While overall community quality data indicate overall satisfaction, other data will help City officials determine priorities and improve weaknesses.
A collaborative effort between the National Research Center, Inc. and the International City/County Management Association, the National Citizen Survey has been used by approximately 500 communities across the country to explore residents' opinions about their community and services provided by local government. The Suwanee survey had a 32 percent response rate with 351 residents of the 1,200 who randomly received them returning the survey.
Respondents rated community characteristics in eight areas: community quality, community design, public safety, environmental sustainability, recreation and wellness, community inclusiveness, civic engagement, and public trust. Of 31 community characteristics for which there are national comparisons, Suwanee was rated above the benchmark in 21 categories, similar in seven, and below in three.
"This survey will provide us with a good deal of applicable information, help us set priorities, and improve in areas of weakness," notes City Manager Marty Allen. "If you never ask the questions about strengths and weaknesses, then you don't ever really know the answers."
Suwanee ranked below the national survey comparison composite in three transportation-related areas: bus/transit services, ease of bus travel, and traffic flow on major streets. The three characteristics in which Suwanee rated most favorably were image/reputation of Suwanee, cleanliness, and availability of paths and walking trails.
In the area of overall community quality, residents rated Suwanee extremely high. Overall quality of life in Suwanee was rated as good or excellent by 95 percent of respondents while 97 percent said Suwanee was an excellent or good place to live and 91 percent said they plan on remaining in Suwanee for the next 5 years.
Among other key findings of the survey:
*95% of respondents reported visiting a neighborhood or City park and 97% rated City parks as good (21%) or excellent (76%).
*90% said Suwanee had a strong sense of community and 97% found it a good/excellent place to raise children.
*Fewer Suwanee residents than those in the national comparison regularly recycle; 28% of residents reported that they never recycle.
*A majority of respondents (78%) felt the value of services for taxes paid was excellent or good.
*The overall quality of services provided by the City of Suwanee was rated as excellent or good by 93% of respondents.
Results from the survey are available online at www.suwanee.com.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/2/218147