Comstock Township Citizen Engagement and Priority Survey

Transcription

1 Supporting Decisions Inspiring Ideas Comstock Township Citizen Engagement and Priority Survey August MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM 2017 CobaltCommunityResearch

2 Measuring Where You Are: Why Research Matters Understanding community values and priorities helps you plan and communicate more effectively about Township decisions Perception impacts behaviors you care about Understanding community perception helps you improve and promote the Township Community engagement improves support for difficult decisions Reliable data on community priorities aids in balancing demands of vocal minorities with the reality of limited resources Bottom line outcome measurement of service and trust: Good administration requires quality measurement and reporting 2 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 2

3 Study Goals Support budget and strategic planning decisions Explore service assumptions to ensure baseline service measures are understood Identify which aspects of community provide the greatest leverage on citizens overall satisfaction Discover key outcome behaviors such as recommending the community, remaining in the community, volunteering and encouraging someone to start a business Determine support for planning and zoning regulations and future service opportunities 3 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 3

4 Bottom Line Comstock Township overall ACSI score = = 64 Michigan Local Governments = = 60 Michigan Local Governments (Pop. 10,001-25,000) = = 64 Michigan County Governments = = 56 Michigan State Government = = 45 There are several areas where improvement can have significant impact on overall satisfaction: 2017 Drivers: 2013 Drivers: Twp government management Twp government management Economic health Economic health Property taxes Property taxes Police services Police services Detailed information by specific demographic groups is available to aid in policy review Detail by: sample or volunteer, years of residency, age, employment status, income, household composition and type of home 4 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 4

5 Methodology Random sample of 1,500 residents drawn from voter records Utilized a well-respected utility used internationally by many universities and researchers to generate true random numbers Conducted using two mailings in May and June 2017 Valid response from 356 residents, providing a conventional margin of error of +/- 5.1 percent in the raw data (95% confidence) 2013 = 322 responses, 211 volunteers; +/- 5.4% at 95% 2017 = 356 responses, 9 volunteers; +/- 5.1% at 95% Note: National surveys with a margin of error +/- 5% require a sample of 384 responses to reflect a population of 330,000,000 In addition to the random sample, there were 9 responses from volunteer respondents for a total response of CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 5

6 Respondent Profile 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 0% Less than 1 year 1-5 years 6-10 years years More than 20 years 18 to to to to to or over Employed Self employed Stay-at-home parent/spouse Retired Unemployed Student $25,000 or less $25,001 - $50,000 $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000 Child(ren) age 5 or under Child(ren) age 6 to 12 Child(ren) age 13 to 18 Adult child(ren) age 19 to 30 Dependent parent None of these Condo Apartment House on 1 acre or less House on 1-10 acres House on more than 10 acres Mobile/manufactured home Sample Volunteer Residency Age Employment Status Income Household Comp Home Type 6 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page

7 Results 7 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 7

8 ACSI Dimensions (High score = 10) Average Score (High = 10.0) Overall satisfaction Compared to expectations Compared to ideal CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 8

9 Outcome Behaviors (High score = 10) Average Score (High = 10.0) Recommend as a place to live Remain in community Plan to volunteer Encourage businesses to start up CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 9

10 Community Image (High score = 10) Average Score (High = 10.0) Safe place to live Physically attractive Growing responsibly Safe place to bike and walk Perfect community for me CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 10

11 Understanding the Charts: Community Questions Long-term Drivers Perceived Performance Higher scoring areas that do not currently have a large impact on engagement relative to the other areas. Action: May show over investment or under communication. Lower scoring areas relative to the other areas with lower impact on engagement. Action: Limit investment unless pressing safety or regulatory consideration. Higher impact areas where the Township received high scores from citizens. They have a higher impact on engagement if improved. Action: Continue investment Higher impact on engagement and a relatively lower score. Action: Prioritize investment to drive positive changes in outcomes. 11 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 11 Impact

12 Telecomm Township Government Infrastructure Police Fire & EMS Property Taxes Economy 1. Fire coverage 2. Response time to fires 3. Response time to emergencies 4. Respectful treatment of citizens 5. Fair/equitable enforcement 6. Response time to calls for service 7. Public transportation options 8. Street maintenance/repair 9. Accommodation for bike/foot traffic 10. Fairness of property appraisals 11. Amount/quality of services for taxes paid 12. Trustworthy leaders 13. Efficient and organized operation 14. Well-trained employees 15. Communicates effectively with community 16. Spends dollars wisely 17. Encourages citizen ideas and involvement 18. Maintains website that meets needs 19. Affordability of housing 20. Stability of property values 21. Cell phone reception 22. Speed of your internet conneciton 23. Variety of internet access options Drivers of Satisfaction: Strategic Priorities Lower Impact, Lower Satisfaction 12 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 12 Higher Impact, Higher Satisfaction

13 Telecomm Township Government Infrastructure Police Fire & EMS Property Taxes Economy 1. Fire coverage 2. Response time to fires 3. Response time to emergencies 4. Respectful treatment of citizens 5. Fair/equitable enforcement 6. Response time to calls for service 7. Public transportation options 8. Street maintenance/repair 9. Accommodation for bike/foot traffic 10. Fairness of property appraisals 11. Amount/quality of services for taxes paid 12. Trustworthy leaders 13. Efficient and organized operation 14. Well-trained employees 15. Communicates effectively with community 16. Spends dollars wisely 17. Encourages citizen ideas and involvement 18. Maintains website that meets needs 19. Affordability of housing 20. Stability of property values 21. Cell phone reception 22. Speed of your internet conneciton 23. Variety of internet access options Drivers of Satisfaction: Strategic Priorities Compared to 2013 Lower Impact, Lower Satisfaction 13 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 13 Higher Impact, Higher Satisfaction

14 Drivers of Satisfaction: Township Government Management CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page Trustworthy leaders Efficient and organized operation Well trained employees Communicates effectively with the community Spends dollars wisely Encourages citizen ideas and involvement Average Score (High = 10.0) Website meets your needs

15 Drivers of Satisfaction: Economic Health Average Score (High = 10.0) Affordability of housing Stability of property values CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 15

16 Drivers of Satisfaction: Property Taxes 7.0 Average Score (High = 10.0) Fairness of Township property appraisals Amount and quality of services received for the Township taxes paid CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 16

17 Drivers of Satisfaction: Police Services Average Score (High = 10.0) Respectful treatment of citizens Fair and equitable enforcement Response time to calls for service 17 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 17

18 Township Planning and Zoning 18 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 18

19 Planning & Zoning: Increase Restrictions Increase Restrictions 70% 60% 50% 40% 63% 51% 42% 26% 28% 24% 18% 15% 17% 13% 9% 0% Building appearance/appeal Other planning (parking, lighting, traffic) Landscaping requirements Screening/buffers between properties Commercial signs along the road Building/window signage Outdoor sales/displays Properties in disrepair (blight) Grass/noxious weeds Noise and other nuisances Garbage/leaf burning 19 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 19

20 Planning & Zoning: Maintain Current Regulations 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 81% 74% 77% 75% 76% 66% 66% 56% 34% 45% 0% 20 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 20 62% Building appearance/appeal Other planning (parking, lighting, traffic) Landscaping requirements Screening/buffers between properties Commercial signs along the road Building/window signage Outdoor sales/displays Properties in disrepair (blight) Grass/noxious weeds Noise and other nuisances Garbage/leaf burning Maintain Current Regulations

21 Planning & Zoning: Reduce Restrictions Reduce Restrictions 50% 40% 11% 8% 8% 11% 8% 8% 3% 5% 3% 0% Building appearance/appeal Other planning (parking, lighting, traffic) Landscaping requirements Screening/buffers between properties Commercial signs along the road Building/window signage Outdoor sales/displays Properties in disrepair (blight) Grass/noxious weeds Noise and other nuisances Garbage/leaf burning 21 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 21

22 Planning & Zoning: Combined 100% 8% 8% 8% 8% 11% 3% 5% 3% 90% 80% 34% 70% 45% 56% 60% 50% 66% 66% 74% 77% 75% 81% 76% 40% 63% 51% 42% 26% 24% 15% 18% 17% 13% 9% 0% 22 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 22 11% 62% 28% Building appearance/appeal Other planning (parking, lighting, traffic) Landscaping requirements Screening/buffers between properties Commercial signs along the road Building/window signage Outdoor sales/displays Properties in disrepair (blight) Grass/noxious weeds Noise and other nuisances Garbage/leaf burning Increase Restrictions Maintain Current Regulations Reduce Restrictions

23 Support for potential ordinances 60% 60% 56% 50% 52% 53% 48% 47% Percentage Specifying 40% 40% 44% 0% Twp should move towards one trash/recycling carrier to reduce traffic and cost Residents should be allowed to have a limited number of chickens (hens) Twp should opt in to allow medical marijuana grow operations as licensed by the State Twp should opt in to allow medical marijuana dispensaries as licensed by the State Agree Disagree 23 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 23

24 Budget Priorities and Support 24 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 24

25 Budget Prioritization Percent selecting, could select top (7) for prioritization 0% 55% 56% 53% 42% 31% 36% 42% 33% 28% 25% 29% 27% 25% 61% 66% 70% 73% 76% 12% 11% 12% 16% 18% 18% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 0% Road maintenance Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Transfer station/dump day Add bike/walking paths Economic development Parks Fall leaf pick up/drop off Water/sewer service Code enforcement Rec facilities/ programming Percentage Specifying Sidewalk repair Communication Public participation CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 25

26 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Reduce Service Levels Reduce Service Levels 50% 40% 37% 35% 26% 25% 26% 23% 21% 21% 12% 13% 9% 7% 8% 0% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 26 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 26

27 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Privatize/Outsource the Service Privatize/Outsource the Service 50% 40% 28% 29% 23% 18% 18% 19% 15% 16% 12% 12% 9% 9% 0% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 27 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 27

28 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Raise Taxes Raise Taxes 50% 40% 41% 40% 39% 19% 19% 18% 17% 18% 15% 13% 11% 11% 9% 0% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 28 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 28

29 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Raise User Fees Raise User Fees 50% 40% 46% 41% 42% 36% 31% 25% 26% 21% 15% 16% 12% 14% 15% 0% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 29 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 29

30 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Special Assessment Special Assessment 50% 40% 32% 25% 15% 15% 27% 26% 27% 26% 25% 26% 16% 19% 18% 13% 0% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 30 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 30

31 Support for Budget Actions if Revenues Not Adequate to Maintain Current Levels: Preferred Options for All Services Reduce Service Levels Privatize/Outsource the Service Raise Taxes Raise User Fees Special Assessment 1 100% 90% 13% 15% 15% 16% 19% 18% 27% 26% 26% 27% 32% 25% 26% 25% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 0% 15% 31% 26% 15% 9% 21% 12% 46% 14% 16% 41% 25% 42% 39% 41% 11% 40% 18% 12% 16% 18% 9% 15% 26% 21% 12% 9% 7% 8% 36% 15% 13% 19% 19% 18% 29% 19% 17% 11% 12% 28% 23% 18% 9% 35% 37% 25% 26% 21% 23% 13% Law enforcement Fire response Emergency medical response Sidewalk repair Road maintenance Add bike/walking paths Transfer station/dump day Water/sewer service Parks Recreation facilities/programming Code enforcement Economic development Public participation Communication (web, cable, print, etc.) Fall leaf pick up/drop off 31 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 31

32 Support for future services 50% 49% 40% 45% 43% 45% 44% 42% 44% 43% 45% 41% 39% 40% 41% 42% 39% Percentage Specifying 35% 34% 23% 21% 31% 25% 25% 24% 34% 28% 28% 36% 32% 21% 19% 16% 25% 17% 37% 0% Support Additional Funding Support Additional Funding Oppose Additional Funding Oppose Additional Funding Need More Info Need More Info CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 32

33 Town Hall 33 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 33

34 2017 Comstock Twp Citizen Survey 34 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 34

35 Frequency of visit(s) to Township offices 60% 50% 55% Percentage Specifying 40% 31% 12% 2% 0% Never Less than 4 times 5-12 times More than 12 times 35 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 35

36 Reason for visit(s) 60% 57% 50% Percentage Specifying 40% 43% 25% 27% 8% 0% Pay property taxes Obtain absentee ballot/vote Property information Building permits/ inspections 5% Cemetery information 4% Passports Other 36 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 36

37 Text Cloud: What other reasons did you have for visiting the Township Office? Top Themes: 1. Transfer Station purchase card/pass 2. Library visit library, check out materials 3. Dog licenses 37 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 37 Note: See full list of comments for context

38 What hours would you like to see Township offices open? 70% 60% 62% Percentage Specifying 50% 40% 35% 8% 0% Remain the same Stay open until 6 PM at least one night a week Open before 8 AM at least one morning a week 38 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 38

39 Parks and Recreation 39 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 39

40 Do current parks and recreation facilities meet your needs? 50% 49% 40% 41% Percentage Specifying 0% Yes No I do not utilize the parks 40 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 40

41 Usage by Parks 100% Percentage Specifying 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 93% 93% 89% 87% 79% 76% 74% 65% 64% 25% 21% 26% 0% 41 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 41 9% 12% 17% 14% 7% 6% 6% 7% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 4% 5% 2% 0% 0% 3% 0% 4% 1% 1% 2% None 5 times or fewer 6-10 times More than 10 times Celery Street Cooper/Peer Fleetwood Green Meadow McLinden Trails Merrill North/South Wenke Robert Morris Wenke Softball Complex

42 Main reasons you do not use parks more 60% 56% 50% 40% 38% 19% 11% 6% 5% 1% 0% Spending time on other interests No amenities of interest to me Safety concerns Park maintenance/ cleanliness Proximity/lack of transportation Inadequate accessibility for the disabled Staff knowledge/ courtesy Other Percentage Specifying 42 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 42

43 What would you like to see more of in the Township? 50% 40% 43% 29% 29% 26% 24% 22% 21% 19% 12% 9% 8% 8% 7% 6% 6% 0% Walking/biking/jog ging trails Indoor exercise facilities Kayaking opportunities Dog park Fishing areas Programming and events Picnic areas/pavilions Playgrounds Outdoor basketball courts Tennis courts Skate park Baseball/softball fields Soccer/football fields Pickleball Other Percentage Specifying 43 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 43

44 Which activities should have the highest funding priority? 40% 4% 3% 4% 6% 7% 13% 11% 11% 11% 25% 25% 25% 22% 19% 16% 29% 34% 0% Youth programs Nature trails Walking/jogging Bike paths Family programs Senior programs Playgrounds Community events Canoeing/kayakin g Picnic areas Biking Pavilions Fishing Swimming Baseball Soccer Disc golf Basketball Other Percentage Specifying 44 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 44

45 Impact of parks in the Township 100% 90% 95% 93% 88% 80% 83% 83% 83% Percentage Specifying 70% 60% 50% 40% 62% 46% 54% 74% 38% 26% 17% 17% 17% 12% 0% 5% Positive impact on communities 7% Easy to access Well maintained Agree Provide facilities/ activities I enjoy Well promoted Disagree Provide economic benefit Enhance Positive home values impact on quality of life Protect wildlife/ natural beauty 45 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 45

46 Text Cloud: Three (3) things you like most about Comstock Township Parks Top Themes: 1. Access location in Township, accessibility of parks 2. Trails quality of nature trails 3. Swimming access to swimming, lakes, rivers 46 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 46 Note: See full list of comments for context

47 Text Cloud: Three (3) things about Comstock Parks you would like improved Top Themes: 1. Playground equipment add more equipment at parks, repair/replace current equipment 2. Kids more activities for youth 3. Maintenance better maintenance in parks, bathroom maintenance 47 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 47 Note: See full list of comments for context

48 Best method of receiving information about parks 80% 70% 73% 60% Percentage Specifying 50% 40% 29% 24% 24% 0% Mailings sent to your home Township website Social media newsletter Flyers distributed at parks 6% 5% Other 48 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 48

49 Text Cloud: What other ways do you prefer to receive information from the Township? Top Themes: 1. TV 2. Comstock Communicator CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 49 Note: See full list of comments for context

50 1. Add sledding hills 2. Construct a gymnasium 3. Construct additional restrooms 4. Construct an outdoor artificial ice rink 5. Swimming pool 6. Continue to develop the linear trail system 7. Develop a children's water play area 8. Develop a dog park 9. Construct soccer fields 10. Construct tennis courts 11. Maintain, upgrade & improve existing park facilities 12. Purchasing land for developing additional parks 13. Install skateboard facilities 14. Install additional playgrounds 15. Construct multi-use pavilions 16. Develop more community events Five (5) projects you want to see implemented and the willingness to pay for selected projects 50 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 50

51 Text Cloud: Additional comments to share with the Township Top Themes: 1. Taxes reduce property taxes, better usage of tax dollars 2. Parks focus on improving other areas of community not the parks 3. Schools improve, lacks community support 51 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 51 Note: See full list of comments for context

52 Implementing Results 52 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 52

53 Perception v Reality: Minimize Distortion or Fix Real Performance Issues Perception gap: Respondents rated based on a false idea or understanding. Address with communication strategy to change that perception. Real performance issue: Address with an improvement plan. When performance improves, it becomes a perception gap to address with a communication strategy. 53 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 53

54 Strategy is About Action: Improve Performance to Improve Outcomes The diagram at the right provides a framework for following up on this survey. The first step (measurement) is complete. This measurement helps prioritize resources and create a baseline against which progress can be measured. The second step is to use internal teams to further analyze the results and form ideas about why respondents answered as they did and potential actions in response. The third step is to validate ideas and potential actions through conversations with residents and line staff do the ideas and actions make sense. Focus groups, short special-topic surveys and benchmarking are helpful. The fourth step is to provide staff with the skills and tools to effectively implement the actions. The fifth step is to execute the actions. The final step is to re-measure to ensure progress was made and track changes in resident needs. 5 Implement 4 Train 1 Measure Outcomes 3 Validate/ Confirm 2 Ideas/ Brainstorm 54 CobaltCommunityResearch.org Page 54