HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/25/2014 - 2013 CITIZEN SURVEY FINAL REPORTDATE:
STAFF:
March 25, 2014
David Young, Public Relations Coordinator
Kelly DiMartino, Assistant City Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
2013 Citizen Survey Final Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this work session is to provide Council with an update on the results from the 2013 Citizen
Survey. The Citizen Survey serves as a consumer report card for the City by providing residents the opportunity
to rate the quality of life in the city and their satisfaction with the community amenities and local government.
Residents also provide feedback to the City government on what is working well and what is not, and identify
priorities for community planning and resource allocation.
National Research Center (NRC) from Boulder, CO, conducts the survey on behalf of the City and maintains a
database of both regional and national benchmarks.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does City Council have any questions regarding the 2013 Citizen Survey data and how it influenced the City
Strategic Plan?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Survey Process
First conducted in 2001, this is the seventh iteration of the Fort Collins Citizen Survey. The survey has remained
largely consistent each time to assure we could maintain comparison between 2013 and those reported in prior
years. The survey was conducted one quarter earlier than originally scheduled to better align with the City's
strategic planning process.
The National Research Center (NRC) mailed surveys to 1,800 randomly-selected residents within city boundaries
and 200 randomly-selected Colorado State University (CSU) dormitory students. The overall response rate was
28 percent. It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” (or
margin of error). The 95 percent confidence level is typically no greater than plus or minus four percentage points
around any given percent based on community-wide estimates.
The Fort Collins Citizen Survey assesses citizen perceptions regarding services in each of the City's key outcome
areas, as well as measuring overall quality of life characteristics. The results are compared by demographic
characteristics of respondents and geographic subarea of residence. Additionally, results are compared to
jurisdictions around the nation and the Front Range through National Research Center’s (NRC’s) national
benchmark database, which contains resident perspectives gathered in citizen surveys from approximately 500
jurisdictions.
The responses are intended to help Council and staff assess public opinion and serve as one input into the
strategic planning process. Survey results will also contribute to the Budgeting For Outcomes (BFO) process by
providing departments with insight about what is important to the community.
Related Outreach
In addition to the Citizen Survey, City staff conducted extensive outreach with both mainstream and hard-to-reach
segments of the population in a dialogue about strategic plan and budget priorities. Conversations were
March 25, 2014 Page 2
conducted with the following groups: business community; people who are low-income, homeless and near
homeless; Latinos; seniors; youth; sustainability groups; and Boards & Commissions.
The themes that emerged from these conversations were closely aligned with the results of the 2013 Citizen
Survey; transportation and housing that is affordable both emerged as top priorities. These public engagement
efforts also enabled City staff to educate the public about the strategic planning and budget process and to clarify
some misconceptions about the role of municipal government in particular issues, such as highway maintenance
and Colorado State University projects.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fort Collins 2013 Survey Report (PDF)
2. Public Engagement Outreach Report (PDF)
3. Powerpoint presentation (PPTX)
Prepared by:
2955 Valmont Rd., Suite 300• Boulder, CO 80301 • 303-444-7863 • www.n-r-c.com
Citizen Survey
Report of Results
December 2013
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
2
Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Survey Background ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Community and Neighborhood Livability ............................................................................................... 7
Safe Community ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Environmental Health ............................................................................................................................ 16
Transportation ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Culture and Recreation .......................................................................................................................... 19
Economic Health .................................................................................................................................... 22
High Performing Government ................................................................................................................ 24
Appendix A. Respondent Characteristics ................................................................................................... 37
Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Frequencies ..................................................................................... 39
Appendix C. Verbatim Responses .............................................................................................................. 64
Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics ......................................... 91
Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence ............... 113
Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons ..................................................................................................... 121
Appendix G. Comparisons of Average Ratings by Year .......................................................................... 138
Appendix H. Survey Methodology ........................................................................................................... 143
Appendix I. Survey Materials ................................................................................................................... 145
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
3
Figures
Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year ................................................................................... 7
Figure 2: Quality of Life and Community Compared by Year .................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Quality of Neighborhoods Compared by Year ............................................................................. 9
Figure 4: Knows Neighbors Compared by Year ........................................................................................ 10
Figure 5: Frequency of Communication with Neighbors Compared by Year ........................................... 10
Figure 6: Feelings of Overall Safety in City Compared by Year ................................................................ 11
Figure 7: Feelings of Personal Safety Compared by Year ........................................................................... 12
Figure 8: Quality of Community Safety Services Compared by Year ........................................................ 14
Figure 9: Quality of Safety-Related Utility Services Compared by Year ................................................... 15
Figure 10: Overall Quality of the Environment Compared by Year .......................................................... 16
Figure 11: Quality of Aspects of the Environment Compared by Year ...................................................... 16
Figure 12: Quality of Drinking Water Compared by Year ......................................................................... 17
Figure 13: Quality of Sewer Services Compared by Year .......................................................................... 17
Figure 14: Aspects of Transportation Compared by Year .......................................................................... 18
Figure 15: Community Aspects of Culture and Recreation Compared by Year ........................................ 19
Figure 16: Quality of Parks, Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities Compared by Year ....... 21
Figure 17: City as a Place to Work Compared by Year .............................................................................. 22
Figure 18: Community Aspects of Economic Health Compared by Year ................................................. 22
Figure 19: Economic Health Compared by Year ....................................................................................... 23
Figure 20: Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year ................................................................ 24
Figure 21: Quality of Utility Billing and Utilities Overall Compared by Year ........................................... 25
Figure 22: City Government Performance Compared by Year ................................................................. 26
Figure 23: Contact with City Employees Compared by Year .................................................................... 27
Figure 24: Users’ Ratings of Employee Characteristics Compared by Year .............................................. 28
Figure 25: Non-Users’ Ratings of Employee Characteristics Compared by Year ...................................... 28
Figure 26: Budget Priorities Compared by Year ........................................................................................ 30
Figure 27: Services Identified as Needing More Effort ............................................................................... 31
Figure 28: Services Identified as Needing Less Effort ................................................................................. 32
Figure 29: Residents Top Priorities for the City ......................................................................................... 33
Figure 30: Informing Citizens Compared by Year ..................................................................................... 34
Figure 31: Sources of Information Compared by Year .............................................................................. 35
Figure 32: Receive Television Programming in Household Compared by Year ....................................... 36
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
1
Executive Summary
Background
The Fort Collins Citizen Survey serves as a consumer report card for the City by providing residents the
opportunity to rate the quality of life in the city and their satisfaction with community amenities and local
government. Residents also provide feedback to the City government on what is working well and what is
not, and identify priorities for community planning and resource allocation. The Fort Collins Citizen
Survey was first conducted in 2001. This report outlines the results for the 2013 survey, which was the
seventh iteration.
For the 2013 survey, 1,800 residents within city boundaries and 200 Colorado State University (CSU)
dormitory students were randomly selected to receive survey mailings in October 2013. Of the 2,000
surveys mailed, about 55 were returned because the housing unit was vacant or the postal service was
unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the 1,945 households and dormitory students that received a
survey, 535 completed the survey, 24 of which were CSU dormitory students, providing an overall
response rate of 28%. It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level
of confidence” (or margin of error). The 95% confidence level is typically no greater than plus or minus
four percentage points around any given percent based on community-wide estimates (535 respondents).
Comparisons are made between 2013 responses and those from prior years, when available. The 2013
results also were compared by demographic characteristics of respondents and geographic subarea of
residence. In addition, the City of Fort Collins elected to have results compared to those of other
jurisdictions around the nation and to Front Range jurisdictions. These comparisons are made possible
through National Research Center’s (NRC’s) national benchmark database, which contains resident
perspectives gathered in citizen surveys from approximately 500 jurisdictions.
Key Findings
Community and Neighborhood Livability
Residents maintained a high quality of life in 2013.
As in previous years, 9 out of 10 residents rated
the overall quality of life in Fort Collins as “very
good” or “good,” much above the national and
Front Range benchmarks.
Almost all respondents gave “very good” or
“good” ratings of Fort Collins as a place to live
and 9 in 10 gave positive marks to Fort Collins as
a place to raise children and attend college.
Ratings of community acceptance of all people
improved from 2012 to 2013, continuing an upward trend since 2006.
On average, respondents reported knowing the names of about 9 of their neighbors who lived on
their street or in their apartment complex.
Affordable housing was identified as a concern for residents.
The only aspect of community quality to receive low ratings was affordable quality housing, with
about half of respondents saying it was “average” and a quarter saying it was “bad” or “very bad”;
still, this rating was above the average for the nation and the Front Range.
90% 88% 89% 92%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good"
or "good"
Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
2
Residents living south of Harmony and the Northwest/CSU area gave higher ratings, while
Northeast area residents gave lower ratings of affordable housing compared to other areas.
Almost 1 in 10 residents said the City should increase efforts related to affordable housing and
student housing options in Fort Collins.
A quarter of respondents identified issues related to neighborhoods and housing as a top priority for
the City of Fort Collins in the next five years.
Safe Community
Residents continued to feel safe in their community, though some felt safer than others.
Nine in 10 residents gave “very good” or “good” marks to the overall safety in the city in 2013,
similar to 2012 and much above the national and Front Range benchmarks.
Almost all residents felt “always safe” or “usually safe” downtown, in Fort Collins and in their
neighborhoods during the day, and at least 7 in 10 felt safe in these areas at night.
Nine in 10 gave positive marks to the quality of fire services overall, while three-quarters gave
positive marks to police services overall.
Seven in 10 rated crime prevention in Fort Collins as “very good” or “good,” a rating that was
much above the national and Front Range benchmarks.
Women, residents who had lived in Fort Collins for more than 10 years and older residents felt less
safe than did their counterparts and tended to give lower ratings of safety services.
Northeast area residents were less likely to give positive ratings of overall safety and safety services
than were residents from other areas.
Students felt safer in Fort Collins overall during the day, in natural areas and open space and at
recreation facilities than did non-students.
Environmental Health
Residents gave high marks to the quality of environment and environmental services.
In 2013, 92% rated the overall quality of the environment as “very good” or “good,” similar to
2012 and much above both benchmarks.
Nine in 10 gave positive reviews of the community’s visual attractiveness, sewer services, air quality
and drinking water, with air quality showing improvement from 2012 to 2013.
Eight in 10 rated recycling programs and conservation efforts as “very good” or “good.”
Students were more likely to award positive marks to the city’s recycling programs and conservation
efforts than were non-students.
One-third felt that the City should increase efforts to promote environmental priorities and two-
thirds felt the level of effort should stay the same. When asked to identify their top three priorities
should be for the City in the next five years, one-third of respondents mentioned the environment as
one of their top three priorities.
Transportation
In 2013, respondents identified transportation as an area for improvement.
Half of residents gave positive ratings to the ease of driving in Fort Collins, while about one-third
rated it as “average”; this rating decreased from 2012 to 2013. However, it was above the national
benchmark and similar to the Front Range benchmark.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
3
A majority of residents gave ratings of “average” or less to the ease of traveling by public
transportation, availability of parking Downtown and traffic congestion. Traffic congestion was the
only survey item rated below both benchmarks.
At least two-thirds gave positive marks to Fort Collins as a walkable city and the ease of traveling by
bicycle. The city ranked fourth in the nation for ratings of bicycle travel in 2013.
Residents who were newer to Fort Collins, those living in dorms and those from the
Northwest/CSU area tended to give more favorable ratings of transportation than their
counterparts.
A majority of residents felt the City should put more effort toward addressing transportation issues
(e.g., improving the bus system and adding bike lanes); nearly 6 in 10 said improving transportation
and reducing traffic should be a top priority for the City in the next five years.
Culture and Recreation
Survey respondents appreciated opportunities for cultural and recreational participation in Fort Collins.
Nine in 10 respondents rated the quality of recreational opportunities as “good” or “very good,”
and 85% gave positive reviews of the quality of public library services in 2013.
Seven in 10 gave positive ratings of the quality of arts and cultural opportunities, up from about 6 in
10 in previous survey years and much above the national and Front Range averages.
Among the other cultural and recreational opportunities listed on the survey, the highest rated were
recreational trails, parks and natural areas and open space. Ratings of these services remained
stable over time and were much above the national and Front Range averages.
Women and residents who had lived in Fort Collins for 11 to 20 years tended to give higher ratings
of various cultural and recreational amenities compared to their counterparts.
Three-quarters felt the City should continue to apply the same amount of effort toward culture,
parks and recreation as they have done in the past, while 19% felt more effort should be applied.
Economic Health
Although some residents hoped for better job opportunities, many appreciated the City’s support of
businesses and its economic health strategies.
In 2013, 8 in 10 residents rated Fort Collins
as a “good” or “very good” place to work,
similar to 2012 and higher than most prior
survey years. The city ranked first among the
approximately 30 Front Range communities
available for comparison.
However, residents’ ratings of job
opportunities received mixed reviews, with
most saying “good” or “average,” although
this was still much above the average for the
nation and the Front Range.
About 7 in 10 gave positive ratings of support of businesses and nearly two-thirds gave good reviews
of economic health strategies, with both seeing an improvement from previous survey years.
When evaluating the level of effort they felt the City should put toward the economy, fewer
residents endorsed applying more effort to the economy, favoring the same level of effort instead.
58% 56%
65% 72%
42% 40%
58% 64%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or
"good"
Support of businesses
Economic health strategies
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
4
Respondents who had lived in the community for more than 20 years, those living in attached
dwelling units and residents of the West Central area were less likely to give good marks to Fort
Collins as a place to work.
High-Performing Government
City services received positive evaluations.
When asked to evaluate the overall quality of services provided by the City of Fort Collins, 87%
gave “very good” or “good” reviews; this was much above the national and Front Range
benchmarks.
Residents who had lived in the
community for more than 20 years gave
lower ratings of overall service quality
than did newer residents.
Across all City services, most residents
gave positive marks and ratings tended to
be above the national and Front Range
benchmark, when a comparison was
available.
Resident opinion was mixed regarding City government performance.
Fort Collins received ratings that were above or much above the national and Front Range
averages for all aspects of government performance that could be compared.
At least 7 in 10 gave positive ratings of the government encouraging sustainability in the community
and the overall direction of the City.
Just over half gave positive marks to the government managing and planning for growth and
listening to citizens, continuing a slight upward trend from previous years.
Residents who had lived in Fort Collins longer tended to give lower ratings to most aspects of
government performance and younger residents gave higher ratings to the overall direction of the
City compared to their counterparts.
Among the 54% of respondents who had contact with the City in the year prior to the survey, at
least 8 in 10 gave “very good” or “good” ratings of City employees’ courtesy, promptness,
knowledge and overall impression. Seven in 10 gave such ratings to the employee making them feel
valued.
77% 78%
85% 87%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good"
or "good"
Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
5
Survey Background
Survey Purpose
The City of Fort Collins contracted with National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) to conduct a community-
wide citizen survey. The 2013 Fort Collins Citizen Survey serves as a consumer report card for Fort
Collins by providing residents the opportunity to rate the quality of life in the city, as well as the
community's amenities, service delivery, and satisfaction with the local government. The survey also
permits residents to provide feedback to government on what is working well and what is not, and to
communicate priorities for community planning and resource allocation. This is the seventh iteration of
the survey since 2001.
Methods
The 2013 survey was mailed to 1,800 randomly selected Fort Collins residents and 200 randomly selected
Colorado State University (CSU) students who resided in on-campus dormitories. Those selected to
participate in the survey received three mailings, one week apart, beginning in October 2013. The first
mailing was a prenotification postcard announcing the upcoming survey. The other two mailings
contained a letter from the Mayor, a questionnaire and a postage-paid envelope. About 3% of the
mailings were returned as undeliverable because the housing unit was vacant or the postal service was
unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the 1,945 households and students that received the survey,
535 respondents completed a survey, 24 of which were returned by students living in dormitories. The
overall response rate was 28%.
Survey results were weighted so that the respondent gender, age, housing unit type (single or multiple
family dwelling) and tenure (rent, own or living in group quarters) were more closely represented in the
proportions reflective of the entire city. (For more information see Appendix H. Survey Methodology.)
How the Results Are Reported
For the most part, the “percent positive” and frequency distributions (the percent of respondents giving
each possible response to a particular question) are presented in the body of the report. The percent
positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., “very good” and “good,”
“always safe” and “usually safe,” etc.).
On many of the questions in the survey, respondents could give an answer of “no opinion.” The
proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix B.
Complete Set of Survey Frequencies and is discussed in the body of this report if it is 30% or greater. However,
these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report, unless otherwise
indicated. In other words, the majority of the tables and graphs in the body of the report display the
responses from those who had an opinion about a specific item.
For some questions, respondents were permitted to select or write in multiple responses. When the total
exceeds 100% in a table for a multiple response question, it is because some respondents are counted in
multiple categories. When a table for a question that only permitted a single response does not total to
exactly 100%, it is due to the common practice of percentages being rounded to the nearest whole
number.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
6
Precision of Estimates
It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” (or
margin of error). The 95 percent confidence level for this survey is generally no greater than plus or minus
four percentage points around any given percent reported for the entire sample (535 completed surveys).
Where estimates are given for subgroups, they are less precise. Generally the 95% confidence interval
ranges from plus or minus five percentage points for samples of about 400 to plus or minus 10 percentage
points for samples as small as 100. For smaller sample sizes (i.e., 50), the margin of error rises to 14%.
Comparing Survey Results Over Time
Because this survey was the seventh in a series of citizen surveys, the 2013 results are presented along with
past ratings when available. Differences between percentages reported in the body of the report can be
considered “statistically significant” if they are six percentage points or more. Trend data for Fort Collins
represent important comparisons and should be examined for improvements or declines. Deviations from
stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs or public
information may have affected residents’ opinions.
Comparing Survey Results by Geographic and Demographic Subgroups
Select survey results were compared by demographic characteristics of survey respondents and geographic
area of residence and are discussed throughout the body of the report (a full set of these results can be
found in Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of
Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Comparing Survey Results to Other Communities
NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in citizen
surveys from approximately 500 communities whose residents evaluated their services. Conducted with
typically no fewer than 400 residents in each community, opinions are intended to represent over 30
million Americans.
National and Front Range benchmark comparisons have been included in the report when available.
Benchmark comparisons have been provided when similar questions on the Fort Collins survey are
included in NRC’s database and there are at least five communities in which the question was asked,
though most questions are compared to more than five other cities across the country or in the Front
Range. Additional information on NRC’s benchmarking database, including communities to which Fort
Collins was compared nationally and in the Front Range, can be found in Appendix F. Benchmark
Comparisons.
Where comparisons for quality ratings were available, the City of Fort Collins results were generally noted
as being “above,” “below,” 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, residents contacting the City in the last 12 months). 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 Fort Collins 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
Fort Collins rating and the benchmark is greater than but less than twice the margin of error; and “much
above,” “much below,” “much more,” or “much less” if the difference between Fort Collins rating and
the benchmark is more than twice the margin of error. Data for a number of items on the survey is not
available in the benchmark database (e.g., some of the services or aspects of the community or quality of
life). These items are excluded from the benchmark tables.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
7
Survey Results
The Fort Collins Citizen Survey is comprehensive, covering many topics related to life in the community.
The 2013 report of results is organized around the City’s seven priorities highlighted in the 2013-2014
Budgeting For Outcomes (BFO) document. These are:
Community and Neighborhood Livability - Fort Collins provides a high quality built
environment and supports quality, diverse neighborhoods.
Safe Community - Fort Collins provides a safe place to live, work, learn, and play.
Environmental Health - Fort Collins promotes, protects, and enhances a healthy and
sustainable environment.
Transportation - Fort Collins provides for safe and reliable multi-modal travel to, from, and
throughout the city.
Culture and Recreation - Fort Collins provides diverse cultural and recreational amenities.
Economic Health - Fort Collins has a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values.
High Performing Government - Fort Collins exemplifies an efficient, innovative, transparent,
effective, and collaborative City government.
Community and Neighborhood Livability
Aspects of Quality of Life and Community
Residents’ perceptions of their quality of life and the quality of their neighborhood are central to gauging
community livability. In 2013, ratings of overall quality of life remained high in the City of Fort Collins,
with 9 in 10 respondents saying it was “very good” or “good.” These ratings were similar to those
awarded in previous years and much above the national and Front Range benchmarks (see Appendix F.
Benchmark Comparisons for more detail about the benchmark comparisons).
The 2013 survey results were compared by respondent geographic area of residence and demographic
characteristics (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E.
Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence). There were no differences in opinions
regarding quality of life among the various subgroups of respondents.
Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year
90% 88% 89%
92%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
8
In addition to this overall rating, residents evaluated specific aspects of Fort Collins as a community (see
Figure 2). Almost all respondents gave “very good” or “good” ratings to Fort Collins as a place to live, and
9 in 10 gave such ratings to Fort Collins as a place to raise children and attend college. At least three-
quarters gave positive marks to the quality of public schools, Fort Collins as a place to retire and
community acceptance of all people. Only availability of affordable quality housing received lower
ratings, with about half of respondents saying “average” and one-quarter saying “bad” or “very bad” (see
Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Frequencies for a full set of responses to each question). Ratings were stable
from 2012 to 2013, with a slight increase noted for community acceptance of all people (75% “very good”
or “good” in 2013 vs. 69% in 2012).
All aspects community quality that could be compared to the nation and the Front Range received ratings
that were above or much above the benchmarks. Fort Collins ranked first among Front Range
communities for community acceptance of all people (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Ratings of quality of life and community differed by respondents’ area of residence and demographic
characteristics. For example, residents who had lived in Fort Collins longer and those living in attached
housing units tended to give lower ratings of community acceptance of all people. Students gave higher
ratings of affordable quality housing and the community as a place to attend college, but lower ratings of
the community overall, as a place to live. Residents living south of Harmony and in the Northwest/CSU
area gave higher ratings of affordable quality housing, while those in the Northeast area gave lower
ratings compared to other areas. Residents in the East Central area and those living south of Harmony
awarded higher ratings to the quality of public schools than did those living in other areas of the city. For
a full set of comparisons, see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix
E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence.
Figure 2: Quality of Life and Community Compared by Year
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the
items listed below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Overall, as a place to live 97% 96% 92% 94% 84% 89% 89%
As a place to raise children 92% 91% 88% 89% 85% 91% 90%
As a place to attend college 88% 88% 90% 89% 87% 91% 94%
Quality of public schools 82% 82% 78% 78% 79% NA NA
As a place to retire 79% 78% 80% 80% 75% 72% 76%
Community acceptance of all people 75% 69% 63% 67% 53% 61% 59%
Availability of affordable quality housing 31% 33% 42% 31% 14% 21% 17%
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: in the 2010 survey, “Community acceptance of all people” was worded as “Community openness and acceptance of all
people.”
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
9
Quality of Neighborhoods
Respondents were given the opportunity to evaluate their neighborhood as a place to live and raise
children. In 2013, 86% rated their neighborhood as a “very good” or “good” place to live, representing
an upward trend since 2010 and remaining much above the benchmarks. About three-quarters rated their
neighborhood as a “very good” or “good” place to raise children, similar to 2012.
Neighborhood ratings varied significantly by respondent characteristics, including geographic area.
Residents living south of Harmony gave higher marks to their neighborhood as a place to live and raise
children compared to residents from other areas. Residents who had lived in Fort Collins for more than 5
years, those living in detached housing units, non-students and residents 35 and older gave higher ratings
of Fort Collins as a place to raise children than did their counterparts (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select
Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area
of Residence).
Figure 3: Quality of Neighborhoods Compared by Year
83% 81%
77%
81%
86%
79%
69% 67%
73% 73%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
10
Interaction with Neighbors
The cohesiveness of a community can be measured by the degree to which residents know and interact
with the people near them. When asked to indicate how many of their neighbors they knew by name, on
average, respondents reported knowing the names of about 9 of their neighbors who lived on their street
or in their apartment complex. A third said they knew more than 10 of their neighbors by name, one-
quarter knew 6 to 10 by name and 37% knew one to five neighbors by name. One in 10 reported
knowing none of their neighbors by name. Ninety-two percent of respondents reported talking to their
neighbors at least once a year. These proportions were similar to 2012.
Figure 4: Knows Neighbors Compared by Year
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Thinking about your neighbors who live on your
street or in your apartment complex, how many of
them do you know by name?
None 10% 11% 11% 9% 4%
1-5 37% 39% 39% 40% 26%
6-10 25% 20% 24% 24% 28%
More than 10 29% 30% 25% 27% 42%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Average number of neighbors known by name 9.4 9.5 8.5 8.8 12.9
How many different households are represented
by neighbors that you know by name?
None 10% 11% 11% 9% 4%
1-5 55% 56% 56% 57% 45%
6-10 25% 21% 23% 24% 33%
More than 10 11% 12% 10% 10% 18%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Average number of households where know neighbor by name 6.0 5.6 5.1 5.6 7.6
Figure 5: Frequency of Communication with Neighbors Compared by Year
97% 95% 93% 93%
92%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent reporting talking to
their neighbors once a year or
more
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
11
Safe Community
In order to participate in and contribute to their community, residents must have a sense of personal
safety in their environment, as well as confidence in the quality of public safety services.
Personal Safety
As in 2012, residents of Fort Collins felt safe in their community in 2013. Nine in 10 residents gave “very
good” or “good” marks to the overall safety in the city. Almost all residents felt “always safe” or “usually
safe” downtown, in Fort Collins overall and in their neighborhoods during the day, and at least 7 in 10
felt safe in these areas at night. At least 8 in 10 residents reported feeling safe in Fort Collins’ parks,
natural areas, recreation facilities and trails. Ratings of personal safety remained stable from 2012 to
2013.
Where comparisons to the benchmarks were available, personal safety ratings were above or much above
the nation and the Front Range (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Comparisons by respondent characteristics showed differences in feelings of personal safety. Residents
living in dorms, students, women and residents living in the Northeast area of the city gave lower marks to
the overall safety of residents than did their counterparts. Men, residents who had lived in Fort Collins 10
years or less and younger residents (less than 55 years old) tended to feel safer in most areas of the
community during the day and at night. Students felt safer in Fort Collins overall during the day than did
non-students. For additional comparisons, see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence.
Figure 6: Feelings of Overall Safety in City Compared by Year
86%
81%
75%
87% 87%
91% 91%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
12
Figure 7: Feelings of Personal Safety Compared by Year
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Fort Collins overall during the day 98% 97% NA NA NA
Fort Collins overall at night 77% 78% NA NA NA
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 99% 98% 95% 95% 96%
Downtown Fort Collins at night 71% 68% 65% 66% 61%
Your neighborhood during the day 98% 98% 97% 97% 98%
Your neighborhood at night 88% 86% 83% 83% 87%
Parks 87% 88% 88% 87% 86%
Natural areas/open space 88% 85% 88% 87% NA
Recreation facilities 95% 91% 94% 94% 91%
Trails 82% 83% 80% 79% 76%
Percent reporting “always safe” or “usually safe.”
Note: In the 2012 and 2013 surveys, the phrase “in Fort Collins” was removed from each item and inserted into the question
stem wording.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
13
Safety Services
Respondents evaluated the quality of 17 safety and code enforcement services, shown in Figure 8 on the
following page. Nine in 10 residents gave positive marks to fire response time and fire services overall; 8 in
10 gave positive ratings to disaster response and restoration of services, Natural Areas Ranger services and
emergency preparedness; and three-quarters gave positive ratings to police services overall, fire prevention
and education, police response time, business property maintenance and police patrol. Lower ratings were
given to code and noise enforcement (57% “very good” or “good”). Overall, ratings were similar in 2012
and 2013.
Most safety services that could be compared to other communities across the nation and in the Front
Range received ratings that were above or much above both benchmarks, including emergency
preparedness, fire prevention and education and crime prevention. Fire services overall was similar to the
national benchmark, while business property maintenance was below the national benchmark. Ratings of
emergency preparedness, police response time, code enforcement and animal control ranked highest
among Front Range communities in 2013. Ratings for five services (fire response time, police patrol,
police visibility, business property maintenance and residential property maintenance) were not available
for Front Range comparisons (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
At least 30% of respondents had no opinion when rating fire and police response times (see Appendix B.
Complete Set of Survey Frequencies for full frequencies).
When results were compared among subgroups of residents, those who had lived in Fort Collins for less
time (less than 20 years), those living in dorms, younger respondents and men were more likely to give
positive reviews of community safety services than were their counterparts. Northeast residents tended to
give lower ratings than those from other areas (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
14
Figure 8: Quality of Community Safety Services Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort
Collins.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Fire response time 89% 84% NA NA NA NA NA
Fire services overall 89% 85% 96% 94% NA 90% 96%
Disaster response and restoration of services 84% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Natural Areas Ranger services 81% 83% NA NA NA NA NA
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the
community for natural disasters or other emergency
situations) 80% 75% NA NA NA NA NA
Police services overall 76% 73% 68% 70% NA NA NA
Fire prevention/education 74% 72% NA NA NA NA NA
Police response time 74% 70% 68% 68% NA 74% 81%
Business property maintenance 74% 70% 68% 72% NA NA NA
Police patrol 72% 71% 70% 70% NA NA NA
Crime prevention 70% 66% 77% 72% NA NA NA
Police visibility 69% 70% 67% 67% NA NA NA
Residential property maintenance 67% 63% 61% 65% NA NA NA
Animal control 64% 65% 61% 66% NA NA NA
Traffic enforcement 63% 64% 63% 62% NA 49% 56%
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 57% 59% 54% 55% NA NA NA
Noise enforcement 57% 59% NA NA NA NA NA
Percent “very good” or “good.”
Note: This question was not asked in 2006. In the 2010 survey, “Fire services overall” was described as “Fire services.” “Disaster
response and restoration of services” was a new item in 2013.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
15
Safety-related utility services also earned good marks in 2013, with 9 in 10 residents awarding positive
ratings to electric services and three-quarters giving “very good” or “good” ratings of storm drainage.
Ratings were similar in 2013 and 2012, when these questions were first asked.
Resident ratings of storm drainage were much above the national and Front Range benchmarks. Electric
services were much above the national benchmark; this item was not available for comparison to the
Front Range (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Few differences were noted by respondent characteristics and area of residence. However, students gave
better ratings of electric services compared to non-students (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by
Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 9: Quality of Safety-Related Utility Services Compared by Year
78%
89%
77%
89%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Storm drainage
Electric services
Percent "very good" or "good"
2013
2012
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
16
Environmental Health
Environmental health includes a variety of factors that support residents’ physical health and ensure the
protection and sustainability of the community’s natural resources. In 2013, 92% of respondents rated the
overall quality of the environment as “very good” or “good,” similar to 2012. A similar proportion gave
positive reviews of the community’s visual attractiveness (91%), air quality (90%) and drinking water
(93%, see Figure 12 on the next page). Eight in 10 rated recycling programs and conservation efforts as
“very good” or “good.” Ratings generally remained steady from 2012 to 2013; however, a significant
improvement was noted for air quality (90% “very good” or “good” in 2013 vs. 84% in 2012).
All areas were rated above or much above the benchmarks. In national comparisons, Fort Collins ranked
first for quality of drinking water and sixth for air quality in 2013 (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Comparisons by respondent demographics indicated that students, respondents living in dorms, those
under age 55 and those living in Fort Collins for 20 years or less gave better ratings of air quality
compared to their counterparts. Those living in Fort Collins for more than 20 years gave lower ratings of
the community’s visual attractiveness but higher ratings of drinking water quality. Students and those
living in dorms were more likely to award positive marks to the city’s recycling programs and conservation
efforts than were non-students. No differences were noted by geographic area (see Appendix D. Comparison of
Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic
Area of Residence).
Figure 10: Overall Quality of the Environment Compared by Year
Figure 11: Quality of Aspects of the Environment Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins
on each of the items listed below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Community's visual attractiveness 91% 87% 86% 91% 83% 79% 73%
Air quality 90% 84% 85% 84% 72% 63% 57%
Recycling programs 83% 81% 78% 79% 69% 64% 71%
Conservation efforts 82% 78% 81% 75% NA NA NA
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
83%
89% 89% 87%
92%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
17
Figure 12: Quality of Drinking Water Compared by Year
Note: In the 2010 survey, “Drinking water” was “Drinking water quality” and was included in the Quality of Environment
question set. In 2012, it was moved to be grouped with questions about other utilities.
In addition to rating aspects of the environment, residents evaluated city services related to the
environment. In 2013, 9 in 10 awarded “very good” or “good” ratings to city sewer services, similar to
2012 and much above the averages for the nation and the Front Range.
No differences in ratings were noted by respondent characteristics.
Figure 13: Quality of Sewer Services Compared by Year
88% 91%
88% 92%
93%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
90%
87%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Sewer services
Percent "very good" or "good"
2013
2012
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
18
Transportation
As a city grows, issues related to transportation, traffic and infrastructure often arise. In 2013, Fort Collins
residents viewed some aspects of city transportation more favorably than others. Ease of bicycle travel
received the highest ratings, with 8 in 10 awarding “good” or “very good” marks, while two-thirds gave
positive reviews to Fort Collins as a walkable city, both similar to 2012. Resident opinion regarding ease
of driving and street maintenance was divided, with about 5 in 10 saying these were “very good” or
“good” and a third saying “average” for each. Resident ratings for the ease of driving declined slightly
from 2012 to 2013. As in previous years, traffic congestion received the lowest ratings, with a third saying
it was “bad” or “very bad.” Though ratings of traffic congestion were lower in 2013 than in 2012, they
remained well above ratings provided in 2001 and 2003. Gains made in 2012 with regard to public
transportation were maintained in 2013, with 4 in 10 giving positive ratings.
Most aspects of transportation in Fort Collins received ratings that were above or much above the
national and Front Range averages (public transportation, walkability, bike travel and street
maintenance). Ease of driving was rated above the national benchmark but similar to the Front Range,
while traffic congestion was rated below both benchmarks. The city was ranked fourth in the nation for
ease of bicycle travel (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
At least one-third of respondents indicated “no opinion” when evaluating the ease of traveling by public
transportation.
When ratings of transportation in Fort Collins were compared by respondent characteristics, residents
who were newer to Fort Collins, those living in dorms and those from the Northwest/CSU area tended to
give more favorable ratings, overall, than did their counterparts. Students had more favorable views of
public transportation and walkability but less favorable views of ease of driving. Residents age 18-34 were
more likely to give “good” or “very good” ratings of public transportation and bicycle travel than were
older residents (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E.
Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 14: Aspects of Transportation Compared by Year
Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort
Collins.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Ease of traveling by bicycle 83% 85% 80% 82% 64% NA NA
As a walkable city 67% 67% 59% 63% 47% NA NA
Ease of driving 52% 58% 51% 43% 32% NA NA
Street maintenance 50% 46% 32% 47% NA 44% 52%
Ease of traveling by public transportation 41% 40% 31% 35% 17% NA NA
Availability of parking Downtown 34% 30% 36% 34% NA NA NA
Traffic congestion 20% 26% 25% 18% NA 9% 10%
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: In the 2012 survey, the phrase “in Fort Collins” was removed from each item and inserted into the question stem wording.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
19
Culture and Recreation
Culture and recreation provide opportunities for residents to participate in their community and enhance
quality of life. Nine in 10 respondents rated the quality of recreational opportunities as “good” or “very
good,” and almost as many gave positive reviews of the quality of public library services (85%); both
ratings were similar to 2012. Seven in 10 gave “good” or “very good” ratings of the quality of arts and
cultural opportunities, up from about 6 in 10 in previous survey years.
Arts and cultural opportunities, recreational opportunities and public library services were rated above or
much above the national and Front Range averages. Fort Collins ranked first in the Front Range and fifth
in the nation for quality of recreational opportunities.
Figure 15: Community Aspects of Culture and Recreation Compared by Year
Note: In the 2010 survey, “Quality of arts and cultural opportunities” was described as “Availability and diversity of arts and
cultural activities,” and “Quality of recreational opportunities” was worded as “Availability and diversity of recreational
opportunities.”
85% 85% 86% 88% 88%
84%
80%
74%
80% 80%
84% 85%
60% 63%
62% 63%
72%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
Quality of recreational opportunities
Quality of public library services
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
20
Among the other cultural and recreational opportunities listed on the survey, the highest rated related to
outdoor areas that are likely used by a broad range of residents and typically have free access, including
recreational trails (96%), parks (96%) and natural areas and open space (95%). While the lowest rated
was the Mulberry Pool, it still received positive marks from 7 in 10 respondents. Ratings generally were
stable from 2012 to 2013, with improvements noted for the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, as well as
cemeteries. Overall, across all survey years, ratings tended to remain stable or improve (see Figure 16 on
the following page).
Fort Collins’ ratings for each of these areas were much above the national average. The four areas
available for comparison to the Front Range (natural areas and open space, recreational trails, parks and
adult recreation programs) also were much above the benchmark. The city ranked among the top three
communities in the nation for most aspects of culture, parks and recreation in 2013, and was ranked first
among Front Range communities (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Between 34% and 70% of respondents indicated “no opinion” when evaluating the following cultural and
recreational programs and facilities: cemeteries, golf courses, Northside Aztlan Community Center, Fort
Collins Senior Center, Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), Mulberry Pool, The Farm at Lee Martinez Park,
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center), pottery studio, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
and recreation programs for youth, adults and seniors.
Comparisons of results by respondent subgroups showed that women and residents who had lived in Fort
Collins for 11 to 20 years tended to give higher ratings of various cultural and recreational amenities
compared to their counterparts. Students gave higher marks to natural areas and open space, athletic
fields and youth/teen recreation programs but lower ratings to the Northside Aztlan Community Center
and The Horticultural Center than did non-students. Northeast area residents gave lower ratings to adult
recreation programs and The Farm at Lee Martinez Park than did residents of other areas of the city;
West Central and Northwest/CSU residents gave higher ratings of cemeteries (see Appendix D. Comparison
of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Geographic Area of Residence).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
21
Figure 16: Quality of Parks, Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities
listed below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Recreational trails 96% 93% 94% 95% 90% 89% 91%
Parks 96% 93% 92% 93% 87% 91% 95%
Natural areas and open space 95% 94% 93% 94% 88% 83% 84%
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center) 91% 89% 87% 91% 80% NA NA
Athletic fields 89% 86% 84% 88% 79% 85% 85%
Fort Collins Senior Center 87% 85% 85% 88% 88% NA NA
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 87% 84% 83% 86% 86% NA NA
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 87% 78% 67% 67% 67% 67% 73%
Cemeteries 86% 79% 77% 79% 73% 72% 72%
Golf courses 85% 80% 80% 85% 82% 85% 85%
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 85% 83% 82% 84% 84% NA NA
Lincoln Center programs 85% 82% 77% 79% 78% 80% 86%
Pottery studio 83% 78% 78% 75% 73% NA NA
Northside Aztlan Community Center 82% 86% 82% 83% 60% NA NA
Art in Public Places program 82% 79% 73% 75% 60% NA NA
Senior recreation programs 82% 80% 79% 82% 81% 76% 84%
Adult recreation programs 79% 75% 74% 73% 73% 69% 77%
Youth/teen recreation programs 79% 78% 72% 70% 62% 65% 56%
Mulberry Pool 72% 76% 73% 71% 73% NA NA
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: Prior to 2013, the “Fort Collins Museum of Discovery” was “Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center.”
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
22
Economic Health
The health of the local economy provides the backbone of a thriving community. In 2013, 8 in 10
residents rated Fort Collins as a “good” or “very good” place to work, similar to 2012 and higher than
most prior survey years. At least two-thirds also gave positive reviews of dining, entertainment and
shopping opportunities and the availability of quality healthcare, all ratings that were similar to 2012.
However, the availability of job opportunities continued to receive mixed reviews, with 3 in 10 saying
“good” or “very good” and another half of respondents saying “average” (see Appendix B. Complete Set of
Survey Frequencies for all responses). Ratings of job opportunities in 2013 were similar to 2012 but above
evaluations given in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
All areas that could be compared to the benchmarks were much above the nation and the Front Range
(see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Respondents who had lived in the community for more than 20 years, those living in attached dwelling
units and residents of the West Central area were less likely to give good marks to Fort Collins as a place
to work. Men, students and residents who had lived in the community for 10 years or less gave higher
ratings to shopping opportunities. Those living in dorms gave higher ratings to job opportunities (see
Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select
Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 17: City as a Place to Work Compared by Year
Note: This question was not asked in 2006.
Figure 18: Community Aspects of Economic Health Compared by Year
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed
below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Quality of dining opportunities 82% 84% 80% 82% 83%
Availability of quality healthcare 75% 74% 73% 70% NA
Quality of entertainment opportunities 68% 64% 58% 59% 65%
Quality of shopping opportunities 67% 65% 60% 59% 58%
Availability of job opportunities 35% 31% 27% 29% 27%
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: In the 2010 survey, “Quality of shopping opportunities” was worded as “Availability and diversity of shopping,” “Quality
of dining opportunities” was worded as “Availability and diversity of dining,” “Quality of entertainment opportunities” was
worded as “Availability and diversity of entertainment” and “Availability of job opportunities” was worded as “Availability and
diversity of job opportunities.”
75%
58%
71% 70%
77% 78%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2001 2003 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
23
The City’s efforts to improve economic health in Fort Collins appeared to be effective; resident ratings of
both the City’s support of businesses and its economic health strategies continued to trend upward in
2013, reaching their highest level across all survey administrations. About 7 in 10 gave positive ratings to
support of businesses, while two-thirds gave good reviews of economic health strategies. Citizen ratings of
the City’s support of businesses were much above the national benchmark (a Front Range comparison
was not available, see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
However, it should be noted that more than 30% of respondents had no opinion regarding the City’s
economic health strategies.
Comparisons by subgroups revealed that respondents who had lived in Fort Collins for 10 years or less,
those living in dorms and students gave more favorable ratings of these areas than did their counterparts.
Results were similar among geographic subareas (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 19: Economic Health Compared by Year
Note: In the 2010 survey “Support of businesses” was worded as “Overall support of businesses in Fort Collins” and “Economic
health strategies” was worded as “Overall economic health of Fort Collins.”
58% 56%
65%
72%
40% 42%
40%
58%
64%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
Support of businesses
Economic health strategies
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
24
High Performing Government
The survey included several questions aimed at measuring government performance, interactions with
City employees, planning and public information. Resident input on their perceptions of government
performance can be a valuable tool for identifying possible communication gaps and levels of civic
engagement.
Overall Quality of City Services
Residents appreciated the quality of services provided by the City of Fort Collins, with 87% rating the
overall quality of services as “good” or “very good” in 2013. This was similar to 2012, continuing a slight
upward trend from 2008. Ratings were much above those given by residents in other communities in the
nation and in the Front Range (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons for more detail).
Residents who had lived in the community for more than 20 years gave lower ratings of overall service
quality than did newer residents. No other differences were noted by respondent demographics or
geographic area (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E.
Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 20: Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year
77% 78%
85% 87%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
25
Utilities
When asked to evaluate the quality of utilities in Fort Collins, 8 in 10 residents gave positive reviews of
utilities overall, and three-quarters gave positive marks to utility billing. Ratings remained stable from
2012 to 2013.
Utilities overall received ratings above the Front Range average and much above the national average.
Utility billing also was rated much above the national average (a Front Range comparison was not
available, see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Younger residents and those who had lived in the city for 5 years or less tended to award lower ratings of
utilities overall. With regard to utility billing, women and those living in dorms gave higher marks than
their counterparts. No differences were noted by geographic area (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select
Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area
of Residence).
Figure 21: Quality of Utility Billing and Utilities Overall Compared by Year
76%
83%
74%
81%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Utility billing
Utilities overall
Percent "very good" or "good"
2013
2012
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
26
City Government Performance
When rating six different aspects of government performance, respondents were most positive about the
City’s overall direction and encouragement of sustainability in the community, with at least 7 in 10
awarding “good” or “very good” marks. About two-thirds gave positive ratings of the City welcoming
citizen involvement and operating programs and services efficiently. Just over half gave “good” or “very
good” reviews to managing and planning for growth and listening to citizens. Overall, ratings were stable
from 2012 to 2013, continuing to trend upward slightly over survey years. A significant improvement was
noted for efficient operation of programs and services, rising from 59% “good” or “very good” in 2012 to
65% in 2013.
Compared to other communities in the nation and the Front Range, Fort Collins received ratings that
were much above the average for all areas that could be compared, including the overall direction of the
City. Fort Collins was ranked among the top three jurisdictions in the nation for welcoming citizen
involvement, listening to citizens and managing and planning for growth (see Appendix F. Benchmark
Comparisons).
Ratings of City government performance varied among subgroups of respondents. Residents who had
lived in Fort Collins for more than 20 years tended to give lower ratings of government performance than
did those who lived in the city for a shorter period of time. Younger residents (under age 55) gave higher
ratings of the overall direction of the City in 2013 than did older residents. Students awarded higher
ratings of managing and planning for growth and encouraging sustainability than did non-students.
Residents from different geographic areas gave similar ratings to the performance of the City government
(see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select
Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 22: City Government Performance Compared by Year
Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following
areas.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Encouraging sustainability in the community 73% 69% NA NA NA NA NA
Overall direction of the City 70% 67% 61% 54% NA NA NA
Welcoming citizen involvement 67% 64% 54% 56% 26% NA NA
Efficient operation of programs and services 65% 59% 53% 51% 29% NA NA
Managing and planning for growth 56% 54% 48% 36% 20% 21% 23%
Listening to citizens 53% 50% 44% 41% 37% NA NA
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
27
City Employees
In 2013, just over half of survey respondents reported having contacted a City employee in the 12 months
prior to the survey, similar to 2012 and above the average for the nation and the Front Range. Those who
had contacted the City were asked to rate various aspects of their experience; at least 8 in 10 rated City
employees’ courtesy, knowledge, promptness and overall impression as “good” or “very good” (see Figure
24 on the following page). Seven in10 of those who had contacted the City gave positive ratings of
employees making them feel valued. All employee characteristics that could be compared to the
benchmarks were rated above or much above (see Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons).
Additionally, respondents who had not contacted the City in the 12 months prior to the survey were asked
to give their impression of how City employees treat Fort Collins residents. While ratings were slightly
lower among non-users than users, at least two-thirds still gave positive ratings of City employees’
courtesy, promptness and making citizens feel valued (see Figure 25).
Ratings of City employees did not differ by respondent characteristics or geographic area of residence.
Figure 23: Contact with City Employees Compared by Year
Note: In the 2010 survey, “Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in person, via email or online within the
last 12 months?” was worded as “Have you had phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12
months?”
58% 58% 55%
46% 46%
55% 54%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent reporting "yes"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
28
Figure 24: Users’ Ratings of Employee Characteristics Compared by Year
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City
employee(s) on each of the items below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Courtesy 88% 86% 83% 83% 86% 83% 89%
Promptness 81% 81% 72% 75% 75% 72% 78%
Knowledge 80% 80% 80% 77% 77% 77% 82%
Making you feel valued 69% 68% 74% 75% 74% 74% 76%
Overall impression 80% 79% 78% 77% NA NA NA
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: This question was asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the last 12 months. In the 2010
survey, “Making you feel valued” was worded as “Making you feel valued as a citizen/customer.”
Figure 25: Non-Users’ Ratings of Employee Characteristics Compared by Year
Although you may not have had any recent personal
contact with City employees, we would like to know your
impression of how City employees treat Fort Collins
residents. Please rate City employees on each of the items
below.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Courtesy 79% 81% 84% 73% 73% 71% 71%
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service
requests 73% 76% 67% 61% 60% 64% 58%
Making citizens or customers feel valued 68% 71% 61% 64% 62% 60% 55%
Percent reporting “very good” or “good.”
Note: This question was asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the last 12 months. In the 2010
survey, “Making you feel valued” was worded as “Making you feel valued as a citizen/customer.”
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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29
Fiscal Management and Planning
Since 2006, the survey has included a question designed to assess citizens’ opinions about City budget
priorities. Survey respondents were asked to indicate how the City should address the seven Budgeting
For Outcomes (BFO) priorities on a scale of “more effort,” “same effort” or “less effort.”
In general, residents thought the City should apply the same amount of effort to each of the BFO
priorities (see Figure 26 on the following page). However, in 2013, a majority of respondents felt that the
City should apply more effort to improving transportation in Fort Collins, including planning and
development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand
management. At least one-third said more effort should be applied to the economy, the environment and
neighborhoods. Generally, resident opinion was similar from 2012 to 2013; however, fewer residents
endorsed applying more effort to the economy, favoring “same effort” instead. A larger proportion of
respondents in 2013 supported applying the “same effort” to the environment than in 2012 (65% versus
59%, respectively).
Resident priorities differed by respondent characteristics. Those who had lived in Fort Collins longer
(more than 20 years) were more likely to favor increasing efforts to improve the economy and less likely to
favor increasing efforts to improve transportation and culture, parks and recreation. Residents living in
dorms were less likely to support increasing environmental efforts, while residents living in attached
housing units were more likely to do so. Non-students were more likely to feel that the City should
increase efforts related to the economy, the environment and culture, parks and recreation. Northeast
area residents were more likely to endorse increased efforts toward neighborhoods, while residents living
south of Harmony were more likely to want increased efforts toward culture, parks and recreation
compared to those in other areas. For additional comparisons, see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions
by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of
Residence.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Figure 26: Budget Priorities Compared by Year
Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should
address each of the following aspects of the community.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Economy: Includes economic planning and development
activities
More effort 36% 44% 56% 61% 65%
Same effort 61% 53% 41% 38% 31%
Less effort 4% 2% 3% 1% 4%
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water
resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart
growth, and an attractive community
More effort 32% 37% 36% 39% 39%
Same effort 65% 59% 56% 56% 54%
Less effort 3% 4% 8% 5% 6%
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor
relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods,
historic preservation and an adequate supply of quality
housing for all socio-economic groups
More effort 33% 34% 30% 31% 28%
Same effort 63% 62% 62% 63% 64%
Less effort 4% 4% 8% 6% 8%
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical
response, and building inspection
More effort 17% 19% 19% 25% 23%
Same effort 81% 76% 77% 72% 75%
Less effort 3% 6% 5% 3% 2%
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and
improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, and the
Fort Collins Museum; providing recreational and cultural
programs; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and
improving natural areas
More effort 19% 22% 28% 28% 31%
Same effort 77% 74% 67% 65% 62%
Less effort 4% 4% 6% 6% 7%
Transportation: Includes transportation planning and
development, maintaining roads and traffic operations,
Transfort operations, and transportation demand
management
More effort 54% 53% 58% 59% 62%
Same effort 43% 45% 39% 39% 35%
Less effort 3% 2% 4% 2% 3%
General Government: Includes internal support
functions, City management, Council, boards and
commissions, technology, communicating with residents
and building maintenance and repair
More effort 19% 19% 23% 22% 24%
Same effort 76% 74% 69% 75% 65%
Less effort 5% 7% 8% 3% 11%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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Respondents who felt that the City should apply more or less effort to one or more of the BFO priorities
were asked to comment on which services and amenities they would like to see increased or reduced (see
Figure 27and Figure 28). Of the 325 residents who provided a written comment regarding services they
wished to see increased, one-third mentioned services related to transportation (including improving the
bus system, adding bike lanes and trails and expanding public transit routes) and one in five mentioned
services related to traffic and road maintenance, such as reducing traffic congestion, finishing road
construction and adding bike lanes and paths. Affordable housing and student housing, parks and
recreation services and services related to environmental sustainability each were identified by 13% of
respondents as needing more attention from the City government. Eight percent of respondents
mentioned “other” services or amenities (see Appendix C. Verbatim Responses for a full list of written
responses).
Figure 27: Services Identified as Needing More Effort
Percentages shown represent the proportion of respondents who answered each question (325 identified services to be
increased). See Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Frequencies for a full set of response frequencies, including those who
did not provide a response. The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
8%
2%
5%
5%
6%
8%
8%
11%
13%
13%
13%
21%
31%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Other
Community facilities/events/entertainment
Government overall (listening to residents and
communication/organization)
Water
Neighborhoods/beautification
Business and retail development
Police and safety
Economic/jobs and population growth
Recycling and environmental sustainability
Parks and recreation (trails, open space,
programs, facilities)
Affordable housing/student housing
Traffic and road maintenance
Transportation (improving bus system, adding
bike lanes and trails, expanding routes)
Percent of respondents who provided an answer
If you answered "more effort" for any of the items in question 15, what specific
services and amenities would you like to see increased?
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Seventy-one residents provided a written comment regarding services they wished to see reduced. One-
third of these residents mentioned services related to the government organization and functioning
overall, including curbing general government activities such as taxes, spending and regulation of
properties and businesses. One in 10 felt that services related to police and neighborhoods and
community services should be reduced. Three in 10 provided an array of “other” responses (see Appendix
C. Verbatim Responses for a complete list of written responses).
Figure 28: Services Identified as Needing Less Effort
Percentages shown represent the proportion of respondents who answered each question (71 respondents identified services
to be reduced). See Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Frequencies for a full set of response frequencies, including those
who did not provide a response. The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
29%
5%
7%
8%
9%
10%
35%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Other
Recycling and environmental
sustainability efforts
Transportation
Parks, recreation and open
space
Neighborhood and community
services
Police
Government organization and
functions overall
Percent of respondents who provided an answer
If you answered "less effort" for any of the items in question 15, what
specific services and amenities would you like to see reduced?
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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When asked to identify the top three priorities for the City of Fort Collins in the next five years,
respondents most often cited improving transportation and traffic. About a third mentioned the economy
or the environment, while one-quarter mentioned issues related to neighborhoods and affordable housing.
Less than 20% said that culture, parks and recreation, safety or general government should be a top
priority for the City in the coming years. About 15% mentioned some “other” priority (see Appendix C.
Verbatim Responses).
Figure 29: Residents Top Priorities for the City
Percentages shown represent only the 414 respondents who responded to the question. See Appendix B. Complete Set of
Survey Frequencies for a full set of response frequencies. The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in
multiple services. This was a new question in 2013.
15%
12%
14%
15%
26%
31%
35%
56%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Other
General Government
Safety/ Police
Culture, Parks & Recreation
Neighborhoods/ Housing
Environment
Economy/ Business
Transportation/ Traffic
Percent of respondents who provided an answer
Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be
the top three priorities for the City within the next five years?
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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34
Public Information
The job the City does at informing residents as well as how residents like to get information about the City
was measured. In 2013, 7 in 10 respondents felt that the City was doing a “good” or “very good” job
informing citizens, continuing an upward trend from 2006 and remaining much above both benchmarks.
Residents living in dorms were more likely to give good ratings of informing citizens, while those living in
attached units were less likely to do so. Non-students gave higher ratings than did students. There were no
differences in ratings by geographic location (see Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area of Residence).
Figure 30: Informing Citizens Compared by Year
Note: In the 2010 survey, “Informing citizens” was worded as “The job the City does at informing citizens” and was included in
the City Government question set.
59%
52% 50%
59% 59%
66% 69%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Percent "very good" or "good"
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
35
Fort Collins residents used a variety of sources to receive information regarding City issues, services and
programs. In 2013, 9 in 10 reported using word of mouth and 8 in 10 used the City’s website and
newspapers. Seven in 10 used the “Recreator” guide, radio and television news. Less than 20% relied on
online video streaming of channel 14, City mobile apps, City Line and Fort Collins Idea Lab. Overall, the
proportion using each information source in 2013 was similar to or higher than 2012; significant increases
were noted for the City’s website, “Recreator,” radio, television news, newsletters or brochures and social
media.
Results were compared by respondent characteristics. In general, those who had lived in Fort Collins less
than 10 years, those living in dorms, students, younger residents and those living in the Northwest/CSU
area were less likely to use sources of information such as “City News,” City newsletters or brochures and
“Recreator,” but more likely to use social media compared to their counterparts. Women were more
likely to use television news than men. A full index of comparisons is in Appendix D. Comparison of Select
Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent Geographic Area
of Residence.
Figure 31: Sources of Information Compared by Year
Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other
members of your household use each of the following
sources for information regarding City issues, services and
programs.
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Word of mouth 88% 87% 85% 88% 82% 87% 54%
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 80% 74% 71% 72% 50% 54% 12%
Newspaper (print or online) 80% 80% 81% 87% 89% NA 76%
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 70% 64% 62% 60% 70% 60% 40%
Radio 69% 60% 64% 66% 61% NA 27%
Television news 69% 60% 65% 69% 58% 63% NA
“City News” (insert with utility bill) 67% 63% 61% 71% 76% 76% 56%
Newsletters or brochures from City departments 64% 56% 57% 64% 67% 64% 17%
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 55% 44% NA NA NA NA NA
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 30% 30% 36% 41% 35% 28% 26%
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com 17% 15% 12% 14% NA NA NA
City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins,
Digital Publications, Recreator) 17% 15% NA NA NA NA NA
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) 16% 13% 12% 11% 13% 18% 3%
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com) 10% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Percent of respondents who had ever used this as a source.
Please note that in the 2010 survey, “Newspaper (print or online)” was worded as “Newspaper.”
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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About half of residents in 2013 received television programming through a Comcast cable subscription,
similar to 2012 but lower than in 2010 and 2008. About one in five subscribed to satellite service, 16%
used the Internet or video streaming, 5% used antennae and 8% indicated “none of the above.” Use of
the Internet or streaming video increased from 2012 to 2013, while use of antennae decreased and use of
satellite remained the same.
Figure 32: Receive Television Programming in Household Compared by Year
How does your household primarily receive television programming? 2013 2012 2010 2008
Subscribe to Comcast cable 49% 49% 58% 63%
Subscribe to satellite service 21% 23% 19% 17%
Internet/streaming video 16% 9% 7% 11%
Over the air (antennae) 5% 13% 11% 4%
None of the above 8% 6% 6% 4%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Appendix A. Respondent Characteristics
Characteristics of the survey respondents are displayed in the following tables.
Table 1: Length of Residency
About how many years have you lived in Fort Collins? Percent of respondents
5 years or less 42%
6-10 years 13%
11-15 years 12%
16-20 years 7%
More than 20 years 26%
Total 100%
Table 2: Length of Residency at Current Address
How many years have you lived in your current residence? Percent of respondents
5 years or less 62%
6-10 years 15%
11-15 years 11%
16-20 years 5%
More than 20 years 8%
Total 100%
Table 3: Respondent Student Status
Are you a full-time or part-time student at a college or university in Fort Collins? Percent of respondents
Yes 21%
No 79%
Total 100%
Table 4: Respondent College or University Attended
Which college or university do you attend? Percent of respondents
Colorado State University 88%
Front Range Community College 11%
Another local college or university 1%
Total 100%
Table 5: Respondent Age
Which of the age groups below best describes you? Percent of respondents
18-34 years 48%
35-54 years 30%
55 years or older 23%
Total 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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Table 6: Respondent Gender
Your gender Percent of respondents
Male 49%
Female 51%
Total 100%
Table 7: Respondent Housing Status
Which best describes the building you live in? Percent of respondents
Own detached unit 43%
Own attached unit 9%
Rent detached unit 15%
Rent attached unit 28%
Live in dorm 5%
Total 100%
Table 8: Geographic Area of Residence
Percent of respondents
Northeast 10%
East Central 21%
Southeast 16%
Northwest/CSU 26%
West Central 22%
Southwest 5%
Total 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Frequencies
Responses Excluding “Don’t know” or “No opinion”
The following pages contain a complete set of responses to each question on the survey, excluding the “don’t know” or “no opinion” responses.
Table 9: Question 1
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Overall, as a place to live 69% 28% 3% 0% 0% 100%
Overall safety of residents 44% 48% 8% 0% 0% 100%
Quality of shopping opportunities 28% 40% 26% 6% 1% 100%
Quality of dining opportunities 47% 35% 16% 1% 0% 100%
Quality of entertainment opportunities 26% 42% 28% 3% 1% 100%
Availability of job opportunities 7% 28% 48% 13% 4% 100%
Availability of affordable quality housing 7% 24% 47% 19% 4% 100%
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 25% 46% 26% 2% 0% 100%
Quality of recreational opportunities 56% 32% 11% 1% 0% 100%
Availability of quality healthcare 34% 41% 21% 3% 0% 100%
Quality of public schools 41% 41% 15% 2% 1% 100%
Quality of public library services 42% 44% 14% 0% 1% 100%
As a place to raise children 55% 37% 7% 1% 0% 100%
As a place to retire 44% 35% 16% 5% 0% 100%
As a place to attend college 49% 39% 11% 1% 0% 100%
As a place to work 35% 43% 18% 3% 1% 100%
Community acceptance of all people 33% 42% 21% 3% 1% 100%
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 51% 42% 8% 0% 0% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 10: Question 2
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins on each of the items listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Community's visual attractiveness 45% 46% 8% 1% 0% 100%
Air quality 44% 46% 8% 1% 0% 100%
Recycling programs 38% 45% 15% 1% 0% 100%
Conservation efforts 35% 46% 17% 1% 0% 100%
Overall quality of environment 40% 52% 7% 0% 0% 100%
Table 11: Question 3
Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Your neighborhood as a place to live 44% 42% 13% 1% 0% 100%
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 41% 32% 18% 7% 2% 100%
Table 12: Question 4A and 4B
None 1-5 6-10
More than
10
Total
Thinking about your neighbors who live on your street or in your apartment complex, how many of them do
you know by name? 10% 37% 25% 29% 100%
How many different households are represented by neighbors that you know by name? 10% 55% 25% 11% 100%
Table 13: Question 5
How often do you talk to any of your neighbors? Percent of respondents
At least once per day 19%
At least once per week 45%
At least once per month 25%
At least once per year 3%
Less than once per year 2%
Never 6%
Total 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 14: Question 6
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas in Fort
Collins.
Always
safe
Usually
safe
Sometimes safe,
sometimes unsafe
Usually
unsafe
Always
unsafe
Total
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 73% 26% 1% 0% 0% 100%
Downtown Fort Collins at night 17% 54% 25% 3% 1% 100%
Your neighborhood during the day 78% 20% 2% 0% 0% 100%
Your neighborhood at night 42% 46% 11% 1% 0% 100%
Parks 31% 56% 13% 0% 0% 100%
Natural areas/open space 35% 53% 12% 0% 0% 100%
Recreation facilities 49% 46% 5% 0% 0% 100%
Trails 31% 52% 17% 1% 0% 100%
Fort Collins overall during the day 61% 37% 2% 0% 0% 100%
Fort Collins overall at night 21% 56% 21% 1% 0% 100%
Table 15: Question 7
Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very
good
Good Average Bad
Very
bad
Total
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other
emergency situations) 31% 49% 17% 2% 1% 100%
Disaster response and restoration of services 28% 56% 15% 0% 0% 100%
Fire prevention/education 31% 43% 24% 2% 0% 100%
Fire response time 42% 48% 10% 0% 0% 100%
Fire services overall 39% 50% 11% 0% 0% 100%
Crime prevention 19% 51% 25% 3% 1% 100%
Police patrol 24% 48% 24% 4% 1% 100%
Traffic enforcement 19% 43% 27% 8% 2% 100%
Police visibility 25% 44% 26% 5% 0% 100%
Police response time 28% 46% 22% 4% 1% 100%
Police services overall 24% 51% 21% 2% 1% 100%
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 19% 39% 32% 7% 4% 100%
Noise enforcement 17% 40% 31% 9% 3% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very
good
Good Average Bad
Very
bad
Total
Animal control 19% 45% 27% 6% 3% 100%
Business property maintenance 20% 54% 23% 3% 0% 100%
Residential property maintenance 18% 49% 28% 5% 0% 100%
Natural Areas Ranger services 33% 47% 17% 1% 1% 100%
Table 16: Question 8
Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Drinking water 65% 28% 7% 1% 0% 100%
Electric services 50% 39% 9% 1% 1% 100%
Sewer services 46% 41% 12% 1% 0% 100%
Storm drainage 37% 40% 17% 4% 1% 100%
Utility billing 34% 40% 22% 2% 2% 100%
Utilities overall 39% 42% 16% 2% 2% 100%
Table 17: Question 9
Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Ease of driving 13% 39% 34% 10% 4% 100%
Ease of traveling by public transportation 10% 30% 37% 18% 5% 100%
As a walkable city 25% 42% 26% 7% 0% 100%
Ease of traveling by bicycle 37% 46% 13% 2% 1% 100%
Availability of parking Downtown 6% 27% 33% 23% 10% 100%
Traffic congestion 4% 16% 46% 23% 11% 100%
Street maintenance 12% 38% 35% 10% 4% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 18: Question 10
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Welcoming citizen involvement 22% 45% 28% 5% 0% 100%
Listening to citizens 14% 39% 36% 9% 3% 100%
Managing and planning for growth 14% 42% 30% 9% 5% 100%
Efficient operation of programs and services 17% 48% 30% 4% 1% 100%
Encouraging sustainability in the community 23% 50% 22% 4% 1% 100%
Overall direction of the City 20% 50% 23% 4% 2% 100%
Table 19: Question 11
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Support of businesses 19% 52% 20% 7% 2% 100%
Economic health strategies 13% 51% 29% 6% 2% 100%
Table 20: Question 12
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Natural areas and open space 52% 44% 4% 0% 0% 100%
Recreational trails 55% 41% 4% 0% 0% 100%
Parks 52% 43% 4% 0% 0% 100%
Cemeteries 36% 50% 14% 0% 0% 100%
Golf courses 34% 52% 13% 1% 1% 100%
Athletic fields 34% 55% 11% 0% 0% 100%
Northside Aztlan Community Center 40% 42% 17% 1% 0% 100%
Fort Collins Senior Center 40% 47% 12% 1% 0% 100%
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 34% 50% 14% 1% 0% 100%
Mulberry Pool 26% 46% 24% 3% 0% 100%
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 37% 50% 13% 0% 0% 100%
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center) 46% 45% 9% 0% 0% 100%
Pottery studio 36% 47% 16% 0% 0% 100%
Art in Public Places program 39% 43% 17% 0% 0% 100%
Lincoln Center programs 35% 50% 14% 0% 0% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 47% 41% 11% 1% 1% 100%
Adult recreation programs 35% 45% 19% 2% 0% 100%
Senior recreation programs 39% 43% 17% 1% 0% 100%
Youth/teen recreation programs 38% 42% 17% 3% 0% 100%
Table 21: Question 13
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? Percent of respondents
Very good 30%
Good 57%
Average 11%
Bad 1%
Very bad 1%
Total 100%
Table 22: Question 14
Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in-person, via email or online within the last 12 months? Percent of respondents
Yes 54%
No 46%
Total 100%
Table 23: Question 14A
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total
Courtesy 52% 36% 10% 1% 0% 100%
Promptness 40% 41% 14% 3% 1% 100%
Knowledge 43% 38% 15% 3% 1% 100%
Making you feel valued 38% 31% 23% 6% 2% 100%
Overall impression 43% 37% 15% 2% 2% 100%
*Asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 24: Question 14B
Although you may not have had any recent personal contact with City employees, we would like to
know your impression of how City employees treat Fort Collins residents. Please rate City employees on
each of the items below.
Very
good
Good Average Bad
Very
bad
Total
Courtesy 33% 46% 19% 2% 0% 100%
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 27% 46% 22% 4% 1% 100%
Making citizens or customers feel valued 27% 42% 29% 2% 0% 100%
*Asked only of those who reported NOT having had contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Table 25: Question 15
Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects of the
community.
More
effort
Same
effort
Less
effort
Total
Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities 36% 61% 4% 100%
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth,
and an attractive community 32% 65% 3% 100%
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods, historic
preservation and an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups 33% 63% 4% 100%
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 17% 81% 3% 100%
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, and the Fort
Collins Museum; providing recreational and cultural programs; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and
improving natural areas 19% 77% 4% 100%
Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations,
Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 54% 43% 3% 100%
General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions,
technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair 19% 76% 5% 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 26: Question 16
If you answered "more effort" for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see improved?
Percent of
respondents
Percent of respondents making
a comment
No response given 35% --
Affordable housing/student housing 9% 13%
Transportation (improving bus system, adding bike lanes and trails, expanding routes) 20% 31%
Parks and recreation (trails, open space, programs, facilities) 8% 13%
Business and retail development 5% 8%
Economic/jobs and population growth 7% 11%
Traffic and road maintenance 13% 21%
Water 3% 5%
Neighborhoods/beautification 4% 6%
Police and safety 5% 8%
Government overall (listening to residents and communication/organization) 3% 5%
Recycling and environmental sustainability 8% 13%
Community facilities/events/entertainment 2% 2%
Other 5% 8%
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 16.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
Table 27: Question 17
If you answered "less effort" for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see reduced?
Percent of
respondents
Percent of respondents making a
comment
No response given 88% --
Transportation 1% 7%
Parks, recreation and open space 1% 8%
Neighborhood and community services 1% 9%
Police 1% 10%
Government organization and functions overall 4% 35%
Recycling and environmental sustainability efforts 1% 5%
Other 4% 29%
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 17.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 28: Question 18
Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be the top three priorities
for the City within the next five years?
Percent of respondents
Percent of respondents
making a comment
No response given 21% –
Economy/ Business 28% 35%
Environment 25% 31%
Neighborhoods/ Housing 20% 26%
Safety/ Police 11% 14%
Culture, Parks & Recreation 12% 15%
Transportation/ Traffic 44% 56%
General Government 9% 12%
Other 12% 15%
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 18.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
Table 29: Question 19
Please rate the City's performance in the following area: Informing citizens Percent of respondents
Very good 18%
Good 50%
Average 27%
Bad 3%
Very bad 1%
Total 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
48
Table 30: Question 20
Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other members of your household use each of the
following sources of information regarding City issues, services and programs.
Always Frequently Sometimes Never Total
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 1% 4% 25% 70% 100%
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com 1% 1% 14% 83% 100%
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 5% 25% 50% 20% 100%
“City News” (insert with utility bill) 10% 21% 35% 33% 100%
Newsletters or brochures from City departments 7% 13% 44% 36% 100%
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) 2% 3% 11% 84% 100%
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 12% 20% 37% 30% 100%
Word of mouth 12% 40% 37% 12% 100%
Newspaper (print or online) 17% 26% 37% 20% 100%
Radio 10% 25% 35% 31% 100%
Television news 12% 22% 35% 31% 100%
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 12% 19% 24% 45% 100%
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com) 1% 1% 8% 90% 100%
City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 2% 3% 12% 83% 100%
Table 31: Question 21
How does your household primarily receive television programming? Percent of respondents
Subscribe to Comcast cable 49%
Subscribe to satellite service 21%
Internet/streaming video 16%
Over the air (antennae) 5%
None of the above 8%
Total 100%
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
49
Responses Including “Don’t know” or “No opinion”
The following pages contain a complete set of responses to each question on the survey, including the “don’t know” and “no opinion” responses.
The percent of respondents giving a particular response is shown (%) followed by the number of respondents (N).
Table 32: Question 1
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items
listed below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Overall, as a place to live 69% 365 28% 151 3% 16 0% 1 0% 0 0% 0 100% 533
Overall safety of residents 44% 234 47% 253 8% 42 0% 2 0% 1 0% 1 100% 533
Quality of shopping opportunities 27% 146 40% 210 26% 137 6% 29 1% 5 0% 2 100% 529
Quality of dining opportunities 47% 250 35% 182 16% 86 1% 7 0% 1 0% 1 100% 527
Quality of entertainment opportunities 26% 136 41% 216 28% 148 3% 15 1% 3 2% 12 100% 530
Availability of job opportunities 6% 34 24% 128 43% 225 11% 58 4% 19 12% 64 100% 528
Availability of affordable quality housing 7% 35 22% 116 44% 229 18% 93 3% 18 7% 35 100% 527
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 24% 126 44% 231 25% 131 2% 10 0% 1 6% 30 100% 529
Quality of recreational opportunities 55% 294 32% 169 10% 56 1% 5 0% 0 2% 8 100% 531
Availability of quality healthcare 31% 166 38% 199 19% 100 3% 17 0% 2 8% 44 100% 528
Quality of public schools 31% 164 31% 164 11% 59 1% 8 1% 3 25% 131 100% 530
Quality of public library services 36% 190 38% 200 12% 63 0% 1 1% 3 14% 76 100% 532
As a place to raise children 45% 240 30% 159 6% 32 1% 3 0% 0 18% 98 100% 532
As a place to retire 36% 188 28% 148 13% 67 4% 20 0% 1 20% 106 100% 530
As a place to attend college 45% 238 36% 191 10% 53 1% 3 0% 0 9% 47 100% 532
As a place to work 33% 177 40% 212 17% 89 2% 13 1% 7 6% 33 100% 531
Community acceptance of all people 31% 164 41% 214 20% 106 3% 14 1% 7 4% 21 100% 526
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 51% 269 42% 220 7% 40 0% 1 0% 0 0% 1 100% 530
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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50
Table 33: Question 2
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins on each
of the items listed below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Community's visual attractiveness 45% 239 46% 244 8% 42 1% 5 0% 0 1% 3 100% 533
Air quality 44% 232 46% 245 8% 45 1% 7 0% 0 1% 3 100% 532
Recycling programs 37% 194 44% 233 15% 79 1% 5 0% 2 3% 15 100% 528
Conservation efforts 33% 177 44% 234 16% 85 1% 7 0% 1 5% 26 100% 530
Overall quality of environment 40% 211 52% 277 7% 40 0% 1 0% 0 1% 3 100% 531
Table 34: Question 3
Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items
listed below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Your neighborhood as a place to live 44% 233 42% 226 13% 68 1% 6 0% 0 0% 0 100% 533
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 33% 178 26% 139 15% 79 6% 31 2% 10 18% 95 100% 532
Table 35: Question 4A and 4B
None 1-5 6-10
More than
10
Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Thinking about your neighbors who live on your street or in your apartment complex,
how many of them do you know by name? 10% 53 37% 191 25% 128 29% 149 100% 521
How many different households are represented by neighbors that you know by name? 10% 48 55% 277 25% 124 11% 55 100% 505
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
51
Table 36: Question 5
How often do you talk to any of your neighbors? Percent Number
At least once per day 19% 99
At least once per week 45% 239
At least once per month 25% 131
At least once per year 3% 17
Less than once per year 2% 9
Never 6% 31
Total 100% 527
Table 37: Question 6
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the
following areas in Fort Collins.
Always
safe
Usually
safe
Sometimes safe,
sometimes unsafe
Usually
unsafe
Always
unsafe
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 72% 386 25% 135 1% 8 0% 0 0% 0 1% 5 100% 533
Downtown Fort Collins at night 17% 89 52% 275 24% 126 3% 17 1% 4 4% 22 100% 532
Your neighborhood during the day 78% 415 20% 106 2% 9 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2 100% 533
Your neighborhood at night 42% 223 45% 241 11% 59 1% 5 0% 0 1% 5 100% 532
Parks 30% 160 53% 283 12% 64 0% 2 0% 0 4% 22 100% 531
Natural areas/open space 33% 174 50% 265 11% 60 0% 2 0% 0 6% 31 100% 532
Recreation facilities 45% 240 42% 223 4% 23 0% 0 0% 0 8% 45 100% 531
Trails 29% 151 48% 256 16% 83 1% 4 0% 0 7% 35 100% 529
Fort Collins overall during the day 61% 322 37% 195 2% 10 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2 100% 529
Fort Collins overall at night 21% 110 55% 290 21% 111 1% 7 0% 0 2% 12 100% 530
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
52
Table 38: Question 7
Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community
for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 27% 140 42% 217 15% 78 2% 10 1% 3 14% 75 100% 522
Disaster response and restoration of services 24% 126 47% 251 13% 67 0% 1 0% 2 15% 82 100% 529
Fire prevention/education 23% 123 32% 170 18% 94 2% 9 0% 0 25% 131 100% 528
Fire response time 27% 144 31% 165 7% 36 0% 1 0% 0 35% 183 100% 529
Fire services overall 29% 155 38% 198 8% 42 0% 1 0% 0 25% 131 100% 526
Crime prevention 17% 90 45% 237 22% 118 3% 16 1% 3 12% 64 100% 529
Police patrol 22% 118 44% 235 22% 118 3% 18 0% 3 7% 40 100% 530
Traffic enforcement 18% 97 41% 218 26% 137 8% 42 2% 9 6% 30 100% 532
Police visibility 24% 129 42% 226 25% 132 4% 23 0% 2 4% 20 100% 532
Police response time 18% 95 29% 155 14% 73 2% 13 1% 3 36% 190 100% 529
Police services overall 21% 113 46% 240 19% 98 2% 10 1% 6 11% 60 100% 527
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 14% 77 30% 159 24% 130 6% 30 3% 15 22% 119 100% 530
Noise enforcement 14% 72 32% 167 25% 130 8% 40 2% 12 21% 109 100% 530
Animal control 16% 83 36% 192 22% 114 5% 25 3% 13 19% 101 100% 529
Business property maintenance 16% 85 44% 233 18% 97 3% 14 0% 1 19% 100 100% 531
Residential property maintenance 16% 84 42% 224 24% 128 4% 21 0% 2 13% 71 100% 530
Natural Areas Ranger services 25% 133 36% 190 13% 69 1% 5 1% 4 24% 128 100% 529
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
53
Table 39: Question 8
Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Drinking water 65% 342 28% 147 7% 35 1% 3 0% 1 0% 2 100% 530
Electric services 50% 266 39% 205 9% 50 1% 3 1% 5 0% 1 100% 531
Sewer services 44% 232 39% 205 12% 62 1% 4 0% 2 5% 24 100% 529
Storm drainage 36% 191 40% 210 17% 90 4% 22 1% 5 2% 12 100% 530
Utility billing 32% 171 38% 203 21% 109 2% 9 2% 12 5% 26 100% 529
Utilities overall 38% 201 41% 220 15% 82 2% 9 2% 8 2% 10 100% 531
Table 40: Question 9
Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort
Collins.
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Ease of driving 12% 65 38% 202 33% 176 10% 52 4% 22 2% 12 100% 528
Ease of traveling by public transportation 7% 36 20% 104 24% 127 11% 60 3% 16 35% 187 100% 529
As a walkable city 24% 128 41% 214 25% 133 7% 36 0% 2 3% 13 100% 527
Ease of traveling by bicycle 33% 177 42% 220 12% 63 2% 12 1% 6 10% 52 100% 529
Availability of parking Downtown 6% 33 27% 142 33% 173 22% 118 10% 53 2% 10 100% 529
Traffic congestion 4% 21 16% 85 45% 239 23% 121 11% 56 1% 6 100% 529
Street maintenance 12% 64 37% 197 35% 183 10% 53 4% 21 2% 9 100% 527
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
54
Table 41: Question 10
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following
areas.
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Welcoming citizen involvement 18% 93 36% 190 23% 120 4% 20 0% 2 20% 103 100% 528
Listening to citizens 11% 55 30% 159 28% 146 7% 36 2% 11 22% 117 100% 524
Managing and planning for growth 12% 65 36% 188 26% 135 8% 43 4% 21 14% 71 100% 524
Efficient operation of programs and services 14% 72 40% 211 25% 130 3% 18 1% 3 18% 92 100% 527
Encouraging sustainability in the community 20% 104 43% 229 19% 98 4% 20 1% 6 13% 70 100% 528
Overall direction of the City 18% 96 46% 241 21% 111 4% 21 2% 9 10% 51 100% 528
Table 42: Question 11
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas.
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Support of businesses 14% 73 39% 199 15% 76 5% 26 1% 6 27% 137 100% 516
Economic health strategies 9% 45 35% 183 19% 102 4% 22 1% 7 32% 168 100% 527
Table 43: Question 12
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed
below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Natural areas and open space 50% 266 42% 224 4% 22 0% 2 0% 0 3% 16 100% 530
Recreational trails 53% 279 40% 211 4% 20 0% 1 0% 0 4% 20 100% 531
Parks 51% 269 42% 222 4% 23 0% 0 0% 0 3% 16 100% 530
Cemeteries 21% 113 29% 154 8% 42 0% 1 0% 0 41% 217 100% 527
Golf courses 20% 105 30% 160 7% 39 1% 4 0% 2 41% 218 100% 528
Athletic fields 26% 136 43% 224 9% 45 0% 0 0% 0 22% 117 100% 523
Northside Aztlan Community Center 18% 95 19% 100 8% 41 0% 1 0% 1 55% 288 100% 525
Fort Collins Senior Center 22% 114 26% 136 6% 34 1% 3 0% 0 45% 238 100% 525
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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55
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed
below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 22% 117 32% 171 9% 47 1% 4 0% 1 35% 187 100% 529
Mulberry Pool 15% 82 27% 143 14% 76 2% 10 0% 1 41% 216 100% 528
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 23% 121 31% 162 8% 43 0% 1 0% 0 38% 199 100% 526
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center) 30% 160 30% 155 6% 31 0% 0 0% 0 34% 180 100% 526
Pottery studio 11% 58 14% 75 5% 26 0% 1 0% 0 70% 366 100% 526
Art in Public Places program 28% 149 31% 161 12% 64 0% 1 0% 1 28% 150 100% 526
Lincoln Center programs 27% 141 39% 204 11% 58 0% 2 0% 2 23% 119 100% 525
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 29% 152 25% 131 6% 34 1% 5 0% 2 39% 203 100% 526
Adult recreation programs 22% 117 29% 150 12% 63 1% 7 0% 1 36% 188 100% 525
Senior recreation programs 16% 86 18% 93 7% 37 0% 2 0% 0 58% 307 100% 526
Youth/teen recreation programs 19% 100 21% 111 8% 45 2% 9 0% 1 50% 261 100% 526
Table 44: Question 13
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? Percent Number
Very good 30% 158
Good 56% 299
Average 11% 60
Bad 1% 3
Very bad 1% 3
No opinion 1% 6
Total 100% 529
Table 45: Question 14
Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in-person, via email or online within the last 12 months? Percent Number
Yes 54% 288
No 46% 243
Total 100% 531
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
56
Table 46: Question 14A
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City
employee(s) on each of the items below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Courtesy 52% 149 36% 103 10% 30 1% 3 0% 1 0% 0 100% 286
Promptness 40% 112 41% 116 14% 40 3% 9 1% 3 1% 3 100% 283
Knowledge 42% 119 38% 106 15% 43 3% 10 1% 2 1% 2 100% 282
Making you feel valued 37% 104 30% 84 22% 63 6% 16 2% 7 3% 9 100% 282
Overall impression 43% 123 37% 106 15% 44 2% 6 2% 6 1% 2 100% 286
*Asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Table 47: Question 14B
Although you may not have had any recent personal contact with
City employees, we would like to know your impression of how City
employees treat Fort Collins residents. Please rate City employees on
each of the items below.
Very good Good Average Bad
Very
bad
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N % N
Courtesy 26% 62 36% 87 15% 36 2% 4 0% 0 22% 52 100% 241
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 19% 47 33% 81 16% 39 3% 7 1% 1 28% 68 100% 242
Making citizens or customers feel valued 20% 49 31% 76 22% 54 2% 4 0% 0 25% 60 100% 242
*Asked only of those who reported NOT having had contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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57
Table 48: Question 15
Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of
the following aspects of the community.
More
effort
Same
effort
Less
effort
No
opinion
Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities 32% 169 54% 285 3% 17 12% 61 100% 532
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land
conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community 31% 163 64% 337 3% 16 3% 13 100% 529
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive
neighborhoods, historic preservation and an adequate supply of quality housing for all
socio-economic groups 31% 166 60% 318 3% 18 6% 30 100% 532
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 16% 86 77% 409 2% 13 4% 22 100% 529
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities,
Lincoln Center, and the Fort Collins Museum; providing recreational and cultural
programs; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas 18% 98 74% 395 4% 21 4% 19 100% 533
Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads
and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 51% 273 41% 219 3% 15 5% 25 100% 533
General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council,
boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building
maintenance and repair 16% 87 67% 351 4% 22 13% 67 100% 527
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
58
Table 49: Question 16
If you answered "more effort" for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see improved?
Percent of ALL
respondents
Percent of respondents
making a comment
% N % N
No response given 35% 187 -- --
Affordable housing/student housing 9% 46 13% 46
Transportation (improving bus system, adding bike lanes and trails, expanding routes) 20% 106 31% 106
Parks and recreation (trails, open space, programs, facilities) 8% 44 13% 44
Business and retail development 5% 27 8% 27
Economic/jobs and population growth 7% 37 11% 37
Traffic and road maintenance 13% 72 21% 72
Water 3% 17 5% 17
Neighborhoods/beautification 4% 21 6% 21
Police and safety 5% 28 8% 28
Government overall (listening to residents and communication/organization) 3% 16 5% 16
Recycling and environmental sustainability 8% 44 13% 44
Community facilities/events/entertainment 2% 9 2% 9
Other 5% 28 8% 28
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 16.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
59
Table 50: Question 17
If you answered "less effort" for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see reduced?
Percent of ALL
respondents
Percent of respondents
making a comment
% N % N
No response given 88% 468 -- --
Transportation 1% 5 7% 5
Parks, recreation and open space 1% 5 8% 5
Neighborhood and community services 1% 6 9% 6
Police 1% 6 10% 6
Government organization and functions overall 4% 23 35% 23
Recycling and environmental sustainability efforts 1% 3 5% 3
Other 4% 19 29% 19
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 17.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
Table 51: Question 18
Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be the top three priorities for the
City within the next five years?
Percent of ALL
respondents
Respondents making a
comment
% N % N
No response given 21% 114 – –
Economy/ Business 28% 149 35% 149
Environment 25% 132 31% 132
Neighborhoods/ Housing 20% 109 26% 109
Safety/ Police 11% 60 14% 60
Culture, Parks & Recreation 12% 63 15% 63
Transportation/ Traffic 44% 234 56% 234
General Government 9% 50 12% 50
Other 12% 65 15% 65
*The column labeled “Percent of respondents” includes all respondents to the survey. The column labeled “Percent of respondents making a comment” includes only those who
responded to question 18.The total may exceed 100% as respondents were able to write in multiple services.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
60
Table 52: Question 19
Please rate the City's performance in the following area: Informing citizens Percent Number
Very good 18% 93
Good 49% 254
Average 27% 138
Bad 3% 16
Very bad 1% 4
No opinion 2% 11
Total 100% 515
Table 53: Question 20
Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other members of your household use
each of the following sources of information regarding City issues, services and
programs.
Always Frequently Sometimes Never Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 1% 7 4% 20 25% 129 70% 365 100% 520
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com 1% 6 1% 7 14% 75 83% 435 100% 522
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 5% 28 25% 128 50% 260 20% 104 100% 520
“City News” (insert with utility bill) 10% 53 21% 112 35% 183 33% 175 100% 523
Newsletters or brochures from City departments 7% 38 13% 68 44% 228 36% 184 100% 517
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) 2% 9 3% 17 11% 56 84% 433 100% 515
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 12% 64 20% 103 37% 188 30% 155 100% 509
Word of mouth 12% 61 40% 206 37% 192 12% 61 100% 521
Newspaper (print or online) 17% 86 26% 135 37% 192 20% 106 100% 518
Radio 10% 50 25% 129 35% 183 31% 161 100% 523
Television news 12% 62 22% 111 35% 182 31% 161 100% 516
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 12% 63 19% 100 24% 128 45% 235 100% 526
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com) 1% 5 1% 5 8% 40 90% 470 100% 520
City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 2% 12 3% 14 12% 63 83% 432 100% 521
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
61
Table 54: Question 21
How does your household primarily receive television programming? Percent Number
Subscribe to Comcast cable 49% 256
Subscribe to satellite service 21% 109
Internet/streaming video 16% 82
Over the air (antennae) 5% 27
None of the above 8% 44
Don't know 2% 9
Total 100% 526
Table 55: Question 22
About how many years have you lived in Fort Collins? Percent Number
5 years or less 42% 221
6-10 years 13% 68
11-15 years 12% 64
16-20 years 7% 36
More than 20 years 26% 135
Total 100% 524
Table 56: Question 23
How many years have you lived in your current residence? Percent Number
5 years or less 62% 321
6-10 years 15% 81
11-15 years 11% 55
16-20 years 5% 25
More than 20 years 8% 39
Total 100% 521
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
62
Table 57: Question 24
Are you a full-time or part-time student at a college or university in Fort Collins? Percent Number
Yes 21% 108
No 79% 418
Total 100% 526
Table 58: Question 25
Which college or university do you attend? Percent Number
Colorado State University 88% 88
Front Range Community College 11% 11
Another local college or university 1% 1
Total 100% 101
Table 59: Question 26
Which of the age groups below best describes you? Percent Number
18-24 18% 96
25-34 29% 152
35-44 14% 71
45-54 16% 83
55-64 10% 51
65-74 8% 40
75+ 5% 28
Total 100% 522
Table 60: Question 27
Your gender Percent Number
Male 49% 262
Female 51% 268
Total 100% 530
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
63
Table 61: Question 28
Which best describes the building you live in? Percent Number
Detached 58% 306
Attached 42% 222
Total 100% 528
Table 62: Question 29
Do you own or rent your residence? Percent Number
Own 52% 272
Rent 48% 253
Total 100% 525
Table 63: Geographic Area of Residence
Percent Number
Northeast 10% 54
East Central 21% 112
Southeast 16% 84
Northwest/CSU 26% 141
West Central 22% 119
Southwest 5% 25
Total 100% 535
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
64
Appendix C. Verbatim Responses
Following are verbatim responses to open-ended. Because these responses were written by survey
participants, they are presented here in verbatim form, including any typographical, grammar or other
mistakes. Within each question the responses are in alphabetical order.
Q16: If you answered “more effort” for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see increased?
- The bus system is limited and doesn't make sense for me. - Housing is not affordable right now,
but i think the city also needs to keep track of the explosion of growth around CSU - do we have the
infrastructure for it?
1) An expanded pedestrian area!!! 2) Get freight train out of csu campus and downtown 3) Light rail
transit to boulder / denver
1) Encourage / make easier for business to come in so more abundance of jobs. 2) Affordable
housing is a huge issue, kentana home prices are ridiculously high. 3) Traffic is insane-No traffic
flow, lights need to be Synched. Constant construction. Need better transportation (public)-Easier
for people to use. Lightrail, maybe 4) Need a whole new city counsel and city manager people who
actually listen to the people who live here. Who are ethical committed to the well-being of the
citizens. And maybe more importantly you need to treat your own employees better. Some of them
have not had a raise to years - not even a cost of living raise-which is despicable. You have good
employees but the way the upper management treats them is deplorable!
1) Improved air quality (ozone) 2) Better methods to control key streets (less corrosue chemicals) 3)
Himinate pesticide spraying for mosquitos.
1) More lanes built in major arteries for ease of tranch 2. Lanes specific for transport for less delay
in traffic flow. 3. Use of materials to with land heavy traffic areas so that breakdown occurs less
often.
1) Require all residential, businesses, apartments to have recycling. 2) Make sure neighborhoods are
clean and well respected by tenants. 3) Include east and south Ft. Co. In transportation to CSU.
1. Incentives for neighborhoods to repair side walks & drive ways 2. Consider fewer traffic lights &
better E-W traffic flow 3. Get rid of railroads town & line drive
A steady awareness for results, while being very astute what can be effectively accomplished while
maximizing that particular budget! Spend wisely as the citizens must!
Access to upcoming events @ lincoln center.
Adequate supply of affordable housing make rec. Facilities more accessible to seniors,fix the roads
lot Drak a ride control the MD to riders instead of yellow cab who are so hard to reach by phone
Adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economics group police transport operations
Affordable housing increase availability and remove barriers to developers offering new
construction in moderate price ranges
Affordable housing is a big problem & small business really struggle. Some of the trails really need
help, even before the flood. Sink holes in trails, dangerous fire lanes no trash cans & barricades
moved around.
Air quality, smart growth, traffic ops
An east west connector to connect the west side of town to I-25 with a minimal # of lights.
An increase in road repair funding, also better road drainage!
Approval process for development / building Streamlinia and lessen length of approval processes.
Areas that have a I for “more effort” This dico not mean that the city is doing a bad job. They are
doing an extraordinary job, & I'd like to see them continue
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As a parent with small kids, Fort Collins is so into pleasing the college kids that every public event
becomes full of drunks. It needs to be more family safe.
As far as i know there has been no promotion of neighborhood relation. These is problem with the
trains in fort collins I have waited for the train to cross and the train sit in the street
As they improve roads and block off areas, please direct traffic from neighborhoods to main roads.
Attract & retain large-scale businesses.
Attract larger businesses with tax incentives better future growth plans, embrace growth.
Attract more employee to area. No fracking! Make sure people take care their property. Time the
lights better-going e to w is a nightmore.
Attracting decent paying jobs/clean jobs like high tech & industry.
Attracting more business. Not allowing oil & gas to start drilling in the city like greeley
Attractive community apt. Complex's & smart growth historic preservation
Attractive, lower income housing integrated within neighborhoods
Ban hydraulic fracking permanantely its horrible for all aspects of our city. Support local business.
Be helpful respectful to old town residents who are trying to improve their homes. Instead of putting
up walls, figure out a way to things approved
Be more coservative - More repair transportation
Be more supportive of business and job growth by limiting time used for regulating due process
keep to streets in better shape adjust traffic signals and speed limits to allow more flow
Being more prompt on road construction and letting citizens know.
Better bus services for some areas
Better coverage geographic, time of day) for public transport
Better flow of traffic, change the damn street stop lights so you dont want so long at a traffic light.
Better infrastructure for traffic/less road maintenance during peak hours.
Better management of road construction i.e. It seems like when road is being repaired alternative
routes also are being worked on too many projects in the same area!
Better offers for headed citizens who cannot drive.
Better paying jobs more affordable housing, better air quality
Better planing for future growth - water projects.
Better planning for road construction & planning for growth.
Better road maintenance-especially snow plowing on side streets/neighborhoods, better public
transp.
Better safety downtown at night, response to noise camplaints & make conservation efforts.
Better shopping opportunities - move on mall, loveland - ft collins airport-get us a carrier.
Better tap water (no fluoride). Stop new building permits. We are too big for our resources! water
shortage-no more reservoirs either.
Better traffic signals and longer left turn lights. Better ingress & egress to businesses. less, landscape
and complex parking lots.
Bike lanes on college, continuing trail north of colleges & drake, oversight of slumlords, wider public
transportation routes.
Bike rates, bike safety, more & more frequent public transportation more police presence during
rush hours - traffic can be so crazy. People drive dangerously when they are in a hurry.
Build & focus more on primary employers bringing them to fort collins
Bus service further north, parks and more stores for northern part
Bus system takes forever to get from point A to point B if you have to take more than bus.
Buses are late sometimes 10-15 minutes bus number 6 on roads always seem to be need it horse
tooth.
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Bus's need to run more frequency and longer.
Certain areas of fort Collins has major problems needing re-surfacing-traffic in old town-due to
constant routing is very confusing.
City effort to build relationship between residents and CSU students. Also, more bus routes and
later running times.
City is viewed as obstructionist to economic development
Code enforcement of neighborhoods. Unkempt properties barking dogs. Smoke restrictions
College ave, is very congested
College really needs to be fixed from horse tooth to carpenter, city needs to listen to residents!
Continue present policies
Continue to attract new businesses to the Transportation - hope that the bus rapid system helps in
reduced traffic & easier parking at large college
Continue to draw employers to Fort Collins.
Continued enhanced efforts to reduce the impact of high volume housing in single family home
neighborhoods close to campus (thank you for the work done on this recently)
Controlling the development-esp. In the southeast-maintaining open space and
traffic/overcrowding problems. Increase biking opportunities (a few roads still don't have bike lanes)
Crate and barrel, pottery Barn, Nordstrom.
Crime in a sr development. We need new service for our leisure will no longer drive.
Curbside leaf pick up.
Developing more jobs & programs to support biking and the public transportation.
Diversity economy too dependent on csu & hitech
Do not know
Do something about the homeless population.
Don't approve sales of bldgs in old town & put 45+ people out of work and add to parking & traffic
congestions just for revenue. Help keep neighborhoods clean and safe don't take 8 months to up
grade a road while others are overwhelmed with traffic and have public transportation thats more
reliable.
Drinking water, more transportation routes, job opportunities.
Economic dev, promoting good neighbor relations, Fix the stoplights and quit installing them at
every intersection.
Economic growth not anti-business thinking from the “old town” inhabitants. Transportation on
bikes from south east to north west and old town venues is quite difficult to do safely.
Economic planning, streets widened, make more police appearances in neighborhoods city &
county government employees have more courtsey towards citizens.
Economy add parking meters environment better citizen education, culture-boring, where are the
museums? transportation city street planner deserves to be fired.
Economy-lower taxes, attract jobs (Why is Tiannath & Loveland able to get med ctr. & big stores?)
Neighborhoods-we don't enforce noise ordinances at all. Old town getting to bad to live there.
Nobody in city will prioritize train quiet zones, for example. We has $5m for a planned circle of
mountain - where did it go?
Economy-streamline process to promote/attract business transportation-improve bus routes nearer
neighborhood. Neighborhoods- publish/promote minimum city housing codes
Encourage business to recycle, encourage cars to not keep engines running when at drive through,
look at lights/intersections where left lane build up makes access to turn lane/difficult to make town
signal, intersection at riverside & prospect stop allowing exceptions to recuired padeing spots for
businesses & new residences.
Encourage business to relocate here
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Encourage businesses to build here: jobs more logical controlled growth plan. Don't allow sprawl!
Enforcement of current drug laws in neighborhoods. Around schools.
Ensure cleaner water i.e no flouride, less chlorine, etc)
Ensuring adequate water resources for expected growth; Sunday bus service
Environment air quality, no fracking / neighborhoods - encourage neighborhood cohesion /
communication / transportation: more bus routes city-greater coverage.
Environment: We should always seek to improve efforts regarding this topic same thing more
aggressive. Solar panels & gardens on bus stop roofs no oil exploration. Miles ridden on bike tax
credit. Change city code to allow wild flower growth in yards for bees empty fields planted with wild
flowers free beer Fridays.
Environment-bigger is not to not better, smart growth is good dont need to grow so fast & big, as we
have been. Neighborhoods - good neighbor relationships make good communities the foundation of
a stable community &, lack crime etc .etc
Environment-more effort in getting businesses to recycle, comfort, etc. Culture/parks/rec.
Continued development of bike trails to make it easier to cycle communicate.
Even more emphasis on open space preservation and purchase. Even more bike trails. Connection
to the windsor trail system.
Expanded use of alternative energy (renewable) more bike trails ( multi purpose paths)
Extend times of public transportation; more bicycle awareness & advocacy.
Faster building inspection
Finish foothills mall for shopping, land conservation of parks
Finish the trail system bring in more jobs improve traffic flow by changing timing of stop lights.
Focus heavily on open spaces and city planning for smart land use, focus heavily on mass transit,
bike access and pedestrian access
Force people to keep their properties maintained weed control, paint, etc.
Have more police control in old town and on campus security.
High rent shopping, parking in the downtown area regional transportation to Dimn.
Hispanic seemed be segregrated in north ft. Collins
Hope for max bus system, but traffic is nightmore in this city now more effort in open spaces &
preservation of those already reserved
Housing options for working families in low to average income range are too expensive.
Housing-affordable housing, lower ugly student complexes. Transportation-better bus service (avoid
over-reliance on max). Less congestion on all major cross streets with a block of college. culture:
showstoppers is less than it once was. The classical series is moribund.
I believe we can always do better, so of course i mark “more effort.”
I do not believe people with low-to moderate income can live without worrying if they will be able
to afford their rent /utilities/food costs each month.
I dont have any specific idea. I just know there are important areas to me.
I don't like the privatized youth base ball soccer systems. I think the city could manage these more
cost effectively. I also think more foresight is needed to manage transportation planning.
I drive & bike & walk and all are fine. I would use public transit more if it was quicker than it is It
would take 1 hr to go 3.5 miles from home to work b/c waiting & transfers
I have only lived in fort. Collins 3 months, but am happy I moved to mackenzie place.
I hold CSU largely responsible for the dearth of affordable housing. CSU dorms are inadequate
thus the students put a lot of pressure on rentals. But CSU would rather build a stadium that isn't
needed!
I know the city is working on it slowly, but the mid-college area (near new summit apt. Complex)
isn't very appealing.
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I say improve public transportation but max will hopefully help that
I think more planning w/ growth is always a good idea (ex. Hughes., silly to move in town & create
more “space” issues) & improved living (air, etc) always good. I'm unsure how much “safety” is put
forth effort wise., but should always be. TV.
I think the city council needs to “man up” and make the hard decisions and not drag their feet in
critical issues like the mall.
I think the city needs to rein in CSU's impact on the quality of life-the proposed stadium is a
disaster in the making. The apartments (student) on college by Dairy Queen are a huge detraction.
Parking issues are severe.
I think we should always try to be better more stable tax base.
I think you should exersize more effort into making them more convient.
I want to see more wooded areas, more environmental health education and promotion, and more
small houses to rent out to low income college kids.
I want to see my elected officials and appointed staff making a much clearer efforts to communicate
what they're doing with my tax money, I work for a living i can't attend every public meeting. I
would appreciate an online synopsis
I would caution ftco council members from turning our city into service only community.
I would like a monthly email addressing the water quality and amount of chemicals/additives in
water
I would like the city to Ban Franking with in city limits too all younger property-including natural
areas. I would like to have more trails thinking opportunities. I would like to see more big music
games of the center. I would like more offordable housing. I wish the city offered more persons -
jobs.
I would like the city to listen to citizens about “no new stadium” let us as “valued citizens” vote on
this.
I would like to see light rail to denver/boulder as i commute for work
I would like to see more water conservation efforts, especially in regards to lawn irrigation.
I would like to see us welcome larger business bringing a higher tax revenue, we need to quit
running good employer and tax paying businesses off with unreasonable impact fees, better overall
road maintenance
I'd love to see more recycling (like of compostable materials, for eg.) and better low-income housing
options for those who need it.
If you have an “appearance” committe it might evaluated new construction far more carefully for
adequate for parking etc
Improve all quality, improve public transportation, increase valuables, add more open space,
address traffic congestion.
Improve traffic flow.
Improved road maintenance. Easing traffic congestion; less lights or better timing Re-design
transport routes.
In neighborhoods with high rental property numbers, the properties are often allowed to go to
disrepair. This tendency can lead to a chain of events that negatively affects neighborhoods. For
example, lower house quality leads to lower rental quality, resulting in lowered potential for overall
neighborhood quality and lower property values.
In regards to economy, draw more business to the are to help with jobs. For the environment,
improve air quality and do not allow fracking within city limits.
Increase bus transportation, be more low ses friendly, stop messing up the mall, Fort Collins is a
racist city. Try and be more minority friendly. (The main problem is the rampant racism at CSU,
so I'm not sure how the city can address this)
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Increase financial attractiveness to new business need more trail options-specifically more advanced
level Mtn bike trails improve stop light timing on college ave-please!
Increase is of wind energy use of solar power in public buildings. Increase quality of cultural
programs. Increase frequency & range of public transportation.
Increased effort to serve all socio-economic groups in housing choices neighborhood-based
initiatives, public information about transportation choices, bus routes that optimize popular routes
Increased public transportation & encouraging more taxis. Focus on bringing more businesses to
town
Informing the community about economic development activities.
It is time for the train to go; traffic signal coordination needs improvement.
It was difficult for me to find a job at first also I value fc so I want see it thrive.
Jobs! Good jobs !
Keep tax base in city limits more info on saftey-where are crimes, ratings on response time.
Less building-more open space!
Less subsidizing of projects like the mall pay attention to all water usage in our arid climate
sustainability as a measure always considered
Like paved trails to connect (not lot connection between mulberry & drake area on should & taft
area) I consider this transportation - not recreation.
Like to see remove work done on improving much hour traffic near college ave, harmony etc.
Listen to citizens; Retain more ft. Collins charm; stop building on every square inch at green; Limit
growth We could have been better than boulder but the wants of a few out weigh what is best
overall-it is sad still good place to live but could be great
Low income housing.
Made street worker-in neighborhoods.
Maintaining potholes streets
Make it easier to get around-hopefully the max will help and go fast.
Make right turn lane on northbound. Timberline rd. & kechter headed east
Manufacturing jobs, mandatory recycling programs, diesel truck pollution (pick ups, etc.) more blue
collar, don't let windsor Greeley, etc. Have them all.
Mass transit
Mass transit
Mass transit to Denver / Boulder.
May be city sponsored neighborhood block parties
More affordable & low-income housing.
More affordable housing
More affordable housing for average retired people
More affordable rental properties and apartments/condos, better control of snakes on trails, and
wider roads to lessen congestion and so college and harmony aren't the biggest main streets.
More affordable the housing for disabled and seniors the run good but some need to be replaced,
continued bus service at DMA remaining for and olive.
More attention in low incomes housing.
More attention to planning : development
More bike trail development on south side-planned order/overpass from jail road beside “power
trail” not completed forcing bikes on very busy timberline rd.
More buses, better avenues for Mutiniga and Cencila.
More clean energy initiatives, increase noise ordinance enforcement, continue open space
initiatives, reduce dependence on cars
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More communication with residents.
More convenient transit bus lines, more discretion when constructing attractive, substantial student
housing. More quality affordable housing for our lower economic
More coverage on bus routes during high traffic hours
More economic focus on fort collins as an outdoor recreation destination
More efficiency
More effort for people to have neighborhood nights
More effort in developing a student that insure all monies are directed to what was voted on by the
residents.
More effort should be spent on overpasses or underpasses to alloviate the traffic jams caused by
trains-especially of the switching areas also a west-east route for medical emergencies. As the city
grows the problems will get worst.
More effort to protect our drinking water quality & quantity.
More effort with communications with citizens
More energy coming from renewable resources and quality, affordable housing for the middle class
(to buy not rent)
More focus on business, less on environment, more focus on vehicle traffic less on bicycles.
More frequent bus system.
More high quality job opportunities, can't raise a family on restaurant ad retail salaries ! This is the
only environment we have, can't put too much effort into keeping it nice!
More job opportunities for the “working poor” to advance, quality housing for all socio-economic
groups.
More jobs I'm 27 w/a bachelors & I am struggling to pay my bill. It would be nice if there were
more taxi's or other ways to get home after drinking downtown.
More jobs opportunities for college grads, fix how bad traffic is (esp. During rush hour! )
More lanes on drake & prospect
More mass transit recreation, culture for population who live south of drake
More natural areas-we have plenty of parks that are landscaped already
More neighborhood nights out or something organized like movies in the parks cops are to
harassing. Buses need to run later in the evenings
More north/south traffic routes. More R.R. Overpasses/underpasses.
More options cultural - parks recreation more thought art place for street repairs.
More parks and recreation facilities south of harmony; especially softball and baseball fields.
More planning for traffic/growth. Always more effort for water & air quality.
More poble transport better bicycle entertainment more community events.
More police out to ticket a lot of drivers who do not know the rules in the driver ed. book
More police services better traffic operations, stop light coordination something needs to be done a
bout the trains changing cars at rush hours.
More pot enforcement? more innovation more systems integration w / Airport (pc/cv) more
economic development.
More preplanning that doesn't include monetary issues concerning fresh drinking water.
More public transportation
More public transportation
More public transportation or cabs available from old town any night, anytime.
More recreations offered
More residential development activity Redevelopment of the mall Natural resource exploration- oil
and gas.
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More senior low income housing help for senior on utilities.
More student rousing and more parking in old town
More studies on fracking, not more wells
More thought into traffic flow instead of how intersection look and stop high density population
areas-more police interaction with the general public.
More transportation options & environment awareness
More varity @ Lincoln center, seriously greedy has a better program.
Need and increase in police officers
Need bike more worried about-water quality, maybe get sure more open spaces.
Need to figure out low to funnel traffic on college better. New to area. Have never seen such
congestion in a small city in my life. More publication
Need to focus on developing the foothills mall. I'm tired of having to spend my tax dollars in other
cities when I would like to put it in the city of fort collins. Plans keep getting pushed back and looks
like it will never be developed.
Need to improve the economy and transportation.
Neighbor relations, cultural venues, road & traffic issues.
Neighborhood parking issues
Neighborhoods seem strong but community buildings should continue be priority as strong
neighborhoods affect more than friendliness affects crime, quality of life, safety
Neighborhoods-better enforcement of attr. Neighborhoods transfer more attention to street in
neighborhood.
Neighborhoods-more affordable housing not run by slum lords safety-more activity by police to
enforce laws.
Neighboring towns have brought in better shopping we need to figure out foothills, we drive out of
town to shop & we need to fix conjestion.
No fracking in the city.
Not a very inclusive culture. F.C. Utilities are Indica bus! Proving upper middle class-poor people
pay higher rates as better they usual rent and/or can't afford increased weather
proofing/appliances.
Nothing specific, there is no “too much effort” when dealing with the environment.
Over pass over train tracks.
Parks more of the same
Partnership with larimer county, larimer county workforce center, ncedc - continue to strengthen
relations & marketing to employers to bring them to this area
People need constant reminders of how to be more responsible towards the overall environment
Plan for increase in population, aleviode congestions on roads with public transportation always
room to improve city gov't.
Please be sure there is affordable housing & health care services for low-income & fixed income
Police patrol of street
Police response to thefts.
Preserving the environment should be every community's top priority.
Promotion of neighborhood relationships primarily, also more night recreations.
Public transportation
Public transportation that runs longer at night. Work to get a train that goes to Boulder /
Longmont / Denver.
Public transportation,
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Public transportation, Planning, more police, environmental recycling and better use of dump
methane, more solar wind using these renewable energy resources for correction, park and all city
facilities
Public transportation, taxi services, more affordable housing.
Quality and affordable housing. Property owners “rape” the locals because of students.
Quality housing for all socio-economic groups land increased conservation on better road
maintenance
Rapid transportation system needs to be active asap
Recreational & cultural pros. Natural areas, parks.
Reducing traffic issues, light timing is good but could be better of some interior.
Rental properties kept nice and in standards of living above nothing being managed (houses with
multiple persons living in dwelling and the outside lawn, yard, those left to rain.
Repair roads, time traffic lights, quit wasting money on transit (max) better jobs-less retail type-
higher paying like manufacturing
Road construction never gets done by the posted dates, some road construction detours lead you
into another construction zone ?
Road maintenance
Road maintenance.
Road repairs!! College is a mess. Trilby and college/287 is horrible!!
Roads need attention. Holes not finished quickly not enough housing for low-income citizens.
Safety, neighborhoods, cultural, general/government.
Safety: just police/neighborhood:I'm at stuart & remington Pretty “shaddy” area lots of crime
economy: not a lot of jobs & this region pays much power than boulder & denver / Fort Collins.
Safety-I feel can always use work & improvement. Transportation - mainroads (s. College) need
repair.
Safety-remove street light camera that ticket people as this is unsafe stressful & causes accidents
remove stationed cars that take pictures & ticket automatically.
Savage on roadways not always clear.
Saving for the footwear growth of the city
Seemed slow, very slow on burglery investigation. Better crime investigation
Should have more police patrol in the neighborhoods.
Sidewalks on trilley and college more bus access for teens in additonal areas
Siezed water use system has resulted in to much decay of lawns in old town residential area where
as many lawns are brown and unsightful
Since I have moved here preveously living in several other CO cities. I have noticed FOCO to have
an unusually high amount of road work clogging up many streets throughout the city Stategic
planning of road closures / work would be preferable.
Smart growth, attractive community, w/o littering.- Neighborhood cohesion (more emphasis on
neighborly connections)
Snow removal on roads!
Stage light at Sheridan
Start over
Stop fluoridating the water Graffitti removal needs work.
Super Max - a waste of taxpayers money.!
Taste of water senior housing more affordable housing for young families rent control
The bus route is very college ave - centeric, while these area routes east and west, they run longer
than the N/S routes. I am concerned about the Maxx system county congestion to the east & west.
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The C.F.C. Is doing a great job with parks & rec. But I don't think we can ever have enough.
Transportation= bridges over R.R. Tracks.
The community is hurting for good-paying jobs. The city council is a big obstacle. It takes far too
long and is very expensive for projects to get thru development review council
The future of our environment & green energy is very important to me, yet I have no idea as to the
city's plans or opinion regarding natural energy resources. Parks & recreation, as well as quality
housing, are also things I think can always receive more focus & be improved.
The housing is geared more towards college students. What about families!?
The mall ! it should have been rebuilt rebuilt years ago & the new plan is not too exciting I was
hoping for more.
The new neighborhoods in our city have narrow streets and feel crowded, I would like to see
develope require to have wide streets and large lots, I don't like “in fill” and crowding
The roads could use more attention and driving here is a little hard.
The south east portion of fort collins is sadly lacking in bike trail access and public transportation
options.
The traffic duty rush hour, even in mid afternoon is terrible. These needs to be planning for over
passes or something. It would also help if the police would ticket people who drive while using cell
phones. The prevent others from money. Also, needing a better bus systems.
The transport bus system needs serious re look. The current system does not run at the times the
community needs. And the routes are ridiculous. It takes more time and you have to go out of your
way and then transfer to get where you may need to go. A better bus system that citizens that do
not have cars can use to get to work and find work. This community has out grown the current bus
system and it would be a benefit in the long run economically if more people can work more people
can spend money.
Their is not enough police to respond or animal control coverage. The few times I've needed a
police officer to respond to a non-emergency call it took hours
There are a few roads I would like to see fixed, housing is reactively expensive & it would be cool to
have more community events.
There is a need for “low income” housing-both to own as to rent too much college housing-
neighborhood watch programs
There is always improvement for safety. Police could always use improvement to.
There is always room for more planning and improvement of air quality, conservation, preservation
and maintenance of parks & natural areas
There is always room from improvement.
There is minimal planning on the part the city the city make a response to the developer- city needs
to see some initiatives
These are most important areas to me do not have specifics please make sure these are priority in
terms of $ and efforts.
They need to leasten more police need to stop being so out control and more wheelchair side walks
& seen fronts.
This city is a great place to live but people need to have place to shop the mall needs to be built
“now” we need “more” business that “help” people live & spend here.
This town is rapidly growing and we need the infrastructure to support that.
Too many regulations for small businesses to come in start up. Fund police dispatch adequately.
Trash cans should not be allowed outside the house no exceptions not in backyard or screened from
visibility. Bicycles can not trigger traffic signals & bike lanes on streets are too infrequently sweeped
causing bikes to move into traffic lanes.
Traffic & construction are horrible!
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Traffic congestion has been especially bad with all the road construction-max, etc.
Traffic light timing is horrible!
Traffic lights are not timed properly. Drake s lemay at rush hour only lets a few cars through at a
time.
Traffic lights need to be sinkronize to get traffic to move!
Traffic movement, coordinating light systems work on problems with trains and train delays.
Traffic on weekends & after work hours can be hectic so maybe there's a way that traffic can be
regulated better. Also, parking can be hard sometimes so maybe more parking would be beneficial.
Trails (spring creek trail needs major fixes/improvement, fossil creek trail needs to be finished)
Trains are taking way too long, stopping road traffic sometimes more than 20 minutes for travelers
heading north or south along lemay, & timberline
Transport operations, maintaining roads.
Transport should go farther out to assist in community
Transport: longer weekend hours, more frequent buses, on android & iphone mobile app is a must
Transportation & environment
Transportation to more areas
Transportation: Bus services after 6 pm Neighborhoods: More affordable housing Environment: No
more insecticide spraying b/c west nile.
Transportation: The train is a big congestion factor especially on Lemay & Vine; Also its very
noisey; Too many horn blows
Trolly system expanded past just north and south along colleges
Try to eliminate blight. Re-use buildings more rather than new construction center to improve air,
environmental quality.
Upkeep on old homes, more parks/attractiveness.
Want to see less growth in fort Collins & more sustaining. We don't need more people.
Water conservation! more public transportation options that are cost minded.
Water is critical issue-fires / floods require more alterations; more attention to visual appeal of
neighborhoods; greater sethacks on commercial & residential traffic flow starting to breakdown w /
growth encourage staggered work skeds.
Water quality
We are a very bike freindly area but to get from one place to another there are clear bike lanes &
then none... & then more & then none. either work on that or direct bikes only along “bike trails” &
not allowed on road. Makes it dangerous to be riding & then have no lane, broken pavement &
skinny or no bike lane suddenly. Safety: Lived here for 18 yrs now & in last 2 years: Bike stolen, 2
neighbors cars broken into something stolen out of back yard. Fear broken into in front of my house
more from neighbors i understand
We are more like Denver everyday, too many people, to much traffic congestion.
We live in a very nice neighborhood but a few houses are empty and for a number of years they
were not maintained. The city did check on these properties - but no response
We need more disc golf courses. Edora is busy all the time we should have more 18 hole course
options.
We were in the mezzanine for a concert, the space between rows is not adequate seating is
miserable for anyone with long legs
World like to have Aztlan type center in south side of, a gym that we can rent for activities would be
great.
You just get to be a little better tomorrow
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You should fix heavily used roads at night and quiet fixing roads that are close together at the same
time. Also we waste alot of gas waiting at lights that have no traffic more use of yellow blinking at
night.
Youth clubs
Zoning laws in residential neighborhoods enforced.
Q17: If you answered “less effort” for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and
amenities would you like to see reduced?
3 - unrelated rule is net necessary, house size restrictions in old, too many rules applied to owners
properties-weeds/lawn not mowed/items outside. Too much interference from local government
and police makes you feel like this is a nanny state-too many unnecessary rules.
All
All city spends too much of tax payer dollars. City needs to focus on spending less and attracting
higher paying jobs from the private sector taxes tool high.
All of the construction. It is so hard to get around with so much of it.
Also some intersections (auto) need review harmony & sheilds & sheilds & laporte (left turn)
Astronomical spending on the police dept. Salaries. Improve police-resident trust & relationship.
Building inspection is too strict
Bureaucracy
Business growth is good unless it increases population.
Can't be all things to all people taxes too high nice to have but food, shelter etc more imp.
City control of neighborhoods.
City of Fort Collins takes forever to deposit checks.
City should not be providing competing services on similer vec facilities that small bushesses are also
providing-small business cannot compare with a government that has no profit incentive.
Communicating with residents.
Cost of city provided utilities is outrageous, especially cost of water
Don't increase economic development without determining infrastructure - ie. Student housing do
not parking on such.
Dont spend money they don't have.
Economy -less growth, slower. Those apt bldgs w/ center ave and at college & E. Stuart-Horrible.
Too many people, crowding, parking, congestion, no developer from N or S Carolina, cares about
Ft Collins. Cheap, trashy construction!
Energy conservation, especially charges for electricity-over priced.
Enviro - we are doing enough. At this point the environmentalists are hurting business & increasing
taxes. Less power to the leftists please. Much rather have more downtown parking!
Everything good but time & $ could be spent elsewhere too many cops.
Fort collins is building out ward and there are now stop lights every where and too much traffic on
I-25. Let's focus on quality rather than quantity.
Get a city council that really cares about citizens, let neighborhood service people actually talk to
residents, not treat residents as criminals
Govt. Management is top heavy our big shots more funds to services- please get an adequate.
Have enough parks taxpayer space, a lot of open space is “off limits-” Quit telling people what they
can do to their property in older, parts of town.
I am not fully convinced that we need incentive package for retail development. The incentive
system seems to be broken.
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I am unhappy to see Woodward gov. Develop a beautiful pristine site that is in our city center &
could have been a natural area or community area. I would like to see more small business dev. &
greater preservation of the overall feel of Fort Collins.
I don't recall any vote for a select group to dictate “ green” policies to everybody else. The new
“max” through north FT. Collins is poorly done. Why is there new apartment building being
crammsing into spaces with no parking on college plus lake street!
I would like less effort up in the college football field don't feel shield st could handle traffic!
Intrusion on individual rights such as nuisance. Ordinanes no pot retail no stadium.
It is very concerning the amount of pedal bikers who bully and/or are not driving in bike lanes.
Less development of low-income housing near wealthy neighborhoods that drives down property
values.
Less effort on college involvement. (stadium)
Less effort should have been spent on “max”! The citizens voted it down twice & the city went
ahead with it anyway. The train situation is a much more pressing problem. “max” will help just a
very narrow area of the city-at huge cost.
Less effort towards attracting service industry jobs.
Less focus on the environment.
Less focus on the max system-started out as a good idea, but has strayed from the original plan
Less government
Less government is always desirable.
Less money designated to non-critical areas.
Less police-there are so many it is unnecessary! should worry about more serious crimes
Less politically correct efforts. Be real.
Loss mini management of everything less planning, less playing HOA in neighborhood less stupid
mark transportation less committees less studies less govt!
Making downtown “pretty” this town is already attractive there, it's the north part that needs help.
Mason corridor development is overkill; seems like special interests at play here
May be the major st carrian well help public transportation-
Minimal gov't. Involvement, more business involvement.
More action
More affordable “adult” housing complexes and affordable utilities.
My personal opinion is that all communities spend to much money on emergency services for the
return. Less new equipment and vehicles.
None- I am grateful that I live in such a progressive, county and state
Over reaching programs like east side, west side and unreasonable requirement in the name of
historical presentation. Higher recycling requirements without the promised education was just
rubbish.
Park rangers acquisition of property outside city limits
Park rangers, buying land so far away from the city.
Parks employees are super inefficient workers, who if trained & disciplined would save many tax
payers dollars.
Parks for elected officials they shouldn't benefit from thier squabbling!!
Pay as you throw is bad. Even considering a grocery bag tax is stupid. A train on mason street?
really? We dont need that I guess it will be easier to get to all the car dealerships to buy a car, so you
dont have to ride the train.
People to accept job as a career not just a paycheck
Police dept got their # from weed tax- they should be happy fire, emergency & inspection are still
highly important We are top heavy in our city goverment & city mgr isn't in touch
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Police foot patrol along old town at night can be more trouble causing than beneficial.
Quit trying to push low income housing in the neighborhoods.
Road maintenance, the high volume of multiple road closure causes secure congestion, which hurts
commerce.
Stop forcing apartments in neighborhoods.
Tax and other incentives to growth. If Fort Collins is a good city business will come without
“bribes”.
The ESA to go ground second.
The new lights rail is lots of money wasted. Who is this going to serve? What a joke!
They are already beautiful and well maintained
Too much effort on “Green” issues, too much emphasis on bicycles.
Way too much money spend on “trails” let's talk about real infrastructure.
We seem to have plenty of parks already, spend that money to get the traffic lights timed, and down
town set so traffic flows through town
You plow trails more than clearing side walks when residents don't why so much water on the park
yet trees die?
Q18: Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be the top three priorities for
the City within the next five years?
(1) Better planning on road maintenance (2) Better management of traffic movement (3) Old town
parking.
(1) Jobs (2) More attention to welfare recipiants (Drug testing)
(1) Managing ill effects of fast growth. (2) operating within budget (3) keeping our towns brand good.
(1) Successfull “max” rollout - use very low preventional FARE, revised bus routes (2) Yard-waste
recycling program (3) Off-peak electric rates (lower)
(1) Sufficient water ( I support glade res.), (2) Traffic flow (see 16) (3) Not allowing CSU to build a
stadium in the middle of town-haven't seen any information on how traffic would be handled on
home game days. Traffic on college/hwy 287 would be horrific-as would be.
(1) Traffic control and lights (2) King trails in the city (3) Economic development more effort for
great shopping-clothes, household (great stores)
(1) Transportation (2) Smart growth (3) Environment (recycling)
(Year 1) No new taxes (year 2) no new taxes. (year 34&5) no new taxes. No but seriously - schools,
more city gardens perhaps a over pass on some of there. (train tracks)
1- affordable housing 2- traffic congestion 3- more toward zero waste
1 Decrease train noise pollution, 2 Decrease Traffic congestion due to train through the city 3
Smart growth
1 traffic 2 economy 3 downtown redevelopment
1) Better street system i.e. Turn bines, better management of heavy traffic 2) Eliminate you plus two
you are perpetuating your own problems w/this law (i.e. Land conservation, housing prices) 3)
Work on creating paid parking areas downtown to increase income.
1) Bike paths, wider sidewalks on prospect from shields to college
1) Building employment opportunities 2) More affordable housing 3) Putting air conditioning in all
public schools so students can concentrate on learning, instead of how miserably hot they are. I
would wager all the city offices are air-conditioned, so why not schools?
1) Change how people all changed for utilities 2) fix the streets 3) Increase public transportation.
1) Continue to maintain a safe environment 2) Maintain closed roads and re open them 3) Stay
economically and environmentally positive
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1) Continued conservation of open space 2) Keep natural gas dev. Out of our city! 3) address the
home situation-it is a serious social & environmental problem and some of our natural areas are
now unsafe.
1) Control the environmental / architecture/Parking impacts of CSV's obsession w/football 2)
Control shoddy architecture on college ave (elsewhere)- eg. CSU's student apartments. 3) Traffic
congestion.
1) Encourage new businesses to move here. 2) Decrease number of “studies” - waste too much
money. Snow plow residential streets, not major arteries over & over when snow has stopped. Poor
plow management.
1) Enforce use of bike lanes it is unsafe for them to bike on rd. 2) More family activities. 3) better
public transportation. (including another CAB company).
1) Expand police & fire departments to accomodate population growth as needed 2) Traffic
congestion relief-improve public transportation options 3) Train routes along mason & riverside
need to be altered. Both contribute to public safety issues concerns-Emergency vehicle impedement
& driver frustrations.
1) Finish Maxx system. 2) Extend / finish / improve bike trails 3) Recognize - mid - town Fort
Collins (Foothills mall area).
1) Finishing mid town redevelopment 2) Continuing to uses the city overall environmental impact 3)
Keep up the good work!
1) Improve public transportation 2) Encourage even more conservation (esp. Of fossil fuels) 3)
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins.
1) Improved, more transparent public transportation choices 2) More affordable housing choices in
central locations, not geographically alienating lower-income households.
1) Increasing wind energy 2) Increasing code enforcement for residential neighborhoods as some are
deterouting quickly. 3) Increasing code enforcement for animal control such as repairs dog barking.
1) Innovation & creative economic cluster 1) more regional economic development w / NCEDC &
FC/LV airport.
1) Job growth 2)more police & police training in respect & politeness. Police-I've never been the
problem with police, but one was standing in my yard I asked her if something was wrong & she
wouldn't even look at me extremely rude tone & demeanor. Most of your police act this way-too
“macho” male & female. 3) Disaster prep. 4) “Thumpine” car streets- totally ridiculous here!
1) Less expenses toward non-essential vehicles max project 2) More favorable treatment of potential
employers.
1) Limiting growth if possible?! 2) Quality education 3) Continued purchasing for open spaces ( Save
some prairie dogs and fox)
1) Local & small business growth which will create more jobs & keep in the community-not sending
them out 2) use schools year round and have smaller classrooms 3 Figure out a way for city
employees to be happy so they are more productive
1) Maintaining existing infrastructure (trails, roads, parks, etc.) 2) Encourage community
involvement citizens helping citizens. 3) Not allowing a new stadium. We don't need it. Discourage
CSU from building it at every opportunity.
1) make biking safer & get rid of the damn timed stop lights on the power trail (go back to the old
Blinkago) 2) Less developments for housing. Fort Collins is full!! 3) Reduce rent in old town
somehow, chains will ruin this city.
1) Manage growth with thoughts on road impact due to increase in cars!! Traffic and impact on air
and water quality are serious collateral damage to the quality of life here in Fort Collins. 2)
Improving I 25 corridor access park N ride accessibility beyond just at harmony. 3) Work better
with count services/officials.
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1) No stadium in the middle of town 2) Increase parks & trails on SE side of town 3) Managing
community growth
1) Passing Amendment 66 to better fund the schools 2. More affordable housing for the poor. 3. Fix
condition of main streets. 4. Improve college ave from prospect-horse tooth (appearance of
buildings)
1) Plan for traffic growth. Some streets are Awetal. 2) water conservation of course 3) more cultural
awareness.
1) protecting environment 2) Limiting sprawl. 3)reducing traffic congestion.
1) Quality jobs 2) Maintaining the environment 3) Better traffic
1) Reduce traffic congestion 2) Expand public transportation, being, walking 3) Improve air quality
Note: Rail service to Denver would quality benifit Fort Collins housing greater access to jobs and
expanding the customer have for Fort Collins.
1) Renewable energy sources for city facilities,machines better transportation more routes, more
hours sunday services 3) more on the streets , at facilities and generally, more police.
1) Rentals taking over single neighborhoods by “slum lords” 2) Transit is there a way to limit how
many on one street? 3) Keep shopping small & local - right now there is a big move to malls & strip
malls
1) Road need mark so for night visibility on lanes Road repair on all streets-you are doing a good
job so far 2) Promote ft. Collins as a city for all people not just a “college town”) 3) Down play all
the bear priority - alcohol rules its too bad because destroys neighborhoods & families.
1) Separated grade railroad crossings. Please. 2) Eliminate all speed bumps. (force anybody who
advocates speed bumps to live somewhere else 3) Ignore roundabout naysayers & eliminate as many
traffic signals as possible (force said naysayers to live with the speed bump people in exile).
Substitute roundabouts for signals as possible.
1) should have more inside shopping mall. 2) exchange ethenic food shops
1) Support companies that would bring higher paying professional jobs to ftco. Less red tape! Stop
arguing over “Trees”!
1) Teaching & enforcing bike traffic safety 2) Reducing housing costs. 3) Being a leader by example
for the nation, on climate change, and how to change societies habits in a positive way.
1) Traffic 2) high densite areas not good 3) Less government intrusion to residents & homeowners-
leaves us alone!
1) Transpontation-(Mason corridor is great stop) 2) Collaboration with other entities public &
private 3) Water to sustain growth
1) Water 2) Parks/trails 3) Reduce size of govt, increased efficiency
1. A more conservative estimation of property values so home owners don't feel they need to protest
their valuation 2. Do that, at the same time solidifying city budgets within reasonable taxation /
revenue expectations
1. Better bus transportation: more coverage and extended hours. 2. Rapid transit to denver 3.
Scheduled airline from fort collins
1. Completion of north collage street upgrade 2. Continue construction of trail system (bicycle &
walking) in city and county 3. Improve k17 school program for all income levels of students.
1. Connect all the bike trails. 2. More/better in continues for people to make their houses more
environmental friendly (ex. Pv rebates) etc. 3. I wish there was a bus route between, FC &
Downtown Denver.
1. Continued development of public transit systems including bike trails, etc. 2. Continued
development of old, including mixed use dev. Along poudre. 3. Continued development of mason st
corridor
1. Environment 2. Transportation 3. Job growth
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1. Growth of CSV 2. Improving traffic situation 3. Upgrading old town parking.
1. Improve the planning process 2. Be receptive to citizen input 3. Provide information on how bike
riders should behave in various situations.
1. Maintaining open space (Loveland ft. Collins) 2. Mass transit I 25-expanded city bus system. 3.
Keeping city core vital.
1. Manage future growth 2. Promote ftc as a good place to own/conduct business 3. Keep ftc a
great place to live/work
1. Mid-town redevelopment (MALL) 2. Make transport easier & stop banking on max 3. Continue
to support & fund culture & arts.
1. Neighborhoods 2. Culture, Parks & Recreation
1. Prevent urban sprawl-use land efficiently. Set aside more green space. 2. Cannot bike paths
together and extend into north & south areas. 3. No fracking & improve air quality.
1. Promote better economic health & opportunities for more/new businesses 2. Health care options
3. Continued trail improvements & options.
1. Quality of life 2. Economic opportunity 3. Housing ( In that order.)
1. Safety 2. Using trade 3. Shopping- mall remodel w/ welcomed. (no more out side malls)
1. Stand firm against building a new stadium on main campus 2. Completion of trail system to
connect the biking/walking trails 3. Continued flood irrigation and open space development.
1. Stop building huge buildings that don't fit into neighbors like the multi-storey apartments at
college ave & e stuart. No parking. 2. Traffic in fort collins is too congested. 3. Breaks for businesses
to bring more companies & stores for employment & revenue.
1. Traffic 2. Attracting new business
1. Transportation 2. Street maintenance 3. Housing for elderly in nursing homes.
1=Remove illegal alien 2=Remove illegal alien 3=Remove illegal alien
Affordability (Not becoming another boulder), public transportation/trails, jobs.
Affordable energy (gas & oil attract) more higher paid private sector jobs. Less spendings on social
programs too much waste there. City needs to be fiscally responsible with tax payers dollars. City
needs to cut taxes on citizens too many unemployed in city.
Affordable housing for people who aren't college students; enforcing traffic laws on bikes. If they use
the road they should have the same laws as a car.
Affordable housing for retired people & not more for the wealthy.
Affordable housing fracking, parking, education thank you for this survey! We love living in Fort
Collins.
Affordable housing, affordable healthcare, road maintenance.
Affordable housing, environmental protection (Protect water supply from fracking, conserve
water/open space), and more jobs.
Allow more business in town with less rules and regulations.
An adequate supply of quality housing for low income groups and road maintenance.
An effective public transportation system linking front range cities. Better planning to avoid projects
like the 200 parking space monstrosity on college by prospect. Who approved that?
Attract business, improve business tax income, fix the traffic lights so they are in sync
Attract more high tech businesses to expand the tax base put more efforts into fixing the roads &
don't let csu put a hulking football stadium in the middle of town. Also please don't let the fracking
industry come into the city. In spite of the lies the oil & gas in history is telling on TV. Fracking is
not safe.
Attract more jobs! not just construction sprawl, but good jobs with living wages and benefits. The
kind of job that keeps me from having to drive to Denver!
Attracting maintaining businesses/employers, growth planning, traffic control.
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Attractive, well know, suitable living
Ban fracking, more job opportunities and more public transportation
Better focus on renewable energy like solar power. Better enforcement of road rules, including for
bicyles.
Better paying jobs. The college has made rents high and very low paying jobs here. But thats what
keep this town going.
Better retail shopping in mall good stores.
Better safety @ night, easier traffic during day, and more parking down town.
Better shopping! it's a shame we must go out of town or on-line to make so many purchases!
Better traffic flow (it has improved some) better business environment lower taxes.
Better traffic flow in congested area housing improvement people do thier job vs. Wanting a -
[check] have it be their priority
Better transportation to services in our area
Bring in business, revitalize mall, keep water consistant.
Budget, safety & maintenance.
Budget_jobs_ growth
Build a by pass loop to ease. Congestion on college ave
Build a mall like park meadows work on traffic congestion - light timing, farm land smooth building
of new csu stadium (work w/ csu)
Build the tax base
Business development, planning for future stop listing to environmental rulers.
Business Growth transportation environment
Business growth, transportation, youth sports
Career jobs, education, trails.
Cautious growth-currently too many apartments allowed to be built at once seems out of control. I
feel like we will regret open-ended growth in the future slow down!
City government, environment, smart transportation (include water in there somewhere are we
“buying” it up & squeezing out the farmer to have more people !!!?)
Clearing roads of ice. City wide garbage program.
College repaired.
Community events in the neighborhoods, roads transportation, traffic, environment - clean water,
restored natural areas, less waste, more recycling of all things.
Community involvement in legal government issues-decreasing the current of d.u.i.s - Year round
public transportation-
Completing the new mall and surrounding area.
Containment of sprawl. Affordable housing opportunities
Continue fixing roads, improve public transportation, improve wait time for trains going through
town.
Controlled growth; Sustainability affordable H2o & electricity at natural sources, protecting
neighborhood
Controlling traffic safety, parks & open space
Deal with current and plan for future east to west traffic congestion. Rental property efficiencies.
Economic/job growth.
Deal with shopping center, continue to deal with traffic, more emphasis of upgrading
neighborhoods.
Diversity
Drinking wager, more transportation routes, job opportunities.
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Economic dev, fix roads, address traffic congestion
Economic development -focus on attracting good jobs better work force -as boomers retire, we will
be in a bind reducing city staff by 10-15% we have a fat city government
Economic development, education/school quality parking availability
Economic growth, more affordable housing
Economic sustainability, public transportation, affordable housing.
Economy, culture, parks & rec. Neighborhoods.
Economy, environment, and safety.
Economy, environment, culture, parks & recreation.
Economy, environment, safety.
Economy, environment, safety.
Economy, Gen. Government, safety
Economy, neighborhoods, transportation.
Economy, schools, traffic control
Economy, transportation, parks and recreation.
Economy; safety culture parkes & rec
Education for all/getting the people of fc out to help make this city great (ie paint fort collins
beautiful/off take of paint tacoma beautiful)/more physically active city especally those.
Education, environment, disaster response and restoration.
Education, police more, fireman more
Education, road improvement for growth, transportation infrastructure.
Education, transportation?
Education/ public transportation/ diversity the population.
Eliminate the max transportation. Decreases costs for small businesses to establish in FC. Reduce
high density, living areas.
Emergency planning, educating citizens on emergency kits.
Employment - affordable housing-traffic.
Encourage business, reduce cost of utilities reduce cost of government
Energy, economic development (foothills mall) and transportation
Enforcing noise ordinance, animal control & clean up
Environment protection and safety from fracking.
Environment, economy, and more job opportunities
Environment, parks, transportation.
Environment, safety, health, transportation, economy.
Environment, sustainability without promoting growth, more support toward historic preservation
Environment, Transportation, economy
Environment, transportation, neighborhoods.
Environmental cousiesness / quality of life, economic success, sustainable growth/ development.
Environmental quality, economy, transportation.
Expand # of lanes on tact hill rd from 2 to 4 or 1 to 2. Keeping utilities affordable access to jobs. No
discrimination.
Expanding csu parking services
Expanding, natural reservoir, citizens.
Find a human way to eliminate street beggars reduce loitering? possible?
Finish the road construction , advertise the “extra-occupancy zone “ option. Consider energy
alternatives and explore options rather than banning energy production just to start fracking.
Finish working on drains & streets & homeless
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Fix college watch for gangs control drugs
Flood control, economic growth, public safety.
Get a new mayor
Get out of the “Berkley of the Rockies” mentality.
Get people to use the bike system more (improved paths) more green west and better housing
options.
Getting businesses to fill any empty office / store buildings
Getting some good shopping at foothills mall - finishing the redevelopment of the mall. It is
frustrating enduring this back & forth & driving to Loveland or Cheyenne.
Good quality of life means maintaining our environment so we have a good place to live-this
includes working on being green (environmentally responsible, bike paths, health, public
transportation) and balancing this with reasonable economic development
Green energy; better street maintenance/less closures and parks/trails support; perhaps better
quality shown at the Lincoln center (the amateur ones are too amateur) & the professional ones &
even some of the amateur this!) are too expensive!!!
Growth & its effect on transportation, streets, services, keep us the beautiful street art &
landscaping. Planning & zoning to keep the city beautiful, including big box stores appearance from
the street.
Growth and quality of life for residents, safety & enforcing traffic rules for bikes, skateboards (they
should stop at signs) water quality and affordability of water and electricity
Growth in the right way. Planning for a changing demographic as more choose to retire here. Plan
for what will be needed. A south side senior center
Growth maintenance, transportation police/fire
Growth management & planing, environmental protection & sustainability planning & programs,
improve public transport in city and to other places in Denver - Cheyenne corridor.
Growth management & planning for growth-don't allow too much new development; disaster
planning & mitigation/fire/food) smart economic development.
Growth management-little worried about too many multi-family houses. Keeping our balance of
strong economy w/ family friendliness keeping community services strong.
Growth planing -Traffic on i-25 is getting very heavy these days. How will we handle population
growth and commenters?
Growth with integrity, travel, amenities most used by the population.
Growth, planning for growth instead of discovering.
Growth, transportation, environmental responsibility
H2O clean and protect, neighborhood clean-up.
Help with traffic congestion on main streets.
Helping homeless more.
Highway safety, affordable housing, education
Homeless population, lower property taxes for homes without children.
Housing & bridges over or under passes for trails at key places. A terradome homes village might be
something to consider.
Housing for students, more job opps for locals not in collage
Housing schools space
Housing, natural spaces, finding tenants for unoccupied buildings.
Housing, parking availability in “old town.”
Housing, parking, attracting new business
I am too new, only 1 yr. Residency. Don't yet know.
I think everything is great
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I wouldn't know.
I'll be dead
I'm not a city planner, so I can't prioritize. I would like more high-end retail outlets and more low-
end housing.
Improve # of high paying jobs, not $10 $15, restrict fracking lower commercial property taxes.
Improve job opportunities
Improve public transportation options to get to Denver area, improve attractiveness of “mid-
college” & “north-college” (past old town) areas, continue improving public transit.
Improve traffic flow, create more, better paying jobs, and make available more affordable housing
Improving transit system, renewing hughes / opposing on-campus stadium creating a business-
friendly environment.
Incentives to bring more tech or other industries to fort collins, we have our eggs in only a couple
buckets.
Increase bike friendliness, maintain large tree population, develop public transportation options.
Increase parking / access to old town overpasses for trains more police officers on patrol
Increase public transportation to handle the increase of citizens, continues become between
development & natural areas.
Increase the presence of preventive police, increase public transportation ensure water resources.
Increased job opportunities, public transportation roads increased, more adult recreational
activities.
Infill, not outgrowth; traffic control (too much traffic & congestion); get the trains out of town or
build over or under passes for vehicle traffic (should have been done 40yrs ago - Laramie has it -
why not Ft Collins!)
Infrastructure maintainance, traffic, low-income housing (or minimum wage).
It sure as hell isn't annexing people who dont want to be in the city get rid of the tiered electric rates
Job growth, new apartments, south side rec center.
Job growth, traffic, housing
Jobs & transportation.
Jobs, better roads, power taxes.
Jobs, jobs jobs
K-12 education. Sustainability, promote the arts.
Keep expanding and connecting bike trails that are off major roads for safer travel.
Keep old town quaint - removing squares kiosk to pack more people into (noisy) concerts destroys
the O.T. Feel solve the train noise problem! lower taxes & attract more businesses stop the growth
of government.
Keep parks/open spaces and don't build up w/ apartments Try to accomodate for growth of city
(overcrowdedness) Open up more jobs for college grads.
Keeping a handle on growth and over development, crowded & congestion roadways, loss of open-
space. We are especially concerned about building a new hospital on harmony rd. And all the new
apartment complexes springing up everywhere. Traffic is getting out of control!
Keeping schools high quality, boosting home sales, attracting larger business and employers.
Land conservation, open space conservation, water evaluation.
Land conservation, water quality, maintaining health care options
Land preservation, traffic congestion, event Mae jobs.
Land use plausing assure 'span' feel of a western community-less crowding; traffic flow; water
resources
Landscapes in neighborhoods - traffic congestion - less construction
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Less Brewers, less bear joints, less bikes, licence's fee. More parking less mason streets, more street
repair, new Council.
Less building / cheaper utilities/better upkeep of rental homes enforce!
Less congestion somehow.
Limit some growth within old town area. Try to stop CSU stadium building-limit obscene apt.
Development like the one near dairy queen on college.
Limit sprawl, make / maintain as safe place to live.
Limiting growth to water supply, public service supply and demand
Limiting multiple dwelling building which are not part of the college campus as the city grows this
could be a very touchy situation.
Local business, community, environment.
Lower energy costs, better roads less conservative republicans any tea party very damaging to any
prospects
Lower taxes, east mulberry revitalization; water usage planning.
Maintain quality of air, traffic,safety
Maintain quality outdoors including trails and air quality. Water quality
Maintaining a viable economy, quality of life (amenities) quality education for all ages.
Maintaining excellent schools through school of choice, limiting city's growth due to limited water
supply, construction of new reservoir.
Maintaining the streets & open areas that have recently been added to major througfares. Continue
to promote new business & economic growth in the city. Promote in put feedback from all citizens
of FC.
Make ft. Collins more affordable
Make right turn lane on southbound timberline rd at CR 30 headed west. 1. Enforce current codes
re: weeds, etc. & make it easier to report violations. 2. Make sure trails/Natural areas are accurately
marked. 3 Ensure that cameras at stoplights are actually working
Making sure there is help and space for the lower income and disabled keep up the good the service
make sure internal supports is accessable and continues its good treatment and respect for all and
need helps.
Making sure, we have the water supply (another dam?) Get the mall up and running ASAP
Making the foothills mall an attraction with the best shopping in northern colorado.
Mall development/plan for econ growth.
Manage growth of student population (housing, stadium) attract business investment. Maintain
high. Quality of services parks natural areas, infrastructure during growth.
Manage growth with focus a job creation that complements or work force/technical support and
provide improved transportation systems to minimize impact to quality of life/environment.
Managed growth, encourage alternative modes of transport, no new stadium, work to reduce air
pollution, affordable housing
Managing development economic & construction sustainability transportation-improving bike lanes
traffic congestion
Managing growth traffic congestion
Mantain quality of city services. Determine level of growth especially to the south continue to race
environmental final values
Manufacturing jobs, recycling, approve bohemians amphitheater.
Mason project probably not a good use of tax money or federal money
Mass transit to Denver / Boulder - better recycling - program.
Mass transit, affordable health care senior incentives
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Midtown (empty buildings) harmony to carpenter looks terrible , stop turning down opportunities
like Costco!
More business, more business, more business (People have to live in the community & they need the
option & variety of various commodities shared clothing, household goods, people like & need a
mall in their cities not just walmart or your population economic will only be low end income and
high end incomes want & demand variety.
More cultural and business diversity we only have restaurants!
More fast food places on east side of town near harmony, fossil ridge students would use the, bring
popeye's to fort collins.
More great shopping & more family style
More jobs, clean up older parts of, more police on north end of town
More lighting on roads like & Armony & mulberry, update recreational facilities like Roland
Moore.
More live events, bike lanes through old town.
More programs for seniors
Natural area, small business support, education.
Natural/open space, better traffic planning/adaptation in SE part of town
Neighborhood recreation, & relationship the citizens of fort Collins (solid events) the homeless.
Neighborhoods, safety, & environment.
No fracking. No csu stadium on campus. More support of elementary schools, Quality of
Education.
No opinion
No opinion
No opinion
Not permit fracking in, college av. Improvements-North side, encourage in-fill development.
Overall health of citizens (air quality, physical activities) safety an campus.
Parking the bus system more convinient and fiesalde means of transportation. Focus on the
community members struggling need more affordable housing. Fort Collins is wonderful to live if
you have money but focus more on the people than the “fluff”.You need to make sure
communication stays open in many different Medias as not everyone uses social media of
computers.
Parking, traffic flow,
Paving college avenue for sure, increase police & animal control coverage, better code compliance
enforcement
Planning a train line to Denver
Planning for growth, collaboration with csu, transportation
Police presence better traffic planning ie. More through streets. Crack down on bicycle traffic and
ticket offenders.
Preserve open spaces, attract more employees, enforce laws such as no more than 3 unrelated
persons and codes such as care of property.
Promote business growth, streaming government, promote increase in housing opportunities
Protect water, provide for biking.
Public transport, cultural/arts events,
Public transportation job growth affordable housing opportunity.
Public transportation, managing affordable housing, determine if fracking is harmful objectively,
without the “help” of those who stand to benefit.
Public transportation, proffesional jobs, traffic
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Quality housing for all socio - economic group care for the homeless-food, shelter, clothing, provide
safe environment for citizens to work and play!
Quiet railroad crossings.
Quit spending money on utilities & raising rate quit funding mall, N. College, leave business, alone!
Quit micro managing my life!
Reassing some traffic lights (shieldsllaporte needs green arrow) working towards keeping small
businesses in old town accepting & workings with foods hucks.
Reduce congestion on college mall airport-we are a large community that could support an airport
for commercial planes.
Reduce government.
Reducing traffic congestion, improved Internet access speeds at lower cost/prices, reducing the
noise of very loud, motorcycles on streets near restaurants and parks.
Relieve traffic congestion develop mall
Removing barriers to business growth and development. Cease social engineering via utility rates,
charge what services cost. No more, no less, get rid of fluff programs like bicycle education,
sustainability, and city council junkets
Renewable energy, maintaining pristine outdoor recreation areas, quality of education k-12 &
secondary education.
Repaving college avenue; continue improving public transportation & mid-town redevelopment,
encourage affordable housing development.
Response to citizen impact, continue current services, and communication.
Reverse un fair huge electric rate increase for all-electric homes
Revitalizing mid-town (foothills mall area), planning for growth @CSU, services for mental health
including access for substance abuse and homelessness.
Road planning for more traffic trails for bicycles near couples provide student walk ways & trails to
keep students off streets, providing more safe trade/for students.
Road repair in neighborhood
Roads, jail expansion, blighted shopping areas
S.e. Community park (friendly) see #16
Safety - schools - quality employment of oportunity for all age groups, espesially for seniors who
must continue working because of vanishing retirement funds.
Safety environment economy
Safety transportation economy
Safety, environment, economy
Safety, environment, economy
Safety, maybe new for park of some hind. More city events.
Safety, neighborhoods, general government.
Safety, population density control. Continued beautification.
Safety, transportation, economic development
Safety/public transport-pathetic that the max is so slow to implement
Safety; culture, parks & recreation; transportation.
Saftey, school funding efforts to support it, emergency preparedness.
Safty
Same
Save money by eliminating surveys have it done locally and not in NJ!!
Save the poudre for beauty & recreation-no glade res! Work on bike safety to continue & continue
to promote bike freindly atmosphere / activities with large influx of people. Keep our
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neighborhoods safe! As best possibles. (Great job on historic pres & quality parks & city building
etc.)
School improvement (heat issue, add a/c in schools), environment, children's programs
Schools Redoing the mall
Sidewalks & streets handicap people have very hard time with some sidewalks & AHA advice not
used in bathrooms around town.
Slow down on building Apts. & houses, work on traffic patterns, re assess traffic lights on main
corridors.
Smart growth, are quality and cultural programs.
Somewhat better traffic movement! Continued improvement in the central core area, better law
enforcement in old town.
Stadium, fracking Ha its a done deal
Still being attractive to college students CSU basically runs thus town. Economy government
neighborhoods
Stop crowding people into tight space stop in-fill mentality. Wide streets like the old fort collins. The
wide streets of old one only this place remains a good place.
Stop increasing facilities (electric/water) to support “sustainability” programs (not necessary.
Stop marijuana before it affects the city & citizens (schools,youth,families,saftey,health) negatively.
Stop the growth, no drugs, stopping gangs safety precautions.
Stop the max bus madness too many $ stop the new Hughes stadium why are fchs students
wandering around all day smoking cigs, pot exchanging drugs & having sex in public?
Stopping population growth. Fix red light wait time for loomis and others onto Mulberry! Complete
B.S. I just run the damn lights any more.
Street maintenance (college ave)- I 25 improvement - I do not understand all the money being spent
on the so called max projects.
Streets - control growth - traffic
Streets- less bars councilmen to listen to the citizens
Streets, police & sherrif dept are lacking in my opinion.
Sustainability, efficiency, smart spending.
Sustainability, environment, open spaces.
Sustainability, transit (more max type stuff or light rail), trails (ped/bike transportation)
Sustainability, transit, culture.
Sustainable government, energy & growth.
Sustainable/renewable energy sources
The city is a great place to live - put ages aside and continue to maintain our quality of life here.
The mall - blighted areas or college (such as k-mart) keeping roads maintained
This area has much to offer, so stop “building” developers-mall-facilities geared to the “elite” there,
average people have little use, for small boutique shops, expensive dining, etc, cost for max is
outrageous. I resent that so many popular places were forced out! Housing specifically for seniors
for convenience & safety, affordability.
Those mentioned in # 16
Thoughtful expansion for growing population, awareness of rental effects while supporting a
university population, addressing neighborhood character (buildings) without going overboard on
regulations, for example, new building codes attempt to address neighborhood character, but large,
commercial builders have the capital to go through exceptions while private.
Too prevent the homeless people sitting on the sidewalk in downtown. That makes me feel unsafe.
The trains should not be able to tie up traffic for so long. The amount of time that is required to
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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wait for the train is too long. Too many streets are closed due to construction. Can't get around the
city early
Top three priorities would be more enforcement on biker driver relationship, more, street, lights on
some streets, and more bike spaces down town.
Town planning building a mosque and now possibly the csu stadium in the middle of a residential
area is/was not a good idea.
Traffic & bus driver.
Traffic & growth keep utilities affordable and bells and whistles are not needed for most residents
water here are expensive is their a way to efficiently run a city water program that is affordable?
Traffic and roads w / increasing population.
Traffic congestion, continued improvement of public schools, continued excellence in city services.
Traffic congestion, Jobs, keeping fort Collins safe.
Traffic congestion, more control of csu students, better traffic control engineers. I bet you pay them
alot of money and they haven't a clue as to what they are doing
Traffic congestion.
Traffic control keep hughes stadium street work
Traffic infrastructure, economics developments continued trail system maintenance / planning
building
Traffic issues. Addition by subtraction. Take out step lights gold public trans even
Traffic justifying mason street corridor & including max remove “the summit” -largest eye sore in
fort collins!!
Traffic light management-economic progress for small business and utility billing the rates are a
detrimental policy any other business discounts for more consumption of a product the city raises
rates when people conserve more than they have in the past.
Traffic lights & more lanes - Be pro-active to prevent accidents during growth (again-south side).
Corner of ketcher & timberline is backed up too narrow & scary for school buses, bikes, cars &
trucks. We need a light by baron school at zephyr soon!
Traffic management, affordable housing
Traffic on college ave, good use of traffic lights to reduce jams.
Traffic on main rds like timberline way to much multi family housing for timberline to handle!
Traffic planning to reduce congestion public school effectiveness.
Traffic, cheaper apartments, dropping U &2 rule.
Traffic, conversation, college vs city relationship
Traffic, infrastructure, more handicapped access.
Traffic, school zoning
Traffic, shopping, movies, growth management
Traffic, shopping, safety
Traffic-congestion which will increase w/new homes being built cultural activities economic
planning.
Traffic-safety-growth
Traffic-takes stop lights to long to change
Train efficiency (above complaint), police presence, & historic, building preservations
Transport, youth clubs.
Transportation - Ease of recycling - Cleanliness of neighborhoods (esp. On weekends)
Transportation - regional transportation woods loveland
Transportation & economic development.
Transportation (alternative), clean energy, economic opportunity from all incomes and skills
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Transportation better & more bus lines over passes when offering grant money to allow for undo
Transportation better Westmonts down toward harmony.
Transportation cultural / rec economy.
Transportation diversions.
Transportation environment economy
Transportation environment safety.
Transportation planning. Infill redevelopment, and maintaining the quality of existing operations &
infrastructure.
Transportation running longer hours.
Transportation, air quality, affordable housing
Transportation, economy, environment.
Transportation, economy/ affordable housing, environment-no fracking
Transportation, senior benefits, housing
Transportation, developing safer bike paths, more options to get home safe to avoid drunk
driving.(cab competition)
Transportation-less crowding, environmental protection, cultural opportunities
Trash services s(trash cans at cross walk) Homeless Clean up the empty buildings
Tying first range together for ease of commuting
Upgrade/repair roads, railroad crossing.
Water conservation & efficiencies; economic development for expanding city boundaries.
Water conservation (storage), restoring hughes stadium by csu, traffic
Water conservation, renewable energy, improved public transportation.
Water safety (potable) moratorium/study of fracking affordable housing
Water storage (get started on glade resivor) slow down on apt & Residential building. Continue on
the up keep of infrastructure.
Widening roads and controling development, and traffic soliciting new businesses, and increasing
education programs in the natural areas.
Work, pay, affordable housing for middle class
Your businesses jobs
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Appendix D. Comparison of Select Questions by Respondent
Characteristics
Average ratings for select survey questions are compared by respondent characteristics in the following tables. Although responses to many of the
evaluative questions were made on a five-point scale with 1 representing the best rating and 5 the worst, the ratings shown in this appendix and
those that follow are on a scale where 0 is the worst possible rating and 100 is the best possible rating. The 95 percent confidence interval around
an average score on the 100-point scale is no greater than plus or minus 2.5 points based on all respondents.
The 100-point scale is not a percent. It is a conversion of responses to an average rating. Each response option is assigned a value that is used in
calculating the average score. For example, “very good”=100, “good”=75, “average”=50, “bad”=25, and “very bad”=0. If everyone reported
“very good,” then the average rating would be 100 on the 100-point scale. Likewise, if all respondents said “very bad”, the result would be 0 on the
100-point scale. If half the respondents gave a score of “very good” and half gave a score of “very bad,” the average would be in the middle of the
scale (like the center post of a teeter totter), or “average.”
Cells shaded grey indicate statistically significant differences (p < .05).
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Table 64: Question 1 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of
the items listed below.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Overall, as a place to live 92 92 92 90 91 92 90 90 91
Overall safety of residents 85 86 83 82 84 84 85 73 84
Quality of shopping opportunities 74 75 68 68 72 70 74 77 72
Quality of dining opportunities 82 83 82 82 82 81 83 83 82
Quality of entertainment opportunities 72 74 73 72 72 73 73 70 73
Availability of job opportunities 55 60 54 55 55 56 53 73 55
Availability of affordable quality housing 55 51 55 49 53 54 49 66 53
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 74 76 72 73 74 74 72 85 74
Quality of recreational opportunities 87 85 87 84 86 88 84 80 86
Availability of quality healthcare 76 72 79 78 76 78 74 73 77
Quality of public schools 80 82 82 78 80 79 83 79 80
Quality of public library services 80 83 85 79 81 82 80 79 81
As a place to raise children 86 85 89 87 87 88 85 80 87
As a place to retire 77 82 81 80 80 80 78 83 80
As a place to attend college 85 85 83 84 84 84 84 89 84
As a place to work 77 81 80 73 77 79 74 80 77
Community acceptance of all people 78 77 74 71 75 76 73 90 75
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 87 86 88 83 86 87 84 89 86
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
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Table 65: Question 1 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of
the items listed below.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Overall, as a place to live 88 92 91 92 91 91 92 92 89 91
Overall safety of residents 80 85 84 86 81 84 85 84 82 84
Quality of shopping opportunities 77 70 72 75 69 72 74 71 70 72
Quality of dining opportunities 84 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 81 82
Quality of entertainment opportunities 71 73 73 73 72 73 72 73 74 73
Availability of job opportunities 59 55 55 56 55 55 56 54 55 55
Availability of affordable quality housing 58 52 53 55 51 53 52 56 50 53
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 73 74 74 75 72 74 75 73 73 74
Quality of recreational opportunities 83 87 86 87 85 86 85 89 85 86
Availability of quality healthcare 73 77 77 77 76 77 73 77 81 77
Quality of public schools 79 80 80 81 80 80 81 82 75 80
Quality of public library services 78 82 81 80 83 81 79 84 82 81
As a place to raise children 82 88 87 87 87 87 85 90 85 87
As a place to retire 74 81 80 78 81 80 78 82 80 80
As a place to attend college 89 83 84 82 86 84 86 85 81 84
As a place to work 77 77 77 78 76 77 79 77 75 77
Community acceptance of all people 79 75 76 79 73 76 78 74 72 76
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 85 86 86 86 86 86 86 88 83 86
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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Table 66: Question 2 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort
Collins on each of the items listed below.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than
20 years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Community's visual attractiveness 84 83 88 81 84 82 86 85 84
Air quality 85 83 86 77 83 82 85 88 83
Recycling programs 78 83 84 78 80 78 81 89 80
Conservation efforts 78 81 82 76 79 78 79 88 79
Overall quality of environment 83 83 85 81 83 82 83 88 83
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 67: Question 2 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort
Collins on each of the items listed below.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Community's visual attractiveness 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84
Air quality 87 82 83 84 82 83 84 85 79 83
Recycling programs 84 79 80 79 81 80 79 82 79 80
Conservation efforts 84 77 79 78 80 79 78 81 78 79
Overall quality of environment 86 82 83 83 83 83 83 85 82 83
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
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Table 68: Question 3 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each
of the items listed below
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 83 84 80 82 83 80 86 82
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 68 79 81 79 75 80 69 61 75
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 69: Question 3 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each
of the items listed below
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Your neighborhood as a place to live 81 83 82 81 83 82 81 83 84 82
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 62 78 75 76 75 76 70 81 80 76
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
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Table 70: Question 6 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the
following areas.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 95 95 91 91 93 92 94 95 93
Downtown Fort Collins at night 76 73 68 64 71 71 71 73 71
Your neighborhood during the day 96 95 93 92 94 95 94 95 94
Your neighborhood at night 84 82 82 81 82 84 81 80 82
Parks 81 83 78 76 79 79 80 78 79
Natural areas/open space 82 81 81 76 80 80 80 81 80
Recreation facilities 89 89 85 82 86 85 87 89 86
Trails 78 81 78 75 78 78 78 72 78
Fort Collins overall during the day 92 91 88 87 90 89 91 92 90
Fort Collins overall at night 76 77 74 69 74 74 74 76 74
Average rating (0=always unsafe, 100=always safe).
Table 71: Question 6 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the
following areas.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 95 93 93 96 90 93 94 93 91 93
Downtown Fort Collins at night 73 70 71 75 66 71 73 71 66 71
Your neighborhood during the day 95 94 94 96 93 94 95 94 93 94
Your neighborhood at night 80 83 82 87 79 83 82 83 83 83
Parks 81 79 79 82 77 79 81 79 76 79
Natural areas/open space 85 79 80 84 77 80 83 80 76 80
Recreation facilities 90 85 86 90 83 86 90 84 80 86
Trails 80 77 78 82 74 78 80 78 74 78
Fort Collins overall during the day 93 89 90 93 87 90 92 89 86 90
Fort Collins overall at night 74 74 74 78 70 74 76 75 70 74
Average rating (0=always unsafe, 100=always safe).
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Table 72: Question 7 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years
or less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than
20 years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the
community for natural disasters or other emergency
situations) 76 76 78 78 77 77 76 83 77
Disaster response and restoration of services 76 79 79 79 78 78 77 82 78
Fire prevention/education 75 74 78 75 75 76 74 79 76
Fire response time 81 79 87 84 83 83 83 79 83
Fire services overall 81 80 83 84 82 82 82 81 82
Crime prevention 72 71 71 69 71 71 71 77 71
Police patrol 75 71 72 71 73 71 74 82 73
Traffic enforcement 70 66 70 62 68 67 67 76 68
Police visibility 74 72 73 70 73 71 73 82 72
Police response time 78 71 75 70 74 72 77 80 74
Police services overall 77 73 74 70 74 74 73 80 74
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 68 72 69 58 66 63 68 71 65
Noise enforcement 67 72 66 58 65 65 64 64 65
Animal control 72 67 71 60 68 65 71 77 68
Business property maintenance 75 71 74 68 73 71 74 81 72
Residential property maintenance 71 72 73 65 70 68 72 77 70
Natural Areas Ranger services 82 78 77 71 78 77 77 89 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 73: Question 7 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years
or older
Overall
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the
community for natural disasters or other emergency
situations) 77 77 77 77 76 77 76 78 78 77
Disaster response and restoration of services 75 78 78 78 77 78 76 80 79 78
Fire prevention/education 75 76 76 77 75 76 74 77 78 76
Fire response time 81 83 83 84 82 83 81 85 83 83
Fire services overall 82 82 82 83 81 82 80 84 82 82
Crime prevention 75 70 71 74 69 71 73 71 68 71
Police patrol 77 72 73 75 71 73 75 73 69 73
Traffic enforcement 73 66 68 69 66 68 70 68 64 68
Police visibility 75 72 72 76 69 73 75 72 67 72
Police response time 80 72 74 77 72 74 77 71 72 74
Police services overall 78 73 74 76 72 74 76 73 70 74
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 70 65 66 69 62 65 70 64 59 65
Noise enforcement 68 64 65 65 64 65 69 63 58 65
Animal control 72 67 68 70 66 68 73 64 63 68
Business property maintenance 76 72 73 74 71 73 76 72 67 73
Residential property maintenance 72 70 70 72 68 70 72 70 66 70
Natural Areas Ranger services 84 76 78 79 77 78 81 77 72 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 74: Question 8 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate quality of each of the following in
Fort Collins.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Drinking water 87 88 89 93 89 91 86 92 89
Electric services 83 85 85 85 84 84 84 91 84
Sewer services 81 82 85 84 83 82 82 91 83
Storm drainage 76 73 79 79 77 77 76 84 77
Utility billing 73 76 78 76 75 73 78 85 75
Utilities overall 75 80 83 81 79 78 79 86 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 75: Question 8 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate quality of each of the following in
Fort Collins.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Drinking water 92 88 89 89 89 89 89 88 91 89
Electric services 89 83 84 85 83 84 84 83 87 84
Sewer services 86 82 83 82 83 83 82 82 86 83
Storm drainage 80 76 77 76 78 77 76 77 81 77
Utility billing 77 75 75 73 78 76 74 75 79 75
Utilities overall 81 78 79 78 80 79 76 81 82 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
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December 2013
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Table 76: Question 9 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the following areas of transportation
in Fort Collins.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Ease of driving 60 62 65 59 61 62 61 59 61
Ease of traveling by public transportation 63 48 52 49 56 52 59 68 56
As a walkable city 75 69 70 64 71 67 75 86 71
Ease of traveling by bicycle 84 78 77 70 79 77 81 86 79
Availability of parking Downtown 51 50 47 46 49 51 46 45 49
Traffic congestion 47 45 45 40 45 45 43 46 45
Street maintenance 65 60 57 57 61 61 58 75 61
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 77: Question 9 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the following areas of transportation
in Fort Collins.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Ease of driving 57 62 61 60 62 61 61 63 60 61
Ease of traveling by public transportation 65 53 56 58 54 56 59 51 54 56
As a walkable city 78 69 71 71 71 71 72 69 70 71
Ease of traveling by bicycle 82 78 79 81 76 79 82 76 74 79
Availability of parking Downtown 48 49 49 50 48 49 49 52 46 50
Traffic congestion 43 45 45 45 45 45 46 46 42 45
Street maintenance 62 61 61 61 61 61 62 60 59 61
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 78: Question 10 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the City's performance in each of the
following areas
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Welcoming citizen involvement 74 66 72 67 70 70 71 78 71
Listening to citizens 66 63 66 57 63 61 64 75 63
Managing and planning for growth 66 65 64 55 63 61 64 72 63
Efficient operation of programs and services 73 69 69 63 69 69 69 73 69
Encouraging sustainability in the community 74 72 72 68 72 71 72 77 72
Overall direction of the City 76 70 70 63 71 69 72 75 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 79: Question 10 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the City's performance in each of the
following areas
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Welcoming citizen involvement 70 71 71 70 71 71 71 71 69 71
Listening to citizens 66 62 63 62 64 63 64 63 61 63
Managing and planning for growth 68 62 63 61 65 63 64 62 62 63
Efficient operation of programs and services 72 68 69 70 68 69 70 69 66 69
Encouraging sustainability in the community 77 71 72 73 72 72 73 73 68 72
Overall direction of the City 74 70 71 70 71 71 73 71 66 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
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Table 80: Question 11 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the City's performance in each of the
following areas.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Support of businesses 75 77 66 64 70 68 73 80 70
Economic health strategies 69 71 65 62 67 64 69 77 66
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 81: Question 11 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the City's performance in each of the
following areas.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Support of businesses 82 67 70 69 71 70 76 67 65 70
Economic health strategies 74 65 66 65 68 67 69 64 65 67
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
103
Table 82: Question 12 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or
facilities listed below.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Natural areas and open space 88 87 88 84 87 86 87 89 87
Recreational trails 88 88 89 85 88 87 89 88 88
Parks 88 86 89 84 87 87 87 87 87
Cemeteries 82 74 83 79 80 80 81 80 80
Golf courses 77 74 84 81 79 80 78 79 79
Athletic fields 82 77 83 79 80 81 80 83 80
Northside Aztlan Community Center 77 80 83 80 80 80 81 75 80
Fort Collins Senior Center 79 79 87 81 81 82 81 71 81
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 79 76 82 78 79 78 81 86 79
Mulberry Pool 72 69 74 76 73 74 72 75 73
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 80 83 82 80 81 81 82 73 81
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural
Center) 83 85 88 82 84 83 87 83 84
Pottery studio 81 78 84 76 80 78 83 77 80
Art in Public Places program 82 75 86 76 80 80 80 80 80
Lincoln Center programs 78 82 84 76 79 79 81 76 80
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 81 86 88 79 83 83 84 73 83
Adult recreation programs 76 79 83 75 78 77 79 83 78
Senior recreation programs 80 82 88 76 80 79 83 79 80
Youth/teen recreation programs 80 77 84 73 78 75 83 85 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
104
Table 83: Question 12 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or
facilities listed below.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Natural areas and open space 89 86 87 87 87 87 87 86 86 87
Recreational trails 88 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 87 88
Parks 89 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 85 87
Cemeteries 82 80 80 79 82 81 81 80 79 81
Golf courses 80 79 79 76 82 79 76 81 82 79
Athletic fields 84 79 80 79 82 81 81 80 80 80
Northside Aztlan Community Center 75 81 80 78 82 80 79 84 78 80
Fort Collins Senior Center 78 82 82 79 83 82 79 84 81 81
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 78 80 79 79 79 79 77 82 79 79
Mulberry Pool 69 75 74 73 74 74 73 74 74 74
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 79 81 81 78 83 81 80 82 80 81
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural
Center) 80 85 84 81 87 84 83 85 85 84
Pottery studio 80 80 80 79 80 80 81 81 74 80
Art in Public Places program 78 81 80 78 82 80 81 81 76 80
Lincoln Center programs 78 80 80 77 82 80 82 81 75 80
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 80 83 83 80 86 83 83 85 81 83
Adult recreation programs 82 77 78 77 79 78 79 78 75 78
Senior recreation programs 83 80 80 78 82 80 83 81 77 80
Youth/teen recreation programs 84 77 78 78 79 78 80 79 72 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
105
Table 84: Question 13 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than
20 years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services
provided by the City of Fort Collins? 81 80 78 75 79 78 80 81 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 85: Question 13 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services
provided by the City of Fort Collins? 81 78 79 78 80 79 80 79 77 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
106
Table 86: Question 14a by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate
City employee(s) on each of the items below.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than
20 years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Courtesy 83 89 86 84 85 85 85 88 85
Promptness 77 81 81 79 79 79 80 88 79
Knowledge 78 83 82 79 80 79 80 88 80
Making you feel valued 71 82 75 73 74 73 75 88 74
Overall impression 77 85 81 78 79 78 81 88 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported having had phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12 months.
Table 87: Question 14a by Student Status, Gender and Age
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate
City employee(s) on each of the items below.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Courtesy 81 86 85 86 84 85 83 87 86 85
Promptness 76 80 79 79 79 79 76 82 80 79
Knowledge 75 81 80 79 80 80 78 82 80 80
Making you feel valued 71 75 74 74 74 74 72 74 76 74
Overall impression 76 80 79 80 79 79 77 80 81 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported having had phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12 months.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
107
Table 88: Question 14b by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Although you may not have had any recent personal contact
with City employees, we would like to know your impression of
how City employees treat Fort Collins residents. Please rate City
employees on each of the items below.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years
or less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More
than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Courtesy 76 84 81 74 77 77 78 76 77
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 71 80 80 71 73 72 74 78 73
Making citizens or customers feel valued 71 80 78 71 73 72 73 79 73
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported no phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12 months.
Table 89: Question 14b by Student Status, Gender and Age
Although you may not have had any recent personal contact
with City employees, we would like to know your impression of
how City employees treat Fort Collins residents. Please rate City
employees on each of the items below.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years
or older
Overall
Courtesy 77 77 77 77 77 77 75 78 82 77
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 73 74 73 72 75 74 70 75 81 73
Making citizens or customers feel valued 73 73 73 73 73 73 72 72 78 73
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported no phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12 months.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
108
Table 90: Question 15 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please select the option that best describes how you think the City
should address each of the following aspects of the community.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5
years
or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More
than
20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Economy: Includes economic planning and
development activities
More effort 30% 35% 39% 42% 36% 36% 38% 20% 36%
Same effort 67% 55% 60% 55% 61% 61% 58% 80% 61%
Less effort 3% 10% 1% 3% 3% 3% 5% 0% 3%
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water
resources, good air quality, land conservation,
smart growth, and an attractive community
More effort 31% 28% 33% 32% 31% 29% 38% 10% 31%
Same effort 68% 68% 61% 65% 66% 66% 62% 87% 66%
Less effort 1% 4% 6% 3% 3% 5% 1% 3% 3%
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor
relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods,
historic preservation and an adequate supply of
quality housing for all socio-economic groups
More effort 31% 39% 33% 31% 32% 30% 39% 17% 33%
Same effort 67% 61% 62% 64% 64% 66% 58% 83% 64%
Less effort 2% 1% 5% 6% 3% 4% 3% 0% 3%
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical
response, and building inspection
More effort 15% 14% 19% 19% 17% 16% 19% 8% 17%
Same effort 83% 86% 79% 78% 81% 82% 78% 92% 81%
Less effort 2% 1% 2% 3% 2% 2% 4% 0% 2%
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and
improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, and
the Fort Collins Museum; providing recreational
and cultural programs; maintaining parks, trails and
cemeteries; and improving natural areas
More effort 21% 23% 13% 17% 19% 18% 21% 19% 19%
Same effort 79% 73% 82% 73% 77% 77% 77% 81% 77%
Less effort 0% 4% 6% 9% 4% 5% 2% 0% 4%
Transportation: Includes transportation planning
and development, maintaining roads and traffic
operations, Transfort operations, and transportation
demand management
More effort 60% 60% 47% 47% 54% 55% 55% 28% 54%
Same effort 39% 33% 49% 50% 43% 41% 43% 68% 43%
Less effort 1% 6% 4% 4% 3% 4% 2% 4% 3%
General Government: Includes internal support
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
109
Table 91: Question 15 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please select the option that best describes how you think the City
should address each of the following aspects of the community.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55
years
or
older
Overall
Economy: Includes economic planning and
development activities
More effort 26% 38% 36% 36% 36% 36% 34% 34% 42% 36%
Same effort 72% 58% 61% 59% 62% 61% 63% 64% 53% 61%
Less effort 1% 4% 3% 5% 2% 3% 4% 2% 4% 3%
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water
resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart
growth, and an attractive community
More effort 19% 35% 31% 31% 32% 32% 31% 32% 31% 32%
Same effort 78% 62% 66% 64% 67% 65% 67% 64% 64% 65%
Less effort 3% 3% 3% 5% 1% 3% 1% 4% 5% 3%
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor
relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods,
historic preservation and an adequate supply of
quality housing for all socio-economic groups
More effort 27% 35% 33% 30% 35% 33% 30% 40% 31% 33%
Same effort 71% 62% 64% 65% 63% 64% 68% 57% 62% 64%
Less effort 2% 4% 3% 5% 2% 3% 2% 3% 7% 3%
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical
response, and building inspection
More effort 18% 16% 17% 13% 20% 17% 14% 18% 20% 17%
Same effort 82% 81% 81% 83% 79% 81% 83% 80% 79% 81%
Less effort 0% 3% 2% 3% 1% 2% 3% 2% 1% 2%
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and
improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, and
the Fort Collins Museum; providing recreational and
cultural programs; maintaining parks, trails and
cemeteries; and improving natural areas
More effort 13% 20% 19% 21% 17% 19% 20% 20% 17% 19%
Same effort 87% 75% 77% 73% 80% 77% 78% 75% 76% 77%
Less effort 0% 5% 4% 6% 2% 4% 2% 5% 7% 4%
Transportation: Includes transportation planning and
development, maintaining roads and traffic
operations, Transfort operations, and transportation
demand management
More effort 48% 55% 54% 55% 53% 54% 59% 50% 50% 54%
Same effort 48% 42% 43% 41% 45% 43% 39% 48% 46% 43%
Less effort 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 3% 2% 2% 4% 3%
General Government: Includes internal support
functions, City management, Council, boards and
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
110
Table 92: Question 19 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please rate the City’s performance in the
following area.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years or
less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Informing citizens 72 70 71 69 71 72 68 78 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 93: Question 19 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please rate the City’s performance in the
following area.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years or
older
Overall
Informing citizens 67 72 71 70 71 71 70 71 73 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
111
Table 94: Question 20 by Respondent Length of Residency and Housing Tenure
Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other members of
your household use each of the following sources of information
regarding City issues, services and programs.
Respondent length of residency Respondent housing unit type
5 years
or less
6-10
years
11-20
years
More
than 20
years
Overall Detached Attached Dorm Overall
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 27% 27% 33% 34% 30% 29% 32% 26% 30%
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com 18% 9% 18% 17% 17% 21% 12% 6% 17%
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 81% 87% 86% 71% 80% 86% 79% 29% 80%
“City News” (insert with utility bill) 55% 66% 76% 78% 67% 74% 63% 13% 67%
Newsletters or brochures from City departments 55% 63% 76% 72% 65% 68% 63% 32% 64%
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) 14% 12% 22% 16% 16% 19% 12% 13% 16%
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 55% 77% 81% 81% 70% 81% 58% 27% 70%
Word of mouth 84% 92% 91% 90% 88% 90% 88% 78% 89%
Newspaper (print or online) 79% 82% 76% 81% 79% 78% 84% 71% 80%
Radio 67% 80% 66% 71% 69% 66% 74% 74% 69%
Television news 67% 62% 70% 75% 69% 65% 76% 58% 69%
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 72% 50% 46% 39% 56% 51% 62% 68% 56%
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com) 11% 8% 9% 8% 9% 9% 10% 13% 10%
Percent at least sometimes.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
112
Table 95: Question 20 by Student Status, Gender and Age
Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other members
of your household use each of the following sources of
information regarding City issues, services and programs.
Full-time or part-time
student
Respondent gender Respondent age
Yes No Overall Male Female Overall
18-34
years
35-54
years
55 years
or older
Overall
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 27% 30% 30% 26% 33% 30% 26% 26% 42% 30%
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com 20% 16% 17% 18% 16% 17% 15% 14% 23% 17%
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 73% 82% 80% 82% 79% 80% 81% 91% 65% 80%
“City News” (insert with utility bill) 51% 71% 67% 67% 67% 67% 56% 74% 81% 67%
Newsletters or brochures from City departments 46% 69% 64% 63% 66% 65% 55% 67% 81% 64%
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) 19% 15% 16% 17% 15% 16% 13% 18% 20% 16%
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 43% 76% 70% 69% 70% 70% 58% 81% 83% 70%
Word of mouth 78% 91% 88% 90% 87% 88% 86% 90% 91% 88%
Newspaper (print or online) 77% 80% 80% 80% 79% 80% 80% 74% 87% 80%
Radio 68% 70% 70% 67% 72% 70% 71% 66% 69% 69%
Television news 62% 71% 69% 63% 75% 69% 66% 64% 82% 69%
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 71% 51% 55% 56% 55% 56% 72% 51% 26% 55%
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com) 13% 9% 10% 11% 8% 10% 13% 6% 6% 10%
Percent at least sometimes.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
113
Appendix E. Comparison of Select Questions by
Respondent Geographic Area of Residence
Average ratings for select survey questions are compared by geographic area of residence in the following
tables. Cells shaded grey indicate statistically significant differences (p .05).
Table 96: Question 1 by Geography
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the
items listed below.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Overall, as a place to live 92 93 93 92 88 91
Overall safety of residents 78 86 85 84 82 84
Quality of shopping
opportunities 70 70 73 75 69 72
Quality of dining
opportunities 83 84 84 82 77 82
Quality of entertainment
opportunities 74 75 72 71 72 73
Availability of job
opportunities 57 54 60 56 52 55
Availability of affordable
quality housing 41 50 57 56 53 53
Quality of arts and cultural
opportunities 74 75 73 74 72 74
Quality of recreational
opportunities 90 87 88 82 86 86
Availability of quality
healthcare 76 82 78 73 74 76
Quality of public schools 72 85 83 80 75 80
Quality of public library
services 79 83 84 81 80 81
As a place to raise children 86 89 90 85 83 87
As a place to retire 75 85 81 79 75 80
As a place to attend college 79 86 85 88 80 84
As a place to work 76 77 82 79 71 77
Community acceptance of all
people 75 79 74 79 70 76
Overall quality of life in Fort
Collins 87 87 87 86 82 86
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
114
Table 97: Question 2 by Geography
Please rate the quality of the
environment in Fort Collins on
each of the items listed below.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Community's visual
attractiveness 81 85 85 84 83 84
Air quality 77 84 83 84 84 83
Recycling programs 77 82 82 79 78 80
Conservation efforts 77 78 82 81 76 79
Overall quality of environment 80 85 83 83 82 83
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 98: Question 3 by Geography
Please rate the quality of your
neighborhood on each of the
items listed below
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Your neighborhood as a place
to live 78 83 89 82 78 82
Your neighborhood as a place
to raise children 74 81 85 65 73 75
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 99: Question 6 by Geography
Please tell us how safe you
feel in each of the following
areas.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Downtown Fort Collins
during the day 87 94 93 94 94 93
Downtown Fort Collins at
night 67 73 70 73 69 71
Your neighborhood during
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
115
Table 100: Question 7 by Geography
Please rate quality of each of the
following in Fort Collins.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Emergency preparedness
(services that prepare the
community for natural disasters
or other emergency situations) 73 79 79 78 74 77
Disaster response and
restoration of services 77 80 78 78 76 78
Fire prevention/education 68 79 76 77 75 76
Fire response time 79 87 84 80 82 83
Fire services overall 82 85 82 80 81 82
Crime prevention 65 73 73 73 69 71
Police patrol 69 73 72 77 70 73
Traffic enforcement 62 64 65 72 70 67
Police visibility 67 73 72 75 72 72
Police response time 70 76 72 76 74 74
Police services overall 71 74 74 74 74 74
Code enforcement (weeds,
abandoned buildings, etc.) 61 68 67 70 60 65
Noise enforcement 61 65 66 69 61 65
Animal control 55 71 69 71 66 68
Business property maintenance 63 75 72 76 72 73
Residential property maintenance 62 72 72 72 68 70
Natural Areas Ranger services 71 76 79 82 75 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 101: Question 8 by Geography
Please rate quality of each
of the following in Fort
Collins.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Drinking water 87 88 92 88 89 89
Electric services 82 82 85 87 83 84
Sewer services 78 81 86 83 84 83
Storm drainage 71 76 81 76 78 77
Utility billing 73 76 75 75 77 75
Utilities overall 76 78 82 78 79 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
116
Table 102: Question 9 by Geography
Please rate the following
areas of transportation in
Fort Collins.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Ease of driving 57 63 64 61 60 61
Ease of traveling by public
transportation 45 56 52 63 54 56
As a walkable city 68 72 66 77 67 71
Ease of traveling by bicycle 80 79 75 82 77 79
Availability of parking
Downtown 49 55 50 48 45 49
Traffic congestion 41 46 45 48 43 45
Street maintenance 58 62 62 65 56 61
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 103: Question 10 by Geography
Please rate the City's
performance in each of the
following areas
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Welcoming citizen
involvement 67 73 70 73 69 71
Listening to citizens 59 63 62 67 61 63
Managing and planning for
growth 60 63 61 66 62 63
Efficient operation of
programs and services 66 70 69 69 70 69
Encouraging sustainability in
the community 70 73 73 74 70 72
Overall direction of the City 66 70 71 73 70 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 104: Question 11 by Geography
Please rate the City's
performance in each of the
following areas.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
117
Table 105: Question 12 by Geography
Please rate the quality of each
of the programs or facilities
listed below.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Natural areas and open space 84 90 85 87 87 87
Recreational trails 84 89 89 86 88 88
Parks 86 88 87 86 87 87
Cemeteries 78 80 75 83 84 81
Golf courses 76 79 78 77 84 79
Athletic fields 81 79 79 80 83 81
Northside Aztlan Community
Center 76 84 81 77 82 80
Fort Collins Senior Center 79 82 82 78 85 82
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 75 81 81 77 81 79
Mulberry Pool 70 71 74 75 75 74
The Farm at Lee Martinez
Park 76 78 83 80 85 81
Gardens on Spring Creek
(The Horticultural Center) 79 85 86 82 87 84
Pottery studio 78 82 81 79 80 80
Art in Public Places program 82 79 78 81 81 80
Lincoln Center programs 74 80 81 79 81 80
Fort Collins Museum of
Discovery 80 84 86 82 82 83
Adult recreation programs 69 78 77 79 82 78
Senior recreation programs 74 83 80 79 82 80
Youth/teen recreation
programs 77 79 80 75 80 78
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 106: Question 13 by Geography
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Overall, how would you rate
the quality of the services
provided by the City of Fort
Collins? 76 82 79 79 77 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
118
Table 107: Question 14a by Geography
Thinking about your most
recent contact, please rate City
employee(s) on each of the
items below.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Courtesy 90 83 85 83 85 85
Promptness 78 80 82 79 76 79
Knowledge 82 77 80 79 80 79
Making you feel valued 76 73 76 76 71 74
Overall impression 79 81 81 79 76 79
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported having had phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within
the last 12 months.
Table 108: Question 14b by Geography
Although you may not have had
any recent personal contact with
City employees, we would like to
know your impression of how City
employees treat Fort Collins
residents. Please rate City
employees on each of the items
below.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Courtesy 65 80 81 77 78 77
Promptness in responding to
inquiries and service requests 66 73 76 74 75 74
Making citizens or customers feel
valued 65 73 76 73 74 73
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
This question was asked only of those who reported no phone or in‐person contact with any City employee(s) within the last 12
months.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
119
Table 109: Question 15 by Geography
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City should
address each of the following aspects of
the community.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/
CSU
West
Central
Overall
Economy: Includes
economic planning and
development activities
More effort 43% 40% 31% 32% 38% 36%
Same effort 56% 53% 66% 65% 60% 61%
Less effort 1% 7% 3% 3% 2% 4%
Environment: Includes
efforts to ensure good
water resources, good air
quality, land conservation,
smart growth, and an
attractive community
More effort 39% 36% 24% 30% 32% 32%
Same effort 54% 63% 70% 68% 64% 65%
Less effort 7% 1% 5% 2% 3% 3%
Neighborhoods: Includes
promoting good neighbor
relationships, ensuring
attractive neighborhoods,
historic preservation and
an adequate supply of
quality housing for all
socio-economic groups
More effort 47% 37% 19% 31% 39% 33%
Same effort 52% 60% 75% 66% 58% 63%
Less effort 1% 3% 6% 3% 3% 4%
Safety: Includes police, fire
and emergency medical
response, and building
inspection
More effort 16% 19% 13% 20% 15% 17%
Same effort 84% 75% 86% 78% 83% 81%
Less effort 0% 6% 1% 2% 2% 3%
Culture, Parks &
Recreation: Includes
operating and improving
recreational facilities,
Lincoln Center, and the
Fort Collins Museum;
providing recreational and
cultural programs;
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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120
Table 110: Question 19 by Geography
Please rate the City’s
performance in the following
area.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Informing citizens 71 71 73 71 68 71
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
Table 111: Question 20 by Geography
Please indicate how frequently, if
ever, you or other members of
your household use each of the
following sources of information
regarding City issues, services and
programs.
Northeast
East
Central
South of
Harmony
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 24% 34% 26% 31% 31% 30%
Online video of cable channel 14
on www.fcgov.com 13% 17% 18% 20% 13% 17%
City's website (www.fcgov.com) 84% 80% 84% 72% 84% 80%
“City News” (insert with utility
bill) 66% 68% 86% 45% 74% 67%
Newsletters or brochures from
City departments 54% 71% 72% 53% 70% 64%
City Line (automated message
system 970-416-CITY) 10% 18% 12% 15% 22% 16%
“Recreator” (guide to recreation
programs) 81% 77% 80% 44% 77% 70%
Word of mouth 91% 90% 87% 84% 91% 88%
Newspaper (print or online) 77% 84% 78% 79% 79% 80%
Radio 70% 68% 69% 70% 69% 69%
Television news 62% 72% 75% 67% 66% 69%
Social media (Facebook, Twitter,
etc.) 61% 54% 40% 62% 60% 55%
Fort Collins Idea Lab
(idealab.fcgov.com) 8% 12% 7% 13% 7% 10%
Percent at least sometimes.
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Appendix F. Benchmark Comparisons
Understanding the Benchmark Comparisons
Communities use the comparative information provided by benchmarks to help interpret their own
resident survey results, to create or revise community plans, to evaluate the success of policy or budget
decisions and to measure local government or organizational 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” resident evaluations, it is necessary to know how others rate
their services to understand if “good” is good enough or if most other communities are “excellent.”
Furthermore, in the absence of national or peer community comparisons, a community is left with
comparing its police protection rating to its street maintenance rating. That comparison is unfair as street
maintenance always gets lower ratings than police protection. More illuminating is how residents’ ratings
of police service compare to opinions about police service in other communities and to resident ratings
over time.
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 rate police services lower than ratings given by residents in other cities with objectively
“worse” departments. Benchmark data can help that police department – or any department – to
understand how well citizens think it is doing.
While benchmarks help set the basis for evaluation, resident opinion should be used in conjunction with
other sources of data about budget, population demographics, personnel, and politics to help
administrators know how to respond to comparative results.
Comparison Data
NRC has designed a method for quantitatively integrating the results of surveys that we have conducted
with those that others have conducted. These integration methods have been described thoroughly in
Public Administration Review, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, and in NRC’s first book on conducting
and using citizen surveys, Citizen Surveys: how to do them, how to use them, what they mean, published by the
International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Scholars who specialize in the analysis of
citizen surveys regularly have relied on NRC’s work.1,2 The method described in those publications is
refined regularly and statistically tested on a growing number of resident surveys in NRC’s proprietary
databases.
Communities in NRC’s benchmark database are distributed geographically across the country and range
from small to large in population size. Comparisons may be made to all communities in the database or to
a subset (i.e., Front Range communities), as in this report. Despite the differences in characteristics across
communities, all are in the business of providing services to residents. Though individual community
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 community, like SAT scores in any teen household, bring pride and a sense of
accomplishment.
NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in citizen
surveys from approximately 500 communities whose residents evaluated local government services and
1 Kelly, J. & Swindell, D. (2002). Service quality variation across urban space: First steps towards a model of citizen satisfaction, Journal of
Urban Affairs, 24, 271-288.
2 Van Ryzin, G., Muzzio, D., Immerwahr, S., 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.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
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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 Fort Collins chose to have comparisons made to the entire database
as well as to the Front Range.
Putting Evaluations onto the 100-point Scale
Although responses to many of the evaluative questions were made on a five-point scale with 1
representing the best rating and 5 the worst, the benchmarks are reported on a common scale where 0 is
the worst possible rating and 100 is the best possible rating. The margin of error around an average score
on the 100-point scale is no greater than plus or minus three points based on all respondents.
The 100-point scale is not a percent. It is a conversion of responses to an average rating. Each response
option is assigned a value that is used in calculating the average score. For example, “very good”=100,
“good”=75, “average”=50, “bad”=25 and “very bad”=0. If everyone reported “very good,” then the
average rating would be 100 on the 100-point scale. Likewise, if all respondents gave a “very bad” rating,
the result would be 0 on the 100-point scale. If half the respondents gave a score of “very good” and half
gave a score of “very bad,” the average would be 50, in the middle of the scale (like the center post of a
teeter totter) or “average.” An example of how to convert survey frequencies into an average rating
appears below.
Example of Converting Responses to the 100-point Scale
How do you rate Fort Collins as a place to live?
Response
option
Total with
“don’t
know”
Step1: Remove
“don’t know”
responses
Total without
“don’t know”
Step 2:
Assign scale
values
Step 3:
Multiply % by
scale value
Step 4: Sum to
calculate
average rating
Very good 15% =15÷(100-2)= 15.3% 100 =15.3% x 100 = 15.3
Good 53% =53÷(100-2)= 54.1% 75 =54.1% x 75 = 40.6
Average 26% =26÷(100-2)= 26.5% 50 =26.5% x 50 = 13.3
Bad 3% =3÷(100-2)= 3.1% 25 =3.1% x 25 = 0.8
Very bad 0% =0÷(100-2)= 0% 0 =0% x 0 = 0
Don’t know 2% --
Total 100% 100% 70
How do you rate Fort Collins as a place to live?
Interpreting the Results
Average ratings are compared when similar questions are included in NRC’s database, and there are at
least five communities in which the question was asked. Where comparisons are available, three numbers
are provided in the table. The first column is Fort Collins rating on the 100-point scale. The second
column is the rank assigned to Fort Collins rating among communities where a similar question was
0% 3% 15%
0
Very bad
75
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asked. The third column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fourth column
shows the comparison of Fort Collins average rating (column one) to the benchmark.
Where comparisons for quality ratings were available, the City of Fort Collins 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 residents having
contacted the City in the last 12 months.) 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins rating and the benchmark is greater than but less
than twice the margin of error; and “much above,” “much below,” “much more” or “much less” if the
difference between Fort Collins rating and the benchmark is more than twice the margin of error.
National Benchmark Comparisons
Table 112: Quality of Life and Community Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Overall, as a place to live 91 11 333 Much above
Availability of affordable quality
housing 53 87 268 Above
Quality of public schools 80 36 222 Much above
As a place to raise children 87 27 330 Much above
As a place to retire 80 17 313 Much above
Community acceptance of all
people 76 7 249 Much above
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 86 19 404 Much above
Table 113: City Neighborhood Benchmark
Please rate the quality of your
neighborhood on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 38 265 Much above
Table 114: Overall Safety Benchmark
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
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Table 115: Personal Safety Benchmarks
Please tell us how safe you feel in
each of the following areas in Fort
Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Downtown Fort Collins during the
day 93 48 258 Much above
Downtown Fort Collins at night 71 96 262 Much above
Your neighborhood during the day 94 51 301 Much above
Your neighborhood at night 82 51 290 Much above
Parks 79 4 35 Much above
Table 116: Safety Services Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each of the
following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national
benchmark
Emergency preparedness (services that
prepare the community for natural disasters
or other emergency situations) 77 3 244 Much above
Fire prevention/education 76 55 250 Much above
Fire response time 83 9 49 Above
Fire services overall 82 108 317 Similar
Crime prevention 71 64 306 Much above
Police patrol 73 2 10 Much above
Traffic enforcement 67 42 328 Much above
Police visibility 72 8 50 Much above
Police response time 74 21 82 Much above
Police services overall 74 124 375 Above
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned
buildings, etc.) 65 15 317 Much above
Animal control 68 23 287 Much above
Business property maintenance 73 39 51 Below
Residential property maintenance 70 1 8 Much above
Table 117: Safety-related Utilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each
of the following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
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Table 118: Quality of the Environment Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of the
environment in Fort Collins on each of
the items listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national
benchmark
Community's visual attractiveness 84 9 304 Much above
Air quality 83 6 215 Much above
Recycling programs 80 38 319 Much above
Overall quality of environment 83 11 233 Much above
Table 119: Environment-related Utilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each
of the following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Drinking water 89 1 28 Much above
Sewer services 83 3 269 Much above
Table 120: Transportation Benchmarks
Please rate the following areas of
transportation in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Ease of driving 61 107 260 Above
Ease of traveling by public
transportation 56 45 193 Much above
As a walkable city 71 54 252 Much above
Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 4 259 Much above
Availability of parking Downtown 49 3 6 Above
Traffic congestion 45 195 292 Below
Street maintenance 61 61 385 Much above
Table 121: Community Aspects of Culture and Recreation Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
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Table 122: Parks, Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each of
the programs or facilities listed
below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Natural areas and open space 87 1 33 Much above
Recreational trails 88 1 39 Much above
Parks 87 10 284 Much above
Cemeteries 81 1 11 Much above
Golf courses 79 3 22 Much above
Athletic fields 81 1 43 Much above
Fort Collins Senior Center 82 3 9 Much above
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 79 1 5 Much above
Mulberry Pool 74 5 35 Much above
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 83 1 6 Much above
Adult recreation programs 78 15 289 Much above
Youth/teen recreation programs 78 1 31 Much above
Table 123: Community Aspects of Economic Health Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national
benchmark
Quality of shopping
opportunities 72 26 253 Much above
Quality of dining opportunities 82 Not available Not available Not available
Availability of job opportunities 55 26 270 Much above
Availability of quality healthcare 76 3 218 Much above
As a place to work 77 12 300 Much above
Table 124: Supporting Businesses Benchmarks
Please rate the City's performance
in each of the following areas.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Support of businesses 70 1 6 Much above
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Table 127: City Government Benchmarks
Please rate the City's performance
in each of the following areas.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Welcoming citizen involvement 71 2 270 Much above
Listening to citizens 63 2 87 Much above
Managing and planning for
growth 63 3 45 Much above
Overall direction of the City 71 12 290 Much above
Table 128: Contact with City Employees Benchmark
Have you had contact with any City
employee(s) by phone, in person, via email
or online within the last 12 months?
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national
benchmark
Have you had contact with any City
employee(s) by phone, in person, via
email or online within the last 12 months? 54 72 256 Above
Table 129: Perceptions of City Employees Benchmarks
Thinking about your most recent
contact, please rate City employee(s) on
each of the items below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national
benchmark
Courtesy 85 5 64 Much above
Promptness 78 3 25 Much above
Knowledge 79 64 279 Above
Making you feel valued 72 2 5 Above
Overall impression 79 43 322 Much above
Table 130: Informing Citizens Benchmarks
Please rate the City's
performance in the following
area.
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Communities Included in National Comparisons
Listed below are the communities included in the national benchmark comparisons provided for the City
of Fort Collins followed by its 2010 population according to the U.S. Census.
Abilene, KS ............................................................................... 6,844
Adams County, CO .............................................................. 441,603
Airway Heights, WA ................................................................. 6,114
Albany, GA .............................................................................. 77,434
Albany, OR ............................................................................. 50,158
Albemarle County, VA ........................................................... 98,970
Albert Lea, MN ....................................................................... 18,016
Altoona, IA .............................................................................. 14,541
Ames, IA .................................................................................. 58,965
Andover CDP, MA ................................................................... 8,762
Ankeny, IA .............................................................................. 45,582
Ann Arbor, MI ...................................................................... 113,934
Annapolis, MD ........................................................................ 38,394
Apple Valley, CA .................................................................... 69,135
Arapahoe County, CO .......................................................... 572,003
Arlington, TX ........................................................................ 365,438
Arlington County, VA ........................................................... 207,627
Arvada, CO ........................................................................... 106,433
Asheville, NC ........................................................................... 83,393
Ashland, OR............................................................................ 20,078
Ashland, VA .............................................................................. 7,225
Aspen, CO ................................................................................. 6,658
Auburn, AL ............................................................................. 53,380
Auburn, WA ............................................................................ 70,180
Aurora, CO ........................................................................... 325,078
Austin, TX ............................................................................. 790,390
Bainbridge Island, WA ............................................................ 23,025
Baltimore, MD ...................................................................... 620,961
Baltimore County, MD ......................................................... 805,029
Barnstable Town, MA ............................................................. 45,193
Battle Creek, MI ...................................................................... 52,347
Bay City, MI ............................................................................ 34,932
Baytown, TX ........................................................................... 71,802
Bedford, MA ............................................................................ 13,320
Bellevue, WA ......................................................................... 122,363
Beltrami County, MN ............................................................. 44,442
Benbrook, TX ......................................................................... 21,234
Benicia, CA ............................................................................. 26,997
Bettendorf, IA .......................................................................... 33,217
Billings, MT ........................................................................... 104,170
Blaine, MN .............................................................................. 57,186
Bloomfield Hills, MI .................................................................. 3,869
Bloomington, IL ...................................................................... 76,610
Bloomington, MN ................................................................... 82,893
Blue Ash, OH .......................................................................... 12,114
Blue Springs, MO .................................................................... 52,575
Boise City, ID ........................................................................ 205,671
Boonville, MO ........................................................................... 8,319
Botetourt County, VA ............................................................. 33,148
Boulder, CO ............................................................................ 97,385
Boulder County, CO ............................................................. 294,567
Bowling Green, KY ................................................................. 58,067
Branson, MO ........................................................................... 10,520
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De Pere, WI ............................................................................. 23,800
Decatur, GA ............................................................................ 19,335
Delray Beach, FL .................................................................... 60,522
Denton, TX ........................................................................... 113,383
Denver, CO ........................................................................... 600,158
Derby, KS................................................................................ 22,158
Des Moines, IA ...................................................................... 203,433
Destin, FL ................................................................................ 12,305
Dewey-Humboldt, AZ .............................................................. 3,894
Dorchester County, MD ......................................................... 32,618
Dothan, AL ............................................................................. 65,496
Douglas County, CO ............................................................ 285,465
Dover, DE ............................................................................... 36,047
Dover, NH ............................................................................... 29,987
Dublin, OH ............................................................................. 41,751
Duluth, MN ............................................................................. 86,265
Duncanville, TX ...................................................................... 38,524
Durham, NC ......................................................................... 228,330
East Grand Forks, MN .............................................................. 8,601
East Lansing, MI ..................................................................... 48,579
East Providence, RI ................................................................. 47,037
Eau Claire, WI ........................................................................ 65,883
Eden Prairie, MN .................................................................... 60,797
Edgerton, KS ............................................................................. 1,671
Edina, MN ............................................................................... 47,941
Edmond, OK........................................................................... 81,405
Edmonds, WA ......................................................................... 39,709
El Cerrito, CA ......................................................................... 23,549
El Paso, TX ........................................................................... 649,121
Elk Grove, CA ....................................................................... 153,015
Elk River, MN ......................................................................... 22,974
Elko New Market, MN.............................................................. 4,110
Elmhurst, IL ............................................................................ 44,121
Encinitas, CA........................................................................... 59,518
Englewood, CO ....................................................................... 30,255
Erie, CO .................................................................................. 18,135
Escambia County, FL............................................................ 297,619
Escanaba, MI .......................................................................... 12,616
Estes Park, CO .......................................................................... 5,858
Farmington Hills, MI .............................................................. 79,740
Fayetteville, NC ..................................................................... 200,564
Federal Way, WA .................................................................... 89,306
Fishers, IN ............................................................................... 76,794
Flagstaff, AZ ............................................................................ 65,870
Flower Mound, TX ................................................................. 64,669
Flushing, MI .............................................................................. 8,389
Forest Grove, OR .................................................................... 21,083
Fort Smith, AR ........................................................................ 86,209
Fort Worth, TX ..................................................................... 741,206
Fountain Hills, AZ ................................................................... 22,489
Franklin, TN ............................................................................ 62,487
Fredericksburg, VA ................................................................. 24,286
Freeport CDP, ME .................................................................... 1,485
Freeport, IL ............................................................................. 25,638
Fremont, CA ......................................................................... 214,089
Friendswood, TX .................................................................... 35,805
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Las Cruces, NM ...................................................................... 97,618
Las Vegas, NV ....................................................................... 583,756
Lawrence, KS .......................................................................... 87,643
League City, TX ..................................................................... 83,560
Lebanon, NH .......................................................................... 13,151
Lee County, FL ..................................................................... 618,754
Lee's Summit, MO .................................................................. 91,364
Lewiston, ME .......................................................................... 36,592
Lexington, VA ........................................................................... 7,042
Lincoln, NE ........................................................................... 258,379
Littleton, CO ........................................................................... 41,737
Livermore, CA ........................................................................ 80,968
Lone Tree, CO ........................................................................ 10,218
Longmont, CO ........................................................................ 86,270
Los Alamos County, NM ........................................................ 17,950
Louisville, CO ......................................................................... 18,376
Lower Providence township, PA ............................................. 25,436
Lynchburg, VA ........................................................................ 75,568
Lynnwood, WA ....................................................................... 35,836
Lyons village, IL ...................................................................... 10,729
Madison, WI .......................................................................... 233,209
Mankato, MN .......................................................................... 39,309
Maple Grove, MN ................................................................... 61,567
Maple Valley, WA ................................................................... 22,684
Maricopa County, AZ ........................................................ 3,817,117
Marin County, CA ................................................................ 252,409
Marion County, IA ................................................................. 33,309
Maryland Heights, MO .......................................................... 27,472
Mayer, MN ................................................................................ 1,749
McAllen, TX ......................................................................... 129,877
McDonough, GA .................................................................... 22,084
McKinney, TX ...................................................................... 131,117
McMinnville, OR .................................................................... 32,187
Mecklenburg County, NC .................................................... 919,628
Medford, OR ........................................................................... 74,907
Menlo Park, CA ...................................................................... 32,026
Meridian charter township, MI .............................................. 39,688
Meridian, ID ........................................................................... 75,092
Merriam, KS ........................................................................... 11,003
Merrill, WI ................................................................................ 9,661
Mesa, AZ ............................................................................... 439,041
Mesa County, CO ................................................................. 146,723
Miami Beach, FL ..................................................................... 87,779
Midland, MI ............................................................................ 41,863
Milford, DE ............................................................................... 9,559
Minneapolis, MN .................................................................. 382,578
Mission Viejo, CA ................................................................... 93,305
Missoula, MT .......................................................................... 66,788
Modesto, CA ......................................................................... 201,165
Monterey, CA .......................................................................... 27,810
Montgomery County, MD .................................................... 971,777
Montgomery County, VA ....................................................... 94,392
Montpelier, VT ......................................................................... 7,855
Montrose, CO ......................................................................... 19,132
Mooresville, NC ...................................................................... 32,711
Morristown, TN ...................................................................... 29,137
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Richmond, CA ...................................................................... 103,701
Richmond Heights, MO ........................................................... 8,603
Rifle, CO ................................................................................... 9,172
Rio Rancho, NM .................................................................... 87,521
River Falls, WI ........................................................................ 15,000
Riverdale, UT ........................................................................... 8,426
Riverside, CA ........................................................................ 303,871
Riverside, MO ........................................................................... 2,937
Riverside village, IL ................................................................... 8,875
Rochester, MI .......................................................................... 12,711
Rochester Hills, MI ................................................................. 70,995
Rock Hill, SC .......................................................................... 66,154
Rockford, IL .......................................................................... 152,871
Rockville, MD ......................................................................... 61,209
Roeland Park, KS ..................................................................... 6,731
Rolla, MO ............................................................................... 19,559
Roswell, GA............................................................................. 88,346
Round Rock, TX .................................................................... 99,887
Rowlett, TX ............................................................................ 56,199
Royal Oak, MI ........................................................................ 57,236
Saco, ME ................................................................................. 18,482
Sahuarita, AZ .......................................................................... 25,259
Salida, CO ................................................................................. 5,236
Salt Lake City, UT ................................................................ 186,440
Sammamish, WA .................................................................... 45,780
San Antonio, TX ................................................................ 1,327,407
San Carlos, CA ........................................................................ 28,406
San Diego, CA ................................................................... 1,307,402
San Francisco, CA ................................................................. 805,235
San Jose, CA .......................................................................... 945,942
San Juan County, NM .......................................................... 130,044
San Marcos, TX ...................................................................... 44,894
San Rafael, CA ........................................................................ 57,713
Sandy, UT ............................................................................... 87,461
Sandy Springs, GA .................................................................. 93,853
Sanford, FL .............................................................................. 53,570
Sangamon County, IL ........................................................... 197,465
Santa Clarita, CA .................................................................. 176,320
Santa Fe County, NM ........................................................... 144,170
Santa Monica, CA ................................................................... 89,736
Sarasota, FL ............................................................................. 51,917
Sarasota County, FL ............................................................. 379,448
Savage, MN ............................................................................. 26,911
Savannah, GA ....................................................................... 136,286
Scarborough CDP, ME ............................................................. 4,403
Scott County, MN ................................................................. 129,928
Scottsdale, AZ ....................................................................... 217,385
Seaside, CA ............................................................................. 33,025
SeaTac, WA ............................................................................ 26,909
Sevierville, TN ......................................................................... 14,807
Shawnee, KS ........................................................................... 62,209
Sheboygan, WI ........................................................................ 49,288
Sherman village, IL ................................................................... 4,148
Shorewood, MN ........................................................................ 7,307
Sioux Falls, SD ...................................................................... 153,888
Skokie village, IL ..................................................................... 64,784
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Front Range Benchmark Comparisons
Table 131: Quality of Life and Community Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Overall, as a place to live 91 3 28 Much above
Availability of affordable quality
housing 53 5 21 Above
Quality of public schools 80 2 15 Much above
As a place to raise children 87 3 28 Much above
As a place to retire 80 2 29 Much above
Community acceptance of all
people 76 1 20 Much above
Overall quality of life in Fort
Collins 86 3 33 Much above
Table 132: City Neighborhood Benchmark
Please rate the quality of your
neighborhood on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 4 27 Much above
Table 133: Overall Safety Benchmark
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Overall safety of residents 84 1 7 Much above
Table 134: Personal Safety Benchmarks
Please tell us how safe you feel in
each of the following areas in Fort
Collins.
Fort Collins
average
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
133
Table 135: Safety Services Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each of the
following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
Front Range
benchmark
Emergency preparedness (services that
prepare the community for natural
disasters or other emergency
situations) 77 1 15 Much above
Fire prevention/education 76 2 15 Much above
Fire response time 83 Not available Not available Not available
Fire services overall 82 3 16 Above
Crime prevention 71 5 21 Much above
Police patrol 73 Not available Not available Not available
Traffic enforcement 67 4 27 Much above
Police visibility 72 Not available Not available Not available
Police response time 74 1 5 Much above
Police services overall 74 8 27 Above
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned
buildings, etc.) 65 1 27 Much above
Animal control 68 1 23 Much above
Business property maintenance 73 Not available Not available Not available
Residential property maintenance 70 Not available Not available Not available
Table 136: Safety-related Utilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of
each of the following in Fort
Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Electric services 84
Not
available Not available Not available
Storm drainage 77 1 21 Much above
Table 137: Quality of the Environment Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of the
environment in Fort Collins on each of
the items listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
134
Table 139: Transportation Benchmarks
Please rate the following areas
of transportation in Fort
Collins.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Ease of driving 61 11 25 Similar
Ease of traveling by public
transportation 56 6 21 Much above
As a walkable city 71 8 23 Much above
Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 2 24 Much above
Availability of parking
Downtown 49
Not
available Not available Not available
Traffic congestion 45 17 20 Much below
Street maintenance 61 4 29 Much above
Table 140: Community Aspects of Culture and Recreation Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Quality of arts and cultural
opportunities 74 3 21 Much above
Quality of recreational
opportunities 86 1 25 Much above
Quality of public library services 81 3 18 Above
Table 141: Parks, Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each of the
programs or facilities listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
Front Range
benchmark
Natural areas and open space 87 1 7 Much above
Recreational trails 88 1 5 Much above
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
135
Table 142: Community Aspects of Economic Health Benchmarks
Please rate Fort Collins as a
community on each of the items
listed below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Quality of shopping
opportunities 72 2 23 Much above
Quality of dining opportunities 82
Not
available Not available Not available
Availability of job opportunities 55 1 27 Much above
Availability of quality healthcare 76 1 17 Much above
As a place to work 77 1 29 Much above
Table 143: Supporting Businesses Benchmarks
Please rate the City's
performance in each of the
following areas.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Support of businesses 70
Not
available Not available Not available
Table 144: Overall Quality of Services Benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
the City of Fort Collins?
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
the City of Fort Collins? 79 3 28 Much above
Table 145: Utility Billing and Utilities Overall Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of
each of the following in Fort
Collins.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
136
Table 147: Contact with City Employees Benchmark
Have you had contact with any City
employee(s) by phone, in person, via
email or online within the last 12 months?
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
Front Range
benchmark
Have you had contact with any City
employee(s) by phone, in person, via
email or online within the last 12
months? 54 5 20 Above
Table 148: Perceptions of City Employees Benchmarks
Thinking about your most recent
contact, please rate City employee(s)
on each of the items below.
Fort Collins
average
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
Front Range
benchmark
Courtesy 85 3 9 Above
Promptness 78
Not
available Not available Not available
Knowledge 79 5 28 Much above
Making you feel valued 72
Not
available Not available Not available
Overall impression 79 5 29 Much above
Table 149: Informing Citizens Benchmarks
Please rate the City's
performance in the following
area.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Informing citizens 71 2 7 Much above
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
137
Communities Included in Front Range Comparisons
Listed below are the communities included in the Front Range benchmark comparisons provided for the
City of Fort Collins followed by its 2010 population according to the U.S. Census.
Adams County, CO .............................................................. 441,603
Arapahoe County, CO .......................................................... 572,003
Arvada, CO ........................................................................... 106,433
Aurora, CO ........................................................................... 325,078
Boulder, CO ............................................................................ 97,385
Boulder County, CO ............................................................. 294,567
Broomfield, CO ....................................................................... 55,889
Castle Pines North, CO .......................................................... 10,360
Castle Rock, CO ..................................................................... 48,231
Centennial, CO ..................................................................... 100,377
Commerce City, CO ............................................................... 45,913
Denver, CO ........................................................................... 600,158
Douglas County, CO ............................................................ 285,465
Englewood, CO ....................................................................... 30,255
Erie, CO .................................................................................. 18,135
Estes Park, CO .......................................................................... 5,858
Greeley, CO ............................................................................ 92,889
Highlands Ranch CDP, CO ................................................... 96,713
Jefferson County, CO ............................................................ 534,543
Lafayette, CO .......................................................................... 24,453
Lakewood, CO ...................................................................... 142,980
Larimer County, CO ............................................................ 299,630
Littleton, CO ........................................................................... 41,737
Lone Tree, CO ........................................................................ 10,218
Longmont, CO ........................................................................ 86,270
Louisville, CO ......................................................................... 18,376
Northglenn, CO ...................................................................... 35,789
Parker, CO .............................................................................. 45,297
Pueblo, CO ............................................................................ 106,595
Thornton, CO ....................................................................... 118,772
Westminster, CO ................................................................... 106,114
Wheat Ridge, CO ................................................................... 30,166
Windsor, CO ........................................................................... 18,644
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
138
Appendix G. Comparisons of Average Ratings by
Year
This appendix contains the average ratings for all evaluative questions compared by year. Differences
between 2013 and 2012 can be considered “statistically significant” and are shaded grey if they are four
points or more on the 100-point scale.
Table 150: Quality of Life and Community Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the
items listed below. (Average rating on 100-point scale
(0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Overall, as a place to live 91 90 88 88 79 81 80
Overall safety of residents 84 83 81 81 72 76 78
Quality of shopping opportunities 72 70 68 68 66 NA NA
Quality of dining opportunities 82 83 80 81 80 NA NA
Quality of entertainment opportunities 73 69 68 67 68 NA NA
Availability of job opportunities 55 52 48 49 50 NA NA
Availability of affordable quality housing 53 54 58 52 40 43 37
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 74 70 68 69 67 NA NA
Quality of recreational opportunities 86 84 83 81 81 NA NA
Availability of quality healthcare 76 77 74 73 NA NA NA
Quality of public schools 80 80 77 76 76 NA NA
Quality of public library services 81 81 79 77 75 76 78
As a place to raise children 87 86 84 83 81 84 81
As a place to retire 80 79 79 77 76 73 74
As a place to attend college 84 85 85 84 81 84 84
As a place to work 77 77 73 71 NA 66 73
Community acceptance of all people 76 72 69 70 64 67 64
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 86 84 83 82 NA NA NA
Table 151: Quality of the Environment Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins
on each of the items listed below. (Average rating on 100-
point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Community's visual attractiveness 84 81 80 82 78 75 70
Air quality 83 80 80 78 71 67 63
Recycling programs 80 79 77 76 71 68 69
Conservation efforts 79 78 78 75 NA NA NA
Overall quality of environment 83 81 81 80 76 NA NA
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
139
Table 152: Quality of Neighborhoods Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed
below. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 80 78 80 80
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 75 75 72 73 78
Table 153: Ratings of Personal Safety Compared by Year
Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas in Fort
Collins. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Downtown Fort Collins during the day 93 92 88 88 86
Downtown Fort Collins at night 71 69 70 69 67
Your neighborhood during the day 94 93 91 91 89
Your neighborhood at night 82 81 78 78 79
Parks 79 80 80 79 76
Natural areas/open space 80 79 80 78 NA
Recreation facilities 86 83 84 82 79
Trails 78 77 76 74 72
Fort Collins overall during the day 90 88 NA NA NA
Fort Collins overall at night 74 73 NA NA NA
Table 154: Community Safety Services Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
(Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2003 2001
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for
natural disasters or other emergency situations) 77 75 NA NA NA NA
Disaster response and restoration of services 78 NA NA NA NA NA
Fire prevention/education 76 75 NA NA NA NA
Fire response time 83 81 NA NA NA NA
Fire services overall 82 81 86 86 85 87
Crime prevention 71 70 74 72 NA NA
Police patrol 73 72 72 72 NA NA
Traffic enforcement 67 69 68 68 61 61
Police visibility 72 72 71 72 NA NA
Police response time 74 72 70 71 74 76
Police services overall 74 72 70 71 NA NA
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 65 66 63 63 NA NA
Noise enforcement 65 66 NA NA NA NA
Animal control 68 69 67 70 NA NA
Business property maintenance 73 73 71 72 NA NA
Residential property maintenance 70 69 67 68 NA NA
Natural Areas Ranger services 78 78 NA NA NA NA
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
140
Table 155: Utility Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average
rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Drinking water 89 88 85 85 83
Table 156: Transportation Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort
Collins. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad,
100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Ease of driving 61 65 61 57 50 NA NA
Ease of traveling by public transportation 56 54 48 51 38 NA NA
As a walkable city 71 71 67 68 60 NA NA
Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 81 78 78 68 NA NA
Availability of parking Downtown 49 51 51 52 NA NA NA
Traffic congestion 45 50 48 44 NA 32 27
Street maintenance 61 61 52 60 NA 59 59
Table 157: City Government Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following
areas. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad,
100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Welcoming citizen involvement 71 70 64 66 48 NA NA
Listening to citizens 63 63 58 57 55 NA NA
Managing and planning for growth 63 62 59 53 43 44 40
Efficient operation of programs and services 69 66 63 63 53 NA NA
Encouraging sustainability in the community 72 71 NA NA NA NA NA
Overall direction of the City 71 70 65 63 NA NA NA
Table 158: Ratings of Economic Health Compared by Year
Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas. (Average
rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006
Support of businesses 70 69 63 63 NA
Economic health strategies 67 65 57 57 56
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
141
Table 159: Ratings of Parks, Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities Compared by Year
Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities
listed below. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very
bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Natural areas and open space 87 86 85 84 82 78 76
Recreational trails 88 87 86 86 83 82 81
Parks 87 86 84 85 82 83 83
Cemeteries 81 78 75 75 74 73 72
Golf courses 79 78 76 79 78 78 78
Athletic fields 81 80 78 79 76 78 77
Northside Aztlan Community Center 80 81 80 79 67 NA NA
Fort Collins Senior Center 82 82 81 82 83 NA NA
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 79 79 78 78 79 NA NA
Mulberry Pool 74 75 74 71 72 NA NA
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 81 80 79 79 81 NA NA
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center) 84 84 81 82 76 NA NA
Pottery studio 80 77 76 74 74 NA NA
Art in Public Places program 80 78 72 74 67 NA NA
Lincoln Center programs 80 80 76 77 76 77 78
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 83 78 71 70 72 70 72
Adult recreation programs 78 76 74 73 73 71 74
Senior recreation programs 80 78 77 78 78 75 78
Youth/teen recreation programs 78 77 74 72 67 69 63
Note: Prior to 2013, “Fort Collins Museum of Discovery” was “Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center.”
Table 160: Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of
Fort Collins? (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of
Fort Collins? 79 78 74 73
Table 161: Ratings of Employee Characteristics by Users Compared by Year
Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City
employee(s) on each of the items below. (Average rating on
100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Courtesy 85 84 82 81 83 81 84
Promptness 79 79 76 76 77 75 77
Knowledge 79 79 79 77 78 77 78
Making you feel valued 74 75 75 75 75 75 76
Overall impression 79 78 78 77 NA NA NA
This question was asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the last 12 months.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
142
Table 162: Ratings of Employee Characteristics by Non-users Compared by Year
Although you may not have had any recent personal
contact with City employees, we would like to know your
impression of how City employees treat Fort Collins
residents. Please rate City employees on each of the items
below. (Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad,
100=very good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001
Courtesy 77 76 80 72 72 73 69
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service
requests 74 74 67 68 66 69 65
Making citizens or customers feel valued 73 72 72 69 67 67 64
This question was asked only of those who did not have contact with a City employee in the last 12 months.
Table 163: City Information Ratings Compared by Year
Please rate the City's performance in the following area.
(Average rating on 100-point scale (0=very bad, 100=very
good).)
2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2001 2003
Informing citizens 71 70 66 67 62 62 63
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
143
Appendix H. Survey Methodology
Survey Instrument Development
The Fort Collins Citizen Survey was administered by mail in October of 2013. This was the seventh
iteration of the survey. The previous six surveys were collected by mail biennially starting in 2001 through
2012. General citizen surveys, such as this one, ask recipients their perspectives about the quality of life in
the, their use of City amenities, their opinion on policy-related issues facing the City and their assessment
of City service delivery. The 2013 citizen survey instrument for Fort Collins was developed by starting
with the version from the previous implementation in 2012. Topics were generated for new questions and
then were modified to find those that were the best fit for the 2013 questionnaire. In an iterative process
between City staff and NRC staff, a final six-page questionnaire was created.
Sample Selection
For the 2013 survey, 1,800 residents were randomly selected across six geographic areas within the city to
receive survey mailings. Additionally, 200 Colorado State University (CSU) students were randomly
selected from those that reside in dormitories, for a total of 2,000 residents. To ensure households selected
to participate in the survey were within the City of Fort Collins boundaries, the latitude and longitude of
each address (among the 1,800) was plotted to determine its location within the city. Addresses that fell
outside of the city boundaries were removed from the list of households. Attached units within the city
were oversampled to compensate for detached unit residents’ tendency to return surveys at a higher rate.
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.)
Survey Administration
Households received three mailings, one week apart beginning in October of 2013. Completed surveys
were collected over a five-week period. The first mailing was a prenotification postcard announcing the
upcoming survey. The other two mailings contained a letter from the Mayor inviting the household to
participate, a questionnaire and a postage-paid envelope. About 3% of the mailings were returned as
undeliverable because the housing unit was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as
addressed. Of the 1,945 households and dormitory students that received the survey, 535 respondents
completed the survey, 24 of which were returned by students living in dormitories, providing an overall
response rate of 28%. The response rate for the 1,745 (535 out of 1,800) Fort Collins residents who
received a survey was 29% and the response rate for the 200 (24 out of 200) CSU dormitory students who
received a survey was 12%.
Survey Analysis
Weighting the Data
The demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010
Census and the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) Census estimates for adults in the city. Survey
results were weighted using the population norms to reflect the appropriate percent of those residents in
the city. Other discrepancies between the whole population and the survey respondents also were aided
by the weighting due to the intercorrelation of many socioeconomic characteristics.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
144
The variables used for weighting were respondent gender, age, housing unit type and tenure (rent, own or
living in group quarters). This decision was based on:
The disparity between the survey respondent characteristics and the population norms for these
variables
The magnitude of differences of opinion among these subgroups
The weighting, if any, done in prior years
Several different weighting “schemes” are tested to ensure the best fit for the data.
The weighting 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 they are accurately represented 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 multi-family housing dwellers.
The results of the weighting scheme are presented in the figure on below.
Table 164: 2013 Fort Collins Citizen Survey Weighting Table
Characteristic 2010 Census Unweighted Data Weighted Data
Housing
Detached unit* 58% 61% 57%
Attached unit* 37% 35% 38%
Dorms 5% 5% 5%
Own home 52% 67% 52%
Rent home 43% 28% 43%
Dorms 5% 5% 5%
Sex and Age
18-34 years of age 48% 27% 48%
35-54 years of age 30% 27% 30%
55+ years of age 23% 45% 23%
Male 50% 41% 49%
Female 50% 59% 51%
Males 18-34 25% 9% 25%
Males 35-54 15% 13% 15%
Males 55+ 10% 19% 10%
Females 18-34 23% 18% 23%
Females 35-54 15% 15% 15%
Females 55+ 12% 26% 13%
* Source: American Community Survey 2011 5‐year estimates
Analyzing the Data
The surveys were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency
distributions and the “percent positive” are presented in the body of the report and full results and results
by subgroups are reported in the appendices. Chi-square and ANOVA tests of significance were applied
to breakdowns of selected survey questions by subgroups. A “p-value” of 0.05 or less indicates that there is
less than a 5% probability that differences observed between groups are due to chance; or in other words,
a greater than 95% probability that the differences observed in the selected categories of the sample
represent “real” differences among those populations. Where differences between subgroups are
statistically significant, they are marked with grey shading in tables.
City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Report of Results
December 2013
Prepared by National Research Center, Inc.
145
Appendix I. Survey Materials
Copies of the prenotification postcards, cover letters and survey instrument mailed to respondents appear
on the following pages.
Communications & Public Involvement Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Communications & Public Involvement Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Communications & Public Involvement Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Communications & Public Involvement Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE
PAID
BOULDER, CO
PERMIT NO. 94
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE
PAID
BOULDER, CO
PERMIT NO. 94
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE
PAID
BOULDER, CO
PERMIT NO. 94
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
US POSTAGE
PAID
BOULDER, CO
PERMIT NO. 94
Dear Fort Collins Resident,
Your household has been selected at random to participate in
an anonymous survey about the City of Fort Collins. 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 study!
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Dear Fort Collins Resident,
Your household has been selected at random to participate in
an anonymous survey about the City of Fort Collins. 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 study!
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Dear Fort Collins Resident,
Your household has been selected at random to participate in
an anonymous survey about the City of Fort Collins. 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 study!
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Dear Fort Collins Resident,
Your household has been selected at random to participate in
an anonymous survey about the City of Fort Collins. 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 study!
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Communications & Public Involvement Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Presorted
First Class Mail
US Postage
PAID
Boulder, CO
Permit NO. 94
City Manager’s Office
300 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Dear Fort Collins Resident:
We would like your help in evaluating City government, services and programs. By completing
the enclosed questionnaire, you will have an important role in shaping the future efforts of the
City.
Your household is one of a randomly selected few being asked to participate in the Fort Collins
Citizen Survey. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey. Your opinion
matters to us, and we will use the survey results to improve City government, services and
programs. Please participate!
To get a scientifically reliable sample of Fort Collins residents, the adult (anyone 18 years
or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey.
The 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 answers are
completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
Thank you very much for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and opinions. If you have
any questions about this survey, please contact Timothy Allen at (970) 221-6207.
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
City Manager’s Office
300 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
Dear Fort Collins Resident:
About a week ago we sent you this survey that asks for your opinion about the City of Fort
Collins. If you have already completed the survey and returned it, we thank you and ask
you to disregard this letter. Please do not complete the survey a second time. If you haven’t
had a chance to get to the survey, we ask you to spend a few moments to complete it now. Your
input is very important to us.
We would like your help in evaluating City government, services and programs. Your household
is one of a randomly selected few being asked to participate in the Fort Collins Citizen Survey.
By completing the enclosed questionnaire, you will have an important role in shaping the future
efforts of the City.
To get a scientifically reliable sample of Fort Collins residents, the adult (anyone 18 years
or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey.
The 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 opinion matters to
us, and we will use the survey results to improve City government, services and programs. Your
answers are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
Thank you very much for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and opinions. If you have
any questions about this survey, please contact Timothy Allen at (970) 221-6207.
Sincerely,
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager
2013 Fort Collins Citizen Survey
-- 1 --
Please have only one adult (18 or over) from your household complete the survey questionnaire. If your household has
more than one adult member, we ask that the adult who most recently had his or her birthday be the one to complete
the questionnaire. This will ensure that we have a truly random and representative sample. Your responses to this
survey are completely anonymous.
Fort Collins as a Community
1. Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Overall, as a place to live ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall safety of residents ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of shopping opportunities ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of dining opportunities .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of entertainment opportunities ................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Availability of job opportunities ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Availability of affordable quality housing ............................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of arts and cultural opportunities .............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of recreational opportunities ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Availability of quality healthcare ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of public schools ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Quality of public library services ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
As a place to raise children ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
As a place to retire .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
As a place to attend college ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
As a place to work .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Community acceptance of all people ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall quality of life in Fort Collins ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Environment
2. Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins on each of the items listed below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Community’s visual attractiveness ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Air quality ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recycling programs ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Conservation efforts ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall quality of environment .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Your Neighborhood
3. Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Your neighborhood as a place to live ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Your neighborhood as a place to raise children ..................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
2013 F o r t C o l l i n s C i t i z e n S u r v e y
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4A. Thinking about your neighbors who live on your street or in your apartment complex, how many of them do you
know by name? Please write the number of neighbors that you know by name. Write 0, if none _______
4B. How many different households are represented by neighbors that you know by name? ________
5. How often do you talk to any of your neighbors? Please select the one response that best represents how often
you talk to any of your neighbors.
At least once per day At least once per month Less often than once per year
At least once per week At least once per year Never
Community Safety
6. Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas in Fort Collins.
Always Usually Sometimes safe Usually Always No
safe safe sometimes unsafe unsafe unsafe opinion
Downtown Fort Collins during the day ............... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Downtown Fort Collins at night .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Your neighborhood during the day .................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Your neighborhood at night ............................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Parks ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Natural areas/open space .................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recreation facilities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Trails ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fort Collins overall during the day ..................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fort Collins overall at night ................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
7. Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community
for natural disasters or other emergency situations) ................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Disaster response and restoration of services ....................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fire prevention/education ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fire response time .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fire services overall ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Crime prevention .................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Police patrol ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Traffic enforcement ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Police visibility ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Police response time .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Police services overall ............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ........ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Noise enforcement ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Animal control ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Business property maintenance ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Residential property maintenance ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Natural Areas Ranger services ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
2013 F o r t C o l l i n s C i t i z e n S u r v e y
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Utilities
8. Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Drinking water ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Electric services ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sewer services ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Storm drainage ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Utility billing ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Utilities overall ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Transportation
9. Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Ease of driving ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ease of traveling by public transportation ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
As a walkable city ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ease of traveling by bicycle .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Availability of parking Downtown .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Traffic congestion ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Street maintenance ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
City Government
10. Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following areas.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Welcoming citizen involvement ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Listening to citizens ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Managing and planning for growth ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Efficient operation of programs and services ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Encouraging sustainability in the community ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall direction of the City ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Economic Health
11. Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following areas.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Support of businesses ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Economic health strategies .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
2013 F o r t C o l l i n s C i t i z e n S u r v e y
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Recreational and Cultural Programs and Facilities
12. Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Natural areas and open space ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recreational trails ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Parks ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Cemeteries.............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Golf courses ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Athletic fields .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Northside Aztlan Community Center ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fort Collins Senior Center ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Mulberry Pool ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Gardens on Spring Creek (The Horticultural Center) ............. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Pottery studio ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Art in Public Places program................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Lincoln Center programs ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Adult recreation programs ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Senior recreation programs .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Youth/teen recreation programs ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
City Services
13. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins?
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion
City Employees
14. Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in person, via email or online within the last 12
months?
Yes Answer Q14A ONLY
No Answer Q14B ONLY
14A. Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Courtesy ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promptness ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Knowledge ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Making you feel valued .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall impression ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
14B. Although you may not have had any recent personal contact with City employees, we would like to know
your impression of how City employees treat Fort Collins residents. Please rate City employees on each of
the items below.
Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Courtesy ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests .. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Making citizens or customers feel valued ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
2013 F o r t C o l l i n s C i t i z e n S u r v e y
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City Planning and Fiscal Management
15. Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects
of the community.
More Same Less No
effort effort effort opinion
Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities ......................1 2 3 4
Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good
air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community ...1 2 3 4
Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring
attractive neighborhoods, historic preservation, and an adequate supply of
quality housing for all socio-economic groups .................................................1 2 3 4
Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and
building inspection ............................................................................................1 2 3 4
Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational
facilities, Lincoln Center, and the Fort Collins Museum; providing
recreational and cultural programs; maintaining parks, trails and
cemeteries; and improving natural areas .........................................................1 2 3 4
Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development,
maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and
transportation demand management ..............................................................1 2 3 4
General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management,
Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with
residents and building maintenance and repair ...............................................1 2 3 4
16. If you answered “more effort” for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and amenities would you
like to see increased?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
17. If you answered “less effort” for any of the items in question 15, what specific services and amenities would you
like to see reduced?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
18. Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be the top three priorities for the City within
the next five years?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2013 F o r t C o l l i n s C i t i z e n S u r v e y
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City Information
18. Please rate the City’s performance in the following area. Very Very No
good Good Average Bad bad opinion
Informing citizens .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
19. Please indicate how frequently, if ever, you or other members of your household use each of the following
sources for information regarding City issues, services and programs.
Always Frequently Sometimes Never
Fort Collins local cable channel 14 ..........................................................................1 2 3 4
Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com .............................................1 2 3 4
City’s website (www.fcgov.com) .............................................................................1 2 3 4
“City News” (insert with utility bill) .........................................................................1 2 3 4
Newsletters or brochures from City departments ..................................................1 2 3 4
City Line (automated message system 970-416-CITY) ............................................1 2 3 4
“Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) ...........................................................1 2 3 4
Word of mouth ........................................................................................................1 2 3 4
Newspaper (print or online) ....................................................................................1 2 3 4
Radio ........................................................................................................................1 2 3 4
Television news .......................................................................................................1 2 3 4
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) ....................................................................1 2 3 4
Fort Collins Idea Lab (idealab.fcgov.com)................................................................1 2 3 4
City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator)...1 2 3 4
20. How does your household primarily receive television programming?
Subscribe to Comcast cable Internet/streaming video None of the above
Subscribe to satellite service Over the air (antennae) Don’t know
Information About You
This section is optional. However, we ask for the information below so that we can better understand responses and
address any problems that citizens may have with City services. You will remain completely anonymous, and your
responses will never be reported individually.
21. About how many years have you lived in Fort
Collins? (Record 0 if less than 6 months)
_____ Years
22. How many years have you lived in your current
residence? (Record 0 if less than 6 months)
_____ Years
23. Are you a full-time or part-time student at a
college or university in Fort Collins?
Yes GO TO QUESTION 24
No GO TO QUESTION 25
24. Which college or university do you attend?
Colorado State University
Front Range Community College
Another local college or university
25. Which of the age groups below best describes you?
18-24 55-64
25-34 65-74
35-44 75 +
45-54
26. Your gender
Male Female
27. Which best describes the building you live in?
Single family house detached from any other
houses
House attached to one or more houses (e.g., a
duplex or townhome)
Building with two or more apartments or
condominiums
Mobile home
Other
1
Strategic Planning Public Engagement Plan Report
Objective:
Gather input from the community to inform the City’s Strategic Planning Process.
Ascertain public opinion regarding the following questions:
1) Thinking about the future of Fort Collins, what do you think should be the top three
priorities for the City within the next five years?
2) What should not be a priority?
Tools and Methodology:
Citizen Survey
We sent 1,800 surveys and have received 535 completed surveys back as of December 11, 2013.
The response rate was 28 percent, including undeliverable postcards. Those surveys were
analyzed by the National Research Center, (NRC). NRC final report is due in January 2014.
Community Engagement
In addition to the Citizen Survey, we have been going into the community engaging both
mainstream and hard-to-reach segments of the population. Our team has identified 16 different
groups in eight different segments of the population, ranging from the Fort Collins Chamber of
Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee to the Food Bank of Larimer County, to engage for this
project. Target Audiences include: Business Community, Low-Income, Homeless & Near
Homeless, Latinos, Seniors, Youth, Sustainability groups and Boards & Commissions. Feedback
was gathered through questionnaire cards completed by participants along with notes taken
during the roadshow discussions. Some groups provided emailed memos as well. These public
engagement efforts also enabled City staff to educate the public about the strategic planning
and budget process and to clarify some misconceptions about the role of the City’s Municipal
Government in particular issues, such as highway maintenance and collaboration with Colorado
State University.
Online
We created a webpage for this project at fcgov.com/citizensurvey. There we posted videos, in
English and Spanish, to promote awareness of the process and to ask for feedback. The Public
Outreach Calendar and links to Idea Lab were also available on this site. We also posed the
questions to the public online at Idea Lab (http://idealab.fcgov.com) and promoted it on
Facebook and Twitter.
ATTACHMENT 2
2
Feedback:
Citizen Survey
The 2013 Citizen Survey results were largely positive with 9 out of 10 respondents saying that
the overall quality of life in Fort Collins is either good or very good. Many of the responses in the
survey echoed what the Community Outreach Groups stated. A primary theme that appeared in
both is affordable housing, which was identified as a concern for residents in the Citizen Survey,
and was the only aspect of “community quality” to receive low ratings. One in 10 residents said
the City should increase efforts related to neighborhoods and housing and student housing and
a quarter of respondents identified affordable housing as a top priority for the next five years.
Residents said they feel safe here as nine out of 10 residents gave “good” or “very good” marks
for overall safety in the city. Almost all said they feel safe in downtown and seven out of 10
ranked crime prevention “very good” or “good.” While residents gave high marks to the quality
of environment and environmental services, respondents identified transportation as an area
for improvement. Public transportation, downtown parking and traffic congestion were areas
people rated “average” or less. People appreciate the opportunities for cultural and recreational
participation in Fort Collins. While there is a demand for better job opportunities, eight in 10
respondents said this is a good place to work. That is No. 1 out of approximately 30 Front Range
communities. The highest ranking to date, 72 percent, said the City supports businesses and 64
percent agreed with economic health strategies. While citizens’ opinions of government
performance were mixed, with just over half giving positive marks for planning, growth and
listening to citizens, City services received an 87 percent approval rating. Bottom line, Fort
Collins scored very well, often ranking in the top three as compared to other Front Range
communities.
Community Engagement
We received a total of 357 feedback cards from the public engagement roadshows. That is
above the 300 cards we were expecting. Priority themes that emerged from these public
engagement efforts include: affordable housing, transportation, education, homelessness,
parks, health and safety. We also have been asking what we should not be doing. Top responses
regarding what the City should not be placing a priority on include: a new CSU stadium,
marijuana and MAX. Sustainability groups that we followed up with placed an emphasis on the
environment, Poudre River, carbon emission reduction and transportation.
Online
Idea Lab recorded 58 ideas, 333 interactions and 74 comments. The top three topics on Idea Lab
were: connecting the bike trails, affordable housing and direct public transportation to Denver.
Idea Lab became a hub for feedback on this topic. It received the highest response rate for any
question posed by the City on the site to date: 313 percent more than our average and 138
percent more than the site’s overall average. OF the respondents 30 percent were female and
70 percent were male. The bulk, 25 percent, of those people who answered the questions was
between the ages of 35 and 44.
3
The Word Cloud below highlights the top priorities that are emerging in the Community Engagement
sessions. The larger the word appears, the more it was mentioned in the notecards we gathered.
Top 3 General Priorities Identified by Target Audiences
Priorities/Target
Audience
Business
Community
Boards &
Commissions
Low-
Income Homeless Latinos Seniors Youth Sustainability
Affordable Housing 2 2 2 2 2
Culture 1
Education 3
Health 3
2
Homelessness 3
1
Parks/Rec
Safety 3 3
Sustainability 3 1
Transportation 2 2 1 3 1 1 3
Water/River 1
Community
Engagement 1
Transparency/Open
Government 3
4
Community Public Engagement Events
Target Audience Event Target Date
Business Community
Fort Collins Chamber of
Commerce Local Legislative
Affairs Committee
Nov. 22 at 7:30 a.m.
Downtown Business
Association Board meeting
Nov. 13 at 8 a.m.
Downtown Development
Authority Board meeting
Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Boards & Commissions
Community Conversation
Event 215 N. Mason Ave. Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.
Low-Income
Food Bank Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Local Soup Kitchen Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
Homeless & Near Homeless
Hand-Up Cooperative at
Murphy Center
Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
Latinos
Dia de los Muertos Event at
North Aztlan Center Nov. 2
Family Center La Familia Dec 10 at 5:45 p.m.
Seniors
Senior Center Dec. 3 at 8:15 a.m.
The Winslow Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.
Youth
CSU Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Rocky Mountain High School Dec. 3 at 11:30 a.m.
Community for Sustainable
Energy Jan. 7 at 1 p.m.
Fort Collins Sustainability
Group Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Sustainability Groups
Save The Poudre Jan. 9
5
Kelly DiMartino presents to the Fort Collins Downtown Business
Association - Nov. 13, 2013
Next Steps:
During the first quarter of 2014, the Communication and Public Involvement Office (CPIO) is following
up with select groups and individuals who provided input to us and providing them with an update on
where the budget process stands and how their feedback is being used in the City’s strategic planning
process.
2013 CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS
Prepared by
Survey Methods
1,800
residents
contacted
535 completed
(28%)
+/- 4% margin
of error
Results
weighted
2
National Research Center, Inc.
Community & Neighborhood Livability
High quality of life
4
National Research Center, Inc.
2008 2010 2012 2013
90%
88% 89% 92%
“very good” or “good”
above benchmarks
A good place to live
5
National Research Center, Inc.
At least
9 in 10
“very good” or “good”
Place to raise
children
Place to live
Place to attend
college
above benchmarks
Improved
2001-2013
Affordable housing a concern
6
National Research Center, Inc.
Availability of affordable quality housing
Very good/
good
Average
Bad/
very bad
above benchmarks
Safe Community
86% 81%
75%
87% 87% 91%
Strong sense of safety overall
8
National Research Center, Inc.
2013
91%
“very good” or “good”
above benchmarks
2001
Residents continued to feel safe
around the city
9
National Research Center, Inc.
Almost ALL residents
felt “always” or “usually” safe in:
Fort Collins overall
during the day
Downtown Fort Collins
during the day
Their neighborhood
during the day
Recreation facilities
3 in 4
Felt safe in Fort Collins
overall at night
above
benchmarks
Similar to previous years
Safety services valued
10
National Research Center, Inc.
At least 7 in10“very good” or “good”
Fire prevention
Emergency preparedness
Police services
Crime prevention
above
benchmarks
Environmental Health
A clean and beautiful place
12
National Research Center, Inc.
9 in 10
“very good” or “good”
Visual attractiveness
Overall quality of environment
Sewer services
Drinking water
Air quality
Improved
Baseline-2013
above benchmarks
Improved
Baseline-2013
Improved
Baseline-2013
Transportation
Transportation opportunities
14
National Research Center, Inc.
Prioritize
traffic and
transportation
Areas for improvement:
Public transportation
Downtown parking
Traffic congestion
above
benchmarks
Declined
2012-2013
Culture & Recreation
An active and outdoor community
16
National Research Center, Inc.
9 in 10
“very good” or “good”
7 in 10
“very good” or “good”
Quality of recreational
opportunities
Quality of arts and
cultural opportunities (Improved 2012-2013)
above
benchmarks
Economic Health
A great place to work, dine and shop
18
National Research Center, Inc.
At least 2 in 3
“very good” or “good”
Place to work
Dining opportunities
Healthcare
Shopping opportunities
above benchmark
Improved
2006-2013
Increased support for economy
19
National Research Center, Inc.
2008 2010 2012 2013
“very good” or “good”
above benchmark
58% 56%
65%
72%
42% 40%
58%
64%
Support of businesses
Economic health strategies
Hopes for better job opportunities
20
National Research Center, Inc.
Very good/
good
Average
Bad/
very bad
Availability of job opportunities
above benchmark
Improved
2006-2013
High Performing Government
City services lauded
22
National Research Center, Inc.
2008 2010 2012 2013
77% 78%
85% 87%
“very good” or “good”
above benchmark
Good marks for City government
23
National Research Center, Inc.
At least 2 in 3
“very good” or “good”
Overall direction
Welcoming citizen involvement
Efficient operations
above benchmark
Improved
2012-2013
Strengths & Opportunities
24
National Research Center, Inc.
Strengths
• High quality of life
• Residents feel safe
• Strong economy
• Quality services
Opportunities
• Affordable housing
• Traffic and transportation
• Jobs/economic development
Laurie Urban
Project Manager
laurie@n-r-c.com
Thank You!
28. Do you own or rent your residence?
Own Rent
Thank you very much! Please return the completed
questionnaire to National Research Center, Inc.,
PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502-9922 in the postage-
paid envelope provided. If you would like a copy of the
survey results, go to fcgov.com/citizensurvey or call
(970) 221-6505.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Utility billing 75
Not
available Not available Not available
Utilities overall 79 2 6 Above
Table 146: City Government Benchmarks
Please rate the City's
performance in each of the
following areas.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Welcoming citizen
involvement 71 1 23 Much above
Listening to citizens 63 1 11 Much above
Managing and planning for
growth 63
Not
available Not available Not available
Overall direction of the City 71 2 26 Much above
Parks 87 1 20 Much above
Cemeteries 81 Not available Not available Not available
Golf courses 79 Not available Not available Not available
Athletic fields 81 Not available Not available Not available
Fort Collins Senior Center 82 Not available Not available Not available
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 79 Not available Not available Not available
Mulberry Pool 74 Not available Not available Not available
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 83 Not available Not available Not available
Adult recreation programs 78 1 23 Much above
Youth/teen recreation programs 78 Not available Not available Not available
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Community's visual attractiveness 84 2 23 Much above
Air quality 83 2 19 Much above
Recycling programs 80 3 16 Much above
Overall quality of environment 83 2 19 Much above
Table 138: Environment-related Utilities Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each
of the following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Drinking water 89 1 6 Much above
Sewer services 83 1 18 Much above
rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to Front
Range benchmark
Downtown Fort Collins during
the day 93 6 17 Much above
Downtown Fort Collins at night 71 7 17 Above
Your neighborhood during the
day 94 10 20 Above
Your neighborhood at night 82 8 20 Much above
Parks 79
Not
available Not available Not available
Smyrna, GA ............................................................................ 51,271
Snellville, GA ........................................................................... 18,242
South Lake Tahoe, CA ........................................................... 21,403
South Portland, ME ................................................................ 25,002
Southborough, MA ................................................................... 9,767
Southlake, TX ......................................................................... 26,575
Sparks, NV .............................................................................. 90,264
Spokane Valley, WA ............................................................... 89,755
Springboro, OH ...................................................................... 17,409
Springfield, OR ....................................................................... 59,403
Springville, UT ........................................................................ 29,466
St. Charles, IL ......................................................................... 32,974
St. Cloud, MN ......................................................................... 65,842
St. Joseph, MO ........................................................................ 76,780
St. Louis County, MN ........................................................... 200,226
St. Louis Park, MN ................................................................. 45,250
Stallings, NC ........................................................................... 13,831
State College borough, PA ...................................................... 42,034
Sterling Heights, MI ............................................................. 129,699
Sugar Grove village, IL ............................................................. 8,997
Sugar Land, TX ...................................................................... 78,817
Summit, NJ ............................................................................. 21,457
Sunnyvale, CA ...................................................................... 140,081
Surprise, AZ .......................................................................... 117,517
Suwanee, GA .......................................................................... 15,355
Tacoma, WA ......................................................................... 198,397
Takoma Park, MD .................................................................. 16,715
Temecula, CA ....................................................................... 100,097
Tempe, AZ ............................................................................ 161,719
Temple, TX ............................................................................ 66,102
The Woodlands CDP, TX ..................................................... 93,847
Thornton, CO ....................................................................... 118,772
Thousand Oaks, CA ............................................................. 126,683
Tomball, TX ........................................................................... 10,753
Tualatin, OR ........................................................................... 26,054
Tulsa, OK ............................................................................. 391,906
Twin Falls, ID ......................................................................... 44,125
Tyler, TX ................................................................................ 96,900
Umatilla, OR ............................................................................ 6,906
Upper Arlington, OH ............................................................. 33,771
Urbandale, IA ......................................................................... 39,463
Vail, CO .................................................................................... 5,305
Vancouver, WA .................................................................... 161,791
Ventura CCD, CA ................................................................ 111,889
Vestavia Hills, AL ................................................................... 34,033
Virginia Beach, VA ............................................................... 437,994
Visalia, CA ............................................................................ 124,442
Wahpeton, ND .......................................................................... 7,766
Wake Forest, NC ..................................................................... 30,117
Walnut Creek, CA .................................................................. 64,173
Washington County, MN ..................................................... 238,136
Washoe County, NV ............................................................. 421,407
Watauga, TX .......................................................................... 23,497
Wauwatosa, WI ....................................................................... 46,396
Waverly, IA ............................................................................... 9,874
Weddington, NC ....................................................................... 9,459
Wentzville, MO ....................................................................... 29,070
West Carrollton, OH .............................................................. 13,143
West Chester borough, PA ..................................................... 18,461
West Des Moines, IA .............................................................. 56,609
West Richland, WA ................................................................ 11,811
Westerville, OH ...................................................................... 36,120
Westlake, TX ............................................................................... 992
Westminster, CO .................................................................. 106,114
Wheat Ridge, CO ................................................................... 30,166
White House, TN .................................................................... 10,255
Whitewater township, MI ......................................................... 2,597
Wichita, KS ........................................................................... 382,368
Williamsburg, VA ................................................................... 14,068
Wilmington, IL .......................................................................... 5,724
Wilmington, NC ................................................................... 106,476
Wilsonville, OR ....................................................................... 19,509
Winchester, VA ....................................................................... 26,203
Wind Point village, WI.............................................................. 1,723
Windsor, CO ........................................................................... 18,644
Windsor, CT ........................................................................... 29,044
Winston-Salem, NC .............................................................. 229,617
Winter Garden, FL ................................................................. 34,568
Woodland, CA ........................................................................ 55,468
Woodland, WA ......................................................................... 5,509
Wrentham, MA ....................................................................... 10,955
Yakima, WA ............................................................................ 91,067
York County, VA .................................................................... 65,464
Yuma, AZ ................................................................................ 93,064
Morrisville, NC ........................................................................ 18,576
Moscow, ID ............................................................................. 23,800
Mountlake Terrace, WA ......................................................... 19,909
Munster, IN ............................................................................. 23,603
Muscatine, IA .......................................................................... 22,886
Naperville, IL ........................................................................ 141,853
Needham CDP, MA ............................................................... 28,886
New Braunfels, TX ................................................................. 57,740
New Brighton, MN ................................................................. 21,456
New Orleans, LA .................................................................. 343,829
New York, NY .................................................................... 8,175,133
Newport Beach, CA ................................................................ 85,186
Newport, RI ............................................................................ 24,672
Newport News, VA ............................................................... 180,719
Noblesville, IN ......................................................................... 51,969
Nogales, AZ ............................................................................. 20,837
Norfolk, VA ........................................................................... 242,803
Norman, OK ......................................................................... 110,925
North Las Vegas, NV ........................................................... 216,961
North Palm Beach village, FL ................................................. 12,015
Northglenn, CO ...................................................................... 35,789
Novato, CA ............................................................................. 51,904
Novi, MI .................................................................................. 55,224
O'Fallon, IL ............................................................................. 28,281
Oak Park village, IL ................................................................ 51,878
Oakland charter township, MI ............................................... 16,779
Oakland Park, FL.................................................................... 41,363
Ocala, FL ................................................................................ 56,315
Ogdensburg, NY ..................................................................... 11,128
Oklahoma City, OK ............................................................. 579,999
Olathe, KS ............................................................................ 125,872
Olmsted County, MN ........................................................... 144,248
Orland Park village, IL ........................................................... 56,767
Oshkosh, WI ........................................................................... 66,083
Otsego County, MI ................................................................. 24,164
Oviedo, FL .............................................................................. 33,342
Paducah, KY ........................................................................... 25,024
Palm Beach County, FL ..................................................... 1,320,134
Palm Coast, FL ....................................................................... 75,180
Palm Springs, CA .................................................................... 44,552
Palo Alto, CA .......................................................................... 64,403
Panama City, FL ..................................................................... 36,484
Papillion, NE ........................................................................... 18,894
Park City, UT ........................................................................... 7,558
Park Ridge, IL ......................................................................... 37,480
Parker, CO .............................................................................. 45,297
Pasadena, CA ........................................................................ 137,122
Pasco, WA ............................................................................... 59,781
Pasco County, FL .................................................................. 464,697
Peachtree City, GA ................................................................. 34,364
Pearland, TX .......................................................................... 91,252
Peoria, AZ ............................................................................. 154,065
Peoria County, IL ................................................................. 186,494
Peters township, PA ................................................................ 21,213
Petoskey, MI .............................................................................. 5,670
Pflugerville, TX ....................................................................... 46,936
Phoenix, AZ ....................................................................... 1,445,632
Pinal County, AZ .................................................................. 375,770
Pinehurst village, NC .............................................................. 13,124
Piqua, OH ............................................................................... 20,522
Plano, TX .............................................................................. 259,841
Platte City, MO ......................................................................... 4,691
Plymouth, MN ........................................................................ 70,576
Pocatello, ID ............................................................................ 54,255
Polk County, FL .................................................................... 602,095
Port Huron, MI ....................................................................... 30,184
Port Orange, FL ...................................................................... 56,048
Port St. Lucie, FL .................................................................. 164,603
Portland, OR ......................................................................... 583,776
Post Falls, ID ........................................................................... 27,574
Prince William County, VA .................................................. 402,002
Provo, UT ............................................................................. 112,488
Pueblo, CO ........................................................................... 106,595
Purcellville, VA ......................................................................... 7,727
Queen Creek, AZ .................................................................... 26,361
Radford, VA ............................................................................ 16,408
Radnor township, PA .............................................................. 31,531
Rapid City, SD ........................................................................ 67,956
Raymore, MO ......................................................................... 19,206
Redmond, WA ........................................................................ 54,144
Rehoboth Beach, DE ................................................................ 1,327
Reno, NV .............................................................................. 225,221
Renton, WA ............................................................................ 90,927
Reston CDP, VA..................................................................... 58,404
Fruita, CO ............................................................................... 12,646
Gainesville, FL ....................................................................... 124,354
Gaithersburg, MD ................................................................... 59,933
Galveston, TX ......................................................................... 47,743
Garden City, KS ..................................................................... 26,658
Gardner, KS ............................................................................ 19,123
Geneva, NY ............................................................................. 13,261
Georgetown, TX ..................................................................... 47,400
Georgetown, CO ....................................................................... 1,034
Gig Harbor, WA ....................................................................... 7,126
Gilbert, AZ ............................................................................ 208,453
Gillette, WY ............................................................................. 29,087
Globe, AZ .................................................................................. 7,532
Goodyear, AZ .......................................................................... 65,275
Grafton village, WI ................................................................. 11,459
Grand Island, NE .................................................................... 48,520
Greeley, CO ............................................................................ 92,889
Green Valley CDP, AZ ........................................................... 21,391
Greenwood Village, CO ......................................................... 13,925
Greer, SC ................................................................................ 25,515
Gulf Shores, AL ........................................................................ 9,741
Gunnison County, CO ........................................................... 15,324
Hailey, ID .................................................................................. 7,960
Haines Borough, AK ................................................................ 2,508
Hallandale Beach, FL ............................................................. 37,113
Hamilton, OH ......................................................................... 62,477
Hampton, VA ....................................................................... 137,436
Hanover County, VA .............................................................. 99,863
Harrisonville, MO ................................................................... 10,019
Hartford, CT ......................................................................... 124,775
Hayward, CA ........................................................................ 144,186
Henderson, NV ..................................................................... 257,729
Hermiston, OR ....................................................................... 16,745
Herndon, VA .......................................................................... 23,292
High Point, NC ..................................................................... 104,371
Highland Park, IL ................................................................... 29,763
Highlands Ranch CDP, CO ................................................... 96,713
Hillsborough, NC ...................................................................... 6,087
Holden, MA ............................................................................ 17,346
Holland, MI ............................................................................ 33,051
Honolulu County, HI ........................................................... 953,207
Hooksett, NH .......................................................................... 13,451
Hopkins, MN .......................................................................... 17,591
Hopkinton, MA ....................................................................... 14,925
Hoquiam, WA ........................................................................... 8,726
Houston, TX ...................................................................... 2,099,451
Howell, MI ................................................................................ 9,489
Hudson, OH ........................................................................... 22,262
Hudson, CO .............................................................................. 2,356
Hudsonville, MI ........................................................................ 7,116
Huntersville, NC ..................................................................... 46,773
Hurst, TX ................................................................................ 37,337
Hutchinson, MN ..................................................................... 14,178
Hutto, TX ............................................................................... 14,698
Hyattsville, MD ....................................................................... 17,557
Indian Trail, NC ..................................................................... 33,518
Indianola, IA ........................................................................... 14,782
Iowa City, IA ........................................................................... 67,862
Jackson County, MI .............................................................. 160,248
Jefferson City, MO .................................................................. 43,079
Jefferson County, CO ........................................................... 534,543
Jerome, ID ............................................................................... 10,890
Johnson City, TN .................................................................... 63,152
Johnson County, KS ............................................................. 544,179
Jupiter, FL ............................................................................... 55,156
Kalamazoo, MI ....................................................................... 74,262
Kansas City, MO .................................................................. 459,787
Kenmore, WA ......................................................................... 20,460
Kennett Square borough, PA ................................................... 6,072
Kirkland, WA .......................................................................... 48,787
Kutztown borough, PA ............................................................. 5,012
La Mesa, CA ........................................................................... 57,065
La Plata, MD ............................................................................ 8,753
La Porte, TX ........................................................................... 33,800
La Vista, NE ............................................................................ 15,758
Lafayette, CO .......................................................................... 24,453
Laguna Beach, CA .................................................................. 22,723
Laguna Hills, CA .................................................................... 30,344
Lake Oswego, OR ................................................................... 36,619
Lake Zurich village, IL ............................................................ 19,631
Lakeville, MN .......................................................................... 55,954
Lakewood, CO ...................................................................... 142,980
Lane County, OR ................................................................. 351,715
Larimer County, CO ............................................................ 299,630
Brea, CA .................................................................................. 39,282
Brevard County, FL .............................................................. 543,376
Bristol, TN ............................................................................... 26,702
Broken Arrow, OK ................................................................. 98,850
Brookfield, WI ......................................................................... 37,920
Brookline, NH ........................................................................... 4,991
Broomfield, CO ....................................................................... 55,889
Brownsburg, IN ....................................................................... 21,285
Bryan, TX ............................................................................... 76,201
Burleson, TX ........................................................................... 36,690
Cabarrus County, NC........................................................... 178,011
Cambridge, MA .................................................................... 105,162
Cape Coral, FL ..................................................................... 154,305
Cape Girardeau, MO ............................................................. 37,941
Carlisle borough, PA ............................................................... 18,682
Carlsbad, CA......................................................................... 105,328
Cartersville, GA ...................................................................... 19,731
Carver County, MN................................................................ 91,042
Cary, NC ............................................................................... 135,234
Casa Grande, AZ .................................................................... 48,571
Casper, WY ............................................................................. 55,316
Castle Pines North, CO .......................................................... 10,360
Castle Rock, CO ..................................................................... 48,231
Cedar Falls, IA ........................................................................ 39,260
Cedar Rapids, IA .................................................................. 126,326
Centennial, CO ..................................................................... 100,377
Centralia, IL ............................................................................ 13,032
Chambersburg, PA ................................................................. 20,268
Chandler, AZ ........................................................................ 236,123
Chanhassen, MN .................................................................... 22,952
Chapel Hill, NC ...................................................................... 57,233
Charlotte, NC ....................................................................... 731,424
Charlotte County, FL ........................................................... 159,978
Charlottesville, VA .................................................................. 43,475
Chesapeake, VA .................................................................... 222,209
Chesterfield County, VA ...................................................... 316,236
Chippewa Falls, WI................................................................. 13,661
Citrus Heights, CA .................................................................. 83,301
Clayton, MO ........................................................................... 15,939
Clearwater, FL ...................................................................... 107,685
Clive, IA .................................................................................. 15,447
Clovis, CA ............................................................................... 95,631
College Park, MD ................................................................... 30,413
College Station, TX ................................................................ 93,857
Colleyville, TX ........................................................................ 22,807
Collinsville, IL ......................................................................... 25,579
Columbia, MO ...................................................................... 108,500
Columbus, WI ........................................................................... 4,991
Commerce City, CO............................................................... 45,913
Concord, CA ......................................................................... 122,067
Concord, MA .......................................................................... 17,668
Conyers, GA ........................................................................... 15,195
Cookeville, TN ........................................................................ 30,435
Coon Rapids, MN ................................................................... 61,476
Cooper City, FL ...................................................................... 28,547
Coronado, CA ......................................................................... 18,912
Corpus Christi, TX ............................................................... 305,215
Corvallis, OR .......................................................................... 54,462
Coventry Lake CDP, CT .......................................................... 2,990
Cranberry township, PA ......................................................... 28,098
Crested Butte, CO .................................................................... 1,487
Cross Roads, TX....................................................................... 1,563
Crystal Lake, IL ...................................................................... 40,743
Cupertino, CA......................................................................... 58,302
Dade City, FL ........................................................................... 6,437
Dakota County, MN ............................................................. 398,552
Dallas, OR .............................................................................. 14,583
Dallas, TX .......................................................................... 1,197,816
Dania Beach, FL ..................................................................... 29,639
Davenport, IA ......................................................................... 99,685
Davidson, NC ......................................................................... 10,944
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Informing citizens 71 3 41 Much above
Table 125: Overall Quality of Services Benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by the
City of Fort Collins?
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by the
City of Fort Collins? 79 16 376 Much above
Table 126: Utility Billing and Utilities Overall Benchmarks
Please rate the quality of each
of the following in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins
average rating
Rank
Number of jurisdictions
for comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Utility billing 75 3 30 Much above
Utilities overall 79 3 126 Much above
Number of
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Quality of arts and cultural
opportunities 74 11 266 Much above
Quality of recreational
opportunities 86 5 265 Much above
Quality of public library services 81 53 303 Much above
Comparison to
national benchmark
Electric services 84 2 28 Much above
Storm drainage 77 1 318 Much above
jurisdictions for
comparison
Comparison to
national benchmark
Overall safety of residents 84 18 112 Much above
Good
25
Bad
100
Very good
26%
50
Average
53%
70
maintaining parks, trails
and cemeteries; and
improving natural areas
More effort 12% 12% 26% 23% 18% 19%
Same effort 79% 80% 72% 74% 80% 77%
Less effort 9% 8% 2% 3% 2% 4%
Transportation: Includes
transportation planning
and development,
maintaining roads and
traffic operations, Transfort
operations, and
transportation demand
management
More effort 67% 49% 52% 55% 53% 54%
Same effort 32% 49% 44% 43% 42% 43%
Less effort 1% 3% 3% 2% 5% 3%
General Government:
Includes internal support
functions, City
management, Council,
boards and commissions,
technology, communicating
with residents and building
maintenance and repair
More effort 16% 12% 18% 23% 23% 19%
Same effort 79% 82% 80% 70% 74% 76%
Less effort 6% 6% 1% 7% 4% 5%
Northwest/CSU
West
Central
Overall
Support of businesses 68 70 69 74 68 70
Economic health strategies 64 65 69 70 63 67
Average rating (0=very bad, 100=very good).
the day 90 94 96 94 94 94
Your neighborhood at night 76 84 88 81 80 82
Parks 72 81 82 81 78 79
Natural areas/open space 73 79 81 85 79 80
Recreation facilities 82 86 86 90 84 86
Trails 73 77 80 80 76 78
Fort Collins overall during
the day 85 90 90 92 89 90
Fort Collins overall at night 67 75 77 76 73 74
Average rating (0=always unsafe, 100=always safe).
commissions, technology, communicating with
residents and building maintenance and repair
More effort 15% 20% 19% 23% 15% 19% 20% 16% 20% 19%
Same effort 82% 75% 76% 72% 81% 76% 74% 81% 76% 76%
Less effort 4% 5% 5% 5% 4% 5% 6% 4% 4% 5%
functions, City management, Council, boards and
commissions, technology, communicating with
residents and building maintenance and repair
More effort 15% 23% 23% 20% 19% 16% 24% 15% 19%
Same effort 81% 76% 70% 75% 76% 80% 70% 85% 77%
Less effort 4% 1% 7% 5% 5% 4% 6% 0% 5%
Economic Health Compared by Year