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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 01/09/2018 - 2017 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTSDATE: STAFF: January 9, 2018 Amanda King, Communications/Public Involvement Director Kelly DiMartino, Assistant City Manager WORK SESSION ITEM City Council SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION 2017 Community Survey Results. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to review the 2017 Community Survey results, share updates and changes to the survey going forward, and discuss how staff is using the data. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED This is an informational item in preparation for the Strategic Plan Update and City Plan. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Since 2001, the City of Fort Collins has contracted with National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) to administer the Community Survey (formerly “Citizen Survey”) with a representative sample of households and Colorado State University (CSU) dormitory students, in an effort to determine attitudes and perceptions about City services and overall direction. NRC conducts the statistically valid survey and works with staff to create questions that align with the City’s seven key outcome areas. In keeping with best practice, the survey results are weighted so that the gender, age, housing tenure (rent or own), housing unit type (attached or detached) and area of residence are represented in the proportions reflective of all adults in households in the City (based on U.S. Census data). The Community Survey is a valuable tool that 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. For the 2017 survey, 3,000 households within city boundaries and 700 CSU dormitory students were randomly selected to receive survey mailings in August 2017. Pre-survey communication materials were prepared in both English and Spanish to increase non-English speaking response. Respondents were given the option to complete the survey online in English or in Spanish, if desired. Of the 2,864 households that received a survey, 657 completed the survey (69 were completed online, one of which was in Spanish). Of the 700 CSU dormitory students who received an emailed invitation, 105 completed a survey. This is the ninth iteration of the survey, and beginning in 2017, the survey will move to an annual administration. This year’s results were largely positive with 48 ratings higher than national benchmarks, 21 similar and only 8 lower than benchmark ratings. Key findings confirm that overall, Fort Collins remains a place where residents want to live. Residents feel safe in the community overall and think highly of safety services, they applaud the City’s conservation and sustainability efforts and are happy with the level of effort put toward culture, parks and recreation by the City. Ratings for the overall quality of services provided by the City of Fort Collins increased from 84% good or very good in 2015 to 90% in 2017; this is the highest evaluation of City services since the question was first asked in 2008. Housing affordability, transportation and traffic still top residents’ list of priorities for the City. January 9, 2018 Page 2 The survey results are an important component of the City’s strategic planning process. Results are used as an input to drive priorities. For example, train noise and delays were frequently mentioned in the 2015 survey, which helped inform two new strategic objectives in 2016. The survey metrics are also used in monthly reviews of the City’s performance in achieving the Strategic Plan. Specifically, about 20 Community Survey metrics have been linked to the strategic objectives in the City’s 2016 Strategic Plan. Those metrics are reviewed and organizational actions to improve results are discussed, as applicable. In addition to other Citywide uses of these results, including for budget requests that are considered in the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process and inputs in the update of City Plan, the results are also used by departments to measure the success and perception of various projects/programs, communication tools, and to identify areas of focus in developing work plans. ATTACHMENTS 1. Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report (PDF) 2. PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) Prepared by: 2955 Valmont Road, Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80531 n-r-c.com | 303-444-7863 City of Fort Collins, Colorado 2017 Community Survey Report of Results December 2017 ATTACHMENT 1 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 1 Survey Background................................................................................................................... 5 Survey Results .......................................................................................................................... 7 Neighborhood Livability and Social Health ........................................................................................... 7 Safe Community ............................................................................................................................... 13 Environmental Health ....................................................................................................................... 17 Transportation .................................................................................................................................. 20 Culture and Recreation ..................................................................................................................... 21 Economic Health .............................................................................................................................. 23 High Performing Government ............................................................................................................ 25 Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics ................................................................................... 35 Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses ......................................................................... 38 Appendix C: Comparisons of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics.............................. 59 Appendix D: Comparisons of Select Questions by Area of Residence .......................................... 82 Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons ...................................................................................... 91 Appendix F: Comparisons of Average Ratings by Year ............................................................. 110 Appendix G: Survey Methodology .......................................................................................... 115 Appendix H: Survey Materials ................................................................................................ 121 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 1 Executive Summary Survey Background and Methods The Fort Collins Community 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 2017 survey, which was the ninth iteration. For the 2017 survey, 3,000 households within city boundaries and 700 Colorado State University (CSU) dormitory students were randomly selected to receive survey mailings in August 2017. Respondents were given the option to complete the survey online in English or in Spanish, if desired. Of the 3,000 household surveys mailed, about 136 were returned because the housing unit was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the 2,864 households that received a survey, 657 completed the survey (69 were completed online, one of which was in Spanish), for a response rate of 23% for the household survey. Of the 700 CSU dormitory students who received an emailed invitation, 105 completed a survey providing a response rate of 15%. The overall response rate for all survey respondents was 21%. 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 results (762 respondents). Comparisons are made between 2017 responses and those from prior years, when available. The 2017 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 community surveys from approximately 500 jurisdictions. Key Findings Fort Collins remains a place residents want to live but affordability is a concern for many.  About 9 in 10 respondents said the overall quality of life as good or very good, which was higher than the national and Front Range benchmark comparisons.  At least 8 in 10 residents said that they were somewhat or very likely to remain in Fort Collins for the next five years and recommend living in the city to someone who asks. Fort Collins was rated higher for both of these measures compared to other communities in the nation and Front Range.  Nearly all residents gave positive evaluations to Fort Collins as a place to live and about 9 in 10 indicated that the City was a good place to raise children. Both of these aspects received ratings that were higher than the benchmarks. 90% 88% 89% 92% 89% 91% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Percent reporting good or very good Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 2  A majority of residents also were happy with their neighborhoods with at least three-quarters saying their neighborhood was a good or very good place to live and raise children. These ratings were similar to those across the nation and the Front Range and were similar to 2015.  While most aspects of quality of life and community were stable from 2015 to 2017, evaluations of the city as a place to retire (81% good or very good in 2015 compared to 69% in 2017) and the availability of affordable quality housing decreased (17% compared to 11%). Evaluations of the availability of affordable quality housing also were lower than the national and Front Range benchmarks.  When asked to prioritize seven aspects of the community for which the City is responsible, about half of participants stated that they would like to see more effort given to neighborhoods, which includes providing an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups. Residents feel safe in the community overall and think highly of safety services.  Ninety percent of Fort Collins residents in 2017 gave good or very good ratings to the overall safety of residents. This evaluation is higher than the U.S. and Front Range benchmarks.  Generally, residents felt safer in their neighborhoods than Downtown and felt safer during the day than at night. Nearly all residents felt always or usually safe in their neighborhoods, in Downtown Fort Collins and in the City overall during the day. At least 7 in 10 felt safe in their neighborhood and Fort Collins overall at night and about 6 in 10 felt safe Downtown at night (a rating that was lower than in 2015 and lower than both benchmarks).  When evaluating the quality of 14 safety-related services, fire response time, fire services overall, Natural Areas Ranger services and disaster response and restoration of services received the top spots, with more than 8 in 10 giving positive marks.  About three-quarters of residents felt that the same level of effort should be applied to the City’s Strategic Objective of safety. Residents applaud the City’s conservation and sustainability efforts.  More than 8 in 10 survey respondents gave positive evaluations to conservation efforts and recycling programs. Ratings of conservation efforts in the city were higher in 2017 compared to 2015.  When evaluating the performance of several aspects of City government, residents in 2017 compared to 2015 gave higher evaluations to the City encouraging sustainability in the community (76% good or very good compared to 69%, respectively).  In 2017, about 9 in 10 participants rated the overall quality of the environment in Fort Collins as good or very good. This rating has remained stable since 2008 and is higher than the national and Front Range benchmarks.  While half of residents are happy with the current level of effort being given to the Strategic Outcome of environment, a similar proportion (46%) wanted to see more effort applied. More residents in 2017 than in 2015 (39%) wanted to see more effort being spent on this area.  The community’s visual attractiveness (90% good or very good) and air quality (73%) also were viewed positively by a majority of respondents; however, the rating for air quality decreased from 83% 89% 89% 87% 92% 87% 89% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Percent responding good or very good Overall Quality of Environment Compared by Year City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 3 2015 (82%) to 2017, but this rating was similar to communities across the nation and higher than those in the Front Range. Transportation and traffic still top residents’ list of priorities for the City but street maintenance efforts have not gone unnoticed.  Street maintenance received higher ratings in 2017 compared to 2015 (58% good or very good up from 44%), which were the highest given since this question was first asked in 2001. This evaluation also was much higher than in other communities across the U.S. and in the Front Range.  However, the level of traffic congestion was rated favorably by only 13%; this rating was similar to 2015 but lower than the national and Front Range comparison communities.  Ease of travel by bicycle was given favorable reviews by 8 in 10 residents and about 6 in 10 felt that Fort Collins was a good or very good walkable city. While ease of bicycle travel was higher than the benchmarks, walkablity was similar to the nation and lower than the Front Range.  Less than half gave high marks to ease of travel by public transportation and ease of driving. Ease of travel by public transportation was higher than the national average but lower than the Front Range, and ease of driving was lower than both benchmarks.  Almost two-thirds of respondents felt that Fort Collins should expend more effort in the area of transportation. When asked to select the top three priorities from the list of seven Strategic Outcomes, 65% of respondents selected transportation as their first, second or third priority.  Close to 6 in 10 respondents indicated that they carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone at least once a month or less in the 12 months prior to the survey; 39% had done so at least 2-4 times a month. Residents are happy with the level of effort put toward culture, parks and recreation by the City.  About three-quarters of respondents indicated that the same level of effort should be made toward the City’s Strategic Objective of culture, parks and recreation, while close to one-quarter felt more effort should be made.  The quality of recreational opportunities and arts and cultural opportunities was rated highly by about 9 in 10 residents. These ratings were much higher than the national and Front Range averages.  Overall, at least 7 in 10 gave good or very good ratings to each of 19 different parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities in Fort Collins. Recreational trails (96% good or very good), parks (96%), natural areas and open space (94%) and the Gardens on Spring Creek (93%) were among the highest rated. Where benchmark comparisons were available, Fort Collins tended to be higher than both benchmarks.  Nearly all respondents (92%) reported having visited a neighborhood park or City park in the 12 months prior to the survey. Overall, residents feel that the economic health of the city is positive, although some feel more effort should be made in this area.  Three-quarters of Fort Collins residents gave positive reviews to the city as a place to work. This rating has remained stable since 2012 and was similar to the national benchmark but higher than the Front Range. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 4  At least 7 in 10 respondents gave good or very good marks to the availability of quality healthcare and the quality of dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities; ratings that were stable from 2015 to 2017.  Forty-six percent of respondents felt that the availability of job opportunities was good or very good, a rating that was similar to 2015 and higher than both sets of comparison communities.  As in 2015, about two-thirds of respondents thought that the City did a good or very good job supporting businesses and promoting the economic health of the City.  About 6 in 10 evaluated the City’s job of encouraging a variety of businesses, retaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses as good or very good.  About 4 in 10 residents wanted more effort to be applied to the City’s Strategic Outcome of economy, while about half felt the same level of effort should be made. While resident satisfaction with overall City services is high, reviews of City government performance are mixed.  Ratings for the overall quality of services provided by the City of Fort Collins increased from 84% good or very good in 2015 to 90% in 2017; this is the highest evaluation of city services since the question was first asked in 2008. This rating also was much higher than the national and Front Range benchmarks.  Two-thirds of residents evaluated the City government’s job at welcoming resident involvement, efficient operation of programs and services and the overall direction of the City as good or very good. Ratings for efficient operations of programs and services increased from 58% in 2015 to 65% in 2017.  About half of residents gave positive assessments to the job the City does listening to residents (similar to 2015) and 44% felt the job the City does managing and planning for growth was good or very good (down from 50% in 2015).  Where comparisons were available to other communities nationally and in the Front Range, aspects of government performance in Fort Collins tended to be rated higher or much higher.  While about 6 in 10 residents felt the City did a good or very good job informing residents (a rating similar to 2015), this rating was similar to the national benchmark but lower than the Front Range. Additionally, 6 in 10 respondents evaluated the City providing emergency information and providing opportunities to participate in government activities as good or very good. 58% 56% 65% 72% 67% 68% 40% 42% 40% 58% 64% 67% 67% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Percent reporting good or very good Business Support and Promotion Compared by Year Support of businesses Promotion of the economic health 77% 78% 85% 87% 84% 90% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Percent responding good or very good Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 5 Survey Background Survey Purpose The City of Fort Collins contracted with National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) to implement the 2017 Community Survey with a representative sample of households and Colorado State University (CSU) dormitory students, in an effort to determine attitudes about City services and pending local policy. The first survey of residents was conducted in 2001, with subsequent implementations about every two years through 2015; the 2017 survey marks the ninth iteration of the survey. The survey permitted residents an opportunity to provide feedback to government on what is working well and what is not, and to communicate their priorities for community planning and resource allocation. The focus on quality of service delivery helps council, staff and the public set priorities for budget decisions and lays the groundwork for tracking community opinions about the core responsibilities of the City government, helping to assure maximum service quality over time. This type of survey gets at the key services that local government controls to create a quality community. This survey generates a reliable foundation of resident opinion that can be monitored periodically over the coming years, like taking the community pulse, as the City changes and grows. Survey Administration The five-page City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey was administered by mail to a random selection of 3,000 households and emailed to 700 CSU dormitory students during August 2017. In addition to the online survey of CSU students, households receiving the survey also could complete the survey online, if desired. Of the 2,864 households receiving the survey (since some addresses were vacant), 762 completed the survey (including 69 online responses), providing a response rate of 23% for households. About 105 CSU students completed the web-based survey for a response rate of 15%. The overall response rate for all respondents was 21%. The survey results were weighted so that the gender, age, housing tenure (rent or own), housing unit type (attached or detached) and area of residence were represented in the proportions reflective of all adults in households in the City. The data also were weighted so that the proportions of CSU dormitory student respondents were represented in the correct proportions for the city overall (for more information see Appendix G: Survey Methodology.) How the Results are Reported For the most part, frequency distributions and the “percent positive” 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 gave an answer of “no opinion” or “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses and is discussed in the body of this report if it is 20% 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 figures in the body of the report display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. When a figure 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 6 Precision of Estimates It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). The 95 percent confidence interval for this survey is generally no greater than plus or minus four percentage points around any given percent reported for all survey respondents (762). For comparisons among subgroups, the margin of error rises to approximately plus or minus 5% for subgroups of 400 to plus or minus 10% for subgroups of 100. Comparing Survey Results by Respondent Subgroups Select survey results were compared by demographic characteristics of survey respondents as well as the geographic location of respondent households. The full set of results by demographic characteristics and geographic area can be found and are discussed in Appendix C: Comparisons of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics and Appendix D: Comparisons of Select Questions by Area of Residence. Comparing Survey Results over Time Because this survey was the ninth in a series of citizen surveys, the 2017 results are presented along with past ratings when available. Differences between years can be considered “statistically significant” if they are six percentage points or more around any given percent. Trend data for the City of Fort Collins represent important comparisons and should be examined for improvements or declines. Deviations from stable trends over time especially represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs or public information may have affected residents’ opinions. Comparing Survey Results to Other Communities NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in citizen surveys from over 500 communities whose residents evaluated their services. 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 “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark. 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 lower” or “much higher”). 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 (less than three points on the 100-point scale); “higher” or “lower” if the difference between Fort Collins’ rating and the benchmark is greater than the margin of error (greater than three points but less than six points); and “much higher” or “much lower” if the difference between Fort Collins’ rating and the benchmark is more than twice the margin of error (six points or greater). Comparisons for a number of items on the survey are not available in the benchmark database (e.g., some of the city services or aspects of government performance). These items are excluded from the benchmark tables. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 7 Survey Results The Fort Collins Citizen Survey is comprehensive, covering many topics related to life in the community. The 2017 report of results is organized around the City’s seven Key Strategic Outcomes highlighted in the 2016 Strategic Plan. These are:  Neighborhood Livability and Social Health- Provide a high quality built environment, support quality, diverse neighborhoods and foster the social health of citizens.  Safe Community - Provides a safe place to live, work, learn, and play.  Environmental Health - Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy and sustainable environment.  Transportation - Provide for safe and reliable multi-modal travel to, from, and throughout the city.  Culture and Recreation - Provide diverse cultural and recreational amenities.  Economic Health – Promote a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values.  High Performing Government - Deliver an efficient, innovative, transparent, effective, and collaborative City government. Neighborhood Livability and Social Health A number of questions on the 2017 survey addresses measures of neighborhood livability and social health including quality of life and community, aspects of neighborhoods and resident engagement with the community. Aspects of Quality of Life and Community Overall, Fort Collins residents were happy with their quality of life, with 91% of respondents saying it was very good or good. This rating was similar to previous survey years and was much higher or higher than the national and Front Range benchmark comparisons (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons for more information on the benchmark communities). Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life Ratings Compared by Year Percent reporting good or very good 90% 88% 89% 92% 89% 91% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 8 Survey respondents evaluated various aspects of quality of life and the community. Almost all residents (95%) felt that Fort Collins as a place to live was good or very good. At least 8 in 10 respondents felt that the city as a place to raise children, as a place to attend college and the quality of public schools was very good or good. About two-thirds gave very good or good reviews to the city as a place to retire and to the openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds. The availability of affordable quality housing was the lowest rated aspect, with 11% of respondents saying it was very good or good. One-quarter of respondents each felt affordable quality housing was average or very bad and about one-third said it was bad (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for a full set of responses to all questions). Overall, assessments of quality of life and community remained stable from 2015 to 2017. However, fewer respondents in 2017 than in 2015 gave positive ratings to the city as a place to retire (69% in 2017 down from 81% in 2015) and to the availability of affordable quality housing (11% and 17%, respectively). When compared to other communities across the nation and in the Front Range, Fort Collins tended to receive ratings that were higher or much higher. However, the availability of affordable quality housing in Fort Collins was given ratings that were much lower than the national and Front Range averages (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 2: Quality of Life and Community Ratings Compared by Year Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Overall, as a place to live 95% 93% 97% 96% 92% 94% 84% 89% 89% As a place to raise children 89% 90% 92% 91% 88% 89% 85% 91% 90% As a place to attend college 86% 89% 88% 88% 90% 89% 87% 91% 94% Quality of public schools 83% 84% 82% 82% 78% 78% 79% NA NA As a place to retire 69% 81% 79% 78% 80% 80% 75% 72% 76% Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 66% 68% 75% 69% 63% 67% 53% 61% 59% Availability of affordable quality housing 11% 17% 31% 33% 42% 31% 14% 21% 17% Please note in 2015 and 2012, “openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds” was worded as “community acceptance of all people”, and prior to 2010 it was worded as “community openness and acceptance of all people “. At least 20% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating the City as a place to raise children and the quality of public schools (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 9 A new question as added to the 2017 survey to measure resident’s loyalty to the community through how likely they would be to recommend living in Fort Collins to someone else and to remain in the community for the next five years. About 6 in 10 respondents indicated they were very likely to remain in the city for the next five years and 2 in 10 were somewhat likely. About 14% of residents indicated that they were unlikely to remain in the city. Half of respondents said they were very likely to recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks and one-third were somewhat likely; 11% were unlikely. Compared to the nation, Fort Collins residents were more likely to recommend living in the city than were residents from other communities and were equally as likely to remain in the community for the next five years. Fort Collins respondents gave ratings that were higher than the Front Range benchmark for both of these measures. Figure 3: Recommend Living and Remaining in Fort Collins, 2017 Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: 54% 61% 34% 24% 6% 8% 5% 6% Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 10 Quality of Neighborhoods More than 8 in 10 residents gave positive marks to their neighborhood as a place to live. Three-quarters gave very good or good ratings to their neighborhood as a place raise children. These evaluations were similar to 2015 and similar to the national and Front Range communities (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 4: Quality of Neighborhoods Compared by Year Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. Percent reporting good or very good Respondents also assessed the ability to access everyday needs within their neighborhood. About 8 in 10 rated this as very good or good, which was similar to 2015. Figure 5: Access in Neighborhood to Everyday Needs Compared by Year Please rate Fort Collins as a community on the item listed below. Percent reporting good or very good 83% 81% 77% 81% 86% 86% 85% 79% 69% 67% 73% 73% 76% 75% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Your neighborhood as a place to live Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 79% 79% Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 2017 2015 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 11 Several services provided by the city aim to make neighborhoods more enjoyable and increase the quality of life for residents. More than 6 in 10 respondents felt that residential property maintenance was good or very good and half said that noise and code enforcement were at least good. These evaluations were similar to those provided in 2015. Where comparisons to the national and Front Range benchmarks were available, Fort Collins ratings were higher or much higher (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 6: Neighborhood Services Ratings Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 Residential property maintenance 65% 65% 67% 63% 61% 65% Noise enforcement 50% 49% 57% 59% NA NA Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 49% 54% 57% 59% 54% 55% At least 20% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating each of these three services (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 12 Community Engagement The 2017 Community Survey asked respondents how frequently they participated in several types of activities. Residents were most likely to visit a neighborhood or City park (92% had done so at least once in the last year) or to talk or visit with an immediate neighbor (91%) in the 12 months prior to the survey; between 3 in 10 and 4 in 10 respondents had done each of these activities two times a week or more. About 8 in 10 had done a favor for a neighbor at least once in the last 12 months, with 4 in 10 having done so several times a month. Residents were least likely to have attended a government- organized event (70% had not done this in the 12 months prior to the survey). Benchmark comparisons were available for five of the seven activities. Fort Collins residents participated at rates that were higher or much higher than the national and Front Range averages for visiting a neighborhood park or City park, carpooling instead of driving alone and volunteering their time. Rates of talking to or visiting with immediate neighbors were similar to communities across the U.S. and in the Front Range. While Fort Collins respondents had done a favor for a neighbor at a rate that was similar to the nation, this was lower than in other Front Range communities (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 7: Community Engagement, 2017 In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? 2% 18% 8% 16% 43% 32% 2% 6% 21% 18% 24% 28% 33% 27% 36% 19% 31% 39% 20% 27% 70% 56% 43% 42% 21% 9% 8% Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) Attended a neighborhood- sponsored event Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins Done a favor for a neighbor Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors Visited a neighborhood park or City City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 13 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 government services provided to keep the community safe. Personal Safety Ninety percent of respondents viewed the overall safety of residents in Fort Collins as good or very good. This was similar to prior survey years and higher or much higher than the national and Front Range benchmarks (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 8: Overall Safety in City Compared by Year Percent reporting good or very good 86% 81% 75% 87% 87% 91% 91% 88% 90% 2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 14 Residents also generally felt safe in and around Fort Collins. More than 9 in 10 reported feeling always or usually safe in recreation facilities and in their neighborhoods, Downtown and Fort Collins overall during the day. About 8 in 10 felt always or usually safe in their neighborhood at night, natural areas and open spaces, trails and parks. Fewer felt safe in Fort Collins overall at night (71%) and Downtown at night (59%). Overall, feelings of personal safety remained stable from 2015 to 2017 with the exception of safety Downtown at night which decreased over the two-year period (from 67% in 2015 to 59% in 2017). Feelings of safety in neighborhoods during the day and at night were much higher than the national and Front Range averages. Evaluations of safety Downtown during the day was similar to both benchmark groups and safety Downtown at night was much lower. Safety in parks was similar to the national benchmark; a Front Range comparison was not available (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 9: Ratings of Personal Safety Compared by Year Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. (Percent reporting usually safe or always safe) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 Your neighborhood during the day 96% 97% 98% 98% 97% 97% 98% Fort Collins overall during the day 95% 96% 98% 97% NA NA NA Downtown Fort Collins during the day 93% 95% 99% 98% 95% 95% 96% Recreation facilities 92% 93% 95% 91% 94% 94% 91% Your neighborhood at night 85% 85% 88% 86% 83% 83% 87% Natural areas/open spaces 84% 87% 88% 85% 88% 87% NA Trails 83% 83% 82% 83% 80% 79% 76% Parks 82% 83% 87% 88% 88% 87% 86% Fort Collins overall at night 71% 73% 77% 78% NA NA NA Downtown Fort Collins at night 59% 67% 71% 68% 65% 66% 61% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 15 Safety Services Respondents evaluated the quality of 14 safety-related services provided by the City. Services related to fire and natural disasters topped the list with about 8 in 10 or more giving good or very good reviews. Police-related services (response time, crime prevention, visibility and patrol) received good or very good marks from at least 6 in 10 respondents. Traffic enforcement was lower rated, with 51% saying it was at least good. In general, evaluations of safety services were similar from 2015 to 2017. However, animal control received higher ratings in 2017 compared to 2015 (66% compared to 59%, respectively). Overall, where comparisons were available, Fort Collins residents gave ratings that were similar to the national and Front Range benchmarks. However, there were a few exceptions. The City was rated higher than other communities across the nation and in the Front Range for emergency preparedness and animal control. Lower ratings were given by Fort Collins residents compared to those in other benchmark communities across the U.S. and Front Range for fire services overall and police services overall. Traffic enforcement received lower ratings compared to the nation and similar ratings compared to the Front Range (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 10: Community Safety Services Ratings Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Fire response time 91% 87% 89% 84% NA NA NA NA NA Fire services overall 89% 87% 89% 85% 96% 94% NA 90% 96% Natural Areas Ranger services 85% 83% 81% 83% NA NA NA NA NA Disaster response and restoration of services 82% 77% 84% NA NA NA NA NA NA Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 79% 76% 80% 75% NA NA NA NA NA Fire prevention/education 74% 78% 74% 72% NA NA NA NA NA Business property maintenance 72% 68% 74% 70% 68% 72% NA NA NA Police response time 70% 72% 74% 70% 68% 68% NA 74% 81% Police services overall 68% 70% 76% 73% 68% 70% NA NA NA Crime prevention 67% 66% 70% 66% 77% 72% NA NA NA Animal control 66% 59% 64% 65% 61% 66% NA NA NA Police visibility 65% 64% 69% 70% 67% 67% NA NA NA Police patrol 63% 63% 72% 71% 70% 70% NA NA NA Traffic enforcement 51% 52% 63% 64% 63% 62% NA 49% 56% Please note that this question was not asked in 2006. Prior to 2015, “Fire services overall” was described as “Fire services.” “Disaster response and restoration of services” was a new item in 2013. Between 20% and 47% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating 10 of the 14 safety services (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 16 The City of Fort Collins also provides life and safety utility services to residents, including electric and storm drainage. Close to 9 in 10 respondents gave good or very good evaluations to the City’s electric services and three-quarters gave these same evaluations to storm drainage. Electric and storm drainage ratings have remained stable since these questions were first asked in 2012. Compared to the national benchmark, electric services and storm drainage were rated higher or much higher by Fort Collins residents. Storm drainage also was evaluated higher than the Front Range average; a comparison for electric services was not available (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 11: Ratings of Safety-related Utility Services Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Percent reporting good or very good 89% 89% 89% 87% 78% 77% 76% 78% 2012 2013 2015 2017 Electric services Storm drainage City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 17 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. Fort Collins residents gave favorable reviews to the overall quality of the environment, with almost 9 in 10 saying it was good or very good. This was similar to ratings given in 2015 and higher than when this question was first asked in 2006. Fort Collins residents gave evaluations to the overall quality of the environment that were higher or much higher than those given by residents in other communities across the nation and in Colorado’s Front Range (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 12: Overall Quality of the Environment Compared by Year Percent reporting good or very good 83% 89% 89% 87% 92% 87% 89% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 18 Four aspects of the environment were assessed on the survey and all were rated as good or very good by about three-quarters or more of respondents. The community’s visual attractiveness received positive marks by 9 in 10 respondents, while conservation efforts and recycling programs were viewed favorably by 8 in 10 residents. Seven in 10 gave good or very good ratings to air quality. The quality of conservation efforts increased from 2015 to 2017 (78% up to 84%) while air quality decreased (82% down to 73%, respectively). Evaluations for the other aspects remained stable from 2015 to 2017. All aspects of the environment but conservation efforts could be compared to the benchmarks. Overall, Fort Collins was evaluated higher or much higher than the national and Front Range benchmarks for all items except air quality, which was rated similar to the national benchmark but higher than the Front Range average (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 13: Aspects of the Environment Compared by Year Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins on each of the items listed below. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Community's visual attractiveness 90% 89% 91% 87% 86% 91% 83% 79% 73% Conservation efforts 84% 78% 82% 78% 81% 75% NA NA NA Recycling programs 82% 78% 83% 81% 78% 79% 69% 64% 71% Air quality 73% 82% 90% 84% 85% 84% 72% 63% 57% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 19 Drinking water and sewer services also were viewed positively by residents, with more than 8 in 10 giving good or very good ratings to each. While evaluations of sewer services remained stable from 2015 to 2017, ratings of drinking water decreased to levels closer to those seen in 2010. However, when compared to the national and Front Range averages, ratings for both these utilities were much higher (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 14: Ratings of Environment-related Utility Services Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Percent reporting good or very good Please note that prior to 2015, “Drinking water” was “Drinking water quality”. 88% 91% 88% 92% 93% 93% 87% 90% 87% 88% 85% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Drinking water Sewer services City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 20 Transportation Residents of Fort Collins were asked to rate aspects related to transportation, traffic and infrastructure. Bicycle travel in the city was said to be good or very good by 81% of respondents. About 6 in 10 felt that the walkability of the city and street maintenance was good or very good. Less than half of residents gave positive reviews to the other aspects of transportation. Evaluations for most aspects of transportation in Fort Collins were similar between 2015 and 2017. However positive assessments of street maintenance increased from 2015 to 2017 to the highest levels observed since this question was first asked in 2001. Benchmark comparisons of aspects of transportation in Fort Collins were mixed. Street maintenance and ease of bicycle travel were much higher than communities across the country and in the Front Range. Ease of travel by public transportation was higher than the national comparison and similar to the Front Range. Walkability of the city was similar to the national average but lower than the Front Range. Ease of driving, availability of parking Downtown and level of traffic congestion received ratings that were much lower in Fort Collins than in peer communities nationwide and in the Front Range (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 15: Transportation Ratings Compared by Year Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Ease of traveling by bicycle 81% 79% 83% 85% 80% 82% 64% NA NA As a walkable city 59% 60% 67% 67% 59% 63% 47% NA NA Street maintenance 58% 44% 50% 46% 32% 47% NA 44% 52% Ease of traveling by public transportation 46% 45% 41% 40% 31% 35% 17% NA NA Ease of driving 39% 36% 52% 58% 51% 43% 32% NA NA Availability of parking Downtown 29% 26% 34% 30% 36% 34% NA NA NA Level of traffic congestion 13% 13% 20% 26% 25% 18% NA 9% 10% About 29% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating ease of traveling by public transportation (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). Please note that prior to 2015, “Level of traffic congestion” was “traffic congestion.” City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 21 Culture and Recreation Culture and recreation provide opportunities for residents to participate in their community and enhance quality of life. About 9 in 10 residents gave good or very good ratings to the quality of recreational opportunities and public library services. Fewer gave positive marks to the quality of arts and cultural opportunities (70%). These evaluations were similar to those given in 2015. Evaluations of arts and cultural opportunities and recreational opportunities were much higher than the national and Front Range averages. The quality of public library services was similar to the nation and higher than the Front Range (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 16: Community Aspects of Culture and Recreation Compared by Year Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. Percent reporting good or very good Please note that prior to 2015, “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.” 60% 63% 62% 63% 72% 65% 70% 85% 85% 86% 88% 88% 89% 88% 84% 80% 74% 80% 80% 84% 85% 87% 89% 2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities Quality of recreational opportunities Quality of public library services City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 22 Survey respondents assessed 19 different parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities in Fort Collins. Overall, at least 7 in 10 gave good or very good ratings to each. Outdoor or nature-related activities and facilities scored the highest, including recreational trails (96% good or very good), parks (96%), natural areas and open space (94%) and the Gardens on Spring Creek (93%). Nine in 10 also gave positive marks to The Farm at Lee Martinez Park and Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Evaluations for all parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities remained stable from 2015 to 2017. However, ratings for the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Art in Public Places program and Lincoln Center programs have been steadily increasing since 2010. Nine of the 19 programs and facilities could be compared to the national benchmark. Eight were rated higher or much higher (including parks, adult recreation programs and athletic fields) and one (Fort Collins Senior Center) was rated similar. Of the four programs and facilities that could be compared to the Front Range, natural areas and open space, recreational trails and parks were rated higher or much higher than the benchmark and adult recreation programs was rated similar (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 17: 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. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Recreational trails 96% 96% 96% 93% 94% 95% 90% 89% 91% Parks 96% 94% 96% 93% 92% 93% 87% 91% 95% Natural areas and open space 94% 95% 95% 94% 93% 94% 88% 83% 84% The Gardens on Spring Creek 93% 90% 91% 89% 87% 91% 80% NA NA The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 90% 87% 87% 84% 83% 86% 86% NA NA Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 90% 88% 87% 78% 67% 67% 67% 67% 73% Northside Aztlan Community Center 87% 86% 82% 86% 82% 83% 60% NA NA Athletic fields 86% 83% 89% 86% 84% 88% 79% 85% 85% Fort Collins Senior Center 86% 90% 87% 85% 85% 88% 88% NA NA Art in Public Places program 86% 82% 82% 79% 73% 75% 60% NA NA Lincoln Center programs 86% 84% 85% 82% 77% 79% 78% 80% 86% Golf courses 84% 83% 85% 80% 80% 85% 82% 85% 85% Cemeteries 83% 83% 86% 79% 77% 79% 73% 72% 72% Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 81% 81% 85% 83% 82% 84% 84% NA NA Senior recreation programs 80% 77% 82% 80% 79% 82% 81% 76% 84% Pottery studio 79% 80% 83% 78% 78% 75% 73% NA NA Adult recreation programs 78% 75% 79% 75% 74% 73% 73% 69% 77% Youth/teen recreation programs 76% 76% 79% 78% 72% 70% 62% 65% 56% Mulberry Pool 73% 71% 72% 76% 73% 71% 73% NA NA Please note that prior to 2013, the “Fort Collins Museum of Discovery” was “Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center.” Between 23% and 75% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating 16 of the 19 parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 23 Economic Health The health of the local economy provides the backbone of a thriving community. About three-quarters of respondents gave good or very good ratings to the city as a place to work. This evaluation was similar to 2017 and was much higher than the national and Front Range comparisons (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 18: Ratings of City as a Place to Work Compared by Year Percent reporting good or very good Please note that this question was not asked in 2006. When evaluating five aspects of economic health in the city, at least 7 in 10 respondents gave positive assessments to the availability of quality healthcare and the quality of dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities. Less than half (46%) felt the availability of job opportunities in Fort Collins was good or very good. Overall, ratings for aspects of economic health remained stable from 2015 to 2017. However, the quality of entertainment opportunities, shopping opportunities and the availability of job opportunities have been on the rise since these questions were first asked in 2006. All but one aspect of economic health (dining opportunities) could be compared to the benchmarks and all received ratings that were much higher than both the national and Front Range averages (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 19: Community Aspects of Economic Health Compared by Year Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 Quality of dining opportunities 85% 83% 82% 84% 80% 82% 83% Quality of entertainment opportunities 76% 72% 68% 64% 58% 59% 65% Availability of quality healthcare 75% 77% 75% 74% 73% 70% NA Quality of shopping opportunities 72% 67% 67% 65% 60% 59% 58% Availability of job opportunities 46% 42% 35% 31% 27% 29% 27% Please note that prior to 2010, “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% 78% 78% 2001 2003 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 24 Two-thirds of Fort Collins residents felt the City did a good or very good job supporting businesses and promoting the economic health of the city. These evaluations were similar to 2015. (Benchmark comparisons were not available.) Figure 20: Business Support and Promotion of Economic Health Compared by Year Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas. Percent reporting good or very good Please note that prior to 2015, “Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins” was worded “Economic health strategies” and “Support of businesses” was worded as “Overall support of businesses in Fort Collins”. About 21% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating the City’s support of businesses (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). Survey respondents evaluated three measures of business health in Fort Collins. About 6 in 10 felt the City did a good or very good job encouraging a variety of businesses and attracting new businesses (ratings that were similar to 2015). Just over half felt that the City does at least a good job of retaining existing businesses (also similar to 2015). Benchmark comparisons were not available for these questions. Figure 21: Business Health Compared by Year Please rate the City's performance in each of the following areas. Percent reporting good or very good 58% 56% 65% 72% 67% 68% 40% 42% 40% 58% 64% 67% 67% 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Support of businesses Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 56% 60% 63% 55% 63% 65% Retaining existing businesses Attracting new businesses Encouraging a variety of businesses 2017 2015 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 25 High Performing Government The survey included several questions aimed at measuring government performance, interactions with City employees, planning and providing 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 Nine in 10 residents rated the overall quality of City services as good or very good, which was higher than ratings given in 2015 and the highest rating since this question was first asked in 2008. Evaluations of the overall quality of City services were much higher than the national and Front Range benchmarks (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 22: 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? Percent reporting good or very good 77% 78% 85% 87% 84% 90% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 26 Utilities About three-quarters of residents gave favorable ratings to the quality of utility billing and utilities overall. These evaluations were similar to those given in 2015 and have remained stable since these questions were first asked in 2012. Compared to the benchmark, utility billing received ratings that were higher or much higher than the national average and ratings of utilities overall were similar to both sets of benchmarks (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 23: Ratings of Utility Billing and Utilities Overall Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Percent reporting good or very good 76% 74% 77% 74% 83% 81% 82% 78% 2012 2013 2015 2017 Utility billing Utilities overall City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 27 City Government and Employees Survey respondents evaluated several aspects of City government performance. Ratings varied with the job the City does encouraging sustainability in the community receiving the highest evaluations (76% good or very good) and the job the City does managing and planning for growth receiving the lowest (44%). Between half and two-thirds of residents gave positive reviews to the other aspects of government performance. A few differences were observed in ratings from 2015 to 2017. Increases in positive reviews were seen for encouraging sustainability in the community (69% in 2015 compared to 76% in 2017) and efficient operation of programs and services (58% compared to 65%). Fewer respondents in 2017 compared to 2015 felt the City did a good job managing and planning for growth (44% compared to 50%, respectively). Four of the six aspects of government performance could be compared to the national benchmark and all were higher or much higher, including listening to residents and the overall direction of the City. Three of the six aspects could be compared to the Front Range and all were higher or much higher (welcoming resident involvement, listening to residents and overall direction of the City; see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 24: City Government Ratings Compared by Year Please rate the City performance in each of the following areas. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Encouraging sustainability in the community 76% 69% 73% 69% NA NA NA NA NA Welcoming resident involvement 66% 69% 67% 64% 54% 56% 26% NA NA Efficient operation of programs and services 65% 58% 65% 59% 53% 51% 29% NA NA Overall direction of the City 65% 65% 70% 67% 61% 54% NA NA NA Listening to residents 52% 50% 53% 50% 44% 41% 37% NA NA Managing and planning for growth 44% 50% 56% 54% 48% 36% 20% 21% 23% At least 20% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating the City government’s job of efficient operation of programs and services and listening to residents (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 28 About half of survey respondents reported having contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey. This proportion was similar to 2015 and was much higher than both the national and Front Range averages (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 25: Contact with City Employees Compared by Year Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in person, via email or online within the last 12 months? Percent reporting good or very good Please note that prior to 2015, “email or online” was not included in the question wording. Respondents who reported contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey were asked to evaluate several aspects of the employee they most recently contacted. More than 8 in 10 respondents rated the employee’s courteousness, knowledge and their overall impression of the employee as good or very good. Seven in 10 positively evaluated the employee’s promptness and making them feel valued. All ratings given in 2017 were similar to 2015. Ratings for four of the five employee characteristics could be compared to the national benchmark. The employee’s courtesy, promptness and knowledge were rated similar and the overall impression of the employee was much higher. Of the three characteristics that could be compared to the Front Range, courtesy and knowledge were similar and the overall impression was higher (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 26: Users Ratings of City Employees Compared by Year Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Courtesy 88% 86% 88% 86% 83% 83% 86% 83% 89% Knowledge 82% 83% 80% 80% 80% 77% 77% 77% 82% Promptness 79% 79% 81% 81% 72% 75% 75% 72% 78% Making you feel valued 72% 69% 69% 68% 74% 75% 74% 74% 76% Overall impression 80% 79% 80% 79% 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. 58% 58% 55% 46% 46% 55% 54% 54% 53% 2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 29 Residents who had not had contact with a City employee also were asked to provide their impression of how City employees treat residents. About 8 in 10 respondents felt employees were courteous and 7 in 10 felt City employees made residents feel valued and that they were prompt in their response. These ratings were similar to 2015. (Benchmark comparisons were not available for these questions). Figure 27: Non-users Ratings of City Employees 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. (Percent reporting good or very good) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Courtesy 84% 80% 79% 81% 84% 73% 73% 71% 71% Making residents or customers feel valued 73% 71% 68% 71% 61% 64% 62% 60% 55% Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 72% 76% 73% 76% 67% 61% 60% 64% 58% This question was asked only of those who did not have contact with a City employee in the last 12 months. About 35% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating each of these three characteristics of City employees (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 30 Fiscal Management and Planning Since 2006, survey respondents have been asked to prioritize seven aspects of the community for which the City is responsible, at least in part, and which map to the Strategic Plan’s Strategic Objectives. Residents were asked if the City should apply more effort, the same amount of effort or less effort to each (see Figure 28 on the following page). A majority of respondents in 2017 felt that more effort should be placed on transportation while 34% felt the same level of effort should be expended. Similar proportions of respondents felt that more effort or the same amount of effort should be put toward the economy, environment and neighborhoods. Residents were in agreement with the current level of effort being given to safety (72% wanted to apply the same level of effort) and general government (76% same effort). Overall, 7% or less of residents felt that less effort should be made toward each of the seven aspects. Generally, residents’ priorities in 2017 were similar to those in 2015. However, a larger proportion of respondents in 2017 felt that more effort should be given to the environment than in 2015. Additionally, fewer residents in 2017 than in 2015 said that the same level of effort should be given to the economy and slightly more, though not significantly so, felt that more effort should be given. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 31 Figure 28: 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. 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities More effort 40% 35% 36% 44% 56% 61% 65% Same effort 54% 61% 61% 53% 41% 38% 31% Less effort 7% 5% 4% 2% 3% 1% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community More effort 46% 39% 32% 37% 36% 39% 39% Same effort 50% 56% 65% 59% 56% 56% 54% Less effort 4% 4% 3% 4% 8% 5% 6% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 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 48% 43% 33% 34% 30% 31% 28% Same effort 47% 52% 63% 62% 62% 63% 64% Less effort 5% 6% 4% 4% 8% 6% 8% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection More effort 26% 22% 17% 19% 19% 25% 23% Same effort 72% 76% 81% 76% 77% 72% 75% Less effort 2% 2% 3% 6% 5% 3% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas More effort 24% 21% 19% 22% 28% 28% 31% Same effort 73% 76% 77% 74% 67% 65% 62% Less effort 4% 3% 4% 4% 6% 6% 7% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management More effort 65% 61% 54% 53% 58% 59% 62% Same effort 34% 35% 43% 45% 39% 39% 35% Less effort 1% 4% 3% 2% 4% 2% 3% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 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% 19% 19% 23% 22% 24% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 32 In addition to evaluating the level of effort that should be applied to each of the seven areas, respondents were asked for the first time in 2017 to select which three of the seven areas should be top priorities in the next five years. Again, transportation (65%) stood out as the area on which most residents wanted the City to focus, followed closely by the environment (62%). Only 14% of respondents selected general government as one of their top three priorities for the City. Figure 29: Top Three Budget Priorities, 2017 Please select which three (3) should be the top priorities for the City to focus on in the next 5 years. Percent selecting as first, second or third priority 14% 30% 38% 39% 48% 62% 65% General Government Culture, Parks & Recreation Economy Safety Neighborhoods Environment Transportation City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 33 Public Information Six in 10 respondents felt the City did a good or very good job at informing residents. This rating was similar to 2015 (but lower than 2013) and was similar to the national average but lower than the Front Range benchmark (see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 30: Ratings of Informing Residents Compared by Year Please rate the City's performance in the following area: Informing residents Percent reporting good or very good Please note that prior to 2015, “Informing citizens” was worded as “The job the City does at informing citizens”. About 6 in 10 residents gave good or very good reviews to the City providing emergency information and providing opportunities to participate in government activities. These ratings remained stable over time. When compared to the benchmarks, providing opportunities to participate in government activities was rated similar to the national and Front Range comparisons (a comparison was not available for providing emergency information; see Appendix E: Benchmark Comparisons). Figure 31: Providing Information and Opportunities to Participate Compared by Year Please rate the City performance in each of the following areas. Percent reporting good or very good At least 20% of respondents said “no opinion” when evaluating the City government’s job of providing opportunities to participate in government activities and providing emergency information (see Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses for all responses including “no opinion”). 59% 52% 50% 59% 59% 66% 69% 60% 60% 2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 54% 63% 57% 61% Providing opportunities to participate in government activities Providing emergency information 2017 2015 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 34 When asked how frequently they or other household members used a variety of sources to get information about the City, almost all said they used word of mouth (90%). At least 7 in 10 reported using the City’s website, Tracks and Trails and newspapers. Residents were less likely to get City information from the Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881 (20% had ever used this source), the City of Fort Collins mobile apps (20%), online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV (19%) and the OurCity Platform (18%). Figure 32: 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. (Percent of respondents who had ever used this as a source) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Word of mouth 90% 87% 88% 87% 85% 88% 82% 87% 54% City's website (www.fcgov.com) 79% 79% 80% 74% 71% 72% 50% 54% 12% Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 73% 68% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Newspaper (print or online) 70% 72% 80% 80% 81% 87% 89% NA 76% "Recreator" (guide to recreation programs) 66% 70% 70% 64% 62% 60% 70% 60% 40% "City News" (insert with utility bill) 65% 65% 67% 63% 61% 71% 76% 76% 56% Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 63% 60% 55% 44% NA NA NA NA NA Newsletters or brochures from City departments 60% 62% 64% 56% 57% 64% 67% 64% 17% City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 57% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Radio 55% 63% 69% 60% 64% 66% 61% NA 27% Television news 45% 57% 69% 60% 65% 69% 58% 63% NA City booth at local events 38% 41% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881 20% 22% 30% 30% 36% 41% 35% 28% 26% City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 20% 20% 17% 15% NA NA NA NA NA Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 19% 12% 17% 15% 12% 14% NA NA NA OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 18% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Prior to 2017, “Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881” was “Fort Collins local cable channel 14” and “Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV” was “Online video of cable channel 14 on www.fcgov.com/cable14”. Prior to 2015, “Newspaper (print or online)” was worded as “Newspaper.” “City booth at local events” was first asked in 2015. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 35 Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics The following tables display the weighted demographic characteristics of those responding to the 2017 Community Survey including frequency of responses and the number of respondents. Table 1: Length of Residency About how many years have you lived in Fort Collins? Percent of respondents 5 years or less 36% 6-10 years 15% 11-20 years 20% More than 20 years 28% Total 100% Table 2: Respondent Student Status Are you a full-time or part-time student at a college or university in Fort Collins? Percent of respondents Yes 19% No 81% Total 100% Table 3: Respondent College or University Attended Which college or university do you attend? Percent of respondents Colorado State University 86% Front Range Community College 9% Another local college or university 5% Total 100% Table 4: Employment Status What is your employment status? Percent Working full time for pay 56% Working part time for pay 17% Unemployed, looking for paid work 5% Unemployed, not looking for paid work 7% Fully retired 15% Total 100% Table 5: Work in Fort Collins Do you work inside the boundaries of Fort Collins? Percent Yes, outside the home 52% Yes, from home 13% No 35% Total 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 36 Table 6: Respondent Age Which of the age groups below best describes you? Percent of respondents 18-24 15% 25-34 30% 35-44 14% 45-54 16% 55-64 11% 65-74 9% 75+ 5% Total 100% Table 7: Respondent Gender Your gender Percent of respondents Male 49% Female 51% Total 100% Table 8: Respondent Ethnicity Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Percent of respondents No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 94% Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 6% Total 100% Table 9: Respondent Race/ethnicity What is your race? Percent of respondents American Indian or Alaskan Native 1% Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander 3% Black or African American 2% White 94% Other 3% Total 100% Table 10: Respondent Housing Status Which best describes the building you live in? Percent of respondents Own detached unit 47% Own attached unit 6% Rent detached unit 10% Rent attached unit 32% Live in dorm 5% Total 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 37 Table 11: Geographic Area of Residence Percent of respondents Northeast 11% East Central 23% Southeast 15% Northwest/CSU Dorms 24% West Central 21% Southwest 5% Total 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 38 Appendix B: Complete Set of Survey Responses Complete Set of Frequencies Excluding “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 12: 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 61% 34% 4% 1% 0% 100% Overall safety of residents 40% 49% 8% 2% 0% 100% Quality of shopping opportunities 31% 42% 23% 4% 1% 100% Quality of dining opportunities 51% 34% 12% 2% 0% 100% Quality of entertainment opportunities 30% 46% 20% 2% 1% 100% Availability of job opportunities 9% 37% 39% 10% 4% 100% Availability of affordable quality housing 3% 8% 26% 38% 26% 100% Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 24% 46% 26% 3% 1% 100% Quality of recreational opportunities 54% 34% 10% 2% 1% 100% Availability of quality healthcare 33% 42% 20% 3% 2% 100% Quality of public schools 41% 42% 14% 2% 1% 100% Quality of public library services 48% 41% 10% 1% 1% 100% As a place to raise children 51% 38% 10% 1% 1% 100% As a place to retire 35% 35% 21% 7% 3% 100% As a place to attend college 47% 40% 11% 2% 1% 100% As a place to work 31% 47% 18% 4% 0% 100% Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 24% 42% 28% 5% 1% 100% Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 46% 45% 8% 1% 0% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 39 Table 13: Question 2 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 48% 37% 11% 3% 1% 100% Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 45% 30% 17% 6% 2% 100% Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 45% 33% 17% 4% 1% 100% Table 14: Question 3 Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Total Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 54% 34% 6% 5% 100% Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 61% 24% 8% 6% 100% Table 15: Question 4 In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? 2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all Total Visited a neighborhood park or City park 32% 33% 27% 8% 100% Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event 2% 6% 36% 56% 100% Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) 1% 2% 27% 70% 100% Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 18% 21% 19% 43% 100% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 8% 18% 31% 42% 100% Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 43% 28% 20% 9% 100% Done a favor for a neighbor 16% 24% 39% 21% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 40 Table 16: Question 5 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 57% 37% 6% 1% 0% 100% Downtown Fort Collins at night 12% 48% 34% 6% 1% 100% Your neighborhood during the day 70% 26% 3% 0% 0% 100% Your neighborhood at night 42% 43% 13% 2% 1% 100% Parks 29% 53% 16% 2% 0% 100% Natural areas/open spaces 34% 50% 14% 2% 0% 100% Recreation facilities 47% 46% 7% 1% 0% 100% Trails 32% 51% 14% 2% 1% 100% Fort Collins overall during the day 52% 43% 4% 1% 0% 100% Fort Collins overall at night 16% 55% 26% 3% 0% 100% Table 17: Question 6 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% 48% 17% 3% 1% 100% Disaster response and restoration of services 29% 53% 16% 1% 1% 100% Fire prevention/education 29% 45% 20% 5% 1% 100% Fire response time 44% 47% 8% 2% 0% 100% Fire services overall 40% 50% 10% 1% 0% 100% Crime prevention 15% 52% 29% 3% 1% 100% Police patrol 18% 45% 33% 3% 1% 100% Traffic enforcement 13% 38% 37% 9% 2% 100% Police visibility 20% 45% 28% 6% 1% 100% Police response time 25% 45% 24% 4% 2% 100% Police services overall 19% 49% 27% 4% 1% 100% Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 14% 34% 40% 9% 2% 100% Noise enforcement 16% 34% 33% 11% 6% 100% Animal control 21% 45% 27% 5% 2% 100% Business property maintenance 21% 51% 24% 3% 1% 100% Residential property maintenance 17% 47% 30% 4% 1% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 41 Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total Natural Areas Ranger services 32% 53% 13% 1% 1% 100% Drinking water 60% 27% 10% 2% 1% 100% Electric services 45% 42% 12% 1% 0% 100% Sewer services 46% 40% 13% 2% 1% 100% Storm drainage 36% 42% 20% 2% 1% 100% Utility billing 33% 41% 22% 3% 1% 100% Utilities overall 34% 45% 19% 2% 1% 100% Table 18: Question 7 Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total Ease of driving 8% 31% 35% 19% 8% 100% Ease of traveling by public transportation 12% 34% 37% 12% 5% 100% As a walkable city 23% 37% 30% 8% 3% 100% Ease of traveling by bicycle 44% 37% 14% 3% 2% 100% Availability of parking Downtown 5% 24% 39% 20% 12% 100% Level of traffic congestion 2% 11% 39% 30% 18% 100% Street maintenance 14% 44% 34% 7% 2% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 42 Table 19: Question 8 Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following areas. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad Total Managing and planning for growth 12% 32% 33% 18% 5% 100% Efficient operation of programs and services 15% 49% 30% 4% 2% 100% Encouraging sustainability in the community 27% 49% 20% 3% 1% 100% Overall direction of the City 22% 43% 24% 9% 2% 100% Support of businesses 20% 48% 24% 5% 3% 100% Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 19% 47% 26% 7% 1% 100% Encouraging a variety of businesses 21% 44% 27% 6% 2% 100% Retaining existing businesses 16% 39% 34% 8% 3% 100% Attracting new businesses 17% 46% 26% 7% 4% 100% Welcoming resident involvement 19% 47% 27% 5% 2% 100% Listening to residents 16% 35% 33% 11% 5% 100% Informing residents 15% 46% 29% 9% 2% 100% Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 17% 41% 33% 7% 3% 100% Providing emergency information 18% 43% 32% 5% 1% 100% Table 20: Question 9 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 44% 46% 9% 1% 0% 100% Air quality 27% 46% 21% 5% 0% 100% Recycling programs 39% 44% 15% 2% 0% 100% Conservation efforts 34% 50% 13% 2% 0% 100% Overall quality of environment 36% 53% 10% 1% 0% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 43 Table 21: Question 10 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 61% 33% 5% 1% 0% 100% Recreational trails 64% 33% 3% 0% 0% 100% Parks 58% 38% 3% 1% 0% 100% Cemeteries 38% 44% 16% 1% 0% 100% Golf courses 37% 47% 15% 1% 0% 100% Athletic fields 39% 47% 13% 1% 0% 100% Northside Aztlan Community Center 39% 48% 11% 2% 0% 100% Fort Collins Senior Center 44% 42% 12% 1% 0% 100% Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 31% 51% 16% 2% 0% 100% Mulberry Pool 21% 52% 24% 3% 0% 100% The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 40% 50% 9% 1% 0% 100% The Gardens on Spring Creek 49% 44% 6% 1% 0% 100% Pottery studio 32% 47% 19% 2% 0% 100% Art in Public Places program 46% 40% 10% 3% 1% 100% Lincoln Center programs 38% 47% 11% 3% 0% 100% Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 49% 42% 9% 1% 0% 100% Adult recreation programs 30% 48% 18% 4% 0% 100% Senior recreation programs 37% 42% 17% 2% 1% 100% Youth/teen recreation programs 33% 43% 18% 4% 1% 100% Table 22: Question 11 Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? Percent of respondents Very good 37% Good 52% Average 9% Bad 1% Very bad 0% Total 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 44 Table 23: Question 12 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 53% No 47% Total 100% Table 24: Question 12A 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 59% 28% 9% 2% 1% 100% Promptness 48% 31% 13% 5% 3% 100% Knowledge 53% 29% 13% 3% 2% 100% Making you feel valued 47% 25% 19% 5% 4% 100% Overall impression 52% 28% 13% 4% 4% 100% *Asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey. Table 25: Question 12B 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 28% 56% 14% 1% 0% 100% Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 24% 48% 26% 2% 1% 100% Making residents or customers feel valued 27% 46% 23% 4% 0% 100% *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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 45 Table 26: Question 13 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 40% 54% 7% 100% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community 46% 50% 4% 100% Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods, historic preservation, and an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups 48% 47% 5% 100% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 26% 72% 2% 100% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas 24% 73% 4% 100% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 65% 34% 1% 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% Table 27: Question 13 - Top 3 Priorities Please select which three (3) should be the top priorities for the City to focus on in the next 5 years. Percent selecting as top 1, 2 or 3 priority Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities 38% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community 62% Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods, historic preservation, and an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups 48% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 39% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas 30% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 65% General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair 14% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 46 Table 28: Question 14 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 and 881 0% 2% 17% 80% 100% Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 0% 2% 17% 81% 100% City's website (www.fcgov.com) 6% 24% 49% 21% 100% "City News" (insert with utility bill) 9% 22% 33% 35% 100% Newsletters or brochures from City departments 4% 16% 39% 40% 100% City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 2% 7% 48% 43% 100% Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 11% 28% 35% 27% 100% "Recreator" (guide to recreation programs) 13% 23% 30% 34% 100% Word of mouth 16% 39% 35% 10% 100% Newspaper (print or online) 14% 23% 33% 30% 100% Radio 6% 21% 28% 45% 100% Television news 7% 14% 24% 55% 100% Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 13% 27% 23% 37% 100% OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 1% 2% 15% 82% 100% City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 1% 6% 13% 80% 100% City booth at local events 1% 6% 31% 62% 100% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 47 Complete Set of Frequencies Including “No Opinion” The following pages contain a complete set of responses to each question on the survey, including the “don’t know” or “no opinion” responses. The percent of respondents giving a particular response is shown followed by the number of respondents. Table 29: 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 Overall, as a place to live 61% N=465 34% N=256 4% N=30 1% N=4 0% N=3 0% N=1 100% N=759 Overall safety of residents 40% N=305 49% N=374 8% N=64 2% N=12 0% N=1 0% N=2 100% N=758 Quality of shopping opportunities 30% N=229 41% N=313 23% N=172 4% N=29 1% N=4 2% N=13 100% N=760 Quality of dining opportunities 50% N=381 34% N=258 12% N=94 2% N=15 0% N=4 1% N=9 100% N=760 Quality of entertainment opportunities 29% N=221 46% N=343 20% N=151 2% N=16 1% N=9 1% N=11 100% N=751 Availability of job opportunities 8% N=63 32% N=246 35% N=262 9% N=70 3% N=24 12% N=92 100% N=757 Availability of affordable quality housing 3% N=20 7% N=56 24% N=185 36% N=272 25% N=189 4% N=34 100% N=755 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 23% N=170 44% N=330 25% N=189 3% N=21 1% N=7 5% N=38 100% N=755 Quality of recreational opportunities 53% N=399 33% N=249 10% N=72 2% N=14 1% N=4 2% N=18 100% N=757 Availability of quality healthcare 30% N=223 37% N=281 18% N=134 3% N=21 2% N=12 11% N=82 100% N=755 Quality of public schools 28% N=215 29% N=220 10% N=73 1% N=11 1% N=6 30% N=229 100% N=754 Quality of public library services 42% N=316 35% N=265 9% N=65 1% N=5 0% N=3 14% N=104 100% N=759 As a place to raise children 40% N=302 30% N=229 8% N=58 1% N=5 1% N=4 21% N=161 100% N=758 As a place to retire 28% N=211 28% N=211 17% N=130 6% N=43 2% N=16 19% N=145 100% N=756 As a place to attend college 41% N=313 36% N=269 10% N=77 1% N=10 1% N=4 11% N=83 100% N=756 As a place to work 29% N=220 44% N=330 17% N=126 4% N=29 0% N=2 6% N=44 100% N=752 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 23% N=172 40% N=303 27% N=200 4% N=33 1% N=10 4% N=32 100% N=751 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 46% N=349 45% N=337 8% N=60 1% N=7 0% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=755 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 48 Table 30: Question 2 Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Your neighborhood as a place to live 48% N=357 37% N=278 11% N=85 3% N=21 1% N=4 1% N=7 100% N=751 Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 37% N=279 26% N=191 14% N=107 5% N=39 1% N=11 16% N=119 100% N=745 Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 45% N=335 33% N=249 16% N=123 4% N=30 1% N=7 1% N=5 100% N=749 Table 31: Question 3 Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don't know Total Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 53% N=401 34% N=255 6% N=47 5% N=38 1% N=11 100% N=753 Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 59% N=447 23% N=174 8% N=61 6% N=45 4% N=28 100% N=754 Table 32: Question 4 In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? 2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all Total Visited a neighborhood park or City park 32% N=239 33% N=249 27% N=201 8% N=62 100% N=751 Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event 2% N=16 6% N=46 36% N=266 56% N=419 100% N=746 Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) 1% N=7 2% N=15 27% N=204 70% N=519 100% N=744 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 18% N=132 21% N=156 19% N=139 43% N=322 100% N=750 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 8% N=62 18% N=137 31% N=232 42% N=316 100% N=747 Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 43% N=322 28% N=212 20% N=149 9% N=69 100% N=751 Done a favor for a neighbor 16% N=121 24% N=181 39% N=291 21% N=157 100% N=751 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 49 Table 33: Question 5 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 Downtown Fort Collins during the day 56% N=417 36% N=269 6% N=41 1% N=8 0% N=1 1% N=8 100% N=743 Downtown Fort Collins at night 11% N=81 45% N=331 32% N=233 6% N=41 1% N=8 6% N=43 100% N=738 Your neighborhood during the day 70% N=520 26% N=190 3% N=25 0% N=3 0% N=1 0% N=3 100% N=741 Your neighborhood at night 41% N=308 43% N=317 13% N=94 2% N=13 1% N=5 1% N=7 100% N=745 Parks 28% N=204 49% N=364 15% N=108 2% N=16 0% N=1 6% N=48 100% N=738 Natural areas/open spaces 32% N=235 47% N=343 13% N=97 1% N=11 0% N=1 7% N=52 100% N=738 Recreation facilities 40% N=293 39% N=287 6% N=44 1% N=5 0% N=1 15% N=110 100% N=739 Trails 30% N=222 48% N=348 13% N=98 1% N=10 1% N=6 7% N=48 100% N=732 Fort Collins overall during the day 52% N=387 42% N=316 4% N=32 1% N=5 0% N=1 0% N=3 100% N=743 Fort Collins overall at night 15% N=115 54% N=404 25% N=187 3% N=22 0% N=1 2% N=16 100% N=744 Table 34: Question 6 Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 19% N=138 29% N=213 10% N=75 2% N=13 0% N=4 39% N=287 100% N=729 Disaster response and restoration of services 16% N=119 30% N=218 9% N=67 1% N=6 0% N=3 44% N=321 100% N=733 Fire prevention/education 19% N=141 30% N=221 14% N=100 3% N=25 1% N=6 32% N=237 100% N=729 Fire response time 23% N=171 25% N=182 4% N=29 1% N=6 0% N=1 47% N=348 100% N=736 Fire services overall 25% N=179 31% N=224 6% N=44 0% N=3 0% N=1 38% N=279 100% N=729 Crime prevention 12% N=87 42% N=305 24% N=173 2% N=17 1% N=7 20% N=143 100% N=732 Police patrol 16% N=118 40% N=292 29% N=214 3% N=20 1% N=4 12% N=87 100% N=736 Traffic enforcement 12% N=85 34% N=251 33% N=243 8% N=61 2% N=16 11% N=79 100% N=736 Police visibility 19% N=138 42% N=308 26% N=194 6% N=42 1% N=4 7% N=53 100% N=740 Police response time 15% N=115 28% N=205 15% N=109 2% N=17 1% N=8 39% N=286 100% N=740 Police services overall 16% N=115 40% N=294 22% N=164 3% N=25 0% N=3 18% N=132 100% N=733 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 50 Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 11% N=78 25% N=187 30% N=220 7% N=51 1% N=11 26% N=191 100% N=737 Noise enforcement 11% N=85 25% N=183 24% N=180 8% N=62 4% N=31 27% N=200 100% N=740 Animal control 15% N=111 32% N=241 20% N=145 4% N=28 1% N=10 28% N=206 100% N=743 Business property maintenance 16% N=120 38% N=283 18% N=135 2% N=17 1% N=4 25% N=182 100% N=741 Residential property maintenance 14% N=102 38% N=280 24% N=178 3% N=24 1% N=8 20% N=147 100% N=737 Natural Areas Ranger services 23% N=170 39% N=286 9% N=69 1% N=6 0% N=4 28% N=204 100% N=739 Drinking water 58% N=433 27% N=199 10% N=74 2% N=13 1% N=5 3% N=21 100% N=744 Electric services 43% N=317 40% N=296 11% N=83 1% N=6 0% N=2 5% N=39 100% N=742 Sewer services 41% N=306 36% N=265 11% N=85 1% N=10 1% N=4 10% N=71 100% N=742 Storm drainage 33% N=245 38% N=283 18% N=135 2% N=14 1% N=4 8% N=61 100% N=742 Utility billing 31% N=232 39% N=288 21% N=156 3% N=24 1% N=4 5% N=38 100% N=743 Utilities overall 32% N=236 42% N=312 18% N=133 2% N=12 1% N=5 6% N=43 100% N=741 Table 35: Question 7 Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Ease of driving 8% N=58 31% N=228 34% N=253 18% N=137 8% N=56 1% N=8 100% N=740 Ease of traveling by public transportation 9% N=63 24% N=180 26% N=194 9% N=65 3% N=25 29% N=212 100% N=739 As a walkable city 22% N=164 36% N=266 29% N=216 8% N=57 3% N=22 2% N=17 100% N=742 Ease of traveling by bicycle 40% N=297 34% N=255 13% N=95 3% N=24 1% N=11 8% N=58 100% N=739 Availability of parking Downtown 5% N=36 23% N=172 38% N=285 19% N=142 12% N=88 2% N=17 100% N=741 Level of traffic congestion 2% N=14 11% N=82 39% N=287 30% N=223 17% N=130 1% N=7 100% N=742 Street maintenance 14% N=102 43% N=323 33% N=247 6% N=48 2% N=16 1% N=7 100% N=743 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 51 Table 36: Question 8 Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following areas. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Managing and planning for growth 10% N=73 27% N=195 27% N=201 15% N=107 4% N=33 17% N=123 100% N=731 Efficient operation of programs and services 12% N=88 39% N=281 24% N=173 3% N=20 1% N=9 21% N=155 100% N=727 Encouraging sustainability in the community 24% N=173 43% N=315 18% N=128 3% N=20 1% N=8 12% N=86 100% N=729 Overall direction of the City 20% N=143 39% N=288 22% N=162 8% N=59 2% N=13 9% N=65 100% N=730 Support of businesses 16% N=116 38% N=281 19% N=139 4% N=28 2% N=16 21% N=153 100% N=733 Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 16% N=118 40% N=289 22% N=157 5% N=40 1% N=7 16% N=115 100% N=727 Encouraging a variety of businesses 17% N=126 37% N=269 22% N=164 5% N=36 2% N=15 16% N=119 100% N=729 Retaining existing businesses 13% N=91 31% N=228 28% N=201 6% N=47 3% N=19 19% N=140 100% N=726 Attracting new businesses 14% N=102 38% N=273 21% N=155 5% N=39 3% N=22 19% N=135 100% N=727 Welcoming resident involvement 16% N=114 40% N=291 23% N=165 4% N=33 2% N=14 15% N=109 100% N=726 Listening to residents 13% N=95 28% N=205 26% N=191 8% N=61 4% N=26 20% N=144 100% N=724 Informing residents 13% N=94 40% N=293 26% N=190 8% N=56 1% N=10 11% N=81 100% N=726 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 13% N=93 32% N=230 26% N=186 5% N=38 2% N=15 23% N=166 100% N=729 Providing emergency information 14% N=104 34% N=250 25% N=186 4% N=30 1% N=7 21% N=153 100% N=730 Table 37: Question 9 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 Community's visual attractiveness 44% N=323 46% N=335 9% N=64 1% N=6 0% N=0 1% N=5 100% N=732 Air quality 27% N=199 46% N=336 21% N=152 5% N=40 0% N=2 1% N=4 100% N=733 Recycling programs 38% N=277 43% N=314 15% N=111 2% N=15 0% N=1 2% N=12 100% N=730 Conservation efforts 32% N=235 47% N=339 12% N=90 2% N=17 0% N=2 6% N=46 100% N=729 Overall quality of environment 36% N=263 52% N=382 10% N=74 1% N=6 0% N=0 1% N=8 100% N=732 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 52 Table 38: Question 10 Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. Very good Good Average Bad Very bad No opinion Total Natural areas and open space 58% N=427 32% N=234 5% N=37 1% N=5 0% N=0 4% N=27 100% N=731 Recreational trails 60% N=442 31% N=226 3% N=20 0% N=3 0% N=1 5% N=38 100% N=730 Parks 56% N=408 37% N=271 3% N=24 1% N=4 0% N=0 3% N=23 100% N=730 Cemeteries 21% N=152 24% N=175 9% N=65 0% N=3 0% N=0 46% N=334 100% N=730 Golf courses 21% N=150 26% N=193 8% N=62 1% N=6 0% N=0 44% N=320 100% N=729 Athletic fields 28% N=205 34% N=247 9% N=68 1% N=6 0% N=0 28% N=202 100% N=727 Northside Aztlan Community Center 18% N=131 22% N=161 5% N=36 1% N=6 0% N=0 54% N=393 100% N=727 Fort Collins Senior Center 22% N=158 20% N=149 6% N=44 1% N=5 0% N=0 51% N=372 100% N=728 Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 17% N=125 28% N=204 9% N=66 1% N=8 0% N=1 44% N=318 100% N=723 Mulberry Pool 10% N=74 26% N=185 12% N=85 2% N=11 0% N=1 51% N=367 100% N=724 The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 23% N=167 29% N=208 5% N=38 0% N=3 0% N=1 43% N=310 100% N=727 The Gardens on Spring Creek 32% N=235 29% N=211 4% N=29 1% N=5 0% N=0 34% N=249 100% N=729 Pottery studio 8% N=59 12% N=85 5% N=34 0% N=3 0% N=0 75% N=543 100% N=724 Art in Public Places program 33% N=236 28% N=203 7% N=52 2% N=13 0% N=3 30% N=217 100% N=724 Lincoln Center programs 29% N=214 37% N=266 9% N=63 2% N=14 0% N=3 23% N=167 100% N=727 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 32% N=233 28% N=200 6% N=42 1% N=5 0% N=1 34% N=245 100% N=725 Adult recreation programs 17% N=127 28% N=205 10% N=75 3% N=19 0% N=0 41% N=302 100% N=728 Senior recreation programs 14% N=98 15% N=112 6% N=46 1% N=6 0% N=3 64% N=462 100% N=728 Youth/teen recreation programs 15% N=107 19% N=137 8% N=59 2% N=14 0% N=3 56% N=408 100% N=727 Table 39: Question 11 Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? Percent Number Very good 37% N=264 Good 52% N=373 Average 9% N=67 Bad 1% N=4 Very bad 0% N=3 No opinion 1% N=6 Total 100% N=718 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 53 Table 40: Question 12 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 53% N=391 No 47% N=348 Total 100% N=740 Table 41: Question 12A 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 Courtesy 59% N=231 28% N=110 9% N=37 2% N=6 1% N=5 0% N=1 100% N=391 Promptness 47% N=185 30% N=119 13% N=52 4% N=18 3% N=13 1% N=5 100% N=391 Knowledge 52% N=202 29% N=113 12% N=48 3% N=13 2% N=6 2% N=8 100% N=391 Making you feel valued 46% N=179 24% N=93 18% N=72 4% N=17 4% N=16 3% N=13 100% N=391 Overall impression 52% N=203 28% N=108 13% N=49 3% N=14 4% N=14 0% N=2 100% N=390 *Asked only of those who reported having contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to the survey. Table 42: Question 12B 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 Courtesy 19% N=62 36% N=121 9% N=32 1% N=2 0% N=1 35% N=116 100% N=333 Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 15% N=51 31% N=102 16% N=55 1% N=4 0% N=1 36% N=119 100% N=333 Making residents or customers feel valued 18% N=59 30% N=99 15% N=49 2% N=8 0% N=1 35% N=118 100% N=333 *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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 54 Table 43: Question 13 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 Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities 36% N=246 49% N=333 6% N=42 9% N=61 100% N=681 Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community 44% N=303 49% N=335 4% N=27 4% N=24 100% N=690 Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods, historic preservation, and an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups 47% N=325 46% N=318 4% N=31 3% N=21 100% N=695 Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 25% N=171 68% N=468 2% N=14 5% N=37 100% N=690 Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas 23% N=157 70% N=483 4% N=25 4% N=25 100% N=690 Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 63% N=438 33% N=230 1% N=9 2% N=15 100% N=693 General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair 17% N=118 68% N=468 4% N=29 11% N=75 100% N=690 Table 44: Question 13 - Top 3 Priorities Please select which three (3) should be the top priorities for the City to focus on in the next 5 years. Percent selecting as top 1, 2 or 3 priority Number Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities 38% N=250 Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community 62% N=404 Neighborhoods: Includes promoting good neighbor relationships, ensuring attractive neighborhoods, historic preservation, and an adequate supply of quality housing for all socio-economic groups 48% N=309 Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection 39% N=254 Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas 30% N=198 Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management 65% N=424 General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair 14% N=92 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 55 Table 45: Question 14 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 and 881 0% N=2 2% N=16 17% N=124 80% N=588 100% N=731 Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 0% N=2 2% N=17 17% N=123 81% N=586 100% N=728 City's website (www.fcgov.com) 6% N=43 24% N=179 49% N=356 21% N=154 100% N=731 "City News" (insert with utility bill) 9% N=68 22% N=159 33% N=242 35% N=253 100% N=722 Newsletters or brochures from City departments 4% N=30 16% N=117 39% N=289 40% N=295 100% N=731 City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 2% N=12 7% N=54 48% N=345 43% N=312 100% N=723 Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 11% N=77 28% N=203 35% N=256 27% N=196 100% N=732 "Recreator" (guide to recreation programs) 13% N=93 23% N=170 30% N=220 34% N=252 100% N=735 Word of mouth 16% N=115 39% N=283 35% N=250 10% N=73 100% N=721 Newspaper (print or online) 14% N=101 23% N=170 33% N=241 30% N=219 100% N=732 Radio 6% N=41 21% N=155 28% N=203 45% N=332 100% N=731 Television news 7% N=53 14% N=99 24% N=175 55% N=403 100% N=729 Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 13% N=94 27% N=197 23% N=172 37% N=270 100% N=734 OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 1% N=9 2% N=17 15% N=106 82% N=594 100% N=727 City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 1% N=6 6% N=41 13% N=98 80% N=588 100% N=732 City booth at local events 1% N=8 6% N=43 31% N=228 62% N=453 100% N=731 Table 46: Question D1 About how many years have you lived in Fort Collins? Percent Number 5 years or less 36% N=264 6-10 years 15% N=113 11-20 years 20% N=148 More than 20 years 28% N=208 Total 100% N=733 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 56 Table 47: Question D2 Are you a full-time or part-time student at a college or university in Fort Collins? Percent Number Yes 19% N=143 No 81% N=604 Total 100% N=747 Table 48: Question D3 Which college or university do you attend? Percent Number Colorado State University 86% N=122 Front Range Community College 9% N=13 Another local college or university 5% N=8 Total 100% N=143 Table 49: Question D4 What is your employment status? Percent Number Working full time for pay 56% N=409 Working part time for pay 17% N=126 Unemployed, looking for paid work 5% N=33 Unemployed, not looking for paid work 7% N=51 Fully retired 15% N=112 Total 100% N=732 Table 50: Question D5 Do you work inside the boundaries of Fort Collins? Percent Number Yes, outside the home 52% N=365 Yes, from home 13% N=90 No 35% N=249 Total 100% N=704 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 57 Table 51: Question D6 Which of the age groups below best describes you? Percent Number 18-24 15% N=112 25-34 30% N=221 35-44 14% N=101 45-54 16% N=113 55-64 11% N=77 65-74 9% N=64 75+ 5% N=37 Total 100% N=726 Table 52: Question D7 Your gender Percent Number Male 49% N=353 Female 51% N=371 Total 100% N=724 Table 53: Question D8 Which best describes the building you live in? Percent Number One family house detached from any other houses 58% N=423 Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium) 39% N=283 Mobile home 1% N=8 Other 2% N=18 Total 100% N=731 Table 54: Question D9 Do you own or rent your residence? Percent Number Own 55% N=391 Rent 45% N=326 Total 100% N=718 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 58 Table 55: Question D10 Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Percent Number No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 94% N=675 Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 6% N=42 Total 100% N=718 Table 56: Questions D11 What is your race? Percent Number American Indian or Alaskan Native 1% N=7 Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander 3% N=21 Black or African American 2% N=11 White 94% N=673 Other 3% N=23 Total 100% N=719 Table 57: Geographic Area of Residence Percent Number Northeast 11% N=87 East Central 23% N=173 Southeast 15% N=117 Northwest 19% N=148 West Central 21% N=162 Southwest 5% N=38 CSU dorms 5% N=38 Total 100% N=762 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 59 Appendix C: Comparisons 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 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 indicates statistically significant differences (p < .05) and some highlights discussed below.  Where differences were observed, respondents who had lived in the city for 10 years or less tended to give more positive ratings to aspects of quality of life and community than did those with a longer tenure in the city. Renters tended to give lower ratings to the quality of various aspects of the community than did home owners.  Residents with a shorter tenure (five years or less), those who rented their homes, respondents ages 18-34 and those who were Hispanic or some other race were less likely to have done a favor for a neighbor and talked or visited with an immediate neighbor than were their counter parts.  Respondents who had lived in the city five years or less and men were more likely to feel safe in various areas of the city than were those who had resided in the city for a longer period of time and women.  Those who lived in the city for more than 20 years and those who were over the age of 34 were less likely to give positive reviews to safety- related and code enforcement services than were their counterparts, including crime prevention, code enforcement, animal control and residential property maintenance.  Generally, residents with a shorter tenure gave higher evaluations to aspects of transportation in Fort Collins than did those who had lived in the city for more than 10 years. Males, those 18-34 years old and white respondents tended to give more positive reviews to ease of bicycle travel.  Several differences were observed for ratings of City government performance. Those who lived in the city for more than 20 years gave lower ratings to various aspects of government performance compared to those who had lived in the city for five years or less. Additionally, respondents over the age of 34 tended to give less favorable reviews to City government performance than did younger respondents. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 60 Respondents who identified as a full- or part-time student were more likely to give positive reviews to the City government’s performance than those who were not students, where differences were observed.  Overall, shorter-tenured residents, females and younger respondents (18-34) gave more positive assessments to various parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities than did their counterparts.  Respondents who had lived in the city for five years or less were more likely than those with a longer tenure to want to have more effort applied to the Strategic Objectives of neighborhoods and culture, parks and recreation. Respondents who identified as Hispanic or some other race, older residents (ages 35 or older) and those residing in the city for more than 10 years were more likely than their counterparts to want more effort given to safety.  Shorter-term residents (five years or less), renters, students and younger respondents (18-34) were less likely to have used various sources to get information about the City than were other respondents, including sources such as the City’s website, “City News”, City employees, newspapers and television news. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 61 Table 58: Question 1 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Overall, as a place to live 90 92 89 86 91 86 86 90 89 Overall safety of residents 82 89 82 79 84 80 81 82 82 Quality of shopping opportunities 77 76 71 74 74 75 76 74 75 Quality of dining opportunities 85 81 82 83 84 83 86 83 83 Quality of entertainment opportunities 78 80 71 74 76 75 74 76 75 Availability of job opportunities 61 59 59 59 62 57 60 60 60 Availability of affordable quality housing 33 28 30 28 34 26 33 30 31 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 74 75 70 70 74 70 71 73 72 Quality of recreational opportunities 87 87 84 81 86 83 83 85 85 Availability of quality healthcare 74 79 76 75 80 68 71 76 75 Quality of public schools 84 85 78 77 82 76 80 80 80 Quality of public library services 83 87 85 83 86 81 83 84 84 As a place to raise children 84 90 86 83 88 79 83 85 84 As a place to retire 73 79 72 71 76 68 73 73 73 As a place to attend college 85 81 80 81 84 80 85 82 83 As a place to work 77 80 77 73 80 72 75 76 76 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 76 71 66 67 71 70 74 70 71 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 87 89 84 78 86 82 83 84 84 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 62 Table 59: Question 1 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Overall, as a place to live 89 89 90 89 87 89 87 90 87 89 Overall safety of residents 83 81 84 81 81 83 80 84 78 82 Quality of shopping opportunities 74 75 77 72 74 75 75 75 74 75 Quality of dining opportunities 83 84 86 80 82 83 82 83 83 83 Quality of entertainment opportunities 75 76 78 73 75 76 73 77 72 75 Availability of job opportunities 59 60 59 59 61 60 59 60 57 60 Availability of affordable quality housing 33 28 31 27 33 31 28 29 35 31 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 71 73 73 71 72 73 71 72 72 72 Quality of recreational opportunities 85 85 87 84 83 86 79 85 83 85 Availability of quality healthcare 74 77 72 74 82 76 70 74 79 75 Quality of public schools 80 80 83 79 78 80 77 80 79 80 Quality of public library services 83 85 84 84 83 84 84 84 83 84 As a place to raise children 84 85 84 86 83 85 81 86 82 84 As a place to retire 72 74 75 70 74 74 72 72 75 73 As a place to attend college 81 84 83 82 82 83 82 82 83 83 As a place to work 76 76 77 74 76 76 76 77 73 76 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 72 69 74 67 69 71 66 70 71 71 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 84 84 86 83 81 84 81 85 82 84 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 63 Table 60: Question 2 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Your neighborhood as a place to live 84 84 78 83 87 76 76 84 82 Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 77 83 74 79 85 66 67 80 77 Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 81 79 77 79 81 78 81 79 79 Table 61: Question 2 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 82 82 81 85 83 82 82 84 82 Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 80 76 74 80 81 78 79 78 76 77 Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 79 79 79 80 80 79 78 80 79 79 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 64 Table 62: Question 3 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: (Average rating 0=very unlikely, 100=very likely). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 83 84 80 71 84 74 76 80 79 Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 77 83 82 83 90 68 62 84 80 Table 63: Question 3 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: (Average rating 0=very unlikely, 100=very likely). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 78 80 81 77 78 80 77 79 80 79 Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 77 83 74 84 87 80 79 80 81 80 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 65 Table 64: Question 4 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? (Percent who had ever done each) Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Visited a neighborhood park or City park 94% 94% 92% 90% 92% 92% 85% 93% 92% Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event 42% 52% 47% 39% 50% 37% 25% 49% 44% Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) 27% 34% 40% 25% 36% 22% 20% 32% 30% Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 60% 69% 50% 51% 53% 62% 64% 56% 57% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 57% 72% 58% 51% 64% 50% 53% 59% 58% Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 85% 90% 94% 97% 97% 84% 75% 94% 91% Done a favor for a neighbor 68% 81% 82% 91% 92% 64% 54% 84% 79% Table 65: Question 4 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? (Percent who had ever done each) Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Visited a neighborhood park or City park 94% 91% 95% 95% 84% 93% 89% 96% 82% 92% Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event 47% 41% 43% 46% 45% 46% 36% 44% 44% 44% Attended a government-organized event City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 66 Table 66: Question 5 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=always unsafe, 100=always safe) Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Downtown Fort Collins during the day 89 89 84 86 88 87 88 87 87 Downtown Fort Collins at night 69 67 64 62 65 67 66 66 66 Your neighborhood during the day 91 93 91 93 94 88 91 92 92 Your neighborhood at night 80 84 81 80 85 76 76 82 81 Parks 79 79 77 74 78 77 78 77 77 Natural areas/open spaces 82 78 78 77 80 79 82 79 79 Recreation facilities 85 86 85 83 86 83 87 84 84 Trails 79 80 79 75 78 78 80 78 78 Fort Collins overall during the day 87 89 87 84 87 86 90 86 87 Fort Collins overall at night 73 73 72 68 71 70 70 71 71 Table 67: Question 5 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=always unsafe, 100=always safe). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Downtown Fort Collins during the day 88 87 89 87 84 87 87 88 86 87 Downtown Fort Collins at night 67 64 67 66 63 66 68 66 64 66 Your neighborhood during the day 92 91 91 92 92 92 89 92 91 92 Your neighborhood at night 84 77 79 82 82 81 79 81 80 81 Parks 80 75 79 76 76 77 79 77 77 77 Natural areas/open spaces 83 76 82 77 77 79 81 80 77 79 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 67 Table 68: Question 6 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 78 75 76 77 79 72 71 77 77 Disaster response and restoration of services 78 76 77 77 79 74 75 78 77 Fire prevention/education 70 73 76 76 78 68 69 75 74 Fire response time 84 80 84 84 85 80 78 84 83 Fire services overall 81 80 86 82 84 79 81 82 82 Crime prevention 73 70 69 65 69 68 71 69 69 Police patrol 73 70 66 67 70 68 72 69 69 Traffic enforcement 65 66 60 59 63 60 64 62 62 Police visibility 72 72 68 66 69 69 70 70 69 Police response time 76 73 71 69 73 70 72 72 72 Police services overall 74 71 70 67 72 68 71 70 70 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 69 63 58 59 61 65 66 62 62 Noise enforcement 65 64 61 55 61 60 62 60 61 Animal control 76 68 69 65 67 73 77 68 69 Business property maintenance 78 75 68 68 72 72 75 72 72 Residential property maintenance 74 75 64 63 70 67 70 69 69 Natural Areas Ranger services 82 79 80 75 79 79 82 78 79 Drinking water 82 90 88 88 90 81 83 87 86 Electric services 80 83 83 85 86 79 79 83 83 Sewer services 82 79 83 84 83 80 81 82 82 Storm drainage 78 76 78 78 79 75 76 78 78 Utility billing 76 77 75 74 77 73 74 76 76 Utilities overall 77 80 76 77 79 74 77 77 77 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 68 Table 69: Question 6 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 79 74 75 76 79 77 77 75 79 77 Disaster response and restoration of services 79 75 77 75 79 77 74 76 79 77 Fire prevention/education 74 73 70 75 77 76 64 73 76 74 Fire response time 83 83 84 82 83 84 79 82 85 83 Fire services overall 82 81 83 81 82 83 77 82 82 82 Crime prevention 70 68 72 65 69 69 67 69 68 69 Police patrol 69 70 72 68 66 70 67 69 70 69 Traffic enforcement 62 63 65 61 61 62 63 62 64 62 Police visibility 70 69 74 67 65 70 69 70 69 69 Police response time 73 71 75 68 71 73 66 72 72 72 Police services overall 71 69 72 69 69 71 69 70 72 70 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 62 63 65 62 58 62 63 64 59 62 Noise enforcement 60 61 65 59 55 60 64 61 60 61 Animal control 70 69 75 68 62 70 66 70 67 69 Business property maintenance 72 72 77 68 70 72 73 72 72 72 Residential property maintenance 69 69 72 64 69 69 70 69 67 69 Natural Areas Ranger services 78 80 80 79 76 79 78 79 77 79 Drinking water 89 83 87 84 86 87 83 87 83 86 Electric services 84 81 82 82 85 83 83 82 86 83 Sewer services 83 81 82 80 85 82 83 81 85 82 Storm drainage 78 77 78 75 79 78 77 77 79 78 Utility billing 75 76 78 70 79 76 72 75 78 76 Utilities overall 78 77 78 74 80 78 76 76 80 77 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 69 Table 70: Question 7 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Ease of driving 58 59 48 47 55 51 52 53 53 Ease of traveling by public transportation 67 56 53 55 59 59 63 58 59 As a walkable city 72 66 61 65 66 68 69 67 67 Ease of traveling by bicycle 85 82 78 72 81 79 81 80 79 Availability of parking Downtown 50 45 48 46 51 44 44 48 47 Level of traffic congestion 41 43 34 31 39 36 42 36 37 Street maintenance 68 70 63 60 66 64 65 65 65 Table 71: Question 7 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Ease of driving 52 54 52 53 55 53 55 52 57 53 Ease of traveling by public transportation 60 58 61 55 59 59 59 58 63 59 As a walkable city 67 67 69 65 67 68 65 66 71 67 Ease of traveling by bicycle 82 77 83 78 75 81 74 80 77 79 Availability of parking Downtown 49 46 48 48 46 48 44 48 46 47 Level of traffic congestion 38 36 39 36 36 38 37 37 38 37 Street maintenance 66 65 67 63 63 65 69 64 67 65 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 70 Table 72: Question 8 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate the City's performance in each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Managing and planning for growth 61 62 55 51 57 57 64 56 57 Efficient operation of programs and services 72 71 68 64 69 68 71 68 68 Encouraging sustainability in the community 78 77 75 68 73 75 79 74 74 Overall direction of the City 75 68 71 60 68 69 72 68 68 Support of businesses 78 70 70 60 67 73 75 69 70 Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 75 69 70 62 69 70 75 68 69 Encouraging a variety of businesses 75 69 69 61 67 71 74 68 69 Retaining existing businesses 70 68 65 55 63 65 71 63 64 Attracting new businesses 73 68 65 60 65 68 74 65 67 Welcoming resident involvement 71 70 72 62 70 67 70 68 69 Listening to residents 65 63 67 54 63 61 69 61 62 Informing residents 66 68 68 61 68 62 68 65 66 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 66 68 69 61 67 63 66 66 65 Providing emergency information 68 70 67 67 68 66 68 68 68 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 71 Table 73: Question 8 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate City's performance in each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Managing and planning for growth 58 56 58 55 56 58 54 56 60 57 Efficient operation of programs and services 69 68 70 67 67 69 66 67 71 68 Encouraging sustainability in the community 75 74 78 73 69 75 73 74 74 74 Overall direction of the City 68 69 73 67 62 69 68 68 68 68 Support of businesses 68 71 76 64 64 70 68 69 71 70 Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 68 71 74 65 64 70 67 69 71 69 Encouraging a variety of businesses 69 68 75 63 64 69 69 68 69 69 Retaining existing businesses 64 64 71 56 60 64 65 64 64 64 Attracting new businesses 66 67 72 61 63 67 67 66 66 67 Welcoming resident involvement 69 69 72 66 65 69 65 68 69 69 Listening to residents 61 63 66 59 58 63 59 62 63 62 Informing residents 64 67 67 64 65 66 62 64 69 66 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 66 65 67 63 65 67 58 65 67 65 Providing emergency information 69 67 69 65 70 68 67 66 72 68 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 72 Table 74: Question 9 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Community's visual attractiveness 85 88 82 81 84 83 84 84 83 Air quality 74 75 76 71 73 75 78 73 74 Recycling programs 81 81 79 78 81 78 78 80 80 Conservation efforts 84 79 78 74 79 79 80 79 79 Overall quality of environment 84 83 81 77 82 80 84 81 81 Table 75: Question 9 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Community's visual attractiveness 81 86 85 82 82 84 80 83 84 83 Air quality 73 74 77 73 68 74 74 74 74 74 Recycling programs 78 81 83 75 79 80 79 79 81 80 Conservation efforts 78 80 82 76 77 79 76 79 80 79 Overall quality of environment 80 82 84 79 78 81 80 81 81 81 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 73 Table 76: Question 10 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Natural areas and open space 91 92 89 85 89 88 88 89 89 Recreational trails 92 92 89 88 91 89 90 90 90 Parks 91 89 88 86 88 88 89 88 88 Cemeteries 86 77 79 78 79 82 80 80 80 Golf courses 82 77 79 80 80 79 78 80 80 Athletic fields 84 80 81 79 80 82 82 81 81 Northside Aztlan Community Center 77 83 83 84 84 76 77 82 81 Fort Collins Senior Center 83 83 84 82 85 76 77 83 82 Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 79 77 79 77 79 75 77 77 78 Mulberry Pool 71 69 75 74 72 73 75 72 72 The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 86 83 84 80 84 80 77 83 82 The Gardens on Spring Creek 86 86 88 84 86 84 84 86 85 Pottery studio 80 76 78 77 78 77 73 79 77 Art in Public Places program 86 80 84 79 84 80 82 83 82 Lincoln Center programs 83 80 81 78 81 78 77 81 80 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 86 83 88 81 85 83 81 85 84 Adult recreation programs 75 76 79 75 78 72 74 76 76 Senior recreation programs 80 76 83 76 80 74 74 79 78 Youth/teen recreation programs 78 75 79 74 77 74 72 77 76 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 74 Table 77: Question 10 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Natural areas and open space 88 89 90 88 87 89 87 89 87 89 Recreational trails 90 90 91 90 88 90 88 90 88 90 Parks 88 88 90 87 86 89 86 89 86 88 Cemeteries 76 83 82 80 78 80 77 80 82 80 Golf courses 77 82 80 76 82 80 76 79 83 80 Athletic fields 80 81 83 78 81 81 81 80 83 81 Northside Aztlan Community Center 78 83 82 82 79 82 79 82 80 81 Fort Collins Senior Center 79 84 80 83 83 82 83 82 83 82 Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 76 79 77 77 80 77 79 77 80 78 Mulberry Pool 70 74 73 71 74 72 72 72 75 72 The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 81 84 84 83 79 83 79 83 82 82 The Gardens on Spring Creek 83 87 85 87 84 86 83 86 83 85 Pottery studio 72 80 82 75 74 79 68 77 78 77 Art in Public Places program 80 84 86 83 77 83 78 83 81 82 Lincoln Center programs 78 82 82 81 76 81 75 81 77 80 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 83 85 88 84 79 85 78 85 81 84 Adult recreation programs 75 77 76 77 74 76 75 76 76 76 Senior recreation programs 75 79 78 82 75 78 74 79 76 78 Youth/teen recreation programs 73 78 78 76 73 77 69 76 77 76 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 75 Table 78: Question 11 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? 81 85 83 79 83 79 80 82 81 Table 79: Question 11 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? 81 82 83 80 79 82 79 82 81 81 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 76 Table 80: Question 12a by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part- time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Courtesy 85 88 81 89 88 81 82 86 86 Promptness 80 82 73 80 80 76 77 79 79 Knowledge 82 85 78 84 84 78 78 83 82 Making you feel valued 79 83 68 77 78 73 76 77 77 Overall impression 80 84 74 83 82 76 81 80 80 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 81: Question 12a by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18-34 years 35-54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Courtesy 84 88 85 84 88 85 85 84 90 86 Promptness 77 80 79 77 82 79 72 77 85 79 Knowledge 81 83 83 79 84 82 81 80 87 82 Making you feel valued 75 78 77 73 80 77 69 74 82 77 Overall impression 78 83 80 78 84 80 81 78 87 80 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 77 Table 82: Question 12b by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status 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 0=very bad, 100=very good). Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part-time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Courtesy 77 79 78 79 79 77 73 79 78 Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 74 73 76 70 74 73 70 74 73 Making residents or customers feel valued 75 73 77 71 74 74 73 74 74 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 83: Question 12b by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status 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 0=very bad, 100=very good). Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18- 34 years 35- 54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Courtesy 81 76 77 76 80 78 76 77 82 78 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 78 Table 84: Question 13 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects of the community. Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part-time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11- 20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities More effort 40% 38% 43% 37% 39% 41% 30% 42% 40% Same effort 54% 54% 51% 55% 55% 52% 59% 52% 54% Less effort 7% 8% 5% 8% 5% 8% 11% 6% 7% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community More effort 48% 46% 40% 45% 42% 49% 40% 47% 46% Same effort 50% 51% 52% 50% 54% 46% 53% 50% 50% Less effort 2% 3% 7% 5% 4% 4% 7% 3% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 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 58% 42% 40% 47% 43% 56% 56% 47% 48% Same effort 38% 57% 56% 45% 53% 40% 38% 49% 47% Less effort 4% 1% 4% 8% 4% 4% 6% 4% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection More effort 24% 18% 32% 28% 23% 30% 27% 26% 26% Same effort 74% 76% 67% 70% 75% 68% 64% 73% 72% Less effort 1% 6% 0% 2% 2% 2% 9% 1% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas More effort 30% 26% 20% 17% 17% 32% 34% 22% 24% Same effort 67% 72% 75% 78% 78% 65% 62% 74% 73% Less effort 3% 2% 5% 5% 5% 3% 5% 4% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 79 Table 85: Question 13 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects of the community. Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18- 34 years 35- 54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities More effort 41% 39% 40% 43% 36% 39% 43% 40% 38% 40% Same effort 49% 58% 52% 53% 57% 55% 43% 53% 57% 54% Less effort 10% 4% 9% 3% 7% 6% 14% 7% 5% 7% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community More effort 45% 47% 44% 49% 45% 46% 47% 45% 47% 46% Same effort 48% 52% 51% 47% 51% 50% 52% 51% 48% 50% Less effort 8% 1% 5% 4% 3% 5% 1% 4% 6% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 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 49% 49% 52% 49% 44% 49% 45% 50% 44% 48% Same effort 45% 48% 46% 46% 49% 46% 53% 46% 51% 47% Less effort 6% 3% 3% 5% 7% 4% 2% 4% 5% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection More effort 26% 27% 21% 32% 29% 25% 38% 24% 32% 26% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 80 Table 86: Question 14 by Respondent Length of Residency, Housing Tenure and Student Status 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. (Percent at least sometimes) Length of residency Respondent tenure Full-time or part-time student Overall 5 years or less 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Own Rent Yes No Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881 20% 23% 14% 21% 20% 19% 16% 20% 20% Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 19% 17% 23% 18% 19% 20% 19% 20% 19% City's website (www.fcgov.com) 74% 86% 85% 78% 84% 73% 64% 82% 79% "City News" (insert with utility bill) 56% 63% 71% 74% 76% 51% 45% 69% 65% Newsletters or brochures from City departments 53% 61% 56% 70% 72% 46% 39% 64% 60% City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 46% 59% 62% 66% 68% 43% 29% 62% 57% Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 77% 72% 72% 70% 76% 70% 73% 73% 73% "Recreator" (guide to recreation programs) 53% 69% 70% 77% 82% 46% 32% 73% 66% Word of mouth 86% 94% 89% 94% 93% 87% 83% 91% 90% Newspaper (print or online) 63% 63% 76% 78% 74% 65% 65% 71% 70% Radio 54% 47% 55% 59% 56% 53% 51% 55% 55% Television news 36% 45% 43% 56% 48% 39% 39% 46% 45% Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 69% 62% 65% 55% 59% 68% 68% 62% 63% OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 19% 10% 25% 16% 19% 18% 12% 19% 18% City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 18% 22% 21% 18% 22% 17% 13% 21% 20% City booth at local events 34% 45% 37% 40% 43% 32% 30% 40% 38% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 81 Table 87: Question 14 by Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity and Employment Status 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. (Percent at least sometimes) Respondent gender Respondent age Race/ethnicity Employment status Male Female Overall 18- 34 years 35- 54 years 55 years or older White alone, not Hispanic Hispanic and/or other race Working full or part time for pay Not working for pay Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881 20% 19% 15% 18% 30% 18% 30% 17% 28% 20% Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 19% 20% 21% 17% 18% 19% 24% 20% 19% 19% City's website (www.fcgov.com) 81% 77% 77% 89% 70% 80% 72% 83% 69% 79% "City News" (insert with utility bill) 66% 63% 53% 70% 80% 65% 66% 63% 71% 65% Newsletters or brochures from City departments 60% 59% 49% 63% 76% 61% 53% 57% 66% 60% City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 64% 49% 44% 67% 69% 57% 51% 54% 63% 57% Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 75% 72% 76% 76% 65% 74% 73% 76% 66% 73% "Recreator" (guide to recreation programs) 60% 71% 51% 82% 73% 67% 59% 67% 61% 66% Word of mouth 91% 89% 91% 90% 88% 90% 88% 91% 85% 90% Newspaper (print or online) 70% 69% 64% 71% 79% 71% 61% 67% 77% 70% Radio 49% 60% 52% 58% 55% 56% 44% 53% 59% 55% Television news 39% 49% 30% 45% 69% 44% 48% 36% 68% 45% Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 58% 69% 75% 65% 39% 64% 55% 67% 53% 63% OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 19% 17% 16% 19% 20% 17% 29% 18% 19% 18% City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 19% 20% 19% 21% 19% 19% 24% 21% 16% 20% City booth at local events 37% 40% 38% 40% 37% 38% 42% 39% 36% 38% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 82 Appendix D: Comparisons of Select Questions by Area of Residence Average ratings for select survey questions are compared by six geographic area of residence in the following tables. The six areas were designated using College Avenue as the east/west split and Prospect Road and Harmony Road as additional north/south divisions. Cells shaded grey indicates statistically significant differences (p  .05) and are discussed below  Survey respondents living in the West Central area of the city were less likely to give positive reviews to aspects of quality of life, such as the city as a place to raise children, retire, attend college and work, compared to the overall. Those living south of Harmony Road tended to give more favorable reviews to these aspects of quality of life.  Those living south of Harmony Road tended to give higher evaluations to their neighborhood as a place to live and as a place to raise children compared to the overall, while those living in the Northwest/CSU and West Central areas tended to give lower ratings. Respondents from the Northeast part of the city tended to give lower ratings to access to everyday needs within their neighborhood and those in the East Central area gave higher evaluations.  Where there were differences, residents in the West Central part of the city were less likely to have participated in various activities in Fort Collins compared to the overall.  Those living in the Northeast tended to feel less safe in their neighborhood during the day and at night and in parks while those living south of Harmony Road felt safest in these areas.  Respondents from the West Central area of the city gave higher evaluations to ease of travel by public transportation compared to the overall. Those residing in East Central Fort Collins and those living south of Harmony Road gave lower evaluations to the walkability of the city.  A number of differences in opinion were seen for aspects of government performance. Generally, those living in the Northwest/CSU area gave more positive reviews to the City government, compared to the overall, while those living in the East Central area gave lower ratings.  Residents living in the West Central part of the city tended to be more critical of the community’s visual attractiveness and the overall quality of the environment compared to all respondents. Respondents from this area of the city also were less positive about various parks, recreational and cultural programs and facilities, while those living in the Northeast gave more positive reviews.  Those living in the Northeast part of the city were more likely to want more effort given to the City’s Strategic Outcome of neighborhoods while those living south of Harmony were more likely to indicate that the same level of effort should be applied. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 83 Table 88: Question 1 by Area of Residence Please rate Fort Collins as a community on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Overall, as a place to live 88 86 93 88 89 89 Overall safety of residents 82 81 85 81 81 82 Quality of shopping opportunities 79 76 71 74 75 75 Quality of dining opportunities 80 86 81 80 88 83 Quality of entertainment opportunities 75 77 71 77 76 75 Availability of job opportunities 57 60 63 62 53 60 Availability of affordable quality housing 26 30 37 32 27 31 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 75 72 72 72 71 72 Quality of recreational opportunities 81 83 87 86 85 85 Availability of quality healthcare 73 78 77 73 74 75 Quality of public schools 80 79 83 78 79 80 Quality of public library services 87 83 87 82 81 84 As a place to raise children 87 84 90 82 80 84 As a place to retire 75 68 79 75 69 73 As a place to attend college 79 82 86 84 80 83 As a place to work 80 74 84 72 74 76 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 76 69 74 69 68 71 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 85 83 87 84 81 84 Table 89: Question 2 by Area of Residence Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 83 92 79 78 82 Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 77 79 88 71 72 77 Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 69 87 80 78 78 79 Table 90: Question 3 by Area of Residence Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: (Average City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 84 Table 91: Question 4 by Area of Residence In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? (Percent who had ever done each) Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Visited a neighborhood park or City park 93% 90% 93% 91% 93% 92% Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event 48% 38% 54% 46% 36% 44% Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) 26% 30% 32% 36% 26% 30% Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 48% 65% 51% 65% 51% 57% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 71% 61% 57% 54% 52% 58% Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 96% 89% 95% 90% 87% 91% Done a favor for a neighbor 85% 78% 91% 72% 73% 79% Table 92: Question 5 by Area of Residence Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=always unsafe, 100=always safe) Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Downtown Fort Collins during the day 88 87 87 89 85 87 Downtown Fort Collins at night 64 64 67 69 63 66 Your neighborhood during the day 86 92 96 91 91 92 Your neighborhood at night 74 82 89 77 79 81 Parks 73 76 81 77 77 77 Natural areas/open spaces 77 80 81 79 79 79 Recreation facilities 85 86 87 82 82 84 Trails 74 79 81 78 77 78 Fort Collins overall during the day 86 86 88 87 86 87 Fort Collins overall at night 71 69 73 73 68 71 Table 93: Question 6 by Area of Residence Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 85 Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Traffic enforcement 64 62 60 64 62 62 Police visibility 68 66 68 71 74 69 Police response time 75 71 71 70 75 72 Police services overall 72 70 72 68 71 70 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 64 62 62 64 60 62 Noise enforcement 62 61 63 58 60 61 Animal control 65 70 69 71 70 69 Business property maintenance 75 71 72 71 73 72 Residential property maintenance 68 66 73 67 69 69 Natural Areas Ranger services 82 76 81 79 76 79 Drinking water 87 87 89 83 86 86 Electric services 84 83 84 81 82 83 Sewer services 76 84 84 81 82 82 Storm drainage 77 78 80 78 75 78 Utility billing 74 76 77 74 77 76 Utilities overall 74 78 80 75 78 77 Table 94: Question 7 by Area of Residence Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Ease of driving 56 53 56 52 51 53 Ease of traveling by public transportation 56 54 57 58 68 59 As a walkable city 70 63 63 72 68 67 Ease of traveling by bicycle 77 78 79 83 79 79 Availability of parking Downtown 47 48 52 46 44 47 Level of traffic congestion 34 36 41 38 35 37 Street maintenance 66 64 65 67 64 65 Table 95: Question 8 by Area of Residence Please rate the City's performance in each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 86 Please rate the City's performance in each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Encouraging a variety of businesses 68 66 66 74 68 69 Retaining existing businesses 59 64 64 68 62 64 Attracting new businesses 67 65 66 71 64 67 Welcoming resident involvement 67 68 71 70 65 69 Listening to residents 59 57 64 67 62 62 Informing residents 64 62 68 70 64 66 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 66 65 66 66 65 65 Providing emergency information 71 69 66 69 66 68 Table 96: Question 9 by Area of Residence Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Community's visual attractiveness 85 84 84 85 80 83 Air quality 76 73 74 74 72 74 Recycling programs 81 83 77 79 77 80 Conservation efforts 82 79 79 80 76 79 Overall quality of environment 81 82 82 84 77 81 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 87 Table 97: Question 10 by Area of Residence Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Natural areas and open space 91 89 88 92 84 89 Recreational trails 91 90 90 92 87 90 Parks 86 90 89 90 86 88 Cemeteries 86 76 77 84 77 80 Golf courses 85 79 75 84 78 80 Athletic fields 85 81 82 82 77 81 Northside Aztlan Community Center 85 82 84 79 78 81 Fort Collins Senior Center 89 81 82 80 81 82 Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 84 77 79 76 74 78 Mulberry Pool 78 73 70 73 70 72 The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 84 84 84 80 81 82 The Gardens on Spring Creek 90 87 87 82 83 85 Pottery studio 86 77 76 77 74 77 Art in Public Places program 83 84 85 82 79 82 Lincoln Center programs 83 80 81 80 78 80 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 87 84 85 82 86 84 Adult recreation programs 79 76 75 76 74 76 Senior recreation programs 80 81 76 77 76 78 Youth/teen recreation programs 83 74 77 77 74 76 Table 98: Question 11 by Area of Residence (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? 84 80 84 81 78 81 Table 99: Question 12a by Area of Residence Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 88 Table 100: Question 12b by Area of Residence 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 0=very bad, 100=very good). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Courtesy 78 79 79 76 77 78 Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 71 71 76 76 69 73 Making residents or customers feel valued 73 75 75 77 68 74 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 89 Table 101: Question 13 by Area of Residence Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects of the community. Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Economy: Includes economic planning and development activities More effort 45% 39% 39% 36% 41% 40% Same effort 50% 53% 57% 54% 52% 54% Less effort 5% 8% 4% 9% 7% 7% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Environment: Includes efforts to ensure good water resources, good air quality, land conservation, smart growth, and an attractive community More effort 47% 38% 48% 50% 47% 46% Same effort 50% 55% 50% 49% 48% 50% Less effort 3% 7% 3% 2% 5% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 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 62% 51% 35% 49% 50% 48% Same effort 36% 40% 61% 51% 44% 47% Less effort 2% 9% 5% 1% 6% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Safety: Includes police, fire and emergency medical response, and building inspection More effort 23% 30% 26% 27% 24% 26% Same effort 76% 67% 73% 68% 76% 72% Less effort 1% 3% 1% 5% 0% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas More effort 25% 21% 27% 28% 19% 24% Same effort 72% 76% 71% 71% 72% 73% Less effort 3% 3% 2% 1% 10% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 90 Table 102: Question 14 by Area of Residence 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. (Percent at least sometimes) Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Fort Collins local cable channel 14 and 881 13% 17% 24% 25% 16% 20% Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV 20% 17% 18% 24% 20% 19% City's website (www.fcgov.com) 72% 77% 86% 75% 81% 79% “City News” (insert with utility bill) 58% 68% 72% 60% 64% 65% Newsletters or brochures from City departments 49% 65% 64% 57% 58% 60% City employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) 53% 57% 65% 59% 49% 57% Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) 70% 77% 78% 69% 71% 73% “Recreator” (guide to recreation programs) 73% 62% 80% 62% 56% 66% Word of mouth 90% 92% 88% 90% 89% 90% Newspaper (print or online) 70% 73% 75% 67% 65% 70% Radio 60% 53% 52% 57% 53% 55% Television news 44% 43% 56% 43% 39% 45% Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.) 73% 57% 56% 68% 66% 63% OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) 16% 16% 23% 17% 20% 18% City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) 18% 20% 24% 14% 22% 20% City booth at local events 45% 32% 41% 44% 32% 38% City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 91 Appendix E: 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 “very good.” 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 residents 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. 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 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 92 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 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 communities in 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 “no opinion” Step1: Remove “don’t know” responses Total without “no opinion” 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 No opinion 2% -- Total 100% 100% 70 How do you rate Fort Collins as a place to live? 0% 3% 15% 0 Very bad 75 Good 25 Bad 100 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 93 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 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. Comparisons are provided at the national level and to other communities in Colorado’s Front Range. National Benchmarks Table 103: 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 89 118 383 Much higher Availability of affordable quality housing 31 272 293 Much lower Quality of public schools 80 94 258 Much higher As a place to raise children 84 148 374 Higher As a place to retire 73 120 349 Higher Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 71 59 282 Higher Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 84 132 447 Much higher Table 104: Recommend Living and Remain in City Benchmarks Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to national benchmark Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 88 141 275 Higher Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 85 117 266 Similar City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 94 Table 105: 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 82 141 303 Similar Table 106: Neighborhood-related 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 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 62 126 379 Much higher Table 107: Community Engagement Benchmarks In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to national benchmark Visited a neighborhood park or City park 92 38 258 Much higher Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 57 14 205 Much higher Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 58 24 253 Much higher Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 91 111 208 Similar Done a favor for a neighbor 79 144 203 Similar Table 108: 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 national benchmark Overall safety of residents 82 141 323 Higher Table 109: Personal Safety Benchmarks Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas in Fort Collins. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 95 Table 110: 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 20 266 Much higher Fire prevention/education 74 184 274 Similar Fire response time 83 4 9 Similar Fire services overall 82 288 375 Lower Crime prevention 69 202 349 Similar Traffic enforcement 62 262 364 Lower Police visibility 69 4 8 Similar Police response time 72 9 14 Similar Police services overall 70 360 451 Much lower Animal control 69 117 331 Higher Table 111: Safety-related Utility 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 Electric services 83 3 9 Higher Storm drainage 78 18 344 Much higher Table 112: 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 83 60 350 Much higher Air quality 74 137 232 Similar Recycling programs 80 144 352 Higher Overall quality of environment 81 95 267 Higher Table 113: 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 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 96 Table 114: 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 53 262 294 Much lower Ease of traveling by public transportation 59 15 39 Higher As a walkable city 67 152 291 Similar Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 15 294 Much higher Availability of parking Downtown 47 163 193 Much lower Level of traffic congestion 37 314 336 Much lower Street maintenance 65 89 387 Much higher Table 115: 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 national benchmark Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 72 81 288 Much higher Quality of recreational opportunities 85 21 289 Much higher Quality of public library services 84 141 335 Similar Table 116: 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 89 6 201 Much higher Recreational trails 90 3 15 Much higher Parks 88 46 319 Much higher Cemeteries 80 3 5 Much higher Athletic fields 81 3 12 Much higher Fort Collins Senior Center 82 3 6 Similar Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 84 2 6 Much higher Adult recreation programs 76 107 315 Higher Youth/teen recreation programs 76 3 6 Higher Table 117: 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 75 65 284 Much higher City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 97 Table 118: 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? 81 48 424 Much higher Table 119: 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 76 38 194 Much higher Utilities overall 77 69 165 Similar Table 120: 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 resident involvement 69 34 308 Much higher Listening to residents 62 4 19 Much higher Managing and planning for growth 57 4 12 Higher Overall direction of the City 68 76 308 Much higher Table 121: 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? 53 59 307 Much higher Table 122: Perceptions of City Employees Benchmarks Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. Fort Collins City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 98 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. Adams County, CO ........................ 441,603 Airway Heights city, WA ....................... 6,114 Albany city, OR ................................ 50,158 Albemarle County, VA ....................... 98,970 Albert Lea city, MN ........................... 18,016 Alexandria city, VA .......................... 139,966 Algonquin village, IL ......................... 30,046 Aliso Viejo city, CA ........................... 47,823 Altoona city, IA ................................. 14,541 American Canyon city, CA ................. 19,454 Ames city, IA .................................... 58,965 Andover CDP, MA .............................. 8,762 Ankeny city, IA .................................. 45,582 Ann Arbor city, MI ........................... 113,934 Annapolis city, MD ........................... 38,394 Apache Junction city, AZ ................... 35,840 Arapahoe County, CO .................... 572,003 Arkansas City city, AR ............................. 366 Arlington city, TX ............................. 365,438 Arvada city, CO ............................. 106,433 Asheville city, NC.............................. 83,393 Ashland city, OR ............................... 20,078 Ashland town, MA ............................ 16,593 Ashland town, VA ............................... 7,225 Aspen city, CO ................................... 6,658 Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), 115,452 Auburn city, AL ................................. 53,380 Augusta CCD, GA .......................... 134,777 Aurora city, CO .............................. 325,078 Austin city, TX ................................. 790,390 Avon town, CO .................................. 6,447 Avon town, IN .................................. 12,446 Avondale city, AZ.............................. 76,238 Azusa city, CA .................................. 46,361 Bainbridge Island city, WA ................. 23,025 Baltimore city, MD .......................... 620,961 Bartonville town, TX ............................ 1,469 Battle Creek city, MI .......................... 52,347 Bay City city, MI ................................ 34,932 Bay Village city, OH .......................... 15,651 Baytown city, TX ................................ 71,802 Bedford city, TX ................................ 46,979 Bedford town, MA ............................. 13,320 Bellevue city, WA ............................ 122,363 Bellingham city, WA .......................... 80,885 Benbrook city, TX .............................. 21,234 Bend city, OR ................................... 76,639 Bettendorf city, IA ............................. 33,217 Billings city, MT .............................. 104,170 Blaine city, MN ................................. 57,186 Bloomfield Hills city, MI ....................... 3,869 Bloomington city, IN ......................... 80,405 Bloomington city, MN ....................... 82,893 Blue Springs city, MO ........................ 52,575 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 99 Charlotte city, NC ........................... 731,424 Charlotte County, FL ....................... 159,978 Charlottesville city, VA ....................... 43,475 Chattanooga city, TN ...................... 167,674 Chautauqua town, NY ........................ 4,464 Chesterfield County, VA .................. 316,236 Citrus Heights city, CA ...................... 83,301 Clackamas County, OR .................. 375,992 Clarendon Hills village, IL .................... 8,427 Clayton city, MO .............................. 15,939 Clearwater city, FL .......................... 107,685 Cleveland Heights city, OH ............... 46,121 Clinton city, SC .................................. 8,490 Clive city, IA ..................................... 15,447 Clovis city, CA .................................. 95,631 College Park city, MD ....................... 30,413 College Station city, TX ..................... 93,857 Columbia city, MO ......................... 108,500 Columbia city, SC ........................... 129,272 Columbia Falls city, MT ....................... 4,688 Commerce City city, CO ................... 45,913 Concord city, CA ............................ 122,067 Concord town, MA ........................... 17,668 Conshohocken borough, PA ................ 7,833 Coon Rapids city, MN ....................... 61,476 Copperas Cove city, TX ..................... 32,032 Coral Springs city, FL ...................... 121,096 Coronado city, CA ............................ 18,912 Corvallis city, OR .............................. 54,462 Cottonwood Heights city, UT ............. 33,433 Creve Coeur city, MO ....................... 17,833 Cross Roads town, TX ......................... 1,563 Dacono city, CO ................................ 4,152 Dade City city, FL................................ 6,437 Dakota County, MN ....................... 398,552 Dallas city, OR ................................. 14,583 Dallas city, TX .............................. 1,197,816 Danville city, KY................................ 16,218 Dardenne Prairie city, MO ................. 11,494 Darien city, IL ................................... 22,086 Davenport city, FL ............................... 2,888 Davenport city, IA ............................. 99,685 Davidson town, NC .......................... 10,944 Dayton city, OH ............................. 141,527 Dayton town, WY ................................... 757 Decatur city, GA ............................... 19,335 Del Mar city, CA ................................. 4,161 DeLand city, FL ................................. 27,031 Delaware city, OH ............................ 34,753 Delray Beach city, FL ......................... 60,522 Denison city, TX ................................ 22,682 Denton city, TX ............................... 113,383 Denver city, CO ............................. 600,158 Derby city, KS ................................... 22,158 Des Moines city, IA ......................... 203,433 Des Peres city, MO ............................. 8,373 Destin city, FL ................................... 12,305 Dothan city, AL ................................. 65,496 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 100 Gilbert town, AZ ............................. 208,453 Gillette city, WY ................................ 29,087 Glen Ellyn village, IL ......................... 27,450 Glendora city, CA ............................. 50,073 Glenview village, IL ........................... 44,692 Globe city, AZ .................................... 7,532 Golden city, CO ............................... 18,867 Golden Valley city, MN ..................... 20,371 Goodyear city, AZ ............................ 65,275 Grafton village, WI ........................... 11,459 Grand Blanc city, MI ........................... 8,276 Grants Pass city, OR ......................... 34,533 Grass Valley city, CA ......................... 12,860 Greeley city, CO .............................. 92,889 Greenville city, NC ........................... 84,554 Greenwich town, CT ......................... 61,171 Greenwood Village city, CO .............. 13,925 Greer city, SC .................................. 25,515 Gunnison County, CO ...................... 15,324 Hailey city, ID ..................................... 7,960 Haines Borough, AK ........................... 2,508 Haltom City city, TX ........................... 42,409 Hamilton city, OH ............................ 62,477 Hamilton town, MA ............................. 7,764 Hanover County, VA ......................... 99,863 Harrisburg city, SD .............................. 4,089 Harrisonburg city, VA ........................ 48,914 Harrisonville city, MO ....................... 10,019 Hayward city, CA ............................ 144,186 Henderson city, NV ......................... 257,729 Herndon town, VA ............................ 23,292 High Point city, NC ......................... 104,371 Highland Park city, IL ........................ 29,763 Highlands Ranch CDP, CO ............... 96,713 Holland city, MI ................................ 33,051 Homer Glen village, IL ...................... 24,220 Honolulu County, HI ....................... 953,207 Hooksett town, NH ........................... 13,451 Hopkins city, MN .............................. 17,591 Hopkinton town, MA ......................... 14,925 Hoquiam city, WA .............................. 8,726 Horry County, SC ........................... 269,291 Howard village, WI ........................... 17,399 Hudson city, OH .............................. 22,262 Hudson town, CO .............................. 2,356 Huntley village, IL ............................. 24,291 Hurst city, TX .................................... 37,337 Hutchinson city, MN ......................... 14,178 Hutto city, TX .................................... 14,698 Independence city, MO ................... 116,830 Indianola city, IA ............................... 14,782 Indio city, CA ................................... 76,036 Iowa City city, IA ............................... 67,862 Irving city, TX .................................. 216,290 Issaquah city, WA ............................. 30,434 Jackson County, MI ......................... 160,248 James City County, VA ...................... 67,009 Jefferson County, NY....................... 116,229 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 101 Lindsborg city, KS ............................... 3,458 Little Chute village, WI ...................... 10,449 Littleton city, CO............................... 41,737 Livermore city, CA ............................. 80,968 Lombard village, IL ........................... 43,165 Lone Tree city, CO ........................... 10,218 Long Grove village, IL ......................... 8,043 Longmont city, CO ........................... 86,270 Longview city, TX .............................. 80,455 Lonsdale city, MN ............................... 3,674 Los Alamos County, NM ................... 17,950 Los Altos Hills town, CA....................... 7,922 Louisville city, CO ............................. 18,376 Lower Merion township, PA ................ 57,825 Lynchburg city, VA ............................ 75,568 Lynnwood city, WA ........................... 35,836 Macomb County, MI ....................... 840,978 Manassas city, VA ............................. 37,821 Manhattan Beach city, CA ................. 35,135 Manhattan city, KS ............................ 52,281 Mankato city, MN ............................. 39,309 Maple Grove city, MN ...................... 61,567 Maricopa County, AZ .................. 3,817,117 Marion city, IA .................................. 34,768 Marshfield city, WI ............................ 19,118 Martinez city, CA .............................. 35,824 Marysville city, WA ............................ 60,020 Matthews town, NC .......................... 27,198 McAllen city, TX .............................. 129,877 McKinney city, TX ............................ 131,117 McMinnville city, OR ......................... 32,187 Menlo Park city, CA .......................... 32,026 Menomonee Falls village, WI ............. 35,626 Mercer Island city, WA ...................... 22,699 Meridian charter township, MI ........... 39,688 Meridian city, ID ............................... 75,092 Merriam city, KS ............................... 11,003 Mesa city, AZ ................................. 439,041 Mesa County, CO .......................... 146,723 Miami Beach city, FL ......................... 87,779 Miami city, FL ................................. 399,457 Middleton city, WI ............................. 17,442 Midland city, MI ............................... 41,863 Milford city, DE ................................... 9,559 Milton city, GA ................................. 32,661 Minneapolis city, MN ...................... 382,578 Missouri City city, TX ......................... 67,358 Modesto city, CA ............................ 201,165 Monterey city, CA ............................. 27,810 Montgomery city, MN ......................... 2,956 Monticello city, UT .............................. 1,972 Montrose city, CO ............................ 19,132 Monument town, CO .......................... 5,530 Mooresville town, NC ....................... 32,711 Moraga town, CA ............................. 16,016 Morristown city, TN ........................... 29,137 Morrisville town, NC ......................... 18,576 Morro Bay city, CA ............................ 10,234 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 102 Palos Verdes Estates city, CA ............. 13,438 Papillion city, NE .............................. 18,894 Paradise Valley town, AZ ................... 12,820 Park City city, UT ................................ 7,558 Parker town, CO .............................. 45,297 Parkland city, FL ............................... 23,962 Pasco city, WA ................................. 59,781 Pasco County, FL ............................ 464,697 Payette city, ID .................................... 7,433 Pearland city, TX ............................... 91,252 Peoria city, AZ ................................ 154,065 Peoria city, IL .................................. 115,007 Pflugerville city, TX ............................ 46,936 Phoenix city, AZ ........................... 1,445,632 Pinehurst village, NC ........................ 13,124 Piqua city, OH .................................. 20,522 Pitkin County, CO ............................ 17,148 Plano city, TX .................................. 259,841 Platte City city, MO ............................. 4,691 Pleasant Hill city, IA ............................ 8,785 Pleasanton city, CA ........................... 70,285 Plymouth city, MN ............................. 70,576 Polk County, IA .............................. 430,640 Pompano Beach city, FL .................... 99,845 Port Orange city, FL .......................... 56,048 Portland city, OR ............................ 583,776 Post Falls city, ID .............................. 27,574 Powell city, OH ................................ 11,500 Prince William County, VA ............... 402,002 Prior Lake city, MN ........................... 22,796 Pueblo city, CO .............................. 106,595 Purcellville town, VA ............................ 7,727 Queen Creek town, AZ ..................... 26,361 Raleigh city, NC ............................. 403,892 Ramsey city, MN ............................... 23,668 Raymond town, ME ............................. 4,436 Raymore city, MO ............................. 19,206 Redmond city, OR ............................ 26,215 Redmond city, WA ............................ 54,144 Reno city, NV ................................. 225,221 Reston CDP, VA ................................ 58,404 Richland city, WA .............................. 48,058 Richmond city, CA .......................... 103,701 Richmond Heights city, MO ................. 8,603 Rio Rancho city, NM ......................... 87,521 River Falls city, WI ............................. 15,000 Riverside city, CA ............................ 303,871 Riverside city, MO............................... 2,937 Roanoke city, VA .............................. 97,032 Roanoke County, VA ......................... 92,376 Rochester Hills city, MI ...................... 70,995 Rock Hill city, SC .............................. 66,154 Rockville city, MD ............................. 61,209 Roeland Park city, KS .......................... 6,731 Rogers city, MN .................................. 8,597 Rohnert Park city, CA ........................ 40,971 Rolla city, MO .................................. 19,559 Roselle village, IL .............................. 22,763 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 103 Springboro city, OH .......................... 17,409 Springfield city, MO ........................ 159,498 Springville city, UT ............................ 29,466 St. Augustine city, FL ......................... 12,975 St. Charles city, IL ............................. 32,974 St. Cloud city, FL .............................. 35,183 St. Cloud city, MN ............................ 65,842 St. Joseph city, MO ........................... 76,780 St. Joseph town, WI ............................ 3,842 St. Louis County, MN ...................... 200,226 State College borough, PA ................ 42,034 Steamboat Springs city, CO ............... 12,088 Sterling Heights city, MI ................... 129,699 Sugar Grove village, IL ........................ 8,997 Sugar Land city, TX ........................... 78,817 Suisun City city, CA ........................... 28,111 Summit city, NJ ................................. 21,457 Summit County, UT ........................... 36,324 Summit village, IL ............................. 11,054 Sunnyvale city, CA .......................... 140,081 Surprise city, AZ .............................. 117,517 Suwanee city, GA ............................. 15,355 Tacoma city, WA ............................ 198,397 Takoma Park city, MD ....................... 16,715 Tamarac city, FL ............................... 60,427 Temecula city, CA ........................... 100,097 Tempe city, AZ ............................... 161,719 Temple city, TX ................................. 66,102 Texarkana city, TX ............................. 36,411 The Woodlands CDP, TX ................... 93,847 Thousand Oaks city, CA .................. 126,683 Tigard city, OR ................................. 48,035 Tracy city, CA ................................... 82,922 Trinidad CCD, CO ........................... 12,017 Tualatin city, OR ............................... 26,054 Tulsa city, OK ................................. 391,906 Twin Falls city, ID .............................. 44,125 Tyler city, TX ..................................... 96,900 University Heights city, OH ................ 13,539 University Park city, TX ....................... 23,068 Upper Arlington city, OH ................... 33,771 Urbandale city, IA ............................. 39,463 Vail town, CO .................................... 5,305 Vancouver city, WA ......................... 161,791 Ventura CCD, CA ........................... 111,889 Vernon Hills village, IL ....................... 25,113 Vestavia Hills city, AL ......................... 34,033 Victoria city, MN ................................. 7,345 Vienna town, VA ............................... 15,687 Virginia Beach city, VA..................... 437,994 Walnut Creek city, CA ....................... 64,173 Washington County, MN ................. 238,136 Washington town, NH ......................... 1,123 Washoe County, NV ....................... 421,407 Washougal city, WA .......................... 14,095 Wauwatosa city, WI .......................... 46,396 Waverly city, IA ................................... 9,874 Weddington town, NC ........................ 9,459 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 104 Front Range Benchmarks Table 124: 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 89 11 27 Higher Availability of affordable quality housing 31 16 18 Much lower Quality of public schools 80 4 17 Much higher As a place to raise children 84 13 28 Higher As a place to retire 73 10 29 Higher Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 71 5 20 Higher Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 84 13 31 Higher Table 125: Recommend Living and Remain in City Benchmarks Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to Front Range benchmark Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 88 7 18 Higher Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 85 7 18 Higher Table 126: 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 13 25 Similar Table 127: Neighborhood-related 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 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 62 6 24 Much higher City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 105 Table 128: Community Engagement Benchmarks In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to Front Range benchmark Visited a neighborhood park or City park 92 6 16 Higher Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 57 3 14 Much higher Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 58 1 15 Much higher Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 91 7 12 Similar Done a favor for a neighbor 79 9 12 Lower Table 129: 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 82 9 20 Much higher Table 130: 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 Front Range benchmark Your neighborhood during the day 92 8 17 Much higher Your neighborhood at night 81 5 8 Much higher Downtown Fort Collins during the day 87 14 20 Similar Downtown Fort Collins at night 66 7 8 Much lower Parks 77 Not available Not available Not available City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 106 Table 131: 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 19 Much higher Fire prevention/education 74 7 15 Similar Fire response time 83 Not available Not available Not available Fire services overall 82 14 18 Lower Crime prevention 69 8 20 Similar Traffic enforcement 62 16 25 Similar Police visibility 69 Not available Not available Not available Police response time 72 Not available Not available Not available Police services overall 70 20 28 Lower Animal control 69 6 23 Much higher Table 132: Safety-related Utility 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 Electric services 83 Not available Not available Not available Storm drainage 78 4 21 Much higher Table 133: 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 Front Range benchmark Community’s visual attractiveness 83 4 24 Much higher Air quality 74 6 15 Higher Recycling programs 80 5 17 Much higher Overall quality of environment 81 7 18 Much higher Table 134: Environment-related Utilities Benchmarks Please rate the quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 107 Table 135: 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 53 22 24 Much lower Ease of traveling by public transportation 59 5 9 Similar As a walkable city 67 15 24 Lower Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 4 25 Much higher Availability of parking Downtown 47 8 10 Much lower Level of traffic congestion 37 20 21 Much lower Street maintenance 65 4 27 Much higher Table 136: 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 72 7 21 Much higher Quality of recreational opportunities 85 4 23 Much higher Quality of public library services 84 9 21 Higher Table 137: 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 89 4 14 Much higher Recreational trails 90 3 5 Higher Parks 88 6 22 Much higher Cemeteries 80 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 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 84 Not available Not available Not available Adult recreation programs 76 10 21 Similar Youth/teen recreation programs 76 Not available Not available Not available Table 138: 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 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 108 Table 139: 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? 81 6 29 Much higher Table 140: 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 Front Range benchmark Utility billing 76 4 11 Higher Utilities overall 77 5 9 Similar Table 141: 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 resident involvement 69 3 25 Much higher Listening to residents 62 2 7 Much higher Managing and planning for growth 57 Not available Not available Not available Overall direction of the City 68 8 27 Higher Table 142: 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? 53 5 23 Much higher Table 143: Perceptions of City Employees Benchmarks City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 109 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 city, CO ............................. 106,433 Aurora city, CO .............................. 325,078 Boulder city, CO .............................. 97,385 Brighton city, CO ............................. 33,352 Broomfield city, CO .......................... 55,889 Castle Pines North city, CO ............... 10,360 Castle Rock town, CO ...................... 48,231 Centennial city, CO ........................ 100,377 Commerce City city, CO ................... 45,913 Dacono city, CO ................................ 4,152 Denver city, CO ............................. 600,158 Douglas County, CO ...................... 285,465 Edgewater city, CO ............................. 5,170 Englewood city, CO .......................... 30,255 Erie town, CO .................................. 18,135 Fort Collins city, CO ....................... 143,986 Golden city, CO ............................... 18,867 Greeley city, CO .............................. 92,889 Greenwood Village city, CO .............. 13,925 Highlands Ranch CDP, CO ............... 96,713 Lafayette city, CO ............................. 24,453 Lakewood city, CO ......................... 142,980 Larimer County, CO ....................... 299,630 Littleton city, CO............................... 41,737 Lone Tree city, CO ........................... 10,218 Longmont city, CO ........................... 86,270 Louisville city, CO ............................. 18,376 Monument town, CO .......................... 5,530 Parker town, CO .............................. 45,297 Pueblo city, CO .............................. 106,595 Westminster city, CO ...................... 106,114 Windsor town, CO ........................... 18,644 City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 110 Appendix F: Comparisons of Average Ratings by Year This appendix contains the average ratings for all evaluative questions compared by year. Differences between 2017 and 2015 can be considered “statistically significant” and are shaded grey if they are four points or more on the 100-point scale. Table 145: Question 1 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). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Overall, as a place to live 89 89 91 90 88 88 79 81 80 Overall safety of residents 82 81 84 83 81 81 72 76 78 Quality of shopping opportunities 75 72 72 70 68 68 66 NA NA Quality of dining opportunities 83 82 82 83 80 81 80 NA NA Quality of entertainment opportunities 75 73 73 69 68 67 68 NA NA Availability of job opportunities 60 57 55 52 48 49 50 NA NA Availability of affordable quality housing 31 38 53 54 58 52 40 43 37 Quality of arts and cultural opportunities 72 71 74 70 68 69 67 NA NA Quality of recreational opportunities 85 85 86 84 83 81 81 NA NA Availability of quality healthcare 75 77 76 77 74 73 NA NA NA Quality of public schools 80 82 80 80 77 76 76 NA NA Quality of public library services 84 83 81 81 79 77 75 76 78 As a place to raise children 84 87 87 86 84 83 81 84 81 As a place to retire 73 79 80 79 79 77 76 73 74 As a place to attend college 83 85 84 85 85 84 81 84 84 As a place to work 76 76 77 77 73 71 NA 66 73 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 71 72 76 72 69 70 64 67 64 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins 84 85 86 84 83 82 NA NA NA Table 146: Question 2 Compared by Year Please rate the quality of your neighborhood on each of the items listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Your neighborhood as a place to live 82 83 82 80 78 80 80 NA NA Your neighborhood as a place to raise children 77 77 75 75 72 73 78 NA NA Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) 79 79 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 111 Table 147: Question 5 Compared by Year Please tell us how safe you feel in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=always unsafe, 100=always safe) 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Downtown Fort Collins during the day 87 89 93 92 88 88 86 NA NA Downtown Fort Collins at night 66 68 71 69 70 69 67 NA NA Your neighborhood during the day 92 93 94 93 91 91 89 NA NA Your neighborhood at night 81 81 82 81 78 78 79 NA NA Parks 77 79 79 80 80 79 76 NA NA Natural areas/open spaces 79 79 80 79 80 78 NA NA NA Recreation facilities 84 84 86 83 84 82 79 NA NA Trails 78 78 78 77 76 74 72 NA NA Fort Collins overall during the day 87 87 90 88 NA NA NA NA NA Fort Collins overall at night 71 72 74 73 NA NA NA NA NA Table 148: Question 6 Compared by Year Please rate quality of each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 77 76 77 75 NA NA NA NA NA Disaster response and restoration of services 77 76 78 NA NA NA NA NA NA Fire prevention/education 74 77 76 75 NA NA NA NA NA Fire response time 83 83 83 81 NA NA NA NA NA Fire services overall 82 82 82 81 86 86 NA 85 87 Crime prevention 69 69 71 70 74 72 NA NA NA Police patrol 69 69 73 72 72 72 NA NA NA Traffic enforcement 62 62 67 69 68 68 NA 61 61 Police visibility 69 70 72 72 71 72 NA NA NA Police response time 72 73 74 72 70 71 NA 74 76 Police services overall 70 71 74 72 70 71 NA NA NA Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 62 64 65 66 63 63 NA NA NA Noise enforcement 61 62 65 66 NA NA NA NA NA Animal control 69 65 68 69 67 70 NA NA NA Business property maintenance 72 71 73 73 71 72 NA NA NA Residential property maintenance 69 70 70 69 67 68 NA NA NA Natural Areas Ranger services 79 79 78 78 NA NA NA NA NA Drinking water 86 89 89 88 85 85 83 NA NA Electric services 83 85 84 83 NA NA NA NA NA Sewer services 82 85 83 84 NA NA NA NA NA Storm drainage 78 78 77 77 NA NA NA NA NA Utility billing 76 78 75 76 NA NA NA NA NA Utilities overall 77 81 79 79 NA NA NA NA NA City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 112 Table 149: Question 7 Compared by Year Please rate the following areas of transportation in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Ease of driving 53 51 61 65 61 57 50 NA NA Ease of traveling by public transportation 59 57 56 54 48 51 38 NA NA As a walkable city 67 67 71 71 67 68 60 NA NA Ease of traveling by bicycle 79 77 79 81 78 78 68 NA NA Availability of parking Downtown 47 46 49 51 51 52 NA NA NA Level of traffic congestion 37 33 45 50 48 44 NA 32 27 Street maintenance 65 57 61 61 52 60 NA 59 59 Table 150: Question 8 Compared by Year Please rate the City's performance in each of the following in Fort Collins. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Managing and planning for growth 57 58 63 62 59 53 43 44 40 Efficient operation of programs and services 68 66 69 66 63 63 53 NA NA Encouraging sustainability in the community 74 71 72 71 NA NA NA NA NA Overall direction of the City 68 68 71 70 65 63 NA NA NA Support of businesses 70 69 70 69 63 63 NA NA NA Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 69 69 67 65 57 57 56 NA NA Encouraging a variety of businesses 69 69 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Retaining existing businesses 64 65 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Attracting new businesses 67 66 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Welcoming resident involvement 69 71 71 70 64 66 48 NA NA Listening to residents 62 61 63 63 58 57 55 NA NA Informing residents 66 67 71 70 66 67 62 63 62 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 65 64 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Providing emergency information 68 70 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Table 151: Question 9 Compared by Year Please rate the quality of the environment in Fort Collins in each of the following areas. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Community's visual attractiveness 83 83 84 81 80 82 78 75 70 Air quality 74 78 83 80 80 78 71 67 63 Recycling programs 80 77 80 79 77 76 71 68 69 Conservation efforts 79 77 79 78 78 75 NA NA NA Overall quality of environment 81 81 83 81 81 80 76 NA NA City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 113 Table 152: Question 10 Compared by Year Please rate the quality of each of the programs or facilities listed below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Natural areas and open space 89 88 87 86 85 84 82 78 76 Recreational trails 90 89 88 87 86 86 83 82 81 Parks 88 87 87 86 84 85 82 83 83 Cemeteries 80 79 81 78 75 75 74 73 72 Golf courses 80 79 79 78 76 79 78 78 78 Athletic fields 81 79 81 80 78 79 76 78 77 Northside Aztlan Community Center 81 81 80 81 80 79 67 NA NA Fort Collins Senior Center 82 84 82 82 81 82 83 NA NA Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) 78 78 79 79 78 78 79 NA NA Mulberry Pool 72 74 74 75 74 71 72 NA NA The Farm at Lee Martinez Park 82 81 81 80 79 79 81 NA NA The Gardens on Spring Creek 85 85 84 84 81 82 76 NA NA Pottery studio 77 79 80 77 76 74 74 NA NA Art in Public Places program 82 79 80 78 72 74 67 NA NA Lincoln Center programs 80 80 80 80 76 77 76 77 78 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 84 84 83 78 71 70 72 70 72 Adult recreation programs 76 75 78 76 74 73 73 71 74 Senior recreation programs 78 78 80 78 77 78 78 75 78 Youth/teen recreation programs 76 75 78 77 74 72 67 69 63 Table 153: Question 11 Compared by Year (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Fort Collins? 81 79 79 78 74 73 NA NA NA Table 154: Question 12a Compared by Year Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate City employee(s) on each of the items below. (Average rating 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Courtesy 86 84 85 84 82 81 83 81 84 Promptness 79 81 79 79 76 76 77 75 77 Knowledge 82 81 79 79 79 77 78 77 78 Making you feel valued 77 75 74 75 75 75 75 75 76 Overall impression 80 79 79 78 78 77 NA NA NA 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 114 Table 155: Question 12b 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 0=very bad, 100=very good). 2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2003 2001 Courtesy 78 74 77 76 80 72 72 73 69 Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 73 74 74 74 67 68 66 69 65 Making residents or customers feel valued 74 71 73 72 72 69 67 67 64 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 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 115 Appendix G: Survey Methodology The 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey, conducted by National Research Center, Inc., was developed to provide the City with an accurate and easy way to assess and interpret resident opinion about important local topics. Results offer insight into residents’ perspectives about the community as a whole, including local amenities, services, public trust, resident participation and other aspects of the community in order to support budgeting, land use and strategic planning and communication with residents. Resident demographic characteristics permit comparison to the Census as well as comparison of results for different subgroups of residents. The City of Fort Collins funded this research. Please contact Annie Bierbower of the City of Fort Collins at abierbower@fcgov.com address if you have any questions about the survey. Developing the Questionnaire The Fort Collins Citizen Survey was the ninth iteration of the survey. The previous surveys were collected by mail biennially starting in 2001 through 2015. The 2017 Community Survey for Fort Collins was developed in conjunction with City staff, starting with the 2015 survey. Topics were generated for new questions and then were modified to find those that were the best fit for the 2017 questionnaire. In an iterative process between City staff and NRC staff, a final five-page questionnaire was created. In an effort to increase response, the City trimmed the survey from six to five pages for the 2017 administration. Selecting Survey Recipients “Sampling” refers to the method by which households were chosen to receive the survey. All households within the City of Fort Collins were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codes serving Fort Collins was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Fort Collins households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file (updated on a quarterly basis) and addresses located outside of the City of Fort Collins boundaries were removed from consideration. Each address identified as being within City boundaries was further identified as being within one of six geographic areas. The six areas were designated using College Avenue as the east/west split and Prospect Road and Harmony Road as additional north/south divisions. To choose the 3,000 households to receive a survey, a systematic sampling method was applied to the list of households previously screened for geographic location. Systematic sampling is a procedure whereby a complete list of all possible households is culled, selecting every Nth one, giving each eligible household a known probability of selection, until the appropriate number of households is selected. Multi-family housing units were selected at a higher rate as residents of this type of housing typically respond at lower rates to surveys than do those in single-family housing units. An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the cover letter accompanying the questionnaire. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 116 Additionally, 700 Colorado State University (CSU) students were randomly selected by University staff to receive the survey from those that reside in dormitories. The University provided NRC with email addresses for the selected dormitory students. Survey Administration and Response Selected households received three mailings, one week apart, beginning on August 28, 2017. The first mailing was a prenotification postcard announcing the upcoming survey. The next mailing contained a letter from the Mayor and City Manager inviting the household to participate, a questionnaire and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing contained a reminder letter, another survey and a postage-paid return envelope. The second cover letter asked those who had not completed the survey to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from turning in another survey. The survey was available in English and Spanish. Both cover letters contained paragraphs in Spanish instructing participants to contact the City if they needed a questionnaire in Spanish; respondents could opt to take the survey online as well in their language of preference. Completed surveys were collected over the following seven weeks. About 4% of the 3,000 surveys mailed were returned because the housing unit was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,864 households that received the survey, 657 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 23% for the household survey. Of the 657 responses, 69 were completed online and one was completed in Spanish. Additionally, responses for the household survey were tracked by six areas; response rates by geographic areas ranged from 18% to 34%. For the web-based survey emailed to CSU dormitory students, 105 submitted a survey. No emails bounced or were undeliverable and all completed surveys were in English. The response rate for the dormitory student survey was 15%. The overall response rate for all survey respondents (households and dormitory students) was 21%. All response rates were calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #23 for mailed surveys of unnamed persons and can be found in the table on the following page. Table 156: Survey Response Rates by Area Northeast East Central Southeast Northwest West Central Southwest Household Overall CSU Overall Total sample used 361 729 477 625 667 141 3,000 700 3,700 I=Complete Interviews 73 165 104 105 154 48 649 73 722 P=Partial Interviews 0 3 0 1 4 0 8 32 40 R=Refusal and break off 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NC=Non Contact 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O=Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 UH=Unknown household 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 UO=Unknown other 255 528 354 489 488 93 2,207 595 2,802 Response rate: (I+P)/(I+P) + (R+NC+O) + (UH+UO) 22% 24% 23% 18% 24% 34% 23% 15% 21% 3 See AAPOR’s Standard Definitions here: http://www.aapor.org/Standards-Ethics/Standard-Definitions-(1).aspx for more information City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 117 95% Confidence Intervals The 95% confidence interval (or “margin of error”) quantifies the “sampling error” or precision of the estimates made from the survey results. A 95% confidence interval can be calculated for any sample size, and indicates that in 95 of 100 surveys conducted like this one, for a particular item, a result would be found that is within three percentage points of the result that would be found if everyone in the population of interest was surveyed. The practical difficulties of conducting any resident survey may introduce other sources of error in addition to sampling error. Despite best efforts to boost participation and ensure potential inclusion of all households, some selected households will decline participation in the survey (referred to as non-response error) and some eligible households may be unintentionally excluded from the listed sources for the sample (referred to as coverage error). While the margin of error for the survey is generally no greater than plus or minus four percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents; results for subgroups will have wider confidence intervals. Where estimates are given for subgroups, they are less precise. Survey Processing (Data Entry) Mailed surveys were returned via postage-paid business reply envelopes. Once received, staff assigned a unique identification number to each questionnaire. Additionally, each survey is reviewed and “cleaned” as necessary. For example, a question may have asked a respondent to pick two items out of a list of five, but the respondent checked three; staff would choose randomly two of the three selected items to be coded in the dataset. Once all surveys were assigned a unique identification number, they were entered into an electronic dataset. This dataset is subject to a data entry protocol of “key and verify,” in which survey data were entered twice into an electronic dataset and then compared. Discrepancies were evaluated against the original survey form and corrected. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. NRC used Qualtrics, a web-based survey and analytics platform, to collect the online survey data. Use of an online system means all collected data are entered into the dataset when the respondents submit the surveys. Skip patterns are programmed into system so respondents are automatically “skipped” to the appropriate question based on the individual responses being given. Online programming also allows for more rigid control of the data format, making extensive data cleaning unnecessary. A series of quality control checks were also performed in order to ensure the integrity of the web data. Steps may include and not be limited to reviewing the data for clusters of repeat IP addresses and time stamps (indicating duplicate responses) and removing empty submissions (questionnaires submitted with no questions answered). Survey Data Weighting The demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 United States Census. 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 were also aided by the weighting due to the intercorrelation of many socioeconomic characteristics. The variables used for weighting the household respondent data were gender, age, housing unit type, housing tenure (rent or own) and area of residence. An additional weight was applied to all respondents City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 118 (households and CSU dormitory students) based on whether a respondent was a CSU dormitory student. No adjustments were made for design effects. This decision was based on:  The disparity between the survey respondent characteristics and the population norms for these variables  The saliency of these variables in differences of opinion among subgroups  The historical profile created and the desirability of consistently representing different groups over the years The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey sample reflective of the larger population of the community. This is done by: 1) reviewing the sample demographics and comparing them to the population norms from the most recent Census or other sources and 2) comparing the responses to different questions for demographic subgroups. The demographic characteristics that are least similar to the Census and yield the most different results are the best candidates for data weighting. A third criterion sometimes used is the importance that the community places on a specific variable. For example, if a jurisdiction feels that accurate race representation is key to staff and public acceptance of the study results, additional consideration will be given in the weighting process to adjusting the race variable. Several different weighting “schemes” are tested to ensure the best fit for the data. The results of the weighting scheme are presented in the table on the following page. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 119 Table 157: 2017 Fort Collins, CO Weighting Table Characteristic Census 2010 Unweighted Data Weighted Data Housing** Own home 55% 72% 56% Rent home 45% 28% 44% Detached unit* 60% 64% 61% Attached unit* 40% 36% 39% Race and Ethnicity** White 90% 92% 92% Not white 10% 8% 8% Not Hispanic 92% 95% 94% Hispanic 8% 5% 6% Sex and Age** Male 50% 40% 49% Female 50% 60% 51% 18-34 years of age 45% 20% 44% 35-54 years of age 31% 28% 30% 55+ years of age 23% 53% 25% Males 18-34 24% 7% 23% Males 35-54 15% 11% 15% Males 55+ 11% 22% 11% Females 18-34 22% 13% 21% Females 35-54 16% 16% 16% Females 55+ 13% 31% 14% Area** Northeast 12% 11% 12% East Central 24% 26% 24% Southeast 16% 16% 16% Northwest (excludes CSU dorm students) 21% 16% 20% West Central 22% 24% 22% Southwest 5% 7% 5% CSU Dorm Student CSU dorm student 5% 14% 5% Not a CSU dorm student 95% 86% 95% * ACS 2011 5-year estimates ** Only of the population in housing units City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 120 Analyzing the Data The electronic dataset was analyzed by NRC staff using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). For the most part, frequency distributions and mean ratings are presented in the body of the report. A complete set of frequencies for each survey question is presented in Appendix B. Complete Set of Survey Responses. Also included are results by respondent characteristics (Appendix C: Comparisons of Select Questions by Respondent Characteristics) and geographic area of residence (Appendix D: Comparisons of Select Questions by Area of Residence). Chi-square or ANOVA tests of significance were applied to these breakdowns of selected survey questions. 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 have been marked with grey shading in the appendices. City of Fort Collins 2017 Community Survey Report Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 121 Appendix H: Survey Materials The 2017 survey materials, including the email messages sent to CSU students, appear on the following pages. Dear Fort Collins Resident, It won’t take much of your time to make a big difference! Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a survey about your community. Your survey will arrive in a few days. Thank you for helping create a better community! Estimado Residente de Fort Collins, ¡No le tomará mucho de su tiempo para marcar una gran diferencia! Su hogar ha sido elegido al azar para participar en una encuesta sobre su comuni- dad. Su encuesta le llegará dentro de pocos días. ¡Gracias por ayudar a crear una comunidad mejor! Sincerely/Atentamente, Wade Troxell Darin Atteberry Mayor/Alcalde City Manager/Administrador de la Ciudad Dear Fort Collins Resident, It won’t take much of your time to make a big difference! Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a survey about your community. Your survey will arrive in a few days. Thank you for helping create a better community! Estimado Residente de Fort Collins, ¡No le tomará mucho de su tiempo para marcar una gran diferencia! Su hogar ha sido elegido al azar para participar en una encuesta sobre su comuni- dad. Su encuesta le llegará dentro de pocos días. ¡Gracias por ayudar a crear una comunidad mejor! Sincerely/Atentamente, Wade Troxell Darin Atteberry Mayor/Alcalde City Manager/Administrador de la Ciudad Dear Fort Collins Resident, It won’t take much of your time to make a big difference! Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a survey about your community. Your survey will arrive in a few days. Thank you for helping create a better community! Estimado Residente de Fort Collins, ¡No le tomará mucho de su tiempo para marcar una gran diferencia! Su hogar ha sido elegido al azar para participar en una encuesta sobre su comuni- dad. Su encuesta le llegará dentro de pocos días. ¡Gracias por ayudar a crear una comunidad mejor! Sincerely/Atentamente, Wade Troxell Darin Atteberry Mayor/Alcalde City Manager/Administrador de la Ciudad Dear Fort Collins Resident, It won’t take much of your time to make a big difference! Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a survey about your community. Your survey will arrive in a few days. Thank you for helping create a better community! Estimado Residente de Fort Collins, ¡No le tomará mucho de su tiempo para marcar una gran diferencia! Su hogar ha sido elegido al azar para participar en una encuesta sobre su comuni- dad. Su encuesta le llegará dentro de pocos días. ¡Gracias por ayudar a crear una comunidad mejor! Sincerely/Atentamente, Wade Troxell Darin Atteberry Mayor/Alcalde City Manager/Administrador de la Ciudad Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Communications & Public Involvement Office Permit NO. 94 PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Communications & Public Involvement Office Permit NO. 94 PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Communications & Public Involvement Office Permit NO. 94 PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Communications & Public Involvement Office Permit NO. 94 PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 City Manager’s Office 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6505 970.224.6107 - fax fcgov.com Dear City of Fort Collins Resident: Please help us shape the future of Fort Collins! You have been selected at random to participate in the 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed survey. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. Your feedback will help Fort Collins make decisions that affect our City. A few things to remember:  Your responses are completely anonymous.  In order to hear from a diverse group of residents, the adult 18 years or older in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey.  You may return the survey by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or you can complete the survey online at: www.bit.ly/fortcollins2017 If you have any questions about the survey please call or email Annie at 970-221-6264 or abierbower@fcgov.com. Thank you for your time and participation! Estimado Residente de la Ciudad de Fort Collins: ¡Por favor ayúdenos a moldear el futuro de Fort Collins! Usted ha sido seleccionado al azar para participar en la Encuesta Comunitaria de Fort Collins del 2017. Por favor tome unos minutos para completar la encuesta adjunta; si usted preferiría completar la encuesta en español, por favor siga las instrucciones abajo para acceder a la encuesta en español por medio de la red. Su participación en esta encuesta es muy importante – especialmente porque su hogar es uno de solamente un número pequeño de hogares que se están encuestando. Sus observaciones le ayudarán a Fort Collins tomar decisiones que afectarán a nuestra ciudad. Algunas cosas para recordar:  Sus respuestas son completamente anónimas.  Para poder escuchar a un grupo diverso de residentes, el adulto de 18 años o más en su hogar que haya celebrado su cumpleaños más recientemente debe completar esta encuesta.  Puede devolver la encuesta por correo en el sobre pre-pagado adjunto, o puede completar la encuesta en línea en español en: www.bit.ly/fortcollins2017 Para la versión en español haga clic en “Español” en la esquina superior a mano derecha. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta o para solicitar una copia de la encuesta en Español por favor llame a Annie a 970-221-6264 o envía un mensaje de correo electrónico at abierbower@fcgov.com. ¡Gracias por su tiempo y participación! Sincerely/Atentamente, City Manager’s Office 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6505 970.224.6107 - fax fcgov.com Dear City of Fort Collins Resident: Here’s a second chance if you haven’t already responded to the 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey! (If you completed it and sent it back, we thank you for your time and ask you to recycle this survey. Please do not respond twice.) Please help us shape the future of Fort Collins! You have been selected at random to participate in the 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed survey. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. Your feedback will help Fort Collins make decisions that affect our City. A few things to remember:  Your responses are completely anonymous.  In order to hear from a diverse group of residents, the adult 18 years or older in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey.  You may return the survey by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or you can complete the survey online at: www.bit.ly/fortcollins2017 If you have any questions about the survey please call or email Annie at 970-221-6264 or abierbower@fcgov.com. Thank you for your time and participation! Estimado Residente de la Ciudad de Fort Collins: ¡Aquí tiene una segunda oportunidad si usted aún no ha respondido a la Encuesta Comunitaria de Fort Collins del 2017! (Si usted la completó y la devolvió, le damos las gracias por su tiempo y le pedimos que recicle esta encuesta. Por favor no responda dos veces.) ¡Por favor ayúdenos a moldear el futuro de Fort Collins! Usted ha sido seleccionado al azar para participar en la Encuesta Comunitaria de Fort Collins del 2017. Por favor tome unos minutos para completar la encuesta adjunta; si usted preferiría completar la encuesta en español, por favor siga las instrucciones abajo para acceder a la encuesta en español por medio de la red. Su participación en esta encuesta es muy importante – especialmente porque su hogar es uno de solamente un número pequeño de hogares que se están encuestando. Sus observaciones le ayudarán a Fort Collins tomar decisiones que afectarán a nuestra ciudad. Algunas cosas para recordar:  Sus respuestas son completamente anónimas.  Para poder escuchar a un grupo diverso de residentes, el adulto de 18 años o más en su hogar que haya celebrado su cumpleaños más recientemente debe completar esta encuesta.  Puede devolver la encuesta por correo en el sobre pre-pagado adjunto, o puede completar la encuesta en línea en español en: Resident Survey Email Messages for CSU Students EMAIL #1 SUBJECT LINE: What do you think of Fort Collins? This is your chance to tell us exactly what you think about our city. You are one of a very few randomly selected CSU students being asked to participate in an anonymous survey. Complete the survey online here. Thanks for helping us! Wade Troxell, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager EMAIL #2 SUBJECT LINE: REMINDER: We need your opinion about Fort Collins! As a CSU student, you recently received an email inviting you to participate in the 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey. If you haven’t completed the survey, please participate today! It’s important that we gather your opinions! Take a few minutes and complete the online survey here. We need to hear from you to help Fort Collins become a better place. Thanks for your feedback! Wade Troxell, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager EMAIL #3 SUBJECT LINE: LAST CHANCE: We know you’re crazy busy, but we need you . . . We need to know what CSU students think! If you haven’t completed the anonymous 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey, this is your last chance! Please complete the survey online here no later than October 1. Your input is very important and since you are one of a very few randomly selected CSU students being asked to participate, your voice is more important than ever. Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your opinions! Wade Troxell, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager 2017 Fort Collins Community Survey -- 1 -- Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Your responses to this survey are completely anonymous. 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 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Overall quality of life in Fort Collins ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 2. 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 Access within your neighborhood to everyday needs (i.e., grocery shopping, services, and amenities) ...................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 4. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Fort Collins? 2 times a 2-4 times Once Not week or more a month a month or less at all Visited a neighborhood park or City park ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 Attended a neighborhood-sponsored event ................................................. 1 2 3 4 Attended a government-organized event (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone ................. 1 2 3 4 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins ...................... 1 2 3 4 Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors ..................................... 1 2 3 4 Done a favor for a neighbor ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 201 7 F o r t C o l l i n s C o mmunity S u r v e y -- 2 -- 5. 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 spaces ......................................... 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 6. 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 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 7. 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 Level of traffic congestion ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Street maintenance ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 201 7 F o r t C o l l i n s C o mmunity S u r v e y -- 3 -- 8. Please rate the City’s performance in each of the following areas. Very Very No good Good Average Bad bad opinion 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 Support of businesses ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Encouraging a variety of businesses ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 Retaining existing businesses .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Attracting new businesses ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Welcoming resident involvement .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Listening to residents ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Informing residents.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Providing opportunities to participate in government activities ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Providing emergency information ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 9. 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 10. 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 The Gardens on Spring Creek .......................................................... 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 11. 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 201 7 F o r t C o l l i n s C o mmunity S u r v e y -- 4 -- 12. Have you had contact with any City employee(s) by phone, in person, via email or online within the last 12 months?  Yes  Answer Q12A ONLY  No  Answer Q12B ONLY 12A. Thinking about your most recent contact, please rate the 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 12B. Although you may not have had any recent personal contact with City employees, we would like to know your impression of how City employees interact with 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 residents or customers feel valued .............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 13. First, please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following aspects of the community. Then, please select which three (3) should be the top priorities for the City to focus on in the next 5 years. More Same Less No Top 3 effort effort effort opinion priorities 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, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; 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  201 7 F o r t C o l l i n s C o mmunity S u r v e y -- 5 -- 14. 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 and 881 ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Online video FCTV on www.fcgov.com/FCTV ........................................................................ 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 employees or departments (e.g., contacting by phone, email or in person) ............... 1 2 3 4 Tracks and Trails (the guide to natural areas activities) ...................................................... 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, Nextdoor, etc.) ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 OurCity Platform (ourcity.fcgov.com) .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 City of Fort Collins mobile apps (Access Fort Collins, Digital Publications, Recreator) ........ 1 2 3 4 City booth at local events .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 This section is optional. However, we ask for the information below so that we can better understand responses and address any problems that residents may have with City services. You will remain completely anonymous, and your responses will never be reported individually. D1. About how many years have you lived in Fort Collins? _____ Years (Record 0 if less than 6 months) D2. Are you a full-time or part-time student at a college or university in Fort Collins?  Yes  GO TO QUESTION D3  No  GO TO QUESTION D4 D3. Which college or university do you attend?  Colorado State University  Front Range Community College  Another local college or university D4. What is your employment status?  Working full time for pay  Working part time for pay  Unemployed, looking for paid work  Unemployed, not looking for paid work  Fully retired D5. Do you work inside the boundaries of Fort Collins?  Yes, outside the home  Yes, from home  No D6. Which of the age groups below best describes you?  18-24  45-54  75 +  25-34  55-64  35-44  65-74 D7. Your gender  Male  Female D8. Which best describes the building you live in?  One family house detached from any other houses  Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)  Mobile home  Other D9. Do you own or rent your residence?  Own  Rent 1 2017 Community Survey Results Kelly DiMartino, Amanda King, Laurie Urban 1/9/18 ATTACHMENT 2 Background • Biennial (soon to be annual) survey • Conducted since 2001 • Statistically valid • Weighted based on U.S. Census data • Informs master plans, operational & department objectives 2 Survey Methods 3 3,000 residents /700 students contacted 762 completed (21%) Spanish option 6% Hispanic +/- 4% margin of error Results weighted Response Rates • Response rates continual concern in survey research • Increase response rate vs increase number of respondents • Potential strategies to increase participation: • Shorter survey • Matrix sampling (split longer survey into 4 shorter surveys and mail 1 survey each quarter to different households) • Multiple contacts •4th contact or IVR • Modify messaging (request help, survey uses, etc.) • Create a resident panel 4 2017 Ratings Compared to Benchmarks 5 NATIONAL 48 HIGHER 21 SIMILAR 8 LOWER FRONT RANGE 43 HIGHER 12 SIMILAR 10 LOWER Comparisons by Respondent Subgroups 6 Where differences were observed: Subgroups who tended to give HIGHER evaluations: Subgroups who tended to give LOWER evaluations: • Shorter-tenured residents (5 years or less) • Homeowners • 18-34 year olds • Residents living south of Harmony • Longer-tenured residents (20+ years) • Renters • Older respondents (35+) • Residents living in the West and East Central areas of the city Notable Shifts in Perceptions 7 • Street maintenance improved • Overall quality of City services was higher • City as a place to retire decreased • Air quality on the decline 47% 58% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 77% 90% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 80% 69% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 84% 73% 2008 2010 2012 2013 2015 2017 Higher than benchmarks Additional Highlights 8 City’s visual attractiveness Overall environment Conservation efforts Recycling programs Air quality Residents applaud the environment & protection efforts 89% 84% 82% 73% 90% Percent very good or good Higher than benchmarks Overall safety of residents very good or good Residents feel safe 90% 9 in10usually or always feel safe in… • Their neighborhood during the day • The city overall during the day • Downtown during the day • Recreation facilities Using Survey Results 9 Benchmark service ratings Monitor trends in resident opinion Measure government performance Inform budget, land use, strategic planning decisions Using Survey Results 10 • Strategic Plan Update 11 Strategy MAPs – Tool to Measure Progress Achieving Our Strategic Objectives Strategy MAPs – Tool to Measure Progress Achieving Our Strategic Objectives Strategy Map Metrics - 160+ metrics across 56 Strategic Objectives - Indicate progress achieving each Strategic Objective - Discussed in Strategy Map reviews (replaces MOR) Community Dashboard Metrics - 39 metrics across 7 Outcomes - Indicates how we are doing at achieving our Outcomes - Discussed in QSARs Other Operational Metrics - Day to day, operational measures that are important to each Department Using Survey Results Using Survey Results 12 • 20 survey metrics • Summarized progress and status of metrics & initiatives • Discussed at monthly Strategy Map reviews Using Survey Results 13 • Top priority issues and opportunities for residents • Survey includes key topics to be included in City Plan • Comparison benchmark data • Geographical/demographical trends Feedback from 2015 • Look for ways to increase response rate in future surveys • Plan carefully for use of data • Data is a starting point for further research • Revisit options for reframed or additional question in future surveys 14 student@colostate.edu SUBJECT LINE: What do you think of Fort Collins? This is your chance to tell us exactly what you think about our city. You are one of a very few randomly selected CSU students being asked to participate in an anonymous survey. Complete the survey online here. Thanks for helping us! New in 2017 • Annual starting in 2017 • Additional mini- survey each Spring 15 Next Steps • Staff communication toolkit • Share results with community • Survey alignment & refinement • Utilities Customer Survey • National Business Survey 16 Thank You 17 Questions? Please respond to both questions D10 and D11: D10. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?  No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino  Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino D11. What is your race? (Please mark the race or races you identify as.)  American Indian or Alaskan Native  Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander  Black or African American  White  Other 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/communitysurvey or call (970) 416-2209. www.bit.ly/fortcollins2017 Para la versión en español haga clic en “Español” en la esquina superior a mano derecha. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta o para solicitar una copia de la encuesta en Español por favor llame a Annie a 970-221-6264 o envía un mensaje de correo electrónico at abierbower@fcgov.com. ¡Gracias por su tiempo y participación! Sincerely/Atentamente, Wade Troxell, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager Wade Troxell, Mayor Darin Atteberry, City Manager 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 86 5 7 Similar Promptness 79 Not available Not available Not available Knowledge 82 8 14 Similar Overall impression 80 8 28 Higher Table 144: City Communications 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 residents 66 3 5 Lower Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 65 9 18 Similar for comparison Comparison to Front Range benchmark Quality of shopping opportunities 75 5 23 Much higher Availability of job opportunities 60 6 24 Much higher Availability of quality healthcare 75 1 16 Much higher As a place to work 76 7 28 Much higher for comparison Comparison to Front Range benchmark Drinking water 86 2 16 Much higher Sewer services 82 2 18 Much higher Wentzville city, MO ........................... 29,070 West Carrollton city, OH ................... 13,143 West Chester borough, PA ................. 18,461 West Des Moines city, IA ................... 56,609 Western Springs village, IL ................. 12,975 Westerville city, OH .......................... 36,120 Westlake town, TX .................................. 992 Westminster city, CO ...................... 106,114 Weston town, MA ............................. 11,261 White House city, TN......................... 10,255 Wichita city, KS ............................... 382,368 Williamsburg city, VA ........................ 14,068 Willowbrook village, IL ........................ 8,540 Wilmington city, NC ........................ 106,476 Wilsonville city, OR ........................... 19,509 Windsor town, CO ............................ 18,644 Windsor town, CT ............................. 29,044 Winnetka village, IL ........................... 12,187 Winter Garden city, FL ....................... 34,568 Woodbury city, MN ........................... 61,961 Woodland city, CA ............................ 55,468 Wrentham town, MA ......................... 10,955 Wyandotte County, KS .................... 157,505 Yakima city, WA ............................... 91,067 York County, VA ............................... 65,464 Yorktown town, IN .............................. 9,405 Yorkville city, IL ................................. 16,921 Yountville city, CA ............................... 2,933 Rosemount city, MN .......................... 21,874 Rosenberg city, TX ............................. 30,618 Roseville city, MN ............................. 33,660 Round Rock city, TX ........................... 99,887 Royal Oak city, MI ............................ 57,236 Saco city, ME .................................... 18,482 Sahuarita town, AZ ........................... 25,259 Salida city, CO ................................... 5,236 Sammamish city, WA ......................... 45,780 San Anselmo town, CA ...................... 12,336 San Diego city, CA ....................... 1,307,402 San Francisco city, CA ..................... 805,235 San Jose city, CA ............................ 945,942 San Juan County, NM ..................... 130,044 San Marcos city, CA .......................... 83,781 San Marcos city, TX ........................... 44,894 San Rafael city, CA ........................... 57,713 Sanford city, FL ................................. 53,570 Sangamon County, IL ...................... 197,465 Santa Clarita city, CA ...................... 176,320 Santa Fe city, NM ............................. 67,947 Santa Fe County, NM ...................... 144,170 Santa Monica city, CA ....................... 89,736 Sarasota County, FL ........................ 379,448 Savage city, MN ............................... 26,911 Schaumburg village, IL ...................... 74,227 Schertz city, TX .................................. 31,465 Scott County, MN ........................... 129,928 Scottsdale city, AZ ........................... 217,385 Seaside city, CA ................................ 33,025 Sevierville city, TN ............................. 14,807 Shakopee city, MN ............................ 37,076 Sharonville city, OH .......................... 13,560 Shawnee city, KS ............................... 62,209 Shawnee city, OK ............................. 29,857 Sherborn town, MA ............................. 4,119 Shoreview city, MN ........................... 25,043 Shorewood village, IL ........................ 15,615 Shorewood village, WI ...................... 13,162 Sierra Vista city, AZ ........................... 43,888 Silverton city, OR ................................ 9,222 Sioux Center city, IA ............................ 7,048 Sioux Falls city, SD .......................... 153,888 Skokie village, IL ............................... 64,784 Snellville city, GA .............................. 18,242 Snoqualmie city, WA ......................... 10,670 Somerset town, MA ........................... 18,165 South Jordan city, UT ........................ 50,418 South Lake Tahoe city, CA ................. 21,403 Southlake city, TX .............................. 26,575 Spearfish city, SD .............................. 10,494 Spring Hill city, KS ............................... 5,437 Mountain Village town, CO ................. 1,320 Mountlake Terrace city, WA ............... 19,909 Murphy city, TX ................................. 17,708 Naperville city, IL ............................ 141,853 Napoleon city, OH ............................. 8,749 Needham CDP, MA .......................... 28,886 Nevada City city, CA ........................... 3,068 Nevada County, CA .......................... 98,764 New Braunfels city, TX ....................... 57,740 New Brighton city, MN ...................... 21,456 New Hanover County, NC ............... 202,667 New Hope city, MN .......................... 20,339 New Orleans city, LA ....................... 343,829 New Port Richey city, FL ..................... 14,911 New Smyrna Beach city, FL ................ 22,464 New Ulm city, MN ............................ 13,522 Newberg city, OR ............................. 22,068 Newport city, RI ................................ 24,672 Newport News city, VA .................... 180,719 Newton city, IA ................................. 15,254 Noblesville city, IN ............................ 51,969 Nogales city, AZ ............................... 20,837 Norcross city, GA ................................ 9,116 Norfolk city, VA ............................... 242,803 North Mankato city, MN .................... 13,394 North Port city, FL ............................. 57,357 North Richland Hills city, TX ............... 63,343 North Yarmouth town, ME ................... 3,565 Novato city, CA ................................ 51,904 Novi city, MI ..................................... 55,224 O'Fallon city, IL ................................. 28,281 O'Fallon city, MO ............................. 79,329 Oak Park village, IL ........................... 51,878 Oakland city, CA ............................ 390,724 Oakley city, CA ................................ 35,432 Oklahoma City city, OK .................. 579,999 Olathe city, KS ................................ 125,872 Old Town city, ME .............................. 7,840 Olmsted County, MN ...................... 144,248 Olympia city, WA .............................. 46,478 Orange village, OH ............................ 3,323 Orland Park village, IL ....................... 56,767 Orleans Parish, LA .......................... 343,829 Oshkosh city, WI ............................... 66,083 Oshtemo charter township, MI ........... 21,705 Oswego village, IL ............................ 30,355 Otsego County, MI ........................... 24,164 Ottawa County, MI ......................... 263,801 Paducah city, KY ............................... 25,024 Palm Beach Gardens city, FL .............. 48,452 Palm Coast city, FL ............................ 75,180 Palo Alto city, CA .............................. 64,403 Jefferson Parish, LA ......................... 432,552 Johnson City city, TN ......................... 63,152 Johnston city, IA ................................ 17,278 Jupiter town, FL ................................ 55,156 Kalamazoo city, MI ........................... 74,262 Kansas City city, KS ......................... 145,786 Kansas City city, MO ....................... 459,787 Keizer city, OR .................................. 36,478 Kenmore city, WA ............................. 20,460 Kennedale city, TX ............................... 6,763 Kennett Square borough, PA ................ 6,072 Kent city, WA .................................... 92,411 Kerrville city, TX ................................ 22,347 Kettering city, OH ............................. 56,163 Key West city, FL ............................... 24,649 King City city, CA .............................. 12,874 King County, WA ......................... 1,931,249 Kirkland city, WA .............................. 48,787 Kirkwood city, MO ............................ 27,540 Knoxville city, IA .................................. 7,313 La Plata town, MD .............................. 8,753 La Porte city, TX ................................ 33,800 La Vista city, NE ................................ 15,758 Lafayette city, CO ............................. 24,453 Laguna Beach city, CA ...................... 22,723 Laguna Niguel city, CA ..................... 62,979 Lake Forest city, IL ............................. 19,375 Lake in the Hills village, IL .................. 28,965 Lake Stevens city, WA ........................ 28,069 Lake Worth city, FL ............................ 34,910 Lake Zurich village, IL ........................ 19,631 Lakeville city, MN .............................. 55,954 Lakewood city, CO ......................... 142,980 Lakewood city, WA ............................ 58,163 Lane County, OR ............................ 351,715 Lansing city, MI ............................... 114,297 Laramie city, WY ............................... 30,816 Larimer County, CO ....................... 299,630 Las Cruces city, NM .......................... 97,618 Las Vegas city, NM............................ 13,753 Las Vegas city, NV........................... 583,756 Lawrence city, KS .............................. 87,643 Lawrenceville city, GA ....................... 28,546 Lee's Summit city, MO ....................... 91,364 Lehi city, UT ..................................... 47,407 Lenexa city, KS .................................. 48,190 Lewis County, NY .............................. 27,087 Lewiston city, ID ................................ 31,894 Lewisville city, TX ............................... 95,290 Lewisville town, NC ........................... 12,639 Libertyville village, IL .......................... 20,315 Lincoln city, NE ............................... 258,379 Douglas County, CO ...................... 285,465 Dover city, NH .................................. 29,987 Dublin city, CA ................................. 46,036 Dublin city, OH ................................ 41,751 Duluth city, MN ................................ 86,265 Durham city, NC ............................. 228,330 Durham County, NC ....................... 267,587 Eagan city, MN ................................. 64,206 Eagle Mountain city, UT .................... 21,415 Eagle town, CO .................................. 6,508 East Grand Forks city, MN ................... 8,601 East Lansing city, MI .......................... 48,579 Eau Claire city, WI ............................ 65,883 Eden Prairie city, MN ......................... 60,797 Edgerton city, KS ................................. 1,671 Edgewater city, CO ............................. 5,170 Edina city, MN .................................. 47,941 Edmond city, OK .............................. 81,405 Edmonds city, WA ............................. 39,709 El Cerrito city, CA ............................. 23,549 El Dorado County, CA .................... 181,058 Elk Grove city, CA ........................... 153,015 Elko New Market city, MN ................... 4,110 Elmhurst city, IL ................................. 44,121 Encinitas city, CA .............................. 59,518 Englewood city, CO .......................... 30,255 Erie town, CO .................................. 18,135 Escambia County, FL ....................... 297,619 Estes Park town, CO ........................... 5,858 Euclid city, OH ................................. 48,920 Fairview town, TX ................................ 7,248 Farmersville city, TX ............................. 3,301 Farmington Hills city, MI .................... 79,740 Fayetteville city, NC......................... 200,564 Fernandina Beach city, FL .................. 11,487 Fishers town, IN ................................ 76,794 Flagstaff city, AZ ............................... 65,870 Flower Mound town, TX ..................... 64,669 Forest Grove city, OR ........................ 21,083 Fort Collins city, CO ....................... 143,986 Fort Lauderdale city, FL ................... 165,521 Fort Smith city, AR ............................. 86,209 Franklin city, TN ................................ 62,487 Fremont city, CA ............................. 214,089 Friendswood city, TX .......................... 35,805 Fruita city, CO .................................. 12,646 Gahanna city, OH ............................ 33,248 Gaithersburg city, MD ....................... 59,933 Galveston city, TX ............................. 47,743 Gardner city, KS ............................... 19,123 Georgetown city, TX .......................... 47,400 Germantown city, TN ........................ 38,844 Boise City city, ID ............................ 205,671 Bonner Springs city, KS ........................ 7,314 Boone County, KY .......................... 118,811 Boulder city, CO ............................... 97,385 Bowling Green city, KY ...................... 58,067 Bozeman city, MT ............................. 37,280 Brentwood city, MO ............................ 8,055 Brentwood city, TN ............................ 37,060 Brighton city, CO .............................. 33,352 Brighton city, MI.................................. 7,444 Bristol city, TN .................................. 26,702 Broken Arrow city, OK ....................... 98,850 Brookfield city, WI ............................. 37,920 Brookline CDP, MA ........................... 58,732 Brooklyn Center city, MN ................... 30,104 Brooklyn city, OH ............................. 11,169 Broomfield city, CO .......................... 55,889 Brownsburg town, IN ......................... 21,285 Buffalo Grove village, IL .................... 41,496 Burien city, WA ................................. 33,313 Burleson city, TX ................................ 36,690 Burlingame city, CA .......................... 28,806 Cabarrus County, NC ..................... 178,011 Cambridge city, MA ........................ 105,162 Cannon Beach city, OR ....................... 1,690 Cañon City city, CO ......................... 16,400 Canton city, SD .................................. 3,057 Cape Coral city, FL ......................... 154,305 Cape Girardeau city, MO ................. 37,941 Carlisle borough, PA ......................... 18,682 Carlsbad city, CA ............................ 105,328 Carroll city, IA .................................. 10,103 Cartersville city, GA .......................... 19,731 Cary town, NC ............................... 135,234 Castine town, ME ................................ 1,366 Castle Pines North city, CO ............... 10,360 Castle Rock town, CO ....................... 48,231 Cedar Hill city, TX ............................. 45,028 Cedar Rapids city, IA ....................... 126,326 Celina city, TX .................................... 6,028 Centennial city, CO ........................ 100,377 Chandler city, AZ ............................ 236,123 Chandler city, TX ................................ 2,734 Chanhassen city, MN ........................ 22,952 Chapel Hill town, NC ........................ 57,233 Chardon city, OH ............................... 5,148 Charles County, MD ....................... 146,551 average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to national benchmark Courtesy 86 10 20 Similar Promptness 79 4 6 Similar Knowledge 82 39 66 Similar Overall impression 80 76 368 Much higher Table 123: City Communications Benchmarks Please rate the City's performance in the following area. Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to national benchmark Informing residents 66 6 13 Similar Providing opportunities to participate in government activities 65 147 262 Similar Availability of job opportunities 60 63 302 Much higher Availability of quality healthcare 75 44 249 Much higher As a place to work 76 76 350 Much higher benchmark Drinking water 86 23 314 Much higher Sewer services 82 37 316 Much higher Fort Collins average rating Rank Number of jurisdictions for comparison Comparison to national benchmark Your neighborhood during the day 92 86 303 Much higher Your neighborhood at night 81 17 59 Much higher Downtown Fort Collins during the day 87 230 346 Similar Downtown Fort Collins at night 66 68 76 Much lower Parks 77 7 11 Similar Very good 26% 50 Average 53% 70 operations, and transportation demand management More effort 72% 69% 68% 58% 60% 65% Same effort 27% 30% 32% 39% 39% 34% Less effort 1% 1% 0% 3% 1% 1% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair More effort 25% 20% 13% 22% 19% 19% Same effort 71% 75% 83% 73% 77% 76% Less effort 4% 5% 4% 6% 4% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Courtesy 82 89 88 82 86 86 Promptness 86 83 73 76 78 79 Knowledge 81 85 82 81 81 82 Making you feel valued 78 79 73 75 78 77 Overall impression 80 83 81 77 81 80 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 Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Managing and planning for growth 59 53 58 62 54 57 Efficient operation of programs and services 67 67 68 72 67 68 Encouraging sustainability in the community 76 74 71 79 71 74 Overall direction of the City 66 67 71 73 63 68 Support of businesses 73 65 66 75 69 70 Promotion of the economic health of Fort Collins 72 67 68 72 68 69 Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) 77 80 78 74 74 77 Disaster response and restoration of services 80 80 79 74 75 77 Fire prevention/education 74 75 77 71 72 74 Fire response time 88 84 85 80 82 83 Fire services overall 85 83 84 79 81 82 Crime prevention 68 68 71 67 70 69 Police patrol 69 69 69 70 69 69 rating 0=very unlikely, 100=very likely). Geographic area of residence Northeast Overall East Central South of Harmony Northwest/ CSU West Central Recommend living in Fort Collins to someone who asks 80 78 84 78 76 79 Remain in Fort Collins for the next five years 88 80 88 73 76 80 Same effort 71% 72% 75% 67% 70% 74% 55% 73% 66% 72% Less effort 3% 1% 4% 1% 1% 1% 7% 2% 2% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Culture, Parks & Recreation: Includes operating and improving recreational facilities, Lincoln Center, Gardens on Spring Creek and the Museum of Discovery; providing recreational, arts and cultural programs and public art; maintaining parks, trails and cemeteries; and improving natural areas More effort 25% 22% 28% 24% 15% 24% 24% 25% 20% 24% Same effort 69% 76% 68% 72% 81% 72% 73% 72% 72% 73% Less effort 6% 2% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 2% 8% 4% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Transportation: Includes transportation planning and development, maintaining roads and traffic operations, Transfort operations, and transportation demand management More effort 65% 65% 67% 66% 60% 66% 61% 67% 61% 65% Same effort 32% 35% 33% 31% 38% 33% 36% 32% 37% 34% Less effort 3% 0% 0% 3% 2% 1% 3% 1% 2% 1% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair More effort 15% 23% 16% 23% 21% 17% 33% 18% 24% 19% Same effort 78% 74% 80% 73% 72% 78% 63% 78% 71% 76% Less effort 7% 3% 4% 4% 7% 5% 4% 5% 5% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% More effort 67% 65% 67% 61% 64% 66% 61% 66% 65% Same effort 33% 35% 30% 36% 34% 33% 38% 33% 34% Less effort 0% 0% 3% 3% 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% General Government: Includes internal support functions, City management, Council, boards and commissions, technology, communicating with residents and building maintenance and repair More effort 20% 21% 15% 19% 16% 23% 15% 20% 19% Same effort 75% 78% 80% 74% 79% 73% 82% 75% 76% Less effort 5% 2% 5% 7% 5% 4% 3% 5% 5% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Promptness in responding to inquiries and service requests 75 72 73 72 74 74 70 71 79 73 Making residents or customers feel valued 77 72 75 72 73 75 70 72 79 74 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 Recreation facilities 85 83 86 84 82 85 83 85 84 84 Trails 82 75 80 77 75 78 80 79 75 78 Fort Collins overall during the day 89 85 88 86 85 87 86 87 86 87 Fort Collins overall at night 73 69 71 72 70 71 71 71 70 71 (open house, City Council session, forum, etc.) 32% 29% 28% 33% 30% 31% 29% 31% 28% 30% Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone 57% 58% 65% 60% 40% 57% 55% 61% 46% 57% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Fort Collins 59% 56% 57% 63% 54% 57% 63% 61% 48% 58% Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 93% 88% 84% 96% 96% 93% 77% 91% 92% 91% Done a favor for a neighbor 84% 75% 66% 90% 90% 81% 67% 80% 78% 79% Same effort 76% 74% 76% 74% 69% 75% 65% Less effort 5% 7% 5% 7% 8% 3% 11% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% park 2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all