat too slow 51% Right amount 16% Somewhat too fast 0% Much too fast 1% FIGURE 29: RETAIL AND JOBS GROWTH BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Retail growth seen as too slow Much more Jobs growth seen as too slow Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 20 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 30: RATINGS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Excellent 7% Good 24% Fair 44% Poor 25% FIGURE 31: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Economic development Much below ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 21 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Residents were asked to reflect on their economic prospects in the near term. Twenty-eight percent of the City of Lafayette residents expected that the coming six months would have a “somewhat” or “very” positive impact on their family, while 24% felt that the economic future would be “somewhat” or “very” negative. The percent of residents with an optimistic outlook on their household income was much more than in comparison jurisdictions. FIGURE 32: RATINGS OF PERSONAL ECONOMIC FUTURE Very negative 3% Somewhat negative 21% Neutral 48% Somewhat positive 25% Very positive 3% What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? FIGURE 33: PERSONAL ECONOMIC FUTURE BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Positive impact of economy on household income Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 22 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. PUBLIC SAFETY Safety from violent or property crimes creates the cornerstone of an attractive community. No one wants to live in fear of crime, fire or natural hazards, and communities in which residents feel protected or unthreatened are communities that are more likely to show growth in population, commerce and property value. Residents were asked to rate their feelings of safety from violent crimes, property crimes, fire and environmental dangers and to evaluate the local agencies whose main charge is to provide protection from these dangers. Most gave positive ratings of safety in the City of Lafayette. About 87% of those completing the questionnaire said they felt “very” or “somewhat” safe from violent crimes and 83% felt “very” or “somewhat” safe from environmental hazards. Daytime sense of safety was better than nighttime safety and neighborhoods felt safer than downtown. FIGURE 34: RATINGS OF COMMUNITY AND PERSONAL PUBLIC SAFETY 52% 22% 29% 77% 49% 84% 31% 51% 37% 46% 19% 39% 14% 50% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Environmental hazards, including toxic waste Property crimes burglary, theft) Violent crime rape, assault, robbery) In Lafayette's downtown area after dark In Lafayette's downtown area during the day In your neighborhood after dark In your neighborhood during the day Percent of respondents Very safe Somewhat safe ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 23 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 35: COMMUNITY AND PERSONAL PUBLIC SAFETY BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark In your neighborhood during the day Much above In your neighborhood after dark Much above In Lafayette's downtown area during the day Much above In Lafayette's downtown area after dark Much above Violent crime rape, assault, robbery) Much above Property crimes burglary, theft) Much above Environmental hazards, including toxic waste Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 24 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. As assessed by the survey, 5% of respondents reported that someone in the household had been the victim of one or more crimes in the past year. Of those who had been the victim of a crime, 75% had reported it to police. Compared to other jurisdictions far fewer Lafayette residents had been victims of crime in the 12 months preceding the survey and fewer Lafayette residents had reported their most recent crime victimization to the police. FIGURE 36: CRIME VICTIMIZATION AND REPORTING Yes 5% No 95% During the past 12 months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? No 27% Yes 73% If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? FIGURE 37: CRIME VICTIMIZATION AND REPORTING BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Victim of crime Much less Reported crimes Much less ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 25 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Residents rated eight City public safety services; of these, one was rated above the benchmark comparison, six were rated similar to the benchmark comparison and one was rated below the benchmark comparison. Fire services and ambulance or emergency medical services received the highest ratings, while municipal courts and emergency preparedness received the lowest ratings. FIGURE 38: RATINGS OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES 10% 16% 24% 22% 43% 40% 30% 43% 51% 52% 51% 53% 50% 54% 53% 17% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Emergency preparedness Municipal courts Traffic enforcement Fire prevention and education Crime prevention Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Police services Percent of respondents Excellent Good ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 26 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 39: PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Police services Similar Fire services Similar Ambulance or emergency medical services Similar Crime prevention Above Fire prevention and education Similar Traffic enforcement Similar Courts Similar Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) Below ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 27 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Residents value the aesthetic qualities of their hometowns and appreciate features such as overall cleanliness and landscaping. In addition, the appearance and smell or taste of the air and water do not go unnoticed. These days, increasing attention is paid to proper treatment of the environment. At the same time that they are attending to community appearance and cleanliness, cities, counties, states and the nation are going “Green”. These strengthening environmental concerns extend to trash haul, recycling, sewer services, the delivery of power and water and preservation of open spaces. Treatment of the environment affects air and water quality and, generally, how habitable and inviting a place appears. Residents of the City of Lafayette were asked to evaluate their local environment and the services provided to ensure its quality. The overall quality of the natural environment was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 78% of survey respondents. The overall quality of the natural environment received the highest rating, and it was similar to the benchmark. FIGURE 40: RATINGS OF THE COMMUNITY'S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 20% 15% 52% 63% 57% 18% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts Quality of overall natural environment in Lafayette Cleanliness of Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 41: COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Cleanliness of Lafayette Similar Quality of overall natural environment in Lafayette Similar Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 28 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Resident recycling was much greater than recycling reported in comparison communities. FIGURE 42: FREQUENCY OF RECYCLING IN LAST 12 MONTHS Once or twice 1% 3 to 12 times 6% 13 to 26 times 10% More than 26 times 79% Never 4% FIGURE 43: FREQUENCY OF RECYCLING BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 29 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Of the seven utility services rated by those completing the questionnaire, six were higher than the benchmark comparison and one was below the benchmark comparison. FIGURE 44: RATINGS OF UTILITY SERVICES 39% 45% 18% 25% 21% 25% 48% 40% 40% 55% 50% 64% 62% 25% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Garbage collection Recycling Yard waste pick-up Storm drainage Drinking water Sewer services Power (electric and/or gas) utility Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 45: UTILITY SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Power (electric and/or gas) utility Above Sewer services Above Drinking water Above Storm drainage Much above Yard waste pick-up Below Recycling Much above Garbage collection Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 30 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. RECREATION AND WELLNESS Parks and Recreation Quality parks and recreation opportunities help to define a community as more than the grind of its business, traffic and hard work. Leisure activities vastly can improve the quality of life of residents, serving both to entertain and mobilize good health. The survey contained questions seeking residents’ perspectives about opportunities and services related to the community’s parks and recreation services. Recreation opportunities in the City of Lafayette were rated positively as were services related to parks and recreation. All parks and recreation services were rated much higher than the benchmark. Resident use of Lafayette parks and recreation facilities tells its own story about the attractiveness and accessibility of those services. The percent of residents that used Lafayette recreation centers was much greater than the percent of users in comparison jurisdictions. Similarly, recreation program use in Lafayette was higher than use in comparison jurisdictions. FIGURE 46: RATINGS OF COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Poor 4% Fair 27% Good 47% Excellent 22% FIGURE 47: COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Recreation opportunities Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 31 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 48: PARTICIPATION IN PARKS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 92% 52% 73% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Visited a neighborhood park or City park Participated in a recreation program or activity Used Lafayette recreation centers Percent of respondents who did each at least once in last 12 months FIGURE 49: PARTICIPATION IN PARKS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Used Lafayette recreation centers Much more Participated in a recreation program or activity More Visited a neighborhood park or City park Much more FIGURE 50: RATINGS OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES 35% 30% 51% 56% 51% 39% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Recreation centers or facilities Recreation programs or classes City parks Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 51: PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark City parks Much above Recreation programs or classes Much above Recreation centers or facilities Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 32 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Culture, Arts and Education A full service community does not address only the life and safety of its residents. Like individuals who simply go to the office and return home, a community that pays attention only to the life sustaining basics becomes insular, dreary and uninspiring. In the case of communities without thriving culture, arts and education opportunities, the magnet that attracts those who might consider relocating there is vastly weakened. Cultural, artistic, social and educational services elevate the opportunities for personal growth among residents. In the survey, residents were asked about the quality of opportunities to participate in cultural and educational activities. Educational opportunities were rated as “excellent” or “good” by 52% of respondents. Compared to the benchmark data, educational opportunities were below the average of comparison jurisdictions, About 82% of Lafayette residents used a City library at least once in the 12 months preceding the survey. This participation rate for library use was much above comparison jurisdictions. FIGURE 52: RATINGS OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 12% 40% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Educational opportunities Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 53: CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Educational opportunities Much below FIGURE 54: PARTICIPATION IN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 82% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Used Lafayette public libraries or their services Percent of respondents who did each at least once in last 12 months FIGURE 55: PARTICIPATION IN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Used Lafayette public libraries or their services Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 33 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 56: PERCEPTION OF CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 41% 24% 45% 40% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Public library services Public schools Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 57: CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Public schools Similar Public library services Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 34 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Health and Wellness Healthy residents have the wherewithal to contribute to the economy as volunteers or employees and they do not present a burden in cost and time to others. Although residents bear the primary responsibility for their good health, local government provides services that can foster that well being and that provide care when residents are ill. Residents of the City of Lafayette were asked to rate the community’s health services as well as the availability of health care, high quality affordable food and preventive health care services. The availability of availability of affordable quality health care and the availability of affordable quality food were rated most similarly for the City of Lafayette. Among Lafayette residents, 17% rated affordable quality health care as “excellent” while 53% rated it as “good.” Those ratings were much above the ratings of comparison communities. FIGURE 58: RATINGS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES 18% 17% 51% 53% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Availability of affordable quality food Availability of affordable quality health care Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 59: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Availability of affordable quality health care Much above Availability of affordable quality food Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 35 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. COMMUNITY INCLUSIVENESS Diverse communities that include among their residents a mix of races, ages, wealth, ideas and beliefs have the raw material for the most vibrant and creative society. However, the presence of these features alone does not ensure a high quality or desirable space. Surveyed residents were asked about the success of the mix: the sense of community, the openness of residents to people of diverse backgrounds and the attractiveness of the City of Lafayette as a place to raise children or to retire. They were also questioned about the quality of services delivered to various population subgroups, including older adults, youth and residents with few resources. A community that succeeds in creating an inclusive environment for a variety of residents is a community that offers more to many. A high percentage of residents rated the City of Lafayette as an “excellent” or “good” place to raise kids and a majority rated it as an excellent or good place to retire. Most residents felt that the local sense of community was “excellent” or “good.” Most survey respondents also felt the City of Lafayette was open and accepting towards people of diverse backgrounds. The availability of affordable quality child care was rated the lowest by residents but was much higher than the benchmark. FIGURE 60: RATINGS OF COMMUNITY QUALITY AND INCLUSIVENESS 25% 32% 25% 17% 49% 53% 51% 51% 46% 8% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Lafayette as a place to retire Lafayette as a place to raise children Availability of affordable quality child care Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Sense of community Percent of respondents Excellent Good ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 36 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 61: COMMUNITY QUALITY AND INCLUSIVENESS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Sense of community Similar Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Much above Availability of affordable quality child care Much above Lafayette as a place to raise kids Similar Lafayette as a place to retire Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 37 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Services to more vulnerable populations seniors, youth or low-income residents) ranged from 65% to 77% with ratings of “excellent” or “good.” All services to vulnerable populations were much above the benchmark. FIGURE 62: RATINGS OF QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED FOR POPULATION SUBGROUPS 21% 19% 44% 52% 54% 23% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Services to low-income people Services to youth Services to seniors Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 63: SERVICES PROVIDED FOR POPULATION SUBGROUPS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Services to seniors Much above Services to youth Much above Services to low income people Much above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 38 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Community leaders cannot run a jurisdiction alone and a jurisdiction cannot run effectively if residents remain strangers with little to connect them. Elected officials and staff require the assistance of local residents whether that assistance comes in tacit approval or eager help; and commonality of purpose among the electorate facilitates policies and programs that appeal to most and causes discord among few. Furthermore, when neighbors help neighbors, the cost to the community to provide services to residents in need declines. When residents are civically engaged, they have taken the opportunity to participate in making the community more livable for all. The extent to which local government provides opportunities to become informed and engaged and the extent to which residents take those opportunities is an indicator of the connection between government and populace. By understanding your residents’ level of connection to, knowledge of and participation in local government, the City can find better opportunities to communicate and educate citizens about its mission, services, accomplishments and plans. Communities with strong civic engagement may be more likely to see the benefits of programs intended to improve the quality of life of all residents and therefore would be more likely to support those new policies or programs. Civic Activity Respondents were asked about the perceived community volunteering opportunities and their participation as citizens of the City of Lafayette. Survey participants rated the volunteer opportunities in the City of Lafayette favorably. Opportunities to attend or participate in community matters were rated less favorably. Ratings of civic engagement opportunities were similar to ratings from comparison jurisdictions where these questions were asked. FIGURE 64: RATINGS OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 21% 17% 53% 48% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 65: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Opportunities to participate in community matters Similar Opportunities to volunteer Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 39 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Most of the participants in this survey had not attended a public meeting or volunteered time to a group in the 12 months prior to the survey, but the vast majority had helped a friend. The participation rates of these civic behaviors were compared to the rates in other jurisdictions. Providing help to a friend or neighbor showed similar rates of involvement; while attending a meeting of a local elected official, watching a meeting of a local elected official and volunteering time to a group showed lower rates of community engagement. FIGURE 66: PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 96% 37% 29% 21% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Provided help to a friend or neighbor Volunteered your time to some group or activity in Lafayette Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other City-sponsored public meeting on cable television, the Internet or other media Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting Percent of respondents who did each at least once in last 12 months FIGURE 67: PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting Less Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other public meeting on cable television, the Internet or other media Much less Volunteered your time to some group or activity in Lafayette Much less Provided help to a friend or neighbor Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 40 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. City of Lafayette residents showed the largest amount of civic engagement in the area of electoral participation. Eighty-eight percent reported they were registered to vote and 81% indicated they had voted in the last general election. This rate of self-reported voting was much higher than that of comparison communities. FIGURE 68: REPORTED VOTING BEHAVIOR Ineligible to vote 1% Yes 88% No 11% Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? No 17% Yes 81% Ineligible to vote 3% Do you remember voting in the last general election? FIGURE 69: VOTING BEHAVIOR BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Registered to vote More Voted in last general election Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 41 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Information and Awareness Those completing the survey were asked about their use and perceptions of various information sources and local government media services. When asked whether they had visited the City of Lafayette Web site in the previous 12 months, 80% reported they had done so at least once. Public information services were rated similarly compared to benchmark data. FIGURE 70: USE OF INFORMATION SOURCES 80% 91% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Visited the City of Lafayette Web site Read Lafayette Newsletter Percent of respondents who did each at least once in last 12 months FIGURE 71: USE OF INFORMATION SOURCES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Read Lafayette Newsletter Much more Visited the City of Lafayette Web site Much more FIGURE 72: RATINGS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEDIA SERVICES AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION 19% 50% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Public information services Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 73: LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEDIA SERVICES AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Public information services Similar ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 42 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Social Engagement Opportunities to participate in social events and activities were rated as “excellent” or “good” by 61% of respondents and were similar to the benchmark comparison. FIGURE 74: RATINGS OF SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 14% 47% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 75: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar Residents in Lafayette reported a strong amount of neighborliness. A indicated talking or visiting with their neighbors at least several times a week. This amount of contact with neighbors was much more than the amount of contact reported in other communities. FIGURE 76: CONTACT WITH IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS Several times a week 34% Several times a month 27% Less than several times a month 16% Just about everyday 23% About how often, if at all, do you talk to or visit with your immediate neighbors? FIGURE 77: CONTACT WITH IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Has contact with neighbors at least several times per week Much more ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 43 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. PUBLIC TRUST When local government leaders are trusted, an environment of cooperation is more likely to surround all decisions they make. Cooperation leads to easier communication between leaders and residents and increases the likelihood that high value policies and programs will be implemented to improve the quality of life of the entire community. Trust can be measured in residents’ opinions about the overall direction the City of Lafayette is taking, their perspectives about the service value their taxes purchase and the openness of government to citizen participation. In addition, resident opinion about services provided by the City of Lafayette could be compared to their opinion about services provided by the state and federal governments. If residents find nothing to admire in the services delivered by any level of government, their opinions about the City of Lafayette may be colored by their dislike of what all levels of government provide. A majority of respondents felt that the value of services for taxes paid was “excellent” or “good.” When asked to rate the job the City of Lafayette does at welcoming citizen involvement, 62% rated it as “excellent” or “good.” Of these four ratings, three were above the benchmark and one was below the benchmark. FIGURE 78: PUBLIC TRUST RATINGS 9% 11% 11% 51% 51% 54% 53% 10% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Overall image or reputation of Lafayette The job Lafayette government does at welcoming citizen involvement The overall direction that Lafayette is taking The value of services for the taxes paid to Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 79: PUBLIC TRUST BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Value of services for the taxes paid to Lafayette Above The overall direction that Lafayette is taking Above Job Lafayette government does at welcoming citizen involvement Above Overall image or reputation of Lafayette Much below ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 44 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. On average, residents of the City of Lafayette gave the highest evaluations to their own local government and the lowest average rating to the Federal Government. The overall quality of services delivered by the City of Lafayette was rated as “excellent” or “good” by 82% of survey participants. The City of Lafayette’s rating was above the benchmark when compared to other communities in the nation. FIGURE 80: RATINGS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS 8% 16% 55% 51% 39% 66% 3% 5% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Services provided by Boulder County Government Services provided by the State Government Services provided by the Federal Government Services provided by City of Lafayette Percent of respondents Excellent Good FIGURE 81: SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Services provided by the City of Lafayette Above Services provided by the Federal Government Above Services provided by the State Government Much above Services provided by Boulder County Government Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 45 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. City of Lafayette Employees The employees of the City of Lafayette who interact with the public create the first impression that most residents have of the City of Lafayette. Front line staff who provide information, assist with bill paying, collect trash, create service schedules, fight fires and crime and even give traffic tickets are the collective face of the City of Lafayette. As such, it is important to know about residents’ experience talking with that “face.” When employees appear to be knowledgeable, responsive and courteous, residents are more likely to feel that any needs or problems may be solved through positive and productive interactions with the City of Lafayette staff. Those completing the survey were asked if they had been in contact with a City employee either in- person, over the phone or via email in the last 12 months; the 56% who reported that they had been in contact (a percent that is above the benchmark comparison) were then asked to indicate overall how satisfied they were with the employee in their most recent contact. City employees were rated highly; 86% of respondents rated their overall impression as “excellent” or “good.” FIGURE 82: PROPORTION OF RESPONDENTS WHO HAD CONTACT WITH CITY EMPLOYEES IN PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS Yes 56% No 44% Have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with an employee of Lafayette within the last 12 months? FIGURE 83: CONTACT WITH CITY EMPLOYEES BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Had contact with City employee(s) in last 12 months More ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 46 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 84: RATINGS OF CITY EMPLOYEES (AMONG THOSE WHO HAD CONTACT) 39% 51% 44% 47% 38% 45% 42% 39% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Overall impression Courtesy Responsiveness Knowledge Percent of respondents who had contact with an employee in previous 12 months Excellent Good FIGURE 85: RATINGS OF CITY EMPLOYEES (AMONG THOSE WHO HAD CONTACT) BENCHMARKS Comparison to benchmark Knowledge Above Responsiveness Above Courteousness Much above Overall impression Above ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 47 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. From Data to Action RESIDENT PRIORITIES Knowing where to focus limited resources to improve residents’ opinions of local government requires information that targets the services that are most important to residents. However, when residents are asked what services are most important, they rarely stray beyond core services – those directed to save lives and improve safety. In market research, identifying the most important characteristics of a transaction or product is called Key Driver Analysis (KDA). The key drivers that are identified from that analysis do not come from asking customers to self-report which service or product characteristic most influenced their decision to buy or return, but rather from statistical analyses of the predictors of their behavior. When customers are asked to name the most important characteristics of a good or service, responses often are expected or misleading – just as they can be in the context of a citizen survey. For example, air travelers often claim that safety is the primary consideration in their choice of an airline, yet key driver analysis reveals that frequent flier perks or in-flight entertainment predicts their buying decisions. In local government core services – like fire protection – invariably land at the top of the list created when residents are asked about the most important local government services. And core services are important. But by using KDA, our approach digs deeper to identify the less obvious, but more influential services that are most related to residents’ ratings of overall quality of local government services. Because services focused directly on life and safety remain essential to quality government, it is suggested that core services should remain the focus of continuous monitoring and improvement where necessary – but monitoring core services or asking residents to identify important services is not enough. A KDA was conducted for the City of Lafayette by examining the relationships between ratings of each service and ratings of the City of Lafayette’s overall services. Those Key Driver services that correlated most highly with residents’ perceptions about overall City service quality have been identified. By targeting improvements in key services, the City of Lafayette can focus on the services that have the greatest likelihood of influencing residents’ opinions about overall service quality. Because a strong correlation is not the same as a cause, there is no guarantee that improving ratings on key drivers necessarily will improve ratings. What is certain from these analyses is that key drivers are good predictors of overall resident opinion and that the key drivers presented may be useful focus areas to consider for enhancement of overall service ratings. Services found to be most strongly correlated with ratings of overall service quality from the Lafayette Key Driver Analysis were: ƒ Garbage collection ƒ Land use, planning and zoning ƒ Police services ƒ Public library services ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 48 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. CITY OF LAFAYETTE ACTION CHART™ The 2012 City of Lafayette Action Chart™ on the following page combines two dimensions of performance: ƒ Comparison to resident evaluations from other communities. When a comparison is available, the background color of each service box indicates whether the service is above the national benchmark (green), similar to the benchmark (yellow) or below the benchmark (red). ƒ Identification of key services. A black key icon ( ) next to a service box indicates it as a key driver for the City. Nineteen services were included in the KDA for the City of Lafayette. Of these, twelve were above the benchmark, two were below the benchmark and five were similar to the benchmark. Considering all performance data included in the Action Chart, a jurisdiction typically will want to consider improvements to any key driver services that are not at least similar to the benchmark. In the case of Lafayette, no key drivers were below the benchmark. Therefore, Lafayette may wish to seek improvements to police services, as this key driver received ratings similar to other benchmark jurisdictions. More detail about interpreting results can be found in the next section. Services with a high percent of respondents answering “don’t know” were excluded from the analysis and were considered services that would be less influential. See Appendix A: Complete Survey Frequencies, Frequencies Including “Don’t Know” Responses for the percent “don’t know” for each service. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 49 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 86: CITY OF LAFAYETTE ACTION CHART Overall Quality of City of Lafayette Services Environmental Sustainability Preservation of natural areas Drinking water Power utility Recycling Garbage collection Legend Above Benchmark Similar to Benchmark Below Benchmark Key Driver Community Design Street repair Economic development Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Street lighting Street cleaning Traffic signal timing Planning and zoning Public Safety Traffic enforcement Police services Recreation and Wellness City parks Recreation programs Recreation facilities Library ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 50 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Using Your Action Chart™ The key drivers derived for the City of Lafayette provide a list of those services that are uniquely related to overall service quality. Those key drivers are marked with the symbol of a key in the action chart. Because key driver results are based on a relatively small number of responses, the relationships or correlations that define the key drivers are subject to more variability than is seen when key drivers are derived from a large national dataset of resident responses. To benefit the City of Lafayette, NRC lists the key drivers derived from tens of thousands of resident responses from across the country. This national list is updated periodically so that you can compare your key drivers to the key drivers from the entire NRC dataset. Where your locally derived key drivers overlap national key drivers, it makes sense to focus even more strongly on your keys. Similarly, when your local key drivers overlap your core services, there is stronger argument to make for attending to your key drivers that overlap with core services. As staff review key drivers, not all drivers may resonate as likely links to residents’ perspectives about overall service quality. For example, in Lafayette, planning and zoning and police services may be obvious links to overall service delivery (and each is a key driver from our national database), since it could be easy for staff to see how residents’ view of overall service delivery could be colored by how well they perceive police and land use planning to be delivered. But animal control could be a surprise. Before rejecting a key driver that does not pass the first test of conventional wisdom, consider whether residents’ opinions about overall service quality could reasonably be influenced by this unexpected driver. For example, in the case of animal control, was there a visible case of violation prior to the survey data collection? Do Lafayette residents have different expectations for animal control than what current policy provides? Are the rare instances of violation serious enough to cause a word of mouth campaign about service delivery? If, after deeper review, the “suspect” driver still does not square with your understanding of the services that could influence residents’ perspectives about overall service quality (and if that driver is not a core service or a key driver from NRC’s national research), put action in that area on hold and wait to see if it appears as a key driver the next time the survey is conducted. In the following table, we have listed your key drivers, core services and the national key drivers and we have indicated (in bold typeface and with the symbol the City of Lafayette key drivers that overlap core services or the nationally derived keys. In general, key drivers below the benchmark may be targeted for improvement. Additionally, we have indicated (with the symbol those services that neither are local nor national key drivers nor are they core services. It is these services that could be considered first for resource reductions. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 51 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FIGURE 87: KEY DRIVERS COMPARED Service City of Lafayette Key Driver National Key Driver Core Service • Police services 9 9 9 ° Traffic enforcement Street repair 9 ° Street cleaning ° Street lighting ° Snow removal ° Sidewalk maintenance ° Traffic signal timing • Garbage collection 9 9 ° Recycling Drinking water 9 Power (electric and/or gas) utility 9 ° City parks ° Recreation programs or classes ° Recreation centers or facilities • Land use planning and zoning 9 9 Economic development 9 Public library 9 ° Preservation of natural areas • Key driver overlaps with national and or core services ° Service may be targeted for reductions it is not a key driver or core service ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 52 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Custom Questions “Don’t know” responses have been removed from the following questions, when applicable. Question 18a: Custom Question 1 How likely or unlikely would you be to use the following methods to access City information? Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Total City Web site (www.cityoflafayette.com) 44% 33% 11% 12% 100% Mailed newsletter from the City 41% 42% 9% 9% 100% Email notices from the City 36% 30% 17% 17% 100% Local newspapers Colorado Hometown, Daily Camera) 34% 36% 16% 14% 100% Electronic newsletter from the City 31% 35% 15% 19% 100% Word of mouth 21% 44% 25% 11% 100% Local television news 20% 25% 22% 33% 100% Electronic message board (to display City news and events in a central location) 7% 29% 28% 35% 100% Social media Twitter, Facebook) 6% 12% 23% 59% 100% Text messages from the City 6% 13% 16% 64% 100% Comcast channel 8 4% 13% 17% 67% 100% Question 18b: Custom Question 2 FIRST, indicate whether you think the City should continue to fund each of the following programs at current rates, increase funding, or decrease funding Fund at current levels Increase funding Decrease funding Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 51% 43% 5% 100% Building new sports fields 62% 14% 24% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 73% 18% 9% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 68% 23% 9% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 43% 40% 17% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 59% 27% 14% 100% Youth programs 62% 34% 3% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 47% 41% 11% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 63% 27% 10% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 63% 25% 12% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 47% 13% 39% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 53 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18b: Custom Question 2 THEN, please indicate if you would support a tax increase to fund each of the following items: Support tax increase Did not indicate support for tax increase Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 37% 63% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 32% 68% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 17% 83% 100% Youth programs 16% 84% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 16% 84% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 15% 85% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 14% 86% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 10% 90% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 10% 90% 100% Building new sports fields 9% 91% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 9% 91% 100% Question 18c: Custom Question 3 If you are employed for pay, which of the following best describes where you work (select only one)? Percent of respondents Boulder 29% Lafayette, not at my home 10% Lafayette, at my home 9% Denver 9% Broomfield 8% Louisville 7% Other 4% Longmont 3% Westminster 1% Out of state 0% Not employed for pay 20% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 54 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18d: Custom Question 4 In 1996 Lafayette residents voted to limit the number of new residential housing units built each year to 200. Every six years voters are asked whether or not to extend the limitation. Please indicate the extent to which you would support or oppose each of the following: Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Extend the housing unit cap 36% 29% 20% 15% 100% Modify the housing unit cap to allow any number of new housing units in one year as long as there are no more than 1,200 in a six- year period 14% 43% 16% 27% 100% Remove the housing unit restriction altogether 6% 11% 15% 68% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 55 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Appendix A: Complete Survey Frequencies FREQUENCIES EXCLUDING “DON’T KNOW” RESPONSES Question 1: Quality of Life Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Lafayette as a place to live 32% 62% 6% 0% 100% Your neighborhood as a place to live 38% 52% 8% 2% 100% Lafayette as a place to raise children 32% 53% 13% 3% 100% Lafayette as a place to work 17% 31% 36% 16% 100% Lafayette as a place to retire 25% 49% 20% 7% 100% The overall quality of life in Lafayette 28% 59% 12% 1% 100% Question 2: Community Characteristics Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Lafayette as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Sense of community 17% 46% 32% 5% 100% Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 25% 51% 22% 2% 100% Overall appearance of Lafayette 11% 53% 29% 7% 100% Cleanliness of Lafayette 18% 57% 23% 3% 100% Overall quality of new development in Lafayette 15% 45% 28% 12% 100% Variety of housing options 17% 46% 29% 8% 100% Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette 5% 39% 43% 12% 100% Shopping opportunities 5% 24% 50% 21% 100% Recreational opportunities 22% 47% 27% 4% 100% Employment opportunities 2% 16% 49% 32% 100% Educational opportunities 12% 40% 36% 12% 100% Opportunities to participate in social events and activities 14% 47% 35% 3% 100% Opportunities to volunteer 21% 53% 24% 2% 100% Opportunities to participate in community matters 17% 48% 31% 3% 100% Ease of car travel in Lafayette 29% 52% 16% 3% 100% Ease of bus travel in Lafayette 24% 46% 23% 7% 100% Ease of bicycle travel in Lafayette 23% 43% 30% 5% 100% Ease of walking in Lafayette 32% 45% 20% 4% 100% Availability of paths and walking trails 29% 46% 21% 3% 100% Traffic flow on major streets 13% 55% 26% 6% 100% Amount of public parking 11% 52% 30% 6% 100% Availability of affordable quality housing 10% 42% 33% 14% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 56 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 2: Community Characteristics Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Lafayette as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Availability of affordable quality child care 8% 51% 32% 9% 100% Availability of affordable quality health care 17% 53% 23% 6% 100% Availability of affordable quality food 18% 51% 27% 4% 100% Quality of overall natural environment in Lafayette 15% 63% 20% 2% 100% Overall image or reputation of Lafayette 9% 51% 33% 8% 100% Dining opportunities 5% 33% 43% 19% 100% Visibility of public art 22% 49% 25% 5% 100% Handicap accessibility on sidewalks and crosswalks 21% 56% 20% 3% 100% Availability of renewable energy 11% 38% 37% 15% 100% Unique identity 6% 41% 41% 12% 100% Question 3: Growth Please rate the speed of growth in the following categories in Lafayette over the past 2 years: Much too slow Somewhat too slow Right amount Somewhat too fast Much too fast Total Population growth 1% 6% 64% 22% 6% 100% Retail growth (stores, restaurants, etc.) 14% 48% 36% 2% 1% 100% Jobs growth 31% 51% 16% 0% 1% 100% Question 4: Code Enforcement To what degree, if at all, are run down buildings, weed lots or junk vehicles a problem in Lafayette? Percent of respondents Not a problem 13% Minor problem 34% Moderate problem 39% Major problem 14% Total 100% Question 5: Community Safety Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel from the following in Lafayette: Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Total Violent crime rape, assault, robbery) 50% 37% 10% 2% 1% 100% Property crimes burglary, theft) 22% 51% 14% 9% 3% 100% Environmental hazards, including toxic waste 52% 31% 11% 4% 2% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 57 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 6: Personal Safety Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Total In your neighborhood during the day 84% 14% 2% 1% 0% 100% In your neighborhood after dark 49% 39% 5% 5% 1% 100% In Lafayette's downtown area during the day 77% 19% 3% 2% 0% 100% In Lafayette's downtown area after dark 29% 46% 13% 11% 1% 100% Question 7: Crime Victim During the past 12 months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? Percent of respondents No 95% Yes 5% Total 100% Question 8: Crime Reporting If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? Percent of respondents No 27% Yes 73% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 58 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 9: Resident Behaviors In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in Lafayette? Never Once or twice 3 to 12 times 13 to 26 times More than 26 times Total Used Lafayette public libraries or their services 18% 23% 31% 14% 13% 100% Used Lafayette recreation centers 27% 20% 24% 13% 16% 100% Participated in a recreation program or activity 48% 21% 18% 6% 7% 100% Visited a neighborhood park or City park 8% 11% 27% 19% 35% 100% Ridden a local bus within Lafayette 63% 16% 9% 4% 8% 100% Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting 79% 14% 6% 1% 1% 100% Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other City-sponsored public meeting on cable television, the Internet or other media 71% 17% 9% 2% 0% 100% Read Lafayette Newsletter 9% 19% 49% 13% 10% 100% Visited the City of Lafayette Web site (at www.cityoflafayette.com) 20% 22% 32% 16% 10% 100% Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home 4% 1% 6% 10% 79% 100% Volunteered your time to some group or activity in Lafayette 63% 15% 9% 4% 9% 100% Provided help to a friend or neighbor 4% 19% 46% 20% 11% 100% Visited Old Town shops or restaurants 4% 18% 46% 18% 14% 100% Attended an event at the Festival Plaza downtown 37% 39% 19% 4% 1% 100% Attended an event at the Waneka Lake Park 43% 39% 13% 2% 3% 100% Question 10: Neighborliness About how often, if at all, do you talk to or visit with your immediate neighbors (people who live in the 10 or 20 households that are closest to you)? Percent of respondents Just about everyday 23% Several times a week 34% Several times a month 27% Less than several times a month 16% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 59 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 11: Service Quality Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Police services 30% 53% 12% 5% 100% Fire services 40% 54% 4% 1% 100% Ambulance or emergency medical services 43% 50% 5% 2% 100% Crime prevention 22% 53% 19% 6% 100% Fire prevention and education 24% 51% 20% 4% 100% Municipal courts 16% 51% 20% 13% 100% Traffic enforcement 17% 52% 23% 9% 100% Street repair 9% 46% 30% 14% 100% Street cleaning 13% 55% 25% 7% 100% Street lighting 13% 53% 29% 5% 100% Snow removal 11% 33% 35% 21% 100% Sidewalk maintenance 11% 42% 35% 11% 100% Traffic signal timing 11% 42% 31% 16% 100% Bus or transit services 23% 50% 20% 7% 100% Garbage collection 39% 48% 11% 2% 100% Recycling 45% 40% 12% 3% 100% Yard waste pick-up 25% 40% 24% 11% 100% Storm drainage 18% 55% 22% 5% 100% Drinking water 25% 50% 19% 6% 100% Sewer services 21% 64% 13% 2% 100% Power (electric and/or gas) utility 25% 62% 12% 1% 100% City parks 39% 51% 11% 0% 100% Recreation programs or classes 30% 56% 11% 2% 100% Recreation centers or facilities 35% 51% 12% 2% 100% Land use, planning and zoning 11% 38% 41% 10% 100% Animal control 11% 50% 27% 11% 100% Economic development 7% 24% 44% 25% 100% Services to seniors 23% 54% 19% 4% 100% Services to youth 19% 52% 19% 10% 100% Services to low-income people 21% 44% 32% 3% 100% Public library services 41% 45% 12% 1% 100% Public information services 19% 50% 26% 5% 100% Public schools 24% 40% 27% 9% 100% Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 10% 43% 36% 11% 100% Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts 20% 52% 24% 5% 100% City golf course 38% 48% 12% 1% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 60 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 11: Service Quality Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Historic preservation 16% 52% 26% 6% 100% Building permit and inspections 19% 45% 28% 7% 100% Question 12: Government Services Overall Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Total The City of Lafayette 16% 66% 16% 2% 100% The Federal Government 5% 39% 41% 14% 100% The State Government 3% 51% 36% 9% 100% Boulder County Government 8% 55% 27% 10% 100% Question 13: Contact with City Employees Have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with an employee of the City of Lafayette within the last 12 months (including police, receptionists, planners or any others)? Percent of respondents No 44% Yes 56% Total 100% Question 14: City Employees What was your impression of the employee(s) of the City of Lafayette in your most recent contact? Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Knowledge 44% 42% 9% 6% 100% Responsiveness 39% 45% 12% 5% 100% Courtesy 51% 38% 5% 7% 100% Overall impression 39% 47% 8% 6% 100% Question 15: Government Performance Please rate the following categories of Lafayette government performance: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total The value of services for the taxes paid to Lafayette 11% 53% 29% 8% 100% The overall direction that Lafayette is taking 10% 54% 28% 8% 100% The job Lafayette government does at welcoming citizen involvement 11% 51% 27% 11% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 61 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 16: Recommendation and Longevity Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Total Recommend living in Lafayette to someone who asks 50% 43% 4% 2% 100% Remain in Lafayette for the next five years 56% 29% 9% 6% 100% Question 17: Impact of the Economy What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Percent of respondents Very positive 3% Somewhat positive 25% Neutral 48% Somewhat negative 21% Very negative 3% Total 100% Question 18a: Custom Question 1 How likely or unlikely would you be to use the following methods to access City information? Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Total Email notices from the City 36% 30% 17% 17% 100% Electronic newsletter from the City 31% 35% 15% 19% 100% Mailed newsletter from the City 41% 42% 9% 9% 100% Social media Twitter, Facebook) 6% 12% 23% 59% 100% Text messages from the City 6% 13% 16% 64% 100% City Web site (www.cityoflafayette.com) 44% 33% 11% 12% 100% Local newspapers Colorado Hometown, Daily Camera) 34% 36% 16% 14% 100% Local television news 20% 25% 22% 33% 100% Word of mouth 21% 44% 25% 11% 100% Comcast channel 8 4% 13% 17% 67% 100% Electronic message board (to display City news and events in a central location) 7% 29% 28% 35% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 62 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18b: Custom Question 2 FIRST, indicate whether you think the City should continue to fund each of the following programs at current rates, increase funding, or decrease funding. Fund at current levels Increase funding Decrease funding Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 51% 43% 5% 100% Building new sports fields 62% 14% 24% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 73% 18% 9% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 68% 23% 9% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 43% 40% 17% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 59% 27% 14% 100% Youth programs 62% 34% 3% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 47% 41% 11% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 63% 27% 10% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 63% 25% 12% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 47% 13% 39% 100% Question 18b: Custom Question 2 THEN, please indicate if you would support a tax increase to fund each of the following items: Support tax increase Did not indicate support for tax increase Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 37% 63% 100% Building new sports fields 9% 91% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 10% 90% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 15% 85% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 32% 68% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 17% 83% 100% Youth programs 16% 84% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 16% 84% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 14% 86% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 10% 90% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 9% 91% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 63 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18c: Custom Question 3 If you are employed for pay, which of the following best describes where you work (select only one)? Percent of respondents Lafayette, at my home 9% Lafayette, not at my home 10% Boulder 29% Louisville 7% Broomfield 8% Denver 9% Longmont 3% Westminster 1% Out of state 0% Other 4% Not employed for pay 20% Total 100% Question 18d: Custom Question 4 In 1996 Lafayette residents voted to limit the number of new residential housing units built each year to 200. Every six years voters are asked whether or not to extend the limitation. Please indicate the extent to which you would support or oppose each of the following: Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Extend the housing unit cap 36% 29% 20% 15% 100% Modify the housing unit cap to allow any number of new housing units in one year as long as there are no more than 1,200 in a six- year period 14% 43% 16% 27% 100% Remove the housing unit restriction altogether 6% 11% 15% 68% 100% Question D1: Employment Status Are you currently employed for pay? Percent of respondents No 25% Yes, full-time 59% Yes, part-time 16% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 64 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D2: Mode of Transportation Used for Commute During a typical week, how many days do you commute to work (for the longest distance of your commute) in each of the ways listed below? Percent of days mode used Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) by myself 72% Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) with other children or adults 7% Bus, rail, subway or other public transportation 6% Walk 1% Bicycle 2% Work at home 12% Other 0% Question D3: Length of Residency How many years have you lived in Lafayette? Percent of respondents Less than 2 years 21% 2 to 5 years 22% 6 to 10 years 16% 11 to 20 years 23% More than 20 years 17% Total 100% Question D4: Housing Unit Type Which best describes the building you live in? Percent of respondents One family house detached from any other houses 68% House attached to one or more houses a duplex or townhome) 11% Building with two or more apartments or condominiums 16% Mobile home 4% Other 0% Total 100% Question D5: Housing Tenure (Rent/Own) Is this house, apartment or mobile home… Percent of respondents Rented for cash or occupied without cash payment 27% Owned by you or someone in this house with a mortgage or free and clear 73% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 65 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D6: Housing Cost About how much is the housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners" association (HOA) fees)? Percent of respondents Less than $300 per month 7% $300 to $599 per month 8% $600 to $999 per month 19% $1,000 to $1,499 per month 37% $1,500 to $2,499 per month 21% $2,500 or more per month 8% Total 100% Question D7: Presence of Children in Household Do any children 17 or under live in your household? Percent of respondents No 61% Yes 39% Total 100% Question D8: Presence of Older Adults in Household Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? Percent of respondents No 84% Yes 16% Total 100% Question D9: Household Income How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) Percent of respondents Less than $24,999 14% $25,000 to $49,999 20% $50,000 to $99,999 37% $100,000 to $149,000 17% $150,000 or more 12% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 66 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D10: Ethnicity Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Percent of respondents No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 84% Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 16% Total 100% Question D11: Race What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race(s) you consider yourself to be.) Percent of respondents American Indian or Alaskan Native 3% Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander 2% Black or African American 1% White 89% Other 7% Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one option Question D12: Age In which category is your age? Percent of respondents 18 to 24 years 4% 25 to 34 years 23% 35 to 44 years 20% 45 to 54 years 24% 55 to 64 years 16% 65 to 74 years 9% 75 years or older 5% Total 100% Question D13: Gender What is your sex? Percent of respondents Female 52% Male 48% Total 100% Question D14: Registered to Vote Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? Percent of respondents No 11% Yes 88% Ineligible to vote 1% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 67 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D15: Voted in Last General Election Many people don't have time to vote in elections. Did you vote in the last general election? Percent of respondents No 17% Yes 81% Ineligible to vote 3% Total 100% Question D16: Has Cell Phone Do you have a cell phone? Percent of respondents No 9% Yes 91% Total 100% Question D17: Has Land Line Do you have a land line at home? Percent of respondents No 36% Yes 64% Total 100% Question D18: Primary Phone If you have both a cell phone and a land line, which do you consider your primary telephone number? Percent of respondents Cell 31% Land line 48% Both 21% Total 100% Question D19: Internet access from home Are you able to access the Internet at home from any type of device computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.)? Percent of respondents No 11% Yes 89% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 68 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. FREQUENCIES INCLUDING “DON’T KNOW” RESPONSES These tables contain the percentage of respondents for each response category as well as the or total number of respondents for each category, next to the percentage. Question 1: Quality of Life Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Lafayette as a place to live 32% 113 62% 222 6% 22 0% 1 0% 0 100% 357 Your neighborhood as a place to live 38% 135 52% 185 8% 30 2% 7 0% 0 100% 357 Lafayette as a place to raise children 26% 92 43% 153 11% 37 3% 9 18% 63 100% 355 Lafayette as a place to work 10% 35 17% 62 20% 72 9% 32 43% 153 100% 353 Lafayette as a place to retire 16% 56 31% 111 13% 45 5% 16 36% 127 100% 355 The overall quality of life in Lafayette 28% 99 59% 211 12% 43 1% 3 0% 1 100% 357 Question 2: Community Characteristics Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Lafayette as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Sense of community 17% 58 45% 156 31% 107 5% 18 3% 10 100% 350 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 23% 80 47% 165 20% 72 2% 6 9% 31 100% 353 Overall appearance of Lafayette 11% 40 53% 188 29% 104 7% 25 0% 0 100% 357 Cleanliness of Lafayette 18% 62 57% 200 23% 80 3% 10 0% 0 100% 352 Overall quality of new development in Lafayette 13% 46 40% 144 25% 89 11% 40 10% 36 100% 355 Variety of housing options 15% 55 41% 148 26% 93 8% 27 10% 34 100% 357 Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette 5% 19 39% 138 43% 152 12% 41 1% 2 100% 353 Shopping opportunities 5% 18 24% 85 50% 179 21% 75 0% 0 100% 356 Recreational opportunities 22% 77 46% 163 26% 92 4% 13 3% 10 100% 356 Employment opportunities 2% 5 11% 39 33% 117 22% 76 33% 115 100% 353 Educational opportunities 8% 30 29% 104 27% 94 9% 30 27% 95 100% 352 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 69 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 2: Community Characteristics Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Lafayette as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Opportunities to participate in social events and activities 13% 47 44% 156 32% 115 3% 10 8% 28 100% 357 Opportunities to volunteer 15% 54 37% 133 17% 61 1% 4 29% 103 100% 356 Opportunities to participate in community matters 13% 47 38% 133 24% 85 3% 9 22% 79 100% 353 Ease of car travel in Lafayette 29% 102 51% 181 16% 56 3% 11 0% 1 100% 352 Ease of bus travel in Lafayette 17% 60 33% 117 16% 57 5% 17 29% 105 100% 357 Ease of bicycle travel in Lafayette 19% 69 36% 129 25% 89 4% 14 15% 55 100% 355 Ease of walking in Lafayette 31% 112 44% 156 19% 69 3% 12 2% 7 100% 357 Availability of paths and walking trails 28% 99 44% 158 20% 73 3% 12 4% 15 100% 357 Traffic flow on major streets 13% 45 55% 194 26% 93 6% 22 0% 1 100% 355 Amount of public parking 11% 38 49% 172 28% 101 6% 22 6% 23 100% 355 Availability of affordable quality housing 8% 27 32% 114 26% 90 11% 39 23% 82 100% 354 Availability of affordable quality child care 3% 10 17% 61 11% 38 3% 10 66% 233 100% 351 Availability of affordable quality health care 13% 45 39% 138 17% 60 5% 16 26% 92 100% 351 Availability of affordable quality food 17% 61 50% 176 26% 93 4% 13 2% 9 100% 353 Quality of overall natural environment in Lafayette 15% 52 62% 221 19% 69 2% 8 1% 4 100% 354 Overall image or reputation of Lafayette 8% 30 50% 176 32% 112 7% 26 3% 10 100% 354 Dining opportunities 5% 16 32% 114 42% 148 18% 65 3% 10 100% 353 Visibility of public art 20% 71 45% 160 22% 80 4% 15 9% 31 100% 357 Handicap accessibility on sidewalks and crosswalks 12% 44 33% 117 12% 42 2% 6 41% 148 100% 356 Availability of renewable energy 5% 18 18% 62 17% 61 7% 25 53% 189 100% 354 Unique identity 6% 20 36% 129 36% 129 10% 37 12% 41 100% 356 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 70 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 3: Growth Please rate the speed of growth in the following categories in Lafayette over the past 2 years: Much too slow Somewhat too slow Right amount Somewhat too fast Much too fast Don't know Total Population growth 1% 4 5% 18 49% 176 17% 60 5% 16 23% 82 100% 356 Retail growth (stores, restaurants, etc.) 12% 43 42% 148 32% 112 2% 6 1% 2 12% 44 100% 354 Jobs growth 16% 55 25% 90 8% 29 0% 0 0% 1 50% 179 100% 355 Question 4: Code Enforcement To what degree, if at all, are run down buildings, weed lots or junk vehicles a problem in Lafayette? Percent of respondents Count Not a problem 12% 43 Minor problem 33% 114 Moderate problem 37% 129 Major problem 13% 46 Don't know 5% 17 Total 100% 349 Question 5: Community Safety Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel from the following in Lafayette: Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know Total Violent crime rape, assault, robbery) 49% 175 36% 130 10% 35 2% 8 1% 2 2% 7 100% 357 Property crimes burglary, theft) 22% 78 50% 179 14% 49 9% 31 3% 12 2% 7 100% 356 Environmental hazards, including toxic waste 47% 165 28% 98 10% 35 4% 14 2% 6 10% 35 100% 354 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 71 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 6: Personal Safety Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know Total In your neighborhood during the day 84% 299 14% 50 2% 5 1% 3 0% 0 0% 0 100% 357 In your neighborhood after dark 49% 175 39% 141 5% 20 5% 19 1% 2 0% 0 100% 357 In Lafayette's downtown area during the day 74% 262 18% 63 3% 9 2% 7 0% 0 4% 13 100% 354 In Lafayette's downtown area after dark 26% 92 41% 145 12% 42 10% 34 1% 3 11% 38 100% 355 Question 7: Crime Victim During the past 12 months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? Percent of respondents Count No 94% 334 Yes 5% 19 Don't know 1% 4 Total 100% 356 Question 8: Crime Reporting If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? Percent of respondents Count No 27% 5 Yes 73% 13 Don't know 0% 0 Total 100% 18 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 72 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 9: Resident Behaviors In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in Lafayette? Never Once or twice 3 to 12 times 13 to 26 times More than 26 times Total Used Lafayette public libraries or their services 18% 63 23% 83 31% 113 14% 52 13% 47 100% 357 Used Lafayette recreation centers 27% 97 20% 70 24% 85 13% 45 16% 57 100% 355 Participated in a recreation program or activity 48% 167 21% 74 18% 63 6% 21 7% 24 100% 350 Visited a neighborhood park or City park 8% 27 11% 41 27% 95 19% 69 35% 123 100% 356 Ridden a local bus within Lafayette 63% 222 16% 58 9% 32 4% 14 8% 28 100% 354 Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting 79% 279 14% 49 6% 20 1% 2 1% 4 100% 354 Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other City- sponsored public meeting on cable television, the Internet or other media 71% 248 17% 61 9% 32 2% 7 0% 1 100% 350 Read Lafayette Newsletter 9% 31 19% 67 49% 173 13% 45 10% 34 100% 349 Visited the City of Lafayette Web site (at www.cityoflafayette.com) 20% 71 22% 75 32% 111 16% 57 10% 34 100% 348 Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home 4% 13 1% 4 6% 20 10% 36 79% 277 100% 350 Volunteered your time to some group or activity in Lafayette 63% 219 15% 53 9% 30 4% 14 9% 32 100% 348 Provided help to a friend or neighbor 4% 16 19% 68 46% 160 20% 69 11% 37 100% 349 Visited Old Town shops or restaurants 4% 14 18% 63 46% 163 18% 64 14% 50 100% 354 Attended an event at the Festival Plaza downtown 37% 132 39% 137 19% 69 4% 14 1% 4 100% 355 Attended an event at the Waneka Lake Park 43% 155 39% 141 13% 45 2% 5 3% 10 100% 357 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 73 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 10: Neighborliness About how often, if at all, do you talk to or visit with your immediate neighbors (people who live in the 10 or 20 households that are closest to you)? Percent of respondents Count Just about everyday 23% 82 Several times a week 34% 122 Several times a month 27% 96 Less than several times a month 16% 57 Total 100% 357 Question 11: Service Quality Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Police services 24% 84 42% 149 10% 35 4% 15 20% 69 100% 351 Fire services 26% 91 35% 123 3% 10 1% 3 36% 126 100% 353 Ambulance or emergency medical services 24% 83 27% 96 3% 10 1% 3 46% 161 100% 354 Crime prevention 15% 54 36% 126 13% 45 4% 14 32% 113 100% 352 Fire prevention and education 12% 41 25% 86 10% 34 2% 7 52% 179 100% 348 Municipal courts 6% 20 18% 62 7% 25 5% 16 65% 227 100% 350 Traffic enforcement 13% 45 40% 141 18% 64 7% 24 22% 75 100% 348 Street repair 9% 31 45% 156 29% 102 13% 46 4% 14 100% 349 Street cleaning 13% 44 53% 184 24% 84 7% 23 4% 14 100% 349 Street lighting 13% 45 52% 180 28% 98 5% 17 3% 9 100% 350 Snow removal 11% 38 32% 113 35% 121 20% 71 2% 7 100% 351 Sidewalk maintenance 11% 37 40% 140 33% 116 11% 37 6% 20 100% 351 Traffic signal timing 11% 38 42% 146 31% 108 16% 55 1% 3 100% 350 Bus or transit services 15% 51 31% 110 12% 43 4% 15 37% 131 100% 351 Garbage collection 37% 130 46% 159 11% 37 2% 7 4% 13 100% 346 Recycling 42% 146 37% 129 11% 39 3% 11 7% 24 100% 349 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 74 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 11: Service Quality Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Yard waste pick-up 20% 70 32% 113 19% 67 8% 30 20% 72 100% 352 Storm drainage 15% 53 46% 161 18% 63 4% 14 16% 55 100% 346 Drinking water 24% 84 47% 164 18% 62 6% 19 5% 19 100% 348 Sewer services 18% 64 55% 190 11% 37 2% 5 15% 51 100% 347 Power (electric and/or gas) utility 24% 85 61% 216 12% 42 1% 2 2% 9 100% 354 City parks 37% 129 48% 169 10% 36 0% 0 4% 15 100% 349 Recreation programs or classes 23% 81 43% 150 8% 30 2% 5 25% 87 100% 352 Recreation centers or facilities 30% 106 43% 152 10% 36 2% 6 14% 50 100% 350 Land use, planning and zoning 8% 27 27% 96 29% 102 7% 26 28% 100 100% 351 Animal control 8% 27 35% 121 19% 65 8% 26 31% 108 100% 348 Economic development 5% 17 18% 63 33% 116 19% 67 25% 86 100% 348 Services to seniors 10% 36 24% 86 9% 31 2% 6 55% 193 100% 352 Services to youth 10% 36 29% 101 11% 37 6% 20 45% 156 100% 350 Services to low-income people 9% 30 18% 62 13% 46 1% 5 59% 206 100% 349 Public library services 36% 127 40% 139 10% 36 1% 4 13% 45 100% 352 Public information services 13% 44 33% 117 18% 61 4% 13 33% 114 100% 349 Public schools 15% 51 25% 86 17% 58 5% 19 38% 133 100% 347 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 4% 15 20% 67 16% 56 5% 18 55% 190 100% 346 Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts 18% 60 46% 157 21% 73 4% 14 12% 41 100% 345 City golf course 15% 52 19% 66 5% 16 1% 2 61% 212 100% 349 Historic preservation 10% 36 32% 113 16% 57 4% 12 38% 135 100% 353 Building permit and inspections 8% 27 18% 63 11% 39 3% 10 61% 213 100% 352 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 75 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 12: Government Services Overall Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total The City of Lafayette 15% 51 60% 211 14% 50 2% 7 9% 32 100% 351 The Federal Government 4% 14 32% 112 33% 117 12% 41 19% 65 100% 349 The State Government 3% 10 42% 147 30% 106 8% 27 17% 60 100% 350 Boulder County Government 7% 25 47% 166 23% 82 8% 30 14% 49 100% 351 Question 13: Contact with City Employees Have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with an employee of the City of Lafayette within the last 12 months (including police, receptionists, planners or any others)? Percent of respondents Count No 44% 154 Yes 56% 194 Total 100% 348 Question 14: City Employees What was your impression of the employee(s) of the City of Lafayette in your most recent contact? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Knowledge 43% 81 41% 78 9% 16 6% 11 1% 2 100% 189 Responsiveness 39% 74 45% 86 12% 23 5% 9 0% 0 100% 193 Courtesy 51% 98 38% 74 5% 9 7% 13 0% 0 100% 194 Overall impression 39% 74 47% 89 8% 15 6% 12 0% 0 100% 189 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 76 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 15: Government Performance Please rate the following categories of Lafayette government performance: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total The value of services for the taxes paid to Lafayette 9% 33 45% 162 25% 88 7% 24 14% 51 100% 357 The overall direction that Lafayette is taking 9% 31 46% 164 24% 85 6% 23 15% 53 100% 357 The job Lafayette government does at welcoming citizen involvement 8% 29 37% 131 19% 69 8% 29 28% 98 100% 357 Question 16: Recommendation and Longevity Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don't know Total Recommend living in Lafayette to someone who asks 50% 180 43% 156 4% 14 2% 8 1% 2 100% 360 Remain in Lafayette for the next five years 54% 194 28% 102 9% 32 6% 20 3% 10 100% 358 Question 17: Impact of the Economy What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Percent of respondents Count Very positive 3% 11 Somewhat positive 25% 85 Neutral 48% 167 Somewhat negative 21% 72 Very negative 3% 12 Total 100% 347 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 77 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18a: Custom Question 1 How likely or unlikely would you be to use the following methods to access City information? Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don't know Total Email notices from the City 35% 29% 16% 17% 3% 100% Electronic newsletter from the City 30% 34% 15% 18% 4% 100% Mailed newsletter from the City 40% 41% 8% 9% 2% 100% Social media Twitter, Facebook) 5% 11% 22% 57% 4% 100% Text messages from the City 6% 13% 16% 62% 4% 100% City Web site (www.cityoflafayette.com) 44% 33% 10% 12% 2% 100% Local newspapers Colorado Hometown, Daily Camera) 34% 36% 16% 13% 2% 100% Local television news 20% 24% 21% 33% 2% 100% Word of mouth 19% 42% 23% 10% 5% 100% Comcast channel 8 3% 12% 15% 61% 8% 100% Electronic message board (to display City news and events in a central location) 7% 27% 26% 32% 8% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 78 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18b: Custom Question 2 FIRST, indicate whether you think the City should continue to fund each of the following programs at current rates, increase funding, or decrease funding Fund at current levels Increase funding Decrease funding Don't know Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 48% 41% 5% 6% 100% Building new sports fields 52% 12% 20% 16% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 66% 17% 8% 9% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 63% 21% 9% 7% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 40% 37% 16% 6% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 53% 24% 13% 9% 100% Youth programs 50% 28% 3% 19% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 44% 38% 11% 7% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 53% 23% 8% 16% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 59% 23% 11% 7% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 44% 12% 37% 7% 100% Question 18b: Custom Question 2 THEN, please indicate if you would support a tax increase to fund each of the following items: Support tax increase Did not indicate support for tax increase Total Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 37% 63% 100% Building new sports fields 9% 91% 100% Reducing traffic congestion 10% 90% 100% Increasing neighborhood police patrols 15% 85% 100% Acquiring more open space for preservation 32% 68% 100% Expanding cultural/arts programs 17% 83% 100% Youth programs 16% 84% 100% Increase the availability of convenient shopping 16% 84% 100% Making public transportation more convenient 14% 86% 100% Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 10% 90% 100% Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.) 9% 91% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 79 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 18c: Custom Question 3 If you are employed for pay, which of the following best describes where you work (select only one)? Percent of respondents Lafayette, at my home 9% Lafayette, not at my home 10% Boulder 29% Louisville 7% Broomfield 8% Denver 9% Longmont 3% Westminster 1% Out of state 0% Other 4% Not employed for pay 20% Total 100% Question 18d: Custom Question 4 In 1996 Lafayette residents voted to limit the number of new residential housing units built each year to 200. Every six years voters are asked whether or not to extend the limitation. Please indicate the extent to which you would support or oppose each of the following: Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know Total Extend the housing unit cap 32% 26% 17% 13% 11% 100% Modify the housing unit cap to allow any number of new housing units in one year as long as there are no more than 1,200 in a six-year period 12% 37% 14% 23% 13% 100% Remove the housing unit restriction altogether 6% 10% 13% 61% 10% 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 80 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D1: Employment Status Are you currently employed for pay? Percent of respondents Count No 25% 88 Yes, full-time 59% 210 Yes, part-time 16% 56 Total 100% 354 Question D2: Mode of Transportation Used for Commute During a typical week, how many days do you commute to work (for the longest distance of your commute) in each of the ways listed below? Percent of days mode used Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) by myself 72% Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) with other children or adults 7% Bus, rail, subway or other public transportation 6% Walk 1% Bicycle 2% Work at home 12% Other 0% Question D3: Length of Residency How many years have you lived in Lafayette? Percent of respondents Count Less than 2 years 21% 75 2 to 5 years 22% 80 6 to 10 years 16% 59 11 to 20 years 23% 83 More than 20 years 17% 62 Total 100% 359 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 81 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D4: Housing Unit Type Which best describes the building you live in? Percent of respondents Count One family house detached from any other houses 68% 241 House attached to one or more houses a duplex or townhome) 11% 40 Building with two or more apartments or condominiums 16% 58 Mobile home 4% 16 Other 0% 2 Total 100% 356 Question D5: Housing Tenure (Rent/Own) Is this house, apartment or mobile home… Percent of respondents Count Rented for cash or occupied without cash payment 27% 92 Owned by you or someone in this house with a mortgage or free and clear 73% 253 Total 100% 345 Question D6: Housing Cost About how much is the housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners" association (HOA) fees)? Percent of respondents Count Less than $300 per month 7% 23 $300 to $599 per month 8% 26 $600 to $999 per month 19% 66 $1,000 to $1,499 per month 37% 130 $1,500 to $2,499 per month 21% 74 $2,500 or more per month 8% 29 Total 100% 348 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 82 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D7: Presence of Children in Household Do any children 17 or under live in your household? Percent of respondents Count No 61% 217 Yes 39% 137 Total 100% 354 Question D8: Presence of Older Adults in Household Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? Percent of respondents Count No 84% 294 Yes 16% 57 Total 100% 352 Question D9: Household Income How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) Percent of respondents Count Less than $24,999 14% 48 $25,000 to $49,999 20% 68 $50,000 to $99,999 37% 127 $100,000 to $149,000 17% 59 $150,000 or more 12% 40 Total 100% 343 Question D10: Ethnicity Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Percent of respondents Count No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 84% 291 Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 16% 56 Total 100% 347 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 83 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D11: Race What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race(s) you consider yourself to be.) Percent of respondents Count American Indian or Alaskan Native 3% 11 Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander 2% 7 Black or African American 1% 5 White 89% 311 Other 7% 24 Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one option Question D12: Age In which category is your age? Percent of respondents Count 18 to 24 years 4% 12 25 to 34 years 23% 81 35 to 44 years 20% 70 45 to 54 years 24% 83 55 to 64 years 16% 57 65 to 74 years 9% 32 75 years or older 5% 17 Total 100% 352 Question D13: Gender What is your sex? Percent of respondents Count Female 52% 183 Male 48% 167 Total 100% 350 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 84 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D14: Registered to Vote Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? Percent of respondents Count No 11% 38 Yes 86% 305 Ineligible to vote 1% 4 Don't know 2% 6 Total 100% 353 Question D15: Voted in Last General Election Many people don't have time to vote in elections. Did you vote in the last general election? Percent of respondents Count No 16% 58 Yes 79% 280 Ineligible to vote 3% 10 Don't know 1% 5 Total 100% 353 Question D16: Has Cell Phone Do you have a cell phone? Percent of respondents Count No 9% 30 Yes 91% 323 Total 100% 353 Question D17: Has Land Line Do you have a land line at home? Percent of respondents Count No 36% 129 Yes 64% 226 Total 100% 355 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 85 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question D18: Primary Phone If you have both a cell phone and a land line, which do you consider your primary telephone number? Percent of respondents Count Cell 31% 60 Land line 48% 94 Both 21% 42 Total 100% 196 Question D19: Internet access from home Are you able to access the Internet at home from any type of device computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.)? Percent of respondents No 11% Yes 89% Total 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 86 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Appendix B: Survey Methodology The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS™) was developed to provide local jurisdictions an accurate, affordable and easy way to assess and interpret resident opinion about important community issues. While standardization of question wording and survey methods provide the rigor to assure valid results, each jurisdiction has enough flexibility to construct a customized version of The NCS™ that asks residents about key local services and important local issues. Results offer insight into residents’ perspectives about local government performance and as such provide important benchmarks for jurisdictions working on performance measurement. The NCS™ is designed to help with budget, land use and strategic planning as well as to communicate with local residents. The NCS™ permits questions to test support for local policies and answers to its questions also speak to community trust and involvement in community-building activities as well as to resident demographic characteristics. SURVEY VALIDITY The question of survey validity has two parts: 1) how can a jurisdiction be confident that the results from those who completed the questionnaire are representative of the results that would have been obtained had the survey been administered to the entire population? and 2) how closely do the perspectives recorded on the survey reflect what residents really believe or do? To answer the first question, the best survey research practices were used for the resources spent to ensure that the results from the survey respondents reflect the opinions of residents in the entire jurisdiction. These practices include: ƒ Using a mail-out/mail-back methodology, which typically gets a higher response rate than phone for the same dollars spent. A higher response rate lessens the worry that those who did not respond are different than those who did respond. ƒ Selecting households at random within the jurisdiction to receive the survey. A random selection ensures that the households selected to receive the survey are similar to the entire population. A non-random sample may only include households from one geographic area, or from households of only one type. ƒ Over-sampling multi-family housing units to improve response from hard-to-reach, lower income, or younger apartment dwellers. ƒ Selecting the respondent within the household using an unbiased sampling procedure; in this case, the “birthday method.” The cover letter included an instruction requesting that the respondent in the household be the adult (18 years old or older) who most recently had a birthday, irrespective of year of birth. ƒ Contacting potential respondents three times to encourage response from people who may have different opinions or habits than those who would respond with only a single prompt. ƒ Soliciting response on jurisdiction letterhead signed by the highest ranking elected official or staff member, thus appealing to the recipients’ sense of civic responsibility. ƒ Providing a self-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. ƒ Offering the survey in Spanish when appropriate and requested by City officials. ƒ Using the most recent available information about the characteristics of jurisdiction residents to weight the data to reflect the demographics of the population. The answer to the second question about how closely the perspectives recorded on the survey reflect what residents really believe or do is more complex. Resident responses to surveys are influenced by a variety of factors. For questions about service quality, residents’ expectations for ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 87 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. service quality play a role as well as the “objective” quality of the service provided, the way the resident perceives the entire community (that is, the context in which the service is provided), the scale on which the resident is asked to record his or her opinion and, of course, the opinion, itself, that a resident holds about the service. Similarly a resident’s report of certain behaviors is colored by what he or she believes is the socially desirable response reporting tolerant behaviors toward “oppressed groups,” likelihood of voting a tax increase for services to poor people, use of alternative modes of travel to work besides the single occupancy vehicle), his or her memory of the actual behavior (if it is not a question speculating about future actions, like a vote), his or her confidence that he or she can be honest without suffering any negative consequences (thus the need for anonymity) as well as the actual behavior itself. How closely survey results come to recording the way a person really feels or behaves often is measured by the coincidence of reported behavior with observed current behavior driving habits), reported intentions to behave with observed future behavior voting choices) or reported opinions about current community quality with objective characteristics of the community feelings of safety correlated with rates of crime). There is a body of scientific literature that has investigated the relationship between reported behaviors and actual behaviors. Well-conducted surveys, by and large, do capture true respondent behaviors or intentions to act with great accuracy. Predictions of voting outcomes tend to be quite accurate using survey research, as do reported behaviors that are not about highly sensitive issues family abuse or other illegal or morally sanctioned activities). For self-reports about highly sensitive issues, statistical adjustments can be made to correct for the respondents’ tendency to report what they think the “correct” response should be. Research on the correlation of resident opinion about service quality and “objective” ratings of service quality tend to be ambiguous, some showing stronger relationships than others. NRC’s own research has demonstrated that residents who report the lowest ratings of street repair live in communities with objectively worse street conditions than those who report high ratings of street repair (based on road quality, delay in street repair, number of road repair employees). Similarly, the lowest rated fire services appear to be “objectively” worse than the highest rated fire services (expenditures per capita, response time, “professional” status of firefighters, breadth of services and training provided). Whether or not some research confirms the relationship between what residents think about a community and what can be seen “objectively” in a community, NRC has argued that resident opinion is a perspective that cannot be ignored by government administrators. NRC principals have written, “If you collect trash three times a day but residents think that your trash haul is lousy, you still have a problem.” SURVEY SAMPLING “Sampling” refers to the method by which survey recipients were chosen. All households within the City of Lafayette were eligible to participate in the survey; 1,200 were selected to receive the survey. These 1,200 households were randomly selected from a comprehensive list of all housing units within the City of Lafayette boundaries. The basis of the list of all housing units was a United States Postal Service listing of housing units within zip codes. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Lafayette households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the jurisdiction, the exact geographic location of each housing unit was compared to jurisdiction boundaries, using the most current municipal boundary file (updated on a quarterly basis), and addresses located outside of the City of Lafayette boundaries were removed from consideration. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 88 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. To choose the 1,200 survey recipients, a systematic sampling method was applied to the list of households known to be within the City of Lafayette. Systematic sampling is a procedure whereby a complete list of all possible items is culled, selecting every Nth one until the appropriate amount of items is selected. Multi-family housing units were over sampled as residents of this type of housing typically respond at lower rates to surveys than do those in single-family housing units. FIGURE 88: LOCATION OF SURVEY RECIPIENTS An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the cover letter accompanying the questionnaire. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 89 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. In response to the growing number of the cell-phone population (so-called “cord cutters”), which includes a large proportion of young adults, questions about cell phones and land lines are included on The NCS™ questionnaire. As of the middle of 2010 (the most recent estimates available as of the end of 2010), 26.6% of U.S. households had a cell phone but no landline.1 Among younger adults (age 18-34), 53.7% of households were “cell-only.” Based on survey results, Lafayette has a “cord cutter” population greater than the nationwide 2010 estimates FIGURE 89: PREVALENCE OF CELL-PHONE ONLY RESPONDENTS IN LAFAYETTE 74% 28% 36% 14% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 18-34 35-54 55+ Overall Percent of respondents reporting having a "cell phone" only SURVEY ADMINISTRATION Selected households received three mailings, one week apart, beginning May 7, 2012. The first mailing was a prenotification postcard announcing the upcoming survey. The next mailing contained a letter from the Mayor inviting the household to participate, a questionnaire and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing contained a reminder letter, another survey and a postage-paid return envelope. The second cover letter asked those who had not completed the survey to do so and those who have already done so to refrain from turning in another survey. Completed surveys were collected over the following six weeks. Lafayette’s letters of invitation to participate in the survey included a Spanish paragraph inviting Spanish speaking residents to participate. SURVEY RESPONSE RATE AND CONFIDENCE INTERVALS It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents' opinions are relied on to estimate all residents' opinions. The confidence interval for the City of Lafayette survey is no greater than plus or minus five percentage points around any given percent reported for the entire sample (360 completed surveys). A 95% confidence interval indicates that for every 100 random samples of this many residents, 95 of the confidence intervals created will include the “true” population response. This theory is applied in practice to mean that the “true” perspective of the target population lies within the confidence interval created for a single survey. For example, if 75% of residents rate a service as 1 http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/wireless201012.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 90 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. “excellent” or “good,” then the 4% margin of error (for the 95% confidence interval) indicates that the range of likely responses for the entire jurisdiction is between 71% and 79%. This source of error is called sampling error. In addition to sampling error, other sources of error may affect any survey, including the non-response of residents with opinions different from survey responders. Though standardized on The NCS, on other surveys, differences in question wording, order, translation and data entry, as examples, can lead to somewhat varying results. For subgroups of responses, the margin of error increases because the sample size for the subgroup is smaller. For subgroups of approximately 100 respondents, the margin of error is plus or minus 10 percentage points SURVEY PROCESSING (DATA ENTRY) Completed surveys received by NRC were assigned a unique identification number. Additionally, each survey was reviewed and “cleaned” as necessary. For example, a question may have asked a respondent to pick two items out of a list of five, but the respondent checked three; NRC staff would choose randomly two of the three selected items to be coded in the dataset. Once all surveys were assigned a unique identification number, they were entered into an electronic dataset. This dataset was subject to a data entry protocol of “key and verify,” in which survey data were entered twice into an electronic dataset and then compared. Discrepancies were evaluated against the original survey form and corrected. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 91 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. SURVEY DATA WEIGHTING The demographic characteristics of the survey sample were compared to those found in the 2010 Census estimates and 2005-2009 American Community survey estimates and other population norms for adults in the City of Lafayette. Sample results were weighted using the population norms to reflect the appropriate percent of those residents. Other discrepancies between the whole population and the sample were also aided by the weighting due to the intercorrelation of many socioeconomic characteristics. The variables used for weighting were housing tenure, housing unit type, ethnicity, sex and age. This decision was based on: ƒ The disparity between the survey respondent characteristics and the population norms for these variables ƒ The saliency of these variables in detecting differences of opinion among subgroups ƒ The importance to the community of correct ethnic representation The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey sample reflective of the larger population of the community. This is done by: 1) reviewing the sample demographics and comparing them to the population norms from the most recent Census or other sources and 2) comparing the responses to different questions for demographic subgroups. The demographic characteristics that are least similar to the Census and yield the most different results are the best candidates for data weighting. A third criterion sometimes used is the importance that the community places on a specific variable. For example, if a jurisdiction feels that accurate race representation is key to staff and public acceptance of the study results, additional consideration will be given in the weighting process to adjusting the race variable. A special software program using mathematical algorithms is used to calculate the appropriate weights. Data weighting can adjust up to 5 demographic variables. Several different weighting “schemes” may be tested to ensure the best fit for the data. The process actually begins at the point of sampling. Knowing that residents in single family dwellings are more likely to respond to a mail survey, NRC oversamples residents of multi-family dwellings to ensure their proper representation in the sample data. Rather than giving all residents an equal chance of receiving the survey, this is systematic, stratified sampling, which gives each resident of the jurisdiction a known chance of receiving the survey (and apartment dwellers, for example, a greater chance than single family home dwellers). As a consequence, results must be weighted to recapture the proper representation of apartment dwellers. The results of the weighting scheme are presented in the table on the following page. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 92 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Lafayette Citizen Survey Weighting Table Characteristic Population Norm1 Unweighted Data Weighted Data Housing Rent home 27% 18% 27% Own home 73% 82% 73% Detached unit 73% 60% 72% Attached unit 27% 40% 28% Race and Ethnicity White 87% 91% 87% Not white 13% 9% 13% Not Hispanic 84% 92% 84% Hispanic 16% 8% 16% White alone, not Hispanic 78% 86% 79% Hispanic and/or other race 22% 14% 21% Sex and Age Female 52% 62% 52% Male 48% 38% 48% 18-34 years of age 28% 14% 26% 35-54 years of age 45% 41% 43% 55+ years of age 28% 45% 30% Females 18-34 14% 9% 14% Females 35-54 23% 25% 24% Females 55+ 15% 28% 14% Males 18-34 14% 5% 12% Males 35-54 21% 16% 20% Males 55+ 13% 17% 16% 1 Source: 2010 Census/2005-2009 ACS ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 93 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. SURVEY DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING The survey dataset was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency distributions were presented in the body of the report. Use of the “Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor” Response Scale The scale on which respondents are asked to record their opinions about service and community quality is “excellent,” “good,” “fair” or “poor” (EGFP). This scale has important advantages over other scale possibilities (very good to very bad; very satisfied to very dissatisfied; strongly agree to strongly disagree, as examples). EGFP is used by the plurality of jurisdictions conducting citizen surveys across the U.S. The advantage of familiarity was one that NRC did not want to dismiss when crafting The National Citizen Survey™ questionnaire, because elected officials, staff and residents already are acquainted with opinion surveys measured this way. EGFP also has the advantage of offering three positive options, rather than only two, over which a resident can offer an opinion. While symmetrical scales often are the right choice in other measurement tasks, NRC has found that ratings of almost every local government service in almost every jurisdiction tend, on average, to be positive (that is, above the scale midpoint). Therefore, to permit finer distinctions among positively rated services, EGFP offers three options across which to spread those ratings. EGFP is more neutral because it requires no positive statement of service quality to judge (as agree- disagree scales require) and, finally, EGFP intends to measure absolute quality of service delivery or community quality (unlike satisfaction scales which ignore residents’ perceptions of quality in favor of their report on the acceptability of the level of service offered). “Don’t Know” Responses On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix A. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Benchmark Comparisons NRC has been leading the strategic use of surveys for local governments since 1991, when the principals of the company wrote the first edition of what became the classic text on citizen surveying. In Citizen Surveys: how to do them, how to use them, what they mean, published by ICMA, not only were the principles for quality survey methods articulated, but both the idea of benchmark data for citizen opinion and the method for gathering benchmark data were pioneered. The argument for benchmarks was called “In Search of Standards.” “What has been missing from a local government’s analysis of its survey results is the context that school administrators can supply when they tell parents how an 80 percent score on the social studies test compares to test results from other school systems...” NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in citizen surveys from approximately 500 jurisdictions whose residents evaluated local government services. Conducted with typically no fewer than 400 residents in each jurisdiction, opinions are intended to represent over 30 million Americans. NRC has innovated a method for quantitatively integrating the results of surveys that are conducted by NRC with those that others have conducted. The integration methods have been thoroughly described not only in the Citizen Surveys book, but also in Public Administration Review, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. Scholars who specialize in the analysis of citizen surveys regularly have relied on this work Kelly, J. & ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 94 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Swindell, D. (2002). Service quality variation across urban space: First steps towards a model of citizen satisfaction. Journal of Urban Affairs, 24, 271-288.; Van Ryzin, Muzzio, Immerwahr, Gulick, L. & Martinez, E. (2004). Drivers and consequences of citizen satisfaction: An application of the American Customer Satisfaction Index Model to New York City, Public Administration Review, 64, 331- 341). The method described in those publications is refined regularly and statistically tested on a growing number of citizen surveys in NRC’s proprietary databases. NRC’s work on calculating national benchmarks for resident opinions about service delivery and quality of life won the Samuel C. May award for research excellence from the Western Governmental Research Association. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each jurisdiction; most communities conduct surveys every year or in alternating years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The Role of Comparisons Benchmark comparisons are used for performance measurement. Jurisdictions use the comparative information to help interpret their own citizen survey results, to create or revise community plans, to evaluate the success of policy or budget decisions and to measure local government performance. Taking the pulse of the community has little meaning without knowing what pulse rate is too high and what is too low. When surveys of service satisfaction turn up “good” citizen evaluations, jurisdictions need to know how others rate their services to understand if “good” is good enough. Furthermore, in the absence of national or peer community comparisons, a jurisdiction is left with comparing its fire protection rating to its street maintenance rating. That comparison is unfair. Streets always lose to fire. More important and harder questions need to be asked; for example, how do residents’ ratings of fire service compare to opinions about fire service in other communities? A police department that provides the fastest and most efficient service – one that closes most of its cases, solves most of its crimes and keeps the crime rate low – still has a problem to fix if the residents in the community it intends to protect believe services are not very good compared to ratings given by residents to their own objectively “worse” departments. The benchmark data can help that police department – or any department – to understand how well citizens think it is doing. Without the comparative data, it would be like bowling in a tournament without knowing what the other teams are scoring. NRC recommends that citizen opinion be used in conjunction with other sources of data about budget, personnel and politics to help managers know how to respond to comparative results. Jurisdictions in the benchmark database are distributed geographically across the country and range from small to large in population size. Most commonly, comparisons are made to the entire database. Comparisons may also be made to subsets of jurisdictions (for example, within a given region or population category). Despite the differences in jurisdiction characteristics, all are in the business of providing local government services to residents. Though individual jurisdiction circumstances, resources and practices vary, the objective in every community is to provide services that are so timely, tailored and effective that residents conclude the services are of the highest quality. High ratings in any jurisdiction, like SAT scores in any teen household, bring pride and a sense of accomplishment. Comparison of Lafayette to the Benchmark Database The City of Lafayette chose to have comparisons made to the entire database. A benchmark comparison (the average rating from all the comparison jurisdictions where a similar question was ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 95 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. asked) has been provided when a similar question on the City of Lafayette Survey was included in NRC’s database and there were at least five jurisdictions in which the question was asked. For most questions compared to the entire dataset, there were more than 100 jurisdictions included in the benchmark comparison. Where comparisons for quality ratings were available, the City of Lafayette’s results were generally noted as being “above” the benchmark, “below” the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark. For some questions – those related to resident behavior, circumstance or to a local problem – the comparison to the benchmark is designated as “more,” “similar” or “less” (for example, the percent of crime victims, residents visiting a park or residents identifying code enforcement as a problem.) In instances where ratings are considerably higher or lower than the benchmark, these ratings have been further demarcated by the attribute of “much,” (for example, “much less” or “much above”). These labels come from a statistical comparison of the City of Lafayette's rating to the benchmark where a rating is considered “similar” if it is within the margin of error; “above,” “below,” “more” or “less” if the difference between your jurisdiction’s rating and the benchmark is greater the margin of error; and “much above,” “much below,” “much more” or “much less” if the difference between your jurisdiction’s rating and the benchmark is more than twice the margin of error. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Lafayette I 2012 The National Citizen Survey™ 96 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Appendix C: Survey Materials The following pages contain copies of the survey materials sent to randomly selected households within the City of Lafayette. ---PAGE BREAK--- Dear Lafayette Resident, Your household has been selected at random to participate in an anonymous citizen survey about the City of Lafayette. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor Dear Lafayette Resident, Your household has been selected at random to participate in an anonymous citizen survey about the City of Lafayette. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor Dear Lafayette Resident, Your household has been selected at random to participate in an anonymous citizen survey about the City of Lafayette. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor Dear Lafayette Resident, Your household has been selected at random to participate in an anonymous citizen survey about the City of Lafayette. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 y (303) 665-5588 y Fax (303) 665-2153 May 2012 Dear City of Lafayette Resident: The City of Lafayette wants to know what you think about our community and municipal government. You have been randomly selected to participate in Lafayette’s 2012 Citizen Survey. Por medio de esta encuesta, la Ciudad le brinda una gran oportunidad de compartir con nosotros lo que usted opina sobre los servicios que le brindamos. Su domicilio se escogió al azar para participar en esta encuesta. Si usted necesita ayuda para llenar la encuesta en inglés que vienen incluido en su paquete, favor de comunicarse con Rosabelle Rice al [PHONE REDACTED] y ella le dará ayuda individual. Todas las respuestas serán completamente anónimas. ¡Apreciamos sus opiniones y participación en la encuesta! Favor de devolver la encuesta en el sobre pre-rotulado y pre-timbrado a tal efecto. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey. Your feedback will help the City set benchmarks for tracking the quality of services provided to residents. Your answers will help the City Council make decisions that affect our community. You should find the questions interesting and we will definitely find your answers useful. Please participate! To get a representative sample of Lafayette residents, the adult (anyone 18 years or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey. Year of birth of the adult does not matter. Please have the appropriate member of the household spend a few minutes to answer all the questions and return the survey in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your responses will remain completely anonymous. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. If you have any questions about the Citizen Survey please call (303) 665-5588 x3455. Please help us shape the future of Lafayette. Thank you for your time and participation. Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 y (303) 665-5588 y Fax (303) 665-2153 May 2012 Dear City of Lafayette Resident: About one week ago, you should have received a copy of the enclosed survey. If you completed it and sent it back, we thank you for your time and ask you to recycle this survey. Please do not respond twice. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey, we would appreciate your response. The City of Lafayette wants to know what you think about our community and municipal government. You have been randomly selected to participate in the City of Lafayette’s Citizen Survey. Por medio de esta encuesta, la Ciudad le brinda una gran oportunidad de compartir con nosotros lo que usted opina sobre los servicios que le brindamos. Su domicilio se escogió al azar para participar en esta encuesta. Si usted necesita ayuda para llenar la encuesta en inglés que vienen incluido en su paquete, favor de comunicarse con Rosabelle Rice al [PHONE REDACTED] y ella le dará ayuda individual. Todas las respuestas serán completamente anónimas. ¡Apreciamos sus opiniones y participación en la encuesta! Favor de devolver la encuesta en el sobre pre-rotulado y pre-timbrado a tal efecto. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey. Your feedback will help the City set benchmarks for tracking the quality of services provided to residents. Your answers will help the City Council make decisions that affect our community. You should find the questions interesting and we will definitely find your answers useful. Please participate! To get a representative sample of Lafayette residents, the adult (anyone 18 years or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey. Year of birth of the adult does not matter. Please have the appropriate member of the household spend a few minutes to answer all the questions and return the survey in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your responses will remain completely anonymous. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. If you have any questions about the Citizen Survey please call (303) 665-5588 x3455. Please help us shape the future of Lafayette. Thank you for your time and participation. Sincerely, Carolyn Cutler Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- The City of Lafayette 2012 Citizen Survey Page 1 of 5 Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult's year of birth does not matter. Please select the response (by circling the number or checking the box) that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only. 1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Lafayette as a place to live 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live 1 2 3 4 5 Lafayette as a place to raise children 1 2 3 4 5 Lafayette as a place to work 1 2 3 4 5 Lafayette as a place to retire 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in 1 2 3 4 5 2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Lafayette as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Sense of community 1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 Educational opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to volunteer 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of car travel in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of bus travel in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of bicycle travel in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic flow on major streets 1 2 3 4 5 Amount of public parking 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality child care 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality health care 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality food 1 2 3 4 5 Quality of overall natural environment in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Dining opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 Visibility of public art 1 2 3 4 5 Handicap accessibility on sidewalks and crosswalks 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of renewable energy 1 2 3 4 5 Unique identity 1 2 3 4 5 3. Please rate the speed of growth in the following categories in Lafayette over the past 2 years: Much Somewhat Right Somewhat Much Don't too slow too slow amount too fast too fast know Population growth 1 2 3 4 5 6 Retail growth (stores, restaurants, 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jobs growth 1 2 3 4 5 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2012 National Research Center, Inc. Page 2 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ 4. To what degree, if at all, are run down buildings, weed lots or junk vehicles a problem in Lafayette?  Not a problem  Minor problem  Moderate problem  Major problem  Don’t know 5. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel from the following in Lafayette: Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don't safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know Violent crime rape, assault, robbery) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Property crimes burglary, theft) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Environmental hazards, including toxic waste 1 2 3 4 5 6 6. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don't safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know In your neighborhood during the day 1 2 3 4 5 6 In your neighborhood after dark 1 2 3 4 5 6 In Lafayette's downtown area during the day 1 2 3 4 5 6 In Lafayette's downtown area after dark 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. During the past 12 months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime?  No Î Go to Question 9  Yes Î Go to Question 8  Don’t know Î Go to Question 9 8. If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police?  No  Yes  Don’t know 9. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in Lafayette? Once or 3 to 12 13 to 26 More than Never twice times times 26 times Used Lafayette public libraries or their services 1 2 3 4 5 Used Lafayette recreation centers 1 2 3 4 5 Participated in a recreation program or activity 1 2 3 4 5 Visited a neighborhood park or City park 1 2 3 4 5 Ridden a local bus within Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting 1 2 3 4 5 Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other City-sponsored public meeting on cable television, the Internet or other media 1 2 3 4 5 Read Lafayette Newsletter 1 2 3 4 5 Visited the City of Lafayette Web site (at www.cityoflafayette.com) 1 2 3 4 5 Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your 1 2 3 4 5 Volunteered your time to some group or activity in Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 Provided help to a friend or neighbor 1 2 3 4 5 Visited Old Town shops or restaurants 1 2 3 4 5 Attended an event at the Festival Plaza in downtown 1 2 3 4 5 Attended an event at the Waneka Lake Park 1 2 3 4 5 10. About how often, if at all, do you talk to or visit with your immediate neighbors (people who live in the 10 or 20 households that are closest to you)?  Just about every day  Several times a week  Several times a month  Less than several times a month ---PAGE BREAK--- The City of Lafayette 2012 Citizen Survey Page 3 of 5 11. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Lafayette: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Police services 1 2 3 4 5 Fire services 1 2 3 4 5 Ambulance or emergency medical services 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education 1 2 3 4 5 Municipal courts 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting 1 2 3 4 5 Snow removal 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic signal timing 1 2 3 4 5 Bus or transit services 1 2 3 4 5 Garbage collection 1 2 3 4 5 Recycling 1 2 3 4 5 Yard waste pick-up 1 2 3 4 5 Storm drainage 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water 1 2 3 4 5 Sewer services 1 2 3 4 5 Power (electric and/or gas) utility 1 2 3 4 5 City parks 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning and zoning 1 2 3 4 5 Animal control 1 2 3 4 5 Economic development 1 2 3 4 5 Services to seniors 1 2 3 4 5 Services to youth 1 2 3 4 5 Services to low-income people 1 2 3 4 5 Public library services 1 2 3 4 5 Public information services 1 2 3 4 5 Public schools 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts 1 2 3 4 5 City golf course 1 2 3 4 5 Historic preservation 1 2 3 4 5 Building permit and inspections 1 2 3 4 5 12. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know The City of Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government 1 2 3 4 5 The State Government 1 2 3 4 5 Boulder County Government 1 2 3 4 5 13. Have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with an employee of the City of Lafayette within the last 12 months (including police, receptionists, planners or any others)?  No Î Go to Question 15  Yes Î Go to Question 14 14. What was your impression of the employee(s) of the City of Lafayette in your most recent contact? (Rate each characteristic below.) Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know 1 2 3 4 5 Responsiveness 1 2 3 4 5 Courtesy 1 2 3 4 5 Overall impression 1 2 3 4 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2012 National Research Center, Inc. Page 4 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ 15. Please rate the following categories of Lafayette government performance: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know The value of services for the taxes paid to Lafayette 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Lafayette is taking 1 2 3 4 5 The job Lafayette government does at welcoming citizen involvement 1 2 3 4 5 16. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Recommend living in Lafayette to someone who asks 1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Lafayette for the next five years 1 2 3 4 5 17. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:  Very positive  Somewhat positive  Neutral  Somewhat negative  Very negative 18a. How likely or unlikely would you be to use the following methods to access City information? Very Somewhat Somewhat Not at all Don't likely likely unlikely likely know Email notices from the City 1 2 3 4 5 Electronic newsletter from the City 1 2 3 4 5 Mailed newsletter from the City 1 2 3 4 5 Social media Twitter, Facebook) 1 2 3 4 5 Text messages from the City 1 2 3 4 5 City Web site (www.cityoflafayette.com) 1 2 3 4 5 Local newspapers Colorado Hometown, Daily Camera) 1 2 3 4 5 Local television news 1 2 3 4 5 Word of mouth 1 2 3 4 5 Comcast channel 8 1 2 3 4 5 Electronic message board (to display City news and events in a central location) 1 2 3 4 5 b. FIRST, indicate whether you think the City should continue to fund each of the following programs at current rates, increase funding, or decrease funding. THEN, please indicate if you would support a tax increase to fund each of the following items: Fund Increase Decrease Don’t Support at current levels funding funding know tax increase Creating trails or paths for walking, biking and hiking 1 2 3 4  Building new sports fields 1 2 3 4  Reducing traffic congestion 1 2 3 4  Increasing neighborhood police patrols 1 2 3 4  Acquiring more open space for preservation 1 2 3 4  Expanding cultural/arts programs 1 2 3 4  Youth programs 1 2 3 4  Increase the availability of convenient shopping 1 2 3 4  Making public transportation more convenient 1 2 3 4  Code enforcement weeds, junk vehicles, noise violations) 1 2 3 4  Installing traffic calming devices (speed bumps traffic circles, etc.) 1 2 3 4  c. If you are employed for pay, which of the following best describes where you work (select only one)?  Lafayette, at my home  Lafayette, not at my home  Boulder  Louisville  Broomfield  Denver  Longmont  Westminster  Out of state  Other  Not employed for pay d. In 1996 Lafayette residents voted to limit the number of new residential housing units built each year to 200. Every six years voters are asked whether or not to extend the limitation. Please indicate the extent to which you would support or oppose each of the following: Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Don’t Support support oppose oppose know Extend the housing unit cap 1 2 3 4 5 Modify the housing unit cap to allow any number of new housing units in one year as long as there are no more than 1,200 in a six-year period 1 2 3 4 5 Remove the housing unit restriction altogether 1 2 3 4 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- The City of Lafayette 2012 Citizen Survey Page 5 of 5 Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only. D1. Are you currently employed for pay?  No Î Go to Question D3  Yes, full time Î Go to Question D2  Yes, part time Î Go to Question D2 D2. During a typical week, how many days do you commute to work (for the longest distance of your commute) in each of the ways listed below? (Enter the total number of days, using whole numbers.) Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) by myself days Motorized vehicle car, truck, van, etc.) with other children or adults days Bus, rail, subway or other public transportation days Walk days Bicycle days Work at home days Other days D3. How many years have you lived in Lafayette?  Less than 2 years  11-20 years  2-5 years  More than 20 years  6-10 years D4. Which best describes the building you live in?  One family house detached from any other houses  House attached to one or more houses a duplex or townhome)  Building with two or more apartments or condominiums  Mobile home  Other D5. Is this house, apartment or mobile home...  Rented for cash or occupied without cash payment?  Owned by you or someone in this house with a mortgage or free and clear? D6. About how much is your housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?  Less than $300 per month  $300 to $599 per month  $600 to $999 per month  $1,000 to $1,499 per month  $1,500 to $2,499 per month  $2,500 or more per month D7. Do any children 17 or under live in your household?  No  Yes D8. Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?  No  Yes D9. How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)  Less than $24,999  $25,000 to $49,999  $50,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150,000 or more Please respond to both question D10 and D11: D10. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?  No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino  Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino D11. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)  American Indian or Alaskan Native  Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander  Black or African American  White  Other D12. In which category is your age?  18-24 years  55-64 years  25-34 years  65-74 years  35-44 years  75 years or older  45-54 years D13. What is your sex?  Female  Male D14. Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction?  No  Ineligible to vote  Yes  Don’t know D15. Many people don't have time to vote in elections. Did you vote in the last general election?  No  Ineligible to vote  Yes  Don’t know D16. Do you have a cell phone?  No  Yes D17. Do you have a land line at home?  No  Yes D18. If you have both a cell phone and a land line, which do you consider your primary telephone number?  Cell  Land line  Both D19. Are you able to access the Internet at home from any type of device computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.)?  No  Yes Thank you for completing this survey. Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to: National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 ---PAGE BREAK--- Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO.94 1290 S. Public Rd. y Lafayette, Colorado 80026 ---PAGE BREAK---