Subject:
Follow Up Discussion on Townwide Survey Topics
Body
Purpose:
to obtain final direction from the Town Council on survey topics for the 2026 Townwide Survey.
Key QUESTIONS:
Two custom survey questions probe community attitudes about the look and feel of Maple Avenue, and opinions about what the community thinks the Town’s priorities should be in the coming 3-5 years. Based on the options provided, how does the Council wish to proceed?
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The National Community Survey (NCS) (formerly known as the National Citizen Survey) is a community assessment that provides a comprehensive picture of livability and resident perspectives about local government services, policies and management. It compares local results with benchmarks compiled from surveys conducted across the United States. The Town of Vienna’s first NCS took place in 2014. The survey, which we refer to as the Townwide Survey, was conducted every two years until 2020, when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was resumed in 2023, and it was determined then that future surveys should be conducted every two years in non-election years, starting in 2026.
OVERVIEW:
This survey will help measure resident satisfaction with Town government and identify resident priorities for services and other issues that impact the Vienna Community. This in turn will help inform the Council’s priorities for future short- and long-range plans such as the Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive Plan.
The NCS is a proprietary benchmark survey that involves a standard set of questions developed by Polco/National Research Center and the International City/County Management Association (ICM). The Town has an opportunity to add three custom questions. The purpose of this conference session item is to finalize the two questions pertaining to Maple Avenue and to Town government priorities for the coming 3-5 years based on the Council’s ideas expressed at the May 11, 2026 Town Council work session.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
The National Community Survey is conducted in hundreds of communities across the United States. The company uses scientific survey methods and best practices to facilitate statistically valid findings that can help inform future local government decisions. It is a valuable, independent resource that provides insight into resident attitudes about the quality of life in the community.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
The Public Information Department recommends that the Town Council provide final direction on topic areas to explore via the custom questions.