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