City of Citrus Heights 2012 Community Survey Survey Conducted July 11-17, 2012 320-520
Methodology 403 telephone interviews with adult residents in Citrus Heights Interviews conducted between July 11-17, 2012 Interviews on both landlines and cell phones Margin of sampling error of +/- 4.9 percent Some percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding Comparisons to 2007 and 2002 surveys 1
Key Findings The vast majority of residents (85%) are satisfied to varying degrees with the services provided by the City. However, residents are not as optimistic about the future as they were five years ago. Many are concerned about the economy and local job creation. Most residents feel safe in Citrus Heights, though that overall perception has somewhat declined. Though a majority feels the City needs additional funding, the perceived need is not acute. Few are familiar with the November UUT measure, though a majority are supportive of it. 2
Overall Attitudes of Residents in Citrus Heights 3
A majority of residents believe the quality of life in Citrus Heights is staying the same. Overall, do you feel the quality of life in Citrus Heights is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same? Getting much better Getting somewhat better 7% 16% Better 23% Getting somewhat worse Getting much worse 6% 10% Worse 17% Staying about the same 57% DK/NA 3% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% Q5. 4
In 2007, a greater proportion of residents said the city was getting better the economic downturn has had a very clear impact on the mood here since then. Overall, do you feel the quality of life in Citrus Heights is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same? 2007 * 2012 DK/NA 3% Getting Better 41% DK/NA 3% Getting Better 23% Getting Worse 17% Staying About the Same 42% Getting Worse 13% Staying About the Same 57% Q5. *[bw] Research Partnership Survey 5
More than half of residents continue to say there is a strong sense of community in Citrus Heights. Would you say that you feel a strong sense of community, a weak sense of community, or no sense of community at all? 2007 * 2012 Very strong Somewhat strong 13% 39% Strong 52% 11% 44% Strong 55% Somewhat weak Very weak 4% 30% Weak 34% 6% 23% Weak 29% None at all 10% 13% DK/NA 4% 3% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75% Q6. *[bw] Research Partnership Survey 6
Northwest residents feel a somewhat greater sense of community than southeast residents. Sense of Community by City Region 100% Strong Weak None at all/dk/na 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Northwest Southeast (% of Sample) (46%) (54%) 6. Please think about the sense of community that you feel living in Citrus Heights. Would you say that you feel a strong sense of community, a weak sense of community, or no sense of community at all? 7
Public safety and economic development are the most-requested quality of life improvements. In your opinion, what is the number one thing that the City of Citrus Heights could do to improve the quality of life within the community? Increase police/crime control/safety Economic development/job creation Provide services for teens/young adults Control unkempt/vacant homes/neighborhoods ( pride in city ) Street improvements Improve traffic control, less traffic, lights sync Complete construction projects Improve transportation services Increase enforcement of laws Home buying assistance Water treatment 4% 3% 2% 2% 7% 7% 6% 11% 11% 13% 16% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Q7. (Open-ended; One Response Accepted); Responses 2% and Above Shown 8
Unemployment and state budget cuts that reduce money available for local services are the most pressing concerns for residents of Citrus Heights. State budget cuts that reduce the money available for local services Ext./Very Ext. Ser. Very Ser. S.W. Ser. Not Too Ser. DK/NA Serious Problem 23% 34% 21% 17% 6% 57% Unemployment 21% 30% 29% 10% 10% 51% Maintaining 911 emergency response times 16% 16% 14% 37% 17% 32% Challenges facing small businesses 15% 31% 30% 10% 14% 46% Potholes and street maintenance 12% 19% 34% 33% 31% Waste and inefficiency in city government 12% 18% 18% 36% 16% 30% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 8. I am going to mention a list of issues people in the City of Citrus Heights may be concerned about. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for people who live in the City of Citrus Heights. 9
City budget deficits and taxes are not seen as particularly significant problems. Ext./Very The cost of pensions for public employees Ext. Ser. Very Ser. S.W. Ser. Not Too Ser. DK/NA 11% 14% 14% 20% 42% Serious Problem 25% Crime in general 10% 26% 36% 26% 36% City budget deficits 10% 16% 17% 28% 28% 26% The cost of housing 9% 18% 28% 39% 6% 27% Traffic congestion on local streets and roads 8% 21% 34% 37% 29% The amount people pay in city taxes 7% 12% 29% 37% 14% 19% Traffic congestion on highways and freeways 6% 13% 41% 41% 19% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 8. I am going to mention a list of issues people in the City of Citrus Heights may be concerned about. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for people who live in the City of Citrus Heights. 10
Residents would like to see more retail and restaurants in City Heights. What types of new business or commercial development, including shops and services, would you most like to see in Citrus Heights? Shopping places Restaurants Nothing needed Grocery stores Youth programs/child care Small businesses Any kind of industry Anything that brings jobs Movie theatre Doctors offices/healthcare places Farmers market 8% 6% 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% 14% 20% 20% 25% Other DK/NA Refused 3% 9% 9% 0% 15% 30% Q14. (Open-ended); Top 2% and Above Responses Shown 11
Providing City Services 12 12
While overall satisfaction remains high, the intensity of that satisfaction has decrease slightly since 2007. Generally speaking, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the job the City of Citrus Heights is doing to provide city services? 2007 * 2012 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied 39% 51% Satisfied 90% 39% 46% Satisfied 85% Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 5% 2% Dissatisfied 7% 7% 5% Dissatisfied 12% DK/NA 3% 3% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% Q9. *2007: [bw] Research Partnership Survey 13
Residents are generally confident the City s leadership can solve difficult problems that may arise I am confident that Citrus Heights leaders are able to solve difficult problems as they arise Strongly agree Agree 14% 54% Agree 68% Disagree Strongly disagree 7% 15% Disagree 22% DK/NA 11% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% Q12a. I would like to read you some statements people have made about life in the City of Citrus Heights. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement. 14
sentiments that have been consistent over time. I am confident that Citrus Heights leaders are able to solve difficult problems as they arise 2002 * 2007 * 2012 Yes 74% Yes 70% Agree 68% No Opin. 12% No 14% No Opin. 14% No 17% DK/ NA 11% Disagr. 22% Q12a. 2002 *: J. Moore Methods / 2007*: [bw] Research Partnership Survey : Worded slightly different in 2002 and 2007 Surveys as a Yes/No Response. 15
Providing public safety services and spending tax money efficiently are the highest priorities for residents. Spending city tax dollars efficiently Providing 911 emergency services Providing police protection Keeping taxes at affordable levels Providing better job opportunities Providing youth drug prevention programs Keeping neighborhoods clean Filling potholes and maintaining city streets Providing youth and teen programs Providing garbage pick-up services Providing senior citizen programs Managing growth and development Providing affordable housing Enforcing traffic laws Maintaining sidewalks Improving shopping opportunities Very High S.W. High Medium Low DK/NA 76% 75% 66% 60% 55% 53% 49% 48% 44% 42% 38% 37% 33% 32% 28% 13% 27% 23% 23% 22% 28% 28% 26% 24% 27% 29% 26% 33% 32% 30% 20% 12% 13% 6% 7% 10% 14% 12% 6% 14% 6% 17% 17% 19% 22% 24% 21% 21% 22% 24% 7% 5% 5% 6% 11% 9% 10% 17% 12% 16% 30% High 88% 88% 86% 83% 78% 75% 77% 76% 70% 66% 65% 66% 59% 65% 60% 40% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 10. I am going to read you a list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me if you feel the Citrus Heights City Council should give that service a high, medium or low priority. 16
Residents are much more focused on jobs and a desire to keep taxes affordable has been slowly increasing. High Medium Low 2012 78% 12% Providing better job opportunities 2007* 55% 32% 2002* 47% 31% 2012 83% 14% Keeping taxes at affordable levels 2007* 80% 17% 2002* 71% 23% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 10. I am going to read you a list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me if you feel the Citrus Heights City Council should give that service a high, medium or low priority. *2002 Survey: J. Moore Methods / 2007 Survey: [bw] Research Partnership Survey 17
Senior, youth and drug programs are higher priorities. High Medium Low 2012 70% 19% 7% Providing youth and teen programs 2007* 63% 27% 6% 2002* 55% 29% 10% Providing youth drug prevention programs 2012 2007* 75% 72% 14% 20% 6% 5% 2002* 64% 23% 8% 2012 65% 24% 9% Providing senior citizen programs 2007* 57% 35% 5% 2002* 44% 36% 11% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 10. I am going to read you a list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me if you feel the Citrus Heights City Council should give that service a high, medium or low priority. *2002 Survey: J. Moore Methods / *2007 Survey: [bw] Research Partnership Survey 18
Dissatisfaction levels are highest for job creation and street maintenance. Providing garbage pick-up services Providing 911 emergency services Providing police protection Enforcing traffic laws Improving shopping opportunities Keeping neighborhoods clean Maintaining sidewalks Managing growth and development Filling potholes and maintaining city streets Keeping taxes at affordable levels Spending city tax dollars efficiently Providing affordable housing Providing senior citizen programs Providing youth and teen programs Providing better job opportunities Providing youth drug prevention programs 71% 51% 44% 42% 33% 31% 30% 20% 19% 18% 17% 14% 10% 9% 7% 7% Very Satis. S.W. Satis. Dissatis. DK/NA 34% 28% 37% 26% 46% 42% 52% 35% 44% 26% 38% 40% 45% 50% 51% 11% 17% 32% 18% 24% 6% 16% 15% 15% 10% 13% 15% 13% 5% 15% 19% 38% 19% 12% 21% 27% 17% 25% 45% 47% 50% 25% Satisfied 95% 77% 82% 82% 78% 81% 81% 66% 61% 70% 52% 58% 44% 37% 44% 33% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 11. I am going to read you the same list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the job being done by Citrus Heights in providing that service: very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. 19
Satisfaction has declined with the City s efforts in providing job opportunities. Satisfied Dissatisfied 2012 44% 32% Providing better job opportunities 2007* 55% 13% 2002* 57% 23% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 11. I am going to read you the same list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the job being done by Citrus Heights in providing that service: very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.. *2002 Survey: J. Moore Methods / *2007 Survey: [bw] Research Partnership Survey 20
Satisfaction has declined with several City programs. Satisfied Dissatisfied 2012 37% 17% Providing youth and teen programs 2007* 47% 15% 2002* 48% 29% Providing youth drug prevention programs 2012 2007* 33% 40% 18% 15% 2002* 44% 29% 2012 44% 11% Providing senior citizen programs 2007* 49% 9% 2002* 57% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 11. I am going to read you the same list of services provided by the City of Citrus Heights government. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the job being done by Citrus Heights in providing that service: very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.. *2002 Survey: J. Moore Methods / *2007 Survey: [bw] Research Partnership Survey 21
Police and Public Safety Issues 22 22
Most residents feel safe and that City police respond in a timely manner. Strng. Agr. Agree Disagr. Strng. Disagr. DK/NA 78% 19% I am confident that Citrus Heights police are able to respond to emergencies in a timely manner 31% 47% 11% 8% 62% 37% I feel safe from crime in Citrus Heights 15% 47% 25% 12% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 12d/f. I would like to read you some statements people have made about life in the City of Citrus Heights. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement. Split Sample 23
Police responsiveness continues to be perceived well. I am confident that Citrus Heights police are able to respond to emergencies in a timely manner 2007 2012 Yes 80% Agree 78% No Opin. 4% No 17% DK/ NA 4% Disagr. 19% Q12d. I would like to read you some statements people have made about life in the City of Citrus Heights. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement. *2007: [bw] Research Partnership Survey : Worded slightly different in 2007 Survey as a Yes/No Response. 24
Perceived safety has declined over the past decade. I feel safe from crime in Citrus Heights 2002 * 2007 * 2012 Yes 82% Yes 77% Agree 62% No Opin. 2% No 16% No Opin. 2% No 21% DK/ NA 1% Disagr. 37% Q12a. I would like to read you some statements people have made about life in the City of Citrus Heights. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement. 2002 *: J. Moore Methods / 2007*: [bw] Research Partnership Survey : Worded slightly different in 2002 and 2007 Surveys as a Yes/No Response. 25
However, general concerns aside, most residents feel safe in a variety of specific situations When you are would you say that you feel very safe, somewhat safe, somewhat unsafe, or very unsafe? Walking alone in your neighborhood during the day Very Safe S.W. Safe S.W./Very Unsafe DK/NA 94% 65% 29% 90% 5% Driving in your neighborhood 64% 26% 6% 79% Spending time in a nearby park 40% 39% 14% 7% 69% Walking alone in your neighborhood after dark 27% 42% 28% Q13. Now I d like to ask a couple questions about safety in Citrus Heights. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 26
perceptions that have been stable since 2007. When you are would you say that you feel very safe, somewhat safe, somewhat unsafe, or very unsafe? Very Safe S.W. Safe S.W./Very Unsafe DK/NA Safe Walking alone in your neighborhood during the day 2012 2007* 65% 64% 29% 29% 5% 6% 94% 93% Driving in your neighborhood 2012 2007* 64% 58% 26% 30% 6% 9% 90% 88% Spending time in a nearby park 2012 2007* 40% 32% 39% 44% 14% 7% 14% 9% 79% 76% Walking alone in your neighborhood after dark 2012 2007* 27% 42% 28% 25% 36% 32% 7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 69% 61% Q13. Now I d like to ask a couple questions about safety in Citrus Heights. *2007: [bw] Research Partnership Survey. 27
Residents are generally satisfied with most services provided by the police department. Are you generally satisfied or dissatisfied with how the Citrus Heights Police Department is? Very Satis. S.W. Satis. S.W. Dissatis. Very Dissatis. DK/NA 75% 18% Catching traffic law violators 41% 34% 9% 9% 7% 73% 23% Providing neighborhood police patrols 37% 36% 13% 10% 57% 20% Responding to property-related crimes 28% 29% 8% 12% 23% 57% 25% Maintaining personal contact with residents in neighborhoods 24% 33% 16% 9% 19% Q25. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 28
Communications and Interactions with the City 29 29
More than two-thirds of residents are satisfied with the City s communications efforts. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the City s efforts to communicate with residents through publications, public notices, its website, and other means Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied 33% 36% Satisfied 69% Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 9% 16% Dissatisfied 25% DK/NA 6% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% Q19. 30
Residents most frequently get information about Citrus Heights from local TV news. Local TV news Information you receive in the mail from the City 30% Freq. Occas. Rarely Never/DK/NA 43% 35% 29% 14% 14% 15% 20% Freq./ Occas. 72% 65% Friends and family 28% 29% 12% 31% 57% The Sacramento Bee 26% 19% 16% 39% 45% ^The Connections City Newsletter 25% 24% 12% 39% 49% ^The City of Citrus Heights website 11% 24% 17% 49% 35% Sacramento Metro Cable, Channel 14 5% 6% 14% 75% 11% The City s E-Notifier 9% 82% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 20. I m going to read you a list of sources from which people get information about Citrus Heights City government. I d like you to tell me how often you use it to get information about local news, information, and programming: frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never. 31
Residents who get information from the City s newsletter and website report high satisfaction levels. City Newsletter Connections City Website Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied 40% 47% Satisfied 87% 35% 50% Satisfied 85% Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied 3% 3% Dissatisfied 7% 0% 4% Dissatisfied 4% DK/NA 7% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 11% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 21. In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the City s newsletter, Connections? 22. In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the City s website? 32
One third of residents report having interacted with City staff over the past year. In the past 12 months, have you interacted with a City of Citrus Heights department or staff member? DK/NA 3% Yes 32% No 65% Q23. 33
Residents report high levels of satisfaction with these interactions. In general, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with the by the City of Citrus Heights department or staff with whom you had contact? Very Satis. S.W. Satis. S.W. Dissatis. Very Dissatis. 86% 14% Courtesy shown to you 67% 19% 7% 7% Competence displayed in handling your issue 62% 82% 20% 18% 7% 11% 77% 23% Timeliness of the response 57% 20% 5% 18% Q24. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 34
Budget Issues 35 35
Residents believe their local taxes are affordable. Strng. Agr. Agree Disagr. Strng. Disagr. DK/NA 65% 29% My utility taxes are affordable 15% 50% 22% 7% 6% 60% 21% My property taxes are affordable 12% 48% 17% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 12b/c. I would like to read you some statements people have made about life in the City of Citrus Heights. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement. Not part of Split Sample. 36
A majority believes the City does a good job managing its budget. How would you rate the overall job the City of Citrus Heights does managing its budget: excellent, good, only fair, or poor? All Residents Registered Voters Excellent Good 17% 38% Excellent/ Good 55% 18% 39% Excellent/ Good 57% Only fair Poor 4% 17% Only Fair/Poor 21% 3% 16% Only Fair/Poor 19% DK/NA 24% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 23% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% Q15. 37
Many voters say there is at least some need for additional funding for essential city services, but few feel this need is acute. Would you say that to maintain essential services, the City of Citrus Heights has a great need for additional funding, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional funding? All Residents Registered Voters Great need Some need 16% 41% Great/ Some Need 57% 15% 41% Great/ Some Need 56% A little need No real need 13% 14% Little/ No Real Need 27% 13% 17% Little/ No Real Need 29% DK/NA 16% 14% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% Q16. 38
Only a small proportion of residents have heard about the UUT measure. Have you seen or heard anything recently about the Citrus Heights City Council placing a utility user tax measure on the November 2012 ballot? All Residents Registered Voters Yes, a great deal Yes, a little 2% 11% Yes 13% 2% 13% Yes 15% No, have not seen/ Heard anything 85% 82% DK/NA 2% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Q17. 39
Support for the measure is strong, but suggests that achieving two-thirds will be challenging. All Residents Registered Voters Definitely yes Probably yes Undecided, lean yes 5% 31% 29% Yes 65% 4% 31% 29% Yes 64% Undecided, lean no Probably no Definitely no 2% 8% 20% No 30% 2% 9% 22% No 33% DK/NA 4% 4% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 18. If the vote on this measure were held today, would you vote yes in favor of this ballot measure or vote no to oppose it? 40
Conclusion 41 41
Conclusions Specific issues aside, these survey results suggest that residents particularly older residents and longer-term residents feel very positive about life in Citrus Heights. That being said, they would like to see more done to address local economic challenges especially anything that generates jobs and improved street maintenance. Though residents feel less safe, in general, those concerns aren t specific and they feel very satisfied with public safety services. While there s an overall sense that the City could use additional revenue and that the City manages its budget well it s not a strongly held perception. These results underscore the challenges of passing finance measure this fall that requires a two-thirds vote. 42
For more information, contact: David Metz Dave@FM3research.com Curtis Below Curt@FM3research.com 1999 Harrison St., Suite 1290 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone (510) 451-9521 Fax (510) 451-0384