The City of Sarasota, Florida
Transcripción
The City of Sarasota, Florida
1565 First Street. • Sarasota, FL 34236 • T: (941) 954-4115 • F: (941)954-4129 • www.sarasotagov.com The City of Sarasota, Florida Report of Results 2006 The National Citizen Survey™ National Research Center, Inc. 3005 30th St. • Boulder, CO 80301 • T: (303) 444-7863 • F: (303) 444-1145 • www.n-r-c.com The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Table of Contents Survey Background .......................................................................................... 1 About The National Citizen Survey™ ................................................................................. 1 Understanding the Results ............................................................................... 2 Survey Administration........................................................................................................ 2 Survey Validity................................................................................................................... 2 Use of the “Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor” Response Scale .................................................... 4 “Don’t Know” Responses .................................................................................................... 5 Putting Evaluations Onto a 100-Point Scale ...................................................................... 5 Interpreting Comparisons to Previous Years ....................................................................... 5 Community Life............................................................................................... 6 Quality of Life.................................................................................................................... 6 Ratings of Community Characteristics in Sarasota.............................................................. 9 Perceptions of Safety........................................................................................................ 16 Community Participation ................................................................................................. 18 Local Government ......................................................................................... 20 Public Trust ..................................................................................................................... 20 Service Provided by Sarasota ............................................................................................ 22 The City of Sarasota Employees ....................................................................................... 30 Additional Questions ..................................................................................... 32 Appendix A: Frequency of Responses to All Survey Questions...................... 34 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Appendix B: Survey Methodology.................................................................. 48 Sampling.......................................................................................................................... 48 Survey Administration...................................................................................................... 48 Response Rate and Confidence Intervals ........................................................................... 48 Weighting and Analyzing the Data.................................................................................... 49 Appendix C: Survey Materials ....................................................................... 52 Report of Results The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Survey Background About The National Citizen Survey™ The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS™) is a collaborative effort between National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The survey and its administration are standardized to assure high quality survey methods and comparable results across The National Citizen Survey™ jurisdictions. Participating households are selected at random and the household member who responds is selected without bias. Multiple mailings give each household more than one chance to participate with self-addressed and postage paid envelopes. Results are statistically re-weighted to reflect the proper demographic composition of the entire community. The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. The National Citizen Survey™ customized for this jurisdiction was developed in close cooperation with local jurisdiction staff. The City of Sarasota staff selected items from a menu of questions about services and community problems; they defined the jurisdiction boundaries NRC used for sampling; and they provided the appropriate letterhead and signatures for mailings. City of Sarasota staff also determined local interest in a variety of add-on options to The National Citizen Survey™ Basic Service. Report of Results 1 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Understanding the Results Survey Administration Following the mailing of a pre-survey notification postcard to a random sample of 3,000 households, surveys were mailed to the same residences approximately one week later. A reminder letter and a new survey were sent to the same households after two weeks. Of the mailed postcards, 539 were undeliverable due to vacant or “not found” addresses. Completed surveys were received from 606 residents, for a response rate of 25%. Typically, the response rates obtained on citizen surveys range from 25% to 40%. It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” (or margin of error). The 95 percent confidence level for this survey of 3,000 residents is generally no greater than plus or minus 4 percentage points around any given percent reported for the entire sample. The results were weighted to reflect the demographic profile of all residents in the City of Sarasota. (For more information on the survey methodology, see Appendix B. A copy of the survey materials can be found in Appendix C.) Survey Validity The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. The question of survey validity has two parts: 1) how can we be confident that the results from our sample are representative of the results we would have gotten had we administered the survey to the entire population? and 2) how closely do the perspectives recorded on the survey reflect what residents really believe or do? To answer the first question, we use the best survey research practices for the resources spent to assure that the results from the sample reflect the opinions of residents in the entire jurisdiction. These practices include: 1. Using a mail-out/mail-back methodology, which typically gets a higher response rate than phone for the same dollars spent. 2. Selecting households at random within the jurisdiction. 3. Over-sampling attached units to improve response from hard-to-reach, lower income, or younger apartment dwellers. Report of Results 2 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Understanding the Results 4. Selecting the respondent within the household using an unbiased sampling procedure1. 5. Contacting potential respondents three times to encourage response from people who may have different opinions or habits than those who would respond with only a single prompt. 6. Soliciting response on jurisdiction letterhead signed by the highest ranking elected official or staff member. 7. Providing a self-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. 8. Offering the survey in Spanish when appropriate and requested by City officials. The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. 9. Using the most recent available information about the characteristics of jurisdiction residents to re-weight the data to reflect the demographics of the population. The answer to the second question about how closely the perspectives recorded on the survey reflect what residents really believe or do is more complex. Resident responses to surveys are influenced by a variety of factors. For questions about service quality, residents’ expectations for service quality play a role as well as the “objective” quality of the service provided, the way the resident perceives the entire community (that is, the context in which the service is provided), the scale on which the resident is asked to record her opinion and, of course, the opinion, itself, that a resident holds about the service. Similarly a resident’s report of certain behaviors is colored by what he or she believes is the socially desirable response (e.g. reporting tolerant behaviors toward “oppressed groups,” likelihood of voting a tax increase for services to poor people, use of alternative modes of travel to work besides the single occupancy vehicle), her memory of the actual behavior (if it is not a question speculating about future actions, like a vote), her confidence that she can be honest without suffering any negative consequences (thus the need for anonymity) as well as the actual behavior itself. How closely survey results come to recording the way a person really feels or behaves often is measured by the coincidence of reported behavior with observed current behavior (e.g. driving habits), reported intentions to behave with observed future behavior (e.g. voting choices) or reported opinions about current community quality with objective characteristics of the community (e.g. feelings of safety correlated with rates of crime). There is a body of scientific literature that has investigated the relationship between reported behaviors and actual behaviors. Well-conducted surveys, by and large, do capture true respondent behaviors or intentions to act with great accuracy. Predictions of voting outcomes tend to be quite accurate using survey research, as do reported behaviors that are not about highly sensitive issues (e.g. family abuse or other 1 The birthday method requests that the respondent in the household be the adult (18 years old or older) who most recently had a birthday, irrespective of year of birth. Report of Results 3 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Understanding the Results illegal or morally sanctioned activities). For self-reports about highly sensitive issues, statistical adjustments can be made to correct for the respondents’ tendency to report what they think the “correct” response should be. Research on the correlation of resident opinion about service quality and “objective” ratings of service quality tend to be ambiguous, some showing stronger relationships than others. NRC’s own research has demonstrated that residents who report the lowest ratings of street repair live in communities with objectively worse street conditions than those who report high ratings of street repair (based on road quality, delay in street repair, number of road repair employees). Similarly, the lowest rated fire services appear to be “objectively” worse than the highest rated fire services (expenditures per capita, response time, “professional” status of fire fighters, breadth of services and training provided). Whether some research confirms or disconfirms that relationship between what residents think about a community and what can be seen “objectively” in a community, we have argued that resident opinion is a perspective that cannot be ignored by government administrators. Elsewhere we have written, “If you collect trash three times a day but residents think that your trash haul is lousy, you still have a problem.” The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Use of the “Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor” Response Scale The scale on which respondents are asked to record their opinions about service and community quality is “excellent,” “good,” “fair” or “poor” (EGFP). This scale has important advantages over other scale possibilities (very good to very bad; very satisfied to very dissatisfied; strongly agree to strongly disagree, as examples). EGFP is used by the plurality of jurisdictions conducting citizen surveys across the U.S. The advantage of familiarity is one we did not want to dismiss because elected officials, staff and residents already are acquainted with opinion surveys measured this way. EGFP also has the advantage of offering three positive options, rather than only two, over which a resident can offer an opinion. While symmetrical scales often are the right choice in other measurement tasks, we have found that ratings of almost every local government service in almost every jurisdiction tend, on average, to be positive (that is, above the scale midpoint). Therefore, to permit finer distinctions among positively rated services, EGFP offers three options across which to spread those ratings. EGFP is more neutral because it requires no positive statement of service quality to judge (as agree-disagree scales require) and, finally, EGFP intends to measure absolute quality of service delivery or community quality (unlike satisfaction scales which ignore residents’ perceptions of quality in favor of their report on the acceptability of the level of service offered). Report of Results 4 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Understanding the Results “Don’t Know” Responses On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix A. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. For two of the items related to crime victimization and crime reporting, “don’t know” responses were not removed. These questions were not evaluative; rather, respondents were asked if they or any member of their household had been a victim of a crime within the last year. If they were, they were then asked whether the crime had been reported to police. Putting Evaluations Onto a 100-Point Scale Although responses to many of the evaluative questions were made on a 4 point scale with 4 representing the best rating and 1 the worst, many of the results in this summary are reported on a common scale where 0 is the worst possible rating and 100 is the best possible rating. If everyone reported “excellent,” then the result would be 100 on the 100-point scale. Likewise, if all respondents gave a “poor” rating, the result would be 0 on the 100-point scale. If the average rating for quality of life was “good,” then the result would be 67 on a 100-point scale; “fair” would be 33 on the 100-point scale. The 95 percent confidence interval around an average score on the 100-point scale is no greater than plus or minus 4 points based on all respondents. The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Interpreting Comparisons to Previous Years This report contains comparisons with prior years’ results. In this report, we are comparing 2006 data with 2005 data in the graphs. In the graphs, there are two separate representations labeled by year. The table following a graph contains 2006 data only, and is labeled accordingly. Differences between years can be considered “statistically significant” if they are greater than 4 percentage points or 4 points on a 100 point scale. Report of Results 5 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life The National Citizen Survey™ contained many questions related to the life of residents in the community. Survey participants were asked to rate their overall quality of life, as well as other aspects of quality of life in Sarasota. They also evaluated characteristics of the community, and gave their perceptions of safety in the City of Sarasota. The questionnaire assessed use of the amenities of the community and involvement by respondents in the civic and economic life of Sarasota. Quality of Life When asked to rate the overall quality of life in Sarasota, 21% of respondents thought it was “excellent.” Only 7% rated overall quality of life as “poor.” Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life in Sarasota Excellent 21% Good 50% Poor 7% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Fair 22% Report of Results 6 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life The average rating of overall quality of life on a 100-point scale was 67 in 2005. In 2006, the rating was 62. Sarasota as a place to raise children received an average rating of 56 on a 100-point scale in 2005, compared to 57 in 2006. Other ratings can be seen in the charts below. Figure 2: Quality of Life Ratings 69 71 Sarasota as a place to live 2006 2005 66 63 Neighborhood as a place to live 57 56 Sarasota as a place to raise children 50 50 Sarasota as a place to work 66 Sarasota as a place to retire 70 62 Overall quality of life in Sarasota 67 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. 2006 Quality of Life Ratings Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) How do you rate Sarasota as a place to live? 34% 41% 22% 3% 100% 69 How do you rate your neighborhood as a place to live? 30% 44% 19% 7% 100% 66 How do you rate Sarasota as a place to raise children? 18% 44% 29% 9% 100% 57 How do you rate Sarasota as a place to work? 19% 32% 31% 19% 100% 50 Report of Results 7 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life 2006 Quality of Life Ratings Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) How do you rate Sarasota as a place to retire? 36% 34% 20% 10% 100% 66 How do you rate the overall quality of life in Sarasota? 21% 50% 22% 7% 100% 62 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 8 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Ratings of Community Characteristics in Sarasota In 2006, the highest rated characteristics of Sarasota were opportunities to attend cultural activities, overall appearance of Sarasota, and shopping opportunities. The average rating on a 100-point scale given to opportunities to attend cultural activities in 2006 was 69 compared to 71 in 2005. Average ratings given to all the characteristics are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 3: Characteristics of the Community: General and Opportunities 49 53 Sense of community 2006 45 47 Openness and acceptance 2005 68 69 Overall appearance of Sarasota 69 71 Opportunities to attend cultural activities 66 68 Shopping opportunities Air quality 62 63 Recreational opportunities 60 62 63 67 Overall image/reputation of Sarasota 46 Overall quality of new development in Sarasota 0 10 20 30 40 50 51 60 70 80 90 100 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Characteristics of the Community: General and Opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Sense of community 12% 37% 39% 13% 100% 49 Openness and acceptance of the community towards people of diverse backgrounds 10% 35% 35% 20% 100% 45 Overall appearance of Sarasota 26% 54% 18% 2% 100% 68 Opportunities to attend cultural activities 36% 43% 16% 5% 100% 69 Shopping opportunities 29% 45% 21% 5% 100% 66 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sarasota as a whole: Report of Results 9 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life 2006 Characteristics of the Community: General and Opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Air quality 18% 54% 23% 5% 100% 62 Recreational opportunities 22% 44% 24% 9% 100% 60 Overall image/reputation of Sarasota 22% 51% 23% 4% 100% 63 Overall quality of new development in Sarasota 14% 30% 36% 21% 100% 46 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sarasota as a whole: The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 10 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Figure 4: Characteristics of the Community: Access 2006 2005 14 Access to affordable quality housing 16 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Characteristics of the Community: Access Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sarasota as a whole: The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Access to affordable quality housing Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2% 8% 20% 70% 100% 14 Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 11 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Figure 5: Characteristics of the Community: Mobility 41 2006 Ease of car travel 39 2005 38 Ease of bus travel 39 34 Ease of bicycle travel 38 47 Ease of walking 49 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. 2006 Characteristics of the Community: Mobility Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sarasota as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Ease of car travel in Sarasota 5% 32% 42% 20% 100% 41 Ease of bus travel in Sarasota 7% 30% 33% 29% 100% 38 Ease of bicycle travel in Sarasota 7% 25% 33% 35% 100% 34 Ease of walking in Sarasota 11% 36% 33% 19% 100% 47 Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 12 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life When asked about potential problems in Sarasota, the three concerns rated by the highest proportion of respondents as a “major problem” in 2006 were taxes, too much growth, and traffic congestion. In 2006 43% rated taxes as a “major problem” compared to 32% in 2005. Figure 6: Ratings of Potential Problems in Sarasota Absence of communications from the City of Sarasota translated into languages other than English 8% 8% 35% Homelessness 2005 34% 37% Traffic congestion 44% 43% Taxes 32% 6% Run down buildings, weed lots, or junk vehicles 10% 7% Noise 7% 3% Lack of growth The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. 2006 4% 42% Too much growth 50% 36% Drugs 29% 12% Crime 10% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent of Respondents Rating as a "Major problem" Report of Results 13 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life In 2006, the rate of population growth in Sarasota was viewed as “too fast” by 76% of respondents, while 4% thought it was “too slow.” Figure 7a: Ratings of Population Growth by Year in Sarasota 76% Too fast 82% 4% Too slow 2006 2% 0% 2005 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of respondents Note: Responses of “about right” were omitted. Figure 7b: Ratings of Retail Growth by Year in Sarasota 37% Too fast 37% 16% Too slow 2006 13% 0% 10% 20% 2005 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of respondents The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Note: Responses of “about right” were omitted. Figure 7c: Ratings of Jobs Growth by Year in Sarasota 6% Too fast 4% 71% Too slow 2006 64% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 2005 80% 90% Percent of respondents Note: Responses of “about right” were omitted. Report of Results 14 100% The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life In 2006, 18% of respondents felt the impact of the economy would be positive on their family income in the next 12 months, while 45% felt it would be negative. In 2005, 29% of respondents felt the impact of the economy would be positive. Figure 8a: 2006 Perceptions of Economy What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be... Very positive 2% Very negative 12% Somewhat positive 16% Somewhat negative 33% Neutral 37% Figure 8b: Comparisons of Perceptions of Economy by Year 18% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Positive 29% 2006 2005 45% Negative 30% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Percent of respondents Note: Responses of “neutral” were omitted. Report of Results 15 100% The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Perceptions of Safety When evaluating safety in the community, 60% of respondents felt “somewhat” or “very safe” from violent crimes in Sarasota in 2006, compared to 61% in 2005. In their neighborhood after dark, 63% of survey participants felt “somewhat” or “very safe” in 2006 and in 2005. In 2006, as assessed by the survey, 17% of households reported that at least one member had been the victim of one or more crimes in the past year. In 2005, 18% of households had reported that at least one member had been a crime victim. Of those who had been the victim of a crime in 2006, 90% had reported it to police. Figure 9: Ratings of Safety from Various Problems in Sarasota by Year 60% Violent crime 61% 48% Property crimes 50% 69% Fire 2006 71% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 2005 80% 90% 100% Percent of respondents feeling "very" or "somewhat" safe The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Figure 10: Ratings of Safety in Various Areas in Sarasota by Year 91% 91% In your neighborhood during the day 63% 63% In your neighborhood after dark 86% 87% In Sarasota's downtown area during the day 54% 58% In Sarasota's downtown area after dark 81% 83% 2006 In Sarasota's parks during the day 31% 32% In Sarasota's parks after dark 0% 2005 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of respondents feeling "very" or "somewhat" safe Report of Results 16 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Figure 11: Percent of Respondents’ Households That Were Victim of a Crime in the Last 12 Months by Year 82% No Household Member Was a Crime Victim 81% 17% Household Member(s) Was a Victim of Crime 18% 2006 1% Don't Know 2005 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of respondents Figure 12: Percent of Respondents’ Households That Were Victim of a Crime Who Reported the Crime by Year 10% Did NOT Report the Crime 16% 90% Reported the Crime The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. 81% 0% 2006 Don't know 3% 0% 10% 2005 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Percent of respondents Report of Results 17 100% The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Community Participation Participation in the civic, social and economic life of Sarasota during the past year was assessed on the survey. The proportion of respondents engaging in various activities is shown in the chart below, with comparisons made between 2006 and 2005. Among those completing the questionnaire in 2006, 64% reported using a Sarasota recreation center in the past year compared to 60% in 2005. Voter status was also estimated, and is shown on page 19.2 Figure 13: Percent of Respondents Engaging in Various Activities in Sarasota in the Last 12 Months by Year 73% 79% Used Sarasota public libraries or their services 64% 60% Used Sarasota recreation centers 46% 46% Participated in a recreation program or activity 86% 86% Visited a Sarasota park 24% 32% Ridden a local bus within Sarasota 2006 35% 39% Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting 2005 64% 65% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting on cable television 91% 88% Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home 53% 57% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sarasota 81% 82% Used the Internet for anything 41% 40% Used the Internet to conduct business with Sarasota 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent of respondents engaging in activity once or more 2 In general on a survey, a greater proportion of people will report having voted, than actual voting records verify. Report of Results 18 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Community Life Figure 14: Voter Status and Activity by Year Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? 80% 81% 2006 2005 70% Did you vote in the last election? 73% 85% Are you likely to vote in the next election? 90% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Percent of respondents responding "Yes" Report of Results 19 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Several aspects of the government of the City of Sarasota were evaluated by residents completing The National Citizen Survey™. They were asked how much trust they placed in their local government, and what they felt about the services they receive from the City of Sarasota. Those who had any contact with a City of Sarasota employee in the past year gave their impressions of the most recent encounter. Public Trust When asked to evaluate whether they were pleased with the overall direction taken by the City of Sarasota, residents gave an average rating of 47 on a 100-point scale in 2006, compared to a rating of 50 in 2005. Figure 15: Ratings of Public Trust by Year 53 I receive good value for taxes I pay 2006 59 2005 Pleased with the overall direction the City is taking 47 50 58 Sarasota welcomes citizen involvement 60 47 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. The City government listens to citizens 49 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Strongly agree, 0=Strongly disagree) Report of Results 20 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government 2006 Public Trust Ratings Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Strongly agree, 0=Strongly disagree) 10% 32% 30% 18% 10% 100% 53 I am pleased with the overall direction that the City of Sarasota is taking 7% 33% 19% 22% 19% 100% 47 The City of Sarasota government welcomes citizen involvement 11% 38% 31% 13% 7% 100% 58 The City of Sarasota government listens to citizens 8% 28% 25% 21% 18% 100% 47 Please rate the following statements: Strongly agree I receive good value for the City of Sarasota taxes I pay The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 21 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Service Provided by Sarasota The overall quality of services provided by the City of Sarasota was rated as 60 on a 100-point scale in 2006, as well as 60 in 2005. Ratings given to specific services are shown on the following pages. Figure 16: Overall Quality of Services Provided by the City of Sarasota Fair 27% Good 55% Poor 4% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Excellent 14% Report of Results 22 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government On average, residents of Sarasota gave the highest evaluations to their own local government and the lowest average rating to the federal government. Figure 17: Rating of Overall Quality of Services Provided by Various Levels of Government by Year 2006 60 The City of Sarasota 2005 60 42 The Federal Government 45 45 The State Government 46 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Overall Quality of Services: City of Sarasota, Federal Government and State Government Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) The City of Sarasota 14% 55% 27% 4% 100% 60 The Federal Government 6% 37% 34% 23% 100% 42 The State Government 6% 39% 41% 14% 100% 45 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Overall, how would you rate the quality of services provided by... Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 23 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 18: Quality of Public Safety Services by Year 63 Police services 66 2006 2005 77 Fire services 78 76 Ambulance/EMS 77 53 Crime prevention 56 49 Traffic enforcement 51 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Public Safety Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Police services 24% 48% 19% 9% 100% 63 Fire services 41% 49% 8% 2% 100% 77 Ambulance/emergency medical services 43% 46% 9% 3% 100% 76 Crime prevention 10% 47% 33% 9% 100% 53 Traffic enforcement 10% 41% 33% 16% 100% 49 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 24 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 19: Quality of Transportation Services by Year 41 43 Street repair 53 54 Street cleaning 2006 2005 51 51 Street lighting 46 47 Sidewalk maintenance 36 38 Traffic signal timing 30 29 Amount of public parking 44 46 Bus/transit services 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Transportation Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Street repair 9% 27% 40% 24% 100% 41 Street cleaning 16% 37% 36% 11% 100% 53 Street lighting 11% 44% 31% 14% 100% 51 Sidewalk maintenance 7% 40% 37% 15% 100% 46 Traffic signal timing 4% 31% 36% 29% 100% 36 Amount of public parking 5% 20% 36% 39% 100% 30 Bus/transit services 9% 40% 27% 24% 100% 44 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 25 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 20: Quality of Leisure Services by Year 61 64 City parks Recreation programs or classes 59 59 Range/variety of recreation programs and classes 58 58 Recreation centers/facilities 55 58 2006 2005 59 63 Accessibility of parks 57 Accessibility of recreation centers/facilities 62 Appearance/maintenance of parks 61 64 Appearance of recreation centers/facilities 59 63 75 76 Public library services 68 70 Variety of library materials 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Leisure Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) City parks 17% 55% 23% 6% 100% 61 Recreation programs or classes 11% 61% 22% 6% 100% 59 Range/variety of recreation programs and classes 14% 55% 23% 8% 100% 58 Recreation centers/facilities 12% 49% 30% 8% 100% 55 Accessibility of parks 15% 53% 26% 5% 100% 59 Accessibility of recreation centers/facilities 13% 52% 29% 6% 100% 57 Appearance/maintenance of parks 17% 52% 29% 3% 100% 61 Appearance of recreation centers/facilities 10% 60% 26% 4% 100% 59 Public library services 39% 48% 13% 1% 100% 75 Variety of library materials 30% 47% 20% 3% 100% 68 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 26 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 21: Quality of Utility Services by Year 71 68 Garbage collection 2006 69 67 Recycling 2005 65 63 Yard waste pick-up 33 Storm drainage 29 42 41 Drinking water 51 50 Sewer services 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Utility Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Garbage collection 34% 47% 17% 2% 100% 71 Recycling 33% 44% 18% 4% 100% 69 Yard waste pick-up 32% 39% 21% 8% 100% 65 Storm drainage 3% 24% 42% 31% 100% 33 Drinking water 7% 35% 33% 24% 100% 42 Sewer services 9% 45% 36% 9% 100% 51 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 27 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 22: Quality of Planning and Code Enforcement Services by Year 30 Land use, planning and zoning 2006 34 2005 44 Code enforcement 43 42 Economic development 45 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Planning and Code Enforcement Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Land use, planning and zoning 3% 22% 37% 38% 100% 30 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc) 7% 36% 37% 19% 100% 44 Economic development 7% 34% 36% 23% 100% 42 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 28 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 23: Quality of Services to Special Populations and Other Services by Year 27 Services to low-income people 2006 29 2005 59 Public information services 62 51 Cable television 52 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Quality of Services to Special Populations and Other Services Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Services to low-income people 6% 19% 25% 50% 100% 27 Public information services 15% 50% 29% 5% 100% 59 Cable television 14% 41% 29% 15% 100% 51 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 29 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government The City of Sarasota Employees Impressions of the City of Sarasota employees were assessed on the questionnaire. In 2006, those who had been in contact with a City of Sarasota employee in the past year (64%) rated their overall impression as 63 on a 100-point scale, compared to an average rating of 66 received in 2005. Figure 24: Percent of Respondents Who Had Contact with a City of Sarasota Employee in 2006 Did NOT Have Contact in Last 12 Months 36% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. HAD Contact in Last 12 Months 64% Report of Results 30 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Local Government Figure 25: Ratings of Contact with the City of Sarasota Employees by Year 67 Knowledge 68 2006 2005 65 Responsiveness 66 69 Courtesy 69 63 Overall Impression 66 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Average rating on the 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) 2006 Ratings of Contact with City of Sarasota Employees Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Average rating on a 100-point scale (100=Excellent, 0=Poor) Knowledge 31% 46% 17% 6% 100% 67 Responsiveness 33% 39% 18% 10% 100% 65 Courtesy 36% 43% 11% 10% 100% 69 Overall Impression 31% 39% 16% 14% 100% 63 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. What was your impression of employees of the City of Sarasota in your most recent contact? Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 31 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Additional Questions Three additional questions were asked by the City of Sarasota. The results for these questions are displayed below. Results for the open-ended question can be found under separate cover. Policy Question #1 To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve the appearance and recreational opportunities of City parks? Strongly support 7% Somewhat support 37% Somewhat oppose 26% Strongly oppose 30% Total 100% Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Policy Question #2 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve infrastructure in your own neighborhood (i.e. sidewalks, decorative lighting, traffic calming, etc.)? Strongly support 17% Somewhat support 37% Somewhat oppose 23% Strongly oppose 23% Total 100% Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 32 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Additional Questions Policy Question #3 "Living Wage" is defined as an income level necessary to afford common necessities in a particular community (i.e. housing, utilities and food). To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in property taxes to ensure a living wage for City employees? Strongly support 15% Somewhat support 38% Somewhat oppose 19% Strongly oppose 28% Total 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Note: "don't know" responses have been removed. Report of Results 33 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Frequency of Responses to All Survey Questions This appendix displays the complete distribution of responses to questions in 2006. The don’t know responses are shown, where applicable. The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 1: Quality of Life Ratings Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total How do you rate Sarasota as a place to live? 34% 41% 22% 3% 0% 100% How do you rate your neighborhood as a place to live? 30% 44% 19% 7% 1% 100% How do you rate Sarasota as a place to raise children? 15% 36% 24% 7% 18% 100% How do you rate Sarasota as a place to work? 17% 28% 27% 17% 12% 100% How do you rate Sarasota as a place to retire? 33% 31% 18% 9% 10% 100% How do you rate the overall quality of life in Sarasota? 21% 49% 22% 7% 1% 100% Report of Results 34 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 2: Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sarasota as a whole Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Sense of community 11% 35% 37% 12% 4% 100% Openness and acceptance of the community towards people of diverse backgrounds 10% 33% 33% 19% 4% 100% Overall appearance of Sarasota 26% 53% 18% 2% 0% 100% Opportunities to attend cultural activities 35% 42% 16% 5% 3% 100% Shopping opportunities 29% 45% 21% 5% 0% 100% Air quality 18% 53% 22% 5% 2% 100% Recreational opportunities 22% 43% 23% 9% 2% 100% Access to affordable quality housing 2% 7% 19% 66% 6% 100% Ease of car travel in Sarasota 5% 32% 41% 20% 2% 100% Ease of bus travel in Sarasota 4% 18% 20% 18% 40% 100% Ease of bicycle travel in Sarasota 5% 19% 26% 28% 22% 100% Ease of walking in Sarasota 11% 34% 32% 18% 6% 100% Overall image/reputation of Sarasota 21% 49% 22% 4% 4% 100% Overall quality of new development in Sarasota 13% 27% 33% 19% 8% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 3: Please rate the speed of growth in the following categories in Sarasota over the past two years Much too slow Somewhat too slow Right amount Somewhat too fast Much too fast Don't know Total Population growth 2% 2% 17% 35% 30% 15% 100% Retail growth (stores, restaurants etc.) 3% 12% 42% 18% 16% 9% 100% Jobs growth 14% 38% 17% 3% 2% 27% 100% Report of Results 35 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 4: To what degree are the following problems in Sarasota Not a problem Minor problem Moderate problem Major problem Don't know Total Crime 3% 26% 51% 11% 8% 100% Drugs 3% 15% 37% 31% 15% 100% Too much growth 7% 15% 31% 39% 8% 100% Lack of growth 57% 18% 8% 2% 14% 100% Noise 36% 35% 21% 6% 2% 100% Run down buildings, weed lots, or junk vehicles 20% 47% 23% 6% 5% 100% Taxes 7% 14% 31% 39% 9% 100% Traffic congestion 3% 18% 41% 37% 1% 100% Homelessness 5% 21% 30% 30% 13% 100% Absence of communications from the City of Sarasota translated into languages other than English 32% 17% 14% 5% 31% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 5: Please rate how safe you feel from the following occurring to you in Sarasota Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know Total Violent crime (e.g., rape, assault, robbery) 19% 39% 19% 15% 5% 2% 100% Property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft) 10% 36% 21% 23% 6% 3% 100% Fire 26% 40% 23% 5% 1% 4% 100% Report of Results 36 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 6: Please rate how safe you feel: Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know Total In your neighborhood during the day 64% 26% 5% 3% 1% 1% 100% In your neighborhood after dark 25% 38% 11% 19% 7% 1% 100% In Sarasota's downtown area during the day 60% 23% 10% 3% 1% 3% 100% In Sarasota's downtown area after dark 13% 37% 13% 21% 9% 7% 100% In Sarasota's parks during the day 41% 32% 11% 5% 1% 10% 100% In Sarasota's parks after dark 4% 21% 11% 24% 21% 19% 100% Question 7: During the past twelve months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? During the past twelve months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? No Yes Don't know Total 82% 17% 1% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 8: If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? No Yes Don't know Total 10% 90% 0% 100% Report of Results 37 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 9: In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members done the following things in the City of Sarasota? Never Once or twice 3 to 12 times 13 to 26 times More than 26 times Total Used Sarasota public libraries or their services 27% 24% 26% 12% 10% 100% Used Sarasota recreation centers 36% 26% 26% 6% 6% 100% Participated in a recreation program or activity 54% 24% 14% 3% 5% 100% Visited a Sarasota park 14% 22% 32% 19% 13% 100% Ridden a local bus within Sarasota 76% 10% 4% 4% 5% 100% Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting 65% 21% 12% 1% 1% 100% Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting on cable television 36% 30% 21% 9% 4% 100% Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home 9% 5% 8% 12% 65% 100% Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sarasota 47% 19% 16% 7% 12% 100% Used the Internet for anything 19% 2% 5% 8% 67% 100% Used the Internet to conduct business with Sarasota 59% 16% 11% 5% 9% 100% Report of Results 38 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 10: How do you rate the quality of each of the following services in Sarasota? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Police services 23% 45% 17% 8% 7% 100% Fire services 33% 39% 6% 1% 20% 100% Ambulance/emergency medical services 35% 38% 7% 2% 18% 100% Crime prevention 8% 39% 27% 7% 18% 100% Traffic enforcement 10% 38% 30% 15% 7% 100% Garbage collection 33% 46% 17% 2% 2% 100% Recycling 32% 42% 17% 4% 5% 100% Yard waste pick-up 27% 34% 18% 7% 14% 100% Street repair 9% 26% 39% 23% 3% 100% Street cleaning 15% 34% 33% 10% 7% 100% Street lighting 11% 44% 30% 14% 1% 100% Sidewalk maintenance 7% 38% 35% 14% 7% 100% Traffic signal timing 4% 30% 35% 29% 2% 100% Amount of public parking 5% 19% 34% 38% 5% 100% Bus/transit services 5% 24% 16% 14% 40% 100% Storm drainage 3% 23% 40% 29% 5% 100% Drinking water 7% 33% 32% 23% 5% 100% Sewer services 8% 38% 31% 8% 16% 100% City parks 15% 50% 21% 5% 10% 100% Recreation programs or classes 6% 34% 12% 3% 44% 100% Range/variety of recreation programs and classes 7% 29% 12% 4% 47% 100% Recreation centers/facilities 8% 32% 20% 5% 35% 100% Accessibility of parks 14% 46% 23% 5% 12% 100% Accessibility of recreation centers/facilities 9% 37% 20% 4% 29% 100% Appearance/maintenance of parks 15% 47% 26% 2% 10% 100% Appearance of recreation centers/facilities 7% 43% 19% 3% 28% 100% Land use, planning and zoning 3% 19% 32% 33% 14% 100% Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc) 6% 30% 31% 16% 18% 100% Economic development 6% 28% 30% 20% 17% 100% Services to low-income people 4% 14% 18% 36% 27% 100% Public library services 34% 41% 11% 0% 14% 100% Report of Results 39 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 10: How do you rate the quality of each of the following services in Sarasota? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Variety of library materials 25% 39% 17% 2% 17% 100% Public information services 12% 40% 23% 4% 21% 100% Cable television 13% 37% 26% 14% 10% 100% Report of Results 40 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 11: Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by... Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total The City of Sarasota 14% 53% 26% 4% 3% 100% The Federal Government 5% 32% 30% 20% 14% 100% The State Government 5% 33% 35% 12% 15% 100% Question 12: Have you had any in-person or phone contact with an employee of the City of Sarasota within the last 12 months? Have you had any in-person or phone contact with an employee of the City of Sarasota within the last 12 months? No Yes Total 36% 64% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 13: What was your impression of the employees of the City of Sarasota in your most recent contact? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Knowledge 30% 45% 17% 6% 2% 100% Responsiveness 33% 39% 18% 10% 0% 100% Courtesy 36% 43% 10% 10% 1% 100% Overall Impression 31% 39% 16% 14% 1% 100% Report of Results 41 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 14: Please rate your agreement or disagreement with the following statements. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know Total I receive good value for the City of Sarasota taxes I pay 8% 28% 26% 16% 9% 14% 100% I am pleased with the overall direction that the City of Sarasota is taking 6% 30% 17% 20% 17% 9% 100% The City of Sarasota government welcomes citizen involvement 8% 29% 24% 10% 6% 23% 100% The City of Sarasota government listens to citizens 7% 23% 20% 17% 14% 19% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 15: What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative Total 2% 16% 37% 33% 12% 100% Report of Results 42 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 16a: Policy Question 1 To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve the appearance and recreational opportunities of City parks? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know Total 7% 33% 23% 28% 9% 100% Question 16b: Policy Question 2 To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve infrastructure in your own neighborhood (i.e. sidewalks, decorative lighting, traffic calming, etc.)? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know Total 16% 34% 21% 21% 9% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 16c: Policy Question 3 "Living Wage" is defined as an income level necessary to afford common necessities in a particular community (i.e. housing, utilities and food). To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in property taxes to ensure a living wage for City employees? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know Total 13% 32% 16% 24% 15% 100% Report of Results 43 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 17: Do you live within the City limits of the City of Sarasota? Do you live within the limits of the City of Sarasota? Yes Total 100% 100% Question 18: Employment Status Are you currently employed? No Yes Total 32% 68% 100% Question 18a: Usual Mode of Transportation to Work What one method of transportation do you usually use (for the longest distance of your commute) to travel to work? Motorized vehicle 93% Bus, Rail, Subway, or other public transportation 2% Walk 1% Work at home 3% Other 1% Total 100% Question 18b: Drive Alone or Carpool The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. If you checked the motorized vehicle (e.g. car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.) box in 18a, do other people usually ride with you to or from work? No Yes Total 82% 18% 100% Usual Mode of Transportation to Work, Including Carpooling Usual mode of transportation to work Motorized vehicle, no others (SOV) 77% Motorized vehicle, with others (MOV) 16% Bus, rail, subway, or other public transportation 2% Walk 1% Work at home 3% Other 1% Total 100% Report of Results 44 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 19: Length of Residency How many years have you lived in Sarasota? Less than 2 years 12% 2 to 5 years 21% 6 to 10 years 11% 11 to 20 years 21% More than 20 years 35% Total 100% Question 20: Type of Housing Unit Which best describes the building you live in? One family house detached from any other houses 48% One family house attached to one or more houses 9% Building with two or more apartments or condominiums 41% Mobile home 2% Other 1% Total 100% Question 21: Tenure Status The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home... Rented for cash or occupied without cash payment? Owned by you or someone in this house Total 44% 56% 100% Questions 22 to 25: Household Characteristics No Yes Total Do any children age 12 or under live in your household? 84% 16% 100% Do any teenagers ages 13 through 17 live in your household? 94% 6% 100% Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? 71% 29% 100% Does any member of your household have a physical handicap or is anyone disabled? 82% 18% 100% Report of Results 45 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 26: Education What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? 12th Grade or less, no diploma 7% High school diploma 11% Some college, no degree 29% Associate's degree (e.g. AA, AS) 9% Bachelor's degree (e.g. BA, AB, BS) 24% Graduate degree or professional degree 20% Total 100% Question 27: Annual Household Income How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? Less than $24,999 24% $25,000 to $49,999 36% $50,000 to $99,999 25% $100,000 or more 16% Total 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Question 28: Ethnicity Are you Spanish/Hispanic/Latino? No Yes Total 90% 10% 100% Question 29: Race What is your race? Percent of Respondents American Indian or Alaskan native 2% Asian or Pacific Islander 1% Black, African American 9% White/Caucasian 79% Other 11% Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one category. Report of Results 46 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix A: Survey Frequencies Question 30: Age In which category is your age? 18 to 24 years 9% 25 to 34 years 21% 35 to 44 years 12% 45 to 54 years 20% 55 to 64 years 13% 65 to 74 years 11% 75 years or older 15% Total 100% Question 31: Gender What is your gender? Female Male Total 53% 47% 100% The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Questions 32 to 34: Voter Status and Activity No Yes Don't know Total Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? 19% 78% 2% 100% Did you vote in the last election? 30% 70% 1% 100% Are you likely to vote in the next election? 13% 76% 11% 100% Report of Results 47 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix B: Survey Methodology The National Citizen Survey™ was developed to provide local jurisdictions an accurate, affordable and easy way to assess and interpret resident opinion about important community issues. While standardization of question wording and survey methods provide the rigor to assure valid results, each jurisdiction has enough flexibility to construct a customized version of The National Citizen Survey™ that asks residents about key local services and important local issues. Results offer insight into residents’ perspectives about local government performance and as such provide important benchmarks for jurisdictions working on performance measurement. The National Citizen Survey™ is designed to help with budget, land use and strategic planning as well as to communicate with local residents. The National Citizen Survey™ permits questions to test support for local policies and answers to its questions also speak to community trust and involvement in community-building activities as well as to resident demographic characteristics. Sampling Approximately 3,000 households were selected to participate in the survey using a stratified systematic sampling method.3 An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method.4 The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Survey Administration Selected households received three mailings, one week apart, beginning July 31, 2006. The first mailing was a prenotification postcard announcing the upcoming survey. The next mailing contained a letter from the mayor inviting the household to participate, a questionnaire and postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing contained a reminder letter and another survey and postage-paid return envelope. Completed surveys were collected over the following 7 weeks. Response Rate and Confidence Intervals The City of Sarasota preferred to include only respondents who self-identified as living within City boundaries (as asked on question #17 of the survey). Of the 2,461 eligible households, 755 total surveys were received. Of those, 606 respondents answered “yes” to question 17 on living within jurisdiction boundaries. This set of 606 respondents are included in this report providing a response rate of 25%. Approximately 539 addresses 3 Systematic sampling is a method that closely approximates random sampling by selecting every Nth address until the desired number of households is chosen. 4 The birthday method is a process to remove bias in the selection of 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 but leaving selection of respondent to household members will lead to bias. Report of Results 48 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix B: Survey Methodology sampled were “vacant” or “not found.5” In general, the response rates obtained on citizen surveys range from 25% to 40%. The sample of households was selected systematically and impartially from a list of residences in the United States maintained by the U.S. postal service and sold to NRC through an independent vendor. The sample drawn for Sarasota used USPS data to approximate the geographic boundaries of the jurisdiction, though some households just outside the city limits may have received surveys. The survey completers who technically do not reside in the jurisdiction may choose to respond to the survey because they feel an affiliation with the jurisdiction and its services. Local governments often have a sphere of influence – providing injurisdiction services that perimeter-residents use or even providing services outside the jurisdiction boundaries. In theory, in 95 cases out of 100, the results based on such samples will differ by no more than 4 percentage points in either direction from what would have been obtained had responses been collected from all Sarasota adults. This difference is also called a “margin of error.6” This difference from the presumed population finding is referred to as the sampling error. For subgroups of responses, the margin of sampling error is larger. In addition to sampling error, the practical difficulties of conducting any survey of the public may introduce other sources of error. For example, the failure of some of the selected adults to participate in the sample or the difficulty of including all sectors of the population, such as residents of some institutions or group residences, may lead to somewhat different results. Weighting and Analyzing the Data The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. The surveys were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Frequency distributions and average (mean) ratings are presented in the body of the report. The demographic characteristics of the sample were compared to those of the City of Sarasota as reflected in the information sent by staff to National Research Center, Inc. When necessary, survey results were statistically adjusted to reflect the known population profile. Generally, two variables are used in a weighting scheme. Known population characteristics are compared to the characteristics of survey respondents. Characteristics chosen as weighting variables are usually selected because they are not in proportion to what is shown in a jurisdiction’s demographic profile and because differences in opinion are observed between subgroups of these characteristics. The socioeconomic characteristics that were used to weight the survey results were gender/age, tenure and race. Other discrepancies between the whole population and the sample were also aided by the weighting due to the intercorrelation of many socioeconomic characteristics, 5 “Eligible” households refer to addresses that belong to residences that are not vacant within the City of Sarasota. The margin of error was calculated using the following formula: 1.96 * square root (0.25/400). This margin of error is calculated in the most conservative way. The standard error was assumed to be the greatest for a binomial distribution: 50%/50%. 6 Report of Results 49 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix B: Survey Methodology The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. although the percentages are not always identical in the sample compared to the population norms. The results of the weighting scheme are presented in the table on the following page. Report of Results 50 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix B: Survey Methodology Weighting Scheme for the City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Respondent Characteristics Population Norm7 Unweighted Survey Data Weighted Survey Data Rent Home 42% 23% 44% Own Home 58% 77% 56% Single-Family Detached 48% 52% 49% Attached 52% 48% 51% Non-Hispanic 88% 96% 90% Hispanic 12% 4% 10% White/Caucasian 77% 92% 78% Non-White 23% 8% 22% Female 52% 60% 53% Male 48% 40% 47% 18-34 28% 10% 30% 35-54 33% 25% 32% 55+ 39% 65% 38% Females 18-34 13% 7% 14% Females 35-54 16% 15% 16% Females 55+ 23% 38% 23% Males 18-34 15% 3% 16% Males 35-54 17% 10% 16% Males 55+ 16% 27% 15% Tenure Type of Housing Unit Ethnicity Race Gender Age The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. Gender and Age 7 Source: 2000 Census Report of Results 51 The City of Sarasota Citizen Survey Appendix C: Survey Materials The National Citizen Survey™ by National Research Center, Inc. The following pages contain copies of the survey materials sent to randomly selected households within the City of Sarasota. All households selected for inclusion in the study were first sent a prenotification postcard informing them that they would be receiving a questionnaire within the following week. A week later, a cover letter and survey were sent, with a postage paid return envelope. Two weeks later a second cover letter and survey were sent. The second cover letter asked that those who had responded not do so again, while urging those who had not yet returned their surveys to please do so. Report of Results 52 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 PO Box 1058 Sarasota, FL 34230 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 PO Box 1058 Sarasota, FL 34230 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 PO Box 1058 Sarasota, FL 34230 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO. 94 PO Box 1058 Sarasota, FL 34230 Dear City of Sarasota Resident, Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a citizen survey about the City of Sarasota. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Please be assured that your answers will be kept anonymous. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Estimado residente de la ciudad de Sarasota, Su hogar ha sido selecciónado para participar en una encuesta anónima de ciudadanos sobre la Ciudad de Sarasota. Usted recibira una copia de la encuesta la próxima semana por correo con instrucciones en completar y regresar la encuesta. Gracias de antemano por su ayuda con este proyecto importante! Atentamente, Sincerely, Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a citizen survey about the City of Sarasota. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Please be assured that your answers will be kept anonymous. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Su hogar ha sido selecciónado para participar en una encuesta anónima de ciudadanos sobre la Ciudad de Sarasota. Usted recibira una copia de la encuesta la próxima semana por correo con instrucciones en completar y regresar la encuesta. Gracias de antemano por su ayuda con este proyecto importante! Sincerely, Atentamente, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Dear City of Sarasota Resident, Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a citizen survey about the City of Sarasota. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Please be assured that your answers will be kept anonymous. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Sincerely, Estimado residente de la ciudad de Sarasota, Su hogar ha sido selecciónado para participar en una encuesta anónima de ciudadanos sobre la Ciudad de Sarasota. Usted recibira una copia de la encuesta la próxima semana por correo con instrucciones en completar y regresar la encuesta. Gracias de antemano por su ayuda con este proyecto importante! Atentamente, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Estimado residente de la ciudad de Sarasota, Dear City of Sarasota Resident, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Estimado residente de la ciudad de Sarasota, Dear City of Sarasota Resident, Your household has been randomly selected to participate in a citizen survey about the City of Sarasota. You will receive a copy of the survey next week in the mail with instructions for completing and returning it. Please be assured that your answers will be kept anonymous. Thank you in advance for helping us with this important project! Su hogar ha sido selecciónado para participar en una encuesta anónima de ciudadanos sobre la Ciudad de Sarasota. Usted recibira una copia de la encuesta la próxima semana por correo con instrucciones en completar y regresar la encuesta. Gracias de antemano por su ayuda con este proyecto importante! Sincerely, Atentamente, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde August 2006 Dear City of Sarasota Resident: The City of Sarasota wants to know what you think about our community and City government. You have been randomly selected to participate in the City’s 2006 Citizen Survey. En este documento la Ciudad le de a usted una oportunidad importante para decirnos lo que piensa de los servicios de la Ciudad, y su opinión de la calidad de vida aquí en Sarasota. Se seleccionó su hogar al azar para participar en esta encuesta. Si usted no puede hacer la encuesta incluida en inglés por favor llámenos al número (941) 951-3640, ext 3769 para pedir una cópia de la encuesta en español. Todos sus respuestas se quedarán completamente anónimos. ¡Deseamos sus opiniones! Favor de entregar la encuesta en el sobre adjunto, lo cuál está con franqueo pagado. Muchas gracias. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey. Your answers will help the Sarasota City Commission make decisions that affect our community. You should find the questions interesting and we will definitely find your answers useful. Please participate! To get a representative sample of Sarasota City residents, the adult (anyone 18 years or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey. Year of birth of the adult does not matter. Please have the appropriate member of the household spend a few minutes to answer all the questions and return the survey in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your responses will remain completely anonymous. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. If you have any questions about the Citizen Survey please call Debra Figueroa at (941) 954-4102, extension 4262. Please help us shape the future of Sarasota. Thank you for your time and participation. Sincerely, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Post Office Box 1058, Sarasota, Florida 34230 1565 First Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236 Telephone (941) 954-4115 August 2006 Dear City of Sarasota Resident: About one week ago, you should have received a copy of the enclosed survey. If you completed it and sent it back, we thank you for your time and ask you to discard this survey. Please do not respond twice. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey, we would appreciate your response. The City of Sarasota wants to know what you think about our community and municipal government. You have been randomly selected to participate in The City of Sarasota’s 2006 Citizen Survey. En este documento la Ciudad le de a usted una oportunidad importante para decirnos lo que piensa de los servicios de la Ciudad, y su opinión de la calidad de vida aquí en Sarasota. Se seleccionó su hogar al azar para participar en esta encuesta. Si usted no puede hacer la encuesta incluida en inglés, por favor llámenos al número (941) 951-3640, ext. 3769 para pedir una cópia de la encuesta en español. Todos sus respuestas se quedarán completamente anónimos. ¡Deseamos sus opiniones! Favor de entregar la encuesta en el sobre adjunto, lo cuál está con franqueo pagado. Muchas gracias. Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey. Your answers will help the City Commission make decisions that affect our community. You should find the questions interesting and we will definitely find your answers useful. Please participate! To get a representative sample of Sarasota residents, the adult (anyone 18 years or older) in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey. Year of birth of the adult does not matter. Please have the appropriate member of the household spend a few minutes to answer all the questions and return the survey in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your responses will remain completely anonymous. Your participation in this survey is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. If you have any questions about the Citizen Survey please call Debra Figueroa at (941) 954-4102, extension 4262. Please help us shape the future of Sarasota. Thank you for your time and participation. Sincerely, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Post Office Box 1058, Sarasota, Florida 34230 1565 First Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236 Telephone (941) 954-4115 The City of Sarasota 2006 Citizen Survey 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. Please circle the response that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only. 1. Please circle the number that comes closest to your opinion for each of the following questions: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 How do you rate the City of Sarasota as a place to live?......................1 How do you rate your neighborhood as a place to live? .......................1 How do you rate the City of Sarasota as a place to raise children?......1 How do you rate the City of Sarasota as a place to work?....................1 How do you rate the City of Sarasota as a place to retire? ...................1 How do you rate the overall quality of life in the City of Sarasota? .......1 2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to the City of Sarasota as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know 2 3 4 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Sense of community ..............................................................................1 Openness and acceptance of the community towards people of diverse backgrounds .......................................................................1 Overall appearance of Sarasota............................................................1 Opportunities to attend cultural activities...............................................1 Shopping opportunities..........................................................................1 Air quality ..............................................................................................1 Recreational opportunities.....................................................................1 Access to affordable quality housing .....................................................1 Ease of car travel in the City of Sarasota ..............................................1 Ease of bus travel in the City of Sarasota .............................................1 Ease of bicycle travel in the City of Sarasota ........................................1 Ease of walking in the City of Sarasota .................................................1 Overall image/reputation of the City of Sarasota...................................1 Overall quality of new development in the City of Sarasota..................1 3. Please rate the speed of growth in the following categories in the City of Sarasota over the past 2 years: Much too slow Population growth ............................................................ 1 Retail growth (stores, restaurants etc.)............................ 1 Jobs growth ..................................................................... 1 Somewhat too slow Right amount Somewhat too fast Much too fast Don't know 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 4. To what degree, if at all, are the following problems in the City of Sarasota: Not a problem Crime .....................................................................................................1 Drugs .....................................................................................................1 Too much growth ...................................................................................1 Lack of growth .......................................................................................1 Noise......................................................................................................1 Run down buildings, weed lots, or junk vehicles ...................................1 Taxes .....................................................................................................1 Traffic congestion ..................................................................................1 Homelessness .......................................................................................1 Absence of communications from the City of Sarasota translated into languages other than English..........................................................1 The National Citizen Survey™ Minor problem Moderate problem Major problem Don't know 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 3 4 5 Page 1 of 5 The City of Sarasota 5. Please rate how safe you feel from the following occurring to you in the City of Sarasota: Very safe Violent crime (e.g., rape, assault, robbery) ..................... 1 Property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft) .............................. 1 Fire .................................................................................. 1 Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don't know 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6. Please rate how safe you feel: Very safe In your neighborhood during the day............................... 1 In your neighborhood after dark ...................................... 1 In the City of Sarasota's downtown area during the day . 1 In the City of Sarasota's downtown area after dark......... 1 In the City of Sarasota's parks during the day................. 1 In the City of Sarasota's parks after dark ........................ 1 7. During the past twelve months, were you or anyone in your household the victim of any crime? No Î Go to question #9 Yes Î Go to question #8 Don’t know 8. If yes, was this crime (these crimes) reported to the police? No Yes Don’t know Never Used Sarasota public libraries or their services ....................................1 Used Sarasota recreation centers .........................................................1 Participated in a recreation program or activity .....................................1 Visited a neighborhood or City park ......................................................1 Ridden a local bus within Sarasota .......................................................1 Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting............................................................................................1 Watched a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting on cable television.............................................................1 Recycled used paper, cans or bottles from your home .........................1 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sarasota ....................1 Used the Internet for anything ...............................................................1 Used the Internet to conduct business with the City of Sarasota..........1 The National Citizen Survey™ Once or twice 3 to 12 times 13 to 26 times More than 26 times 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 2 3 4 5 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 Page 2 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2005 National Research Center, Inc. 9. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in the City of Sarasota? The City of Sarasota 10. How do you rate the quality of each of the following services in the City of Sarasota? Excellent Police services.......................................................................................1 Fire services ..........................................................................................1 Ambulance/emergency medical services ..............................................1 Crime prevention ...................................................................................1 Traffic enforcement................................................................................1 Garbage collection.................................................................................1 Recycling ...............................................................................................1 Yard waste pick-up ................................................................................1 Street repair ...........................................................................................1 Street cleaning.......................................................................................1 Street lighting.........................................................................................1 Sidewalk maintenance...........................................................................1 Traffic signal timing................................................................................1 Amount of public parking .......................................................................1 Bus/transit services................................................................................1 Storm drainage ......................................................................................1 Drinking water........................................................................................1 Sewer services ......................................................................................1 City parks...............................................................................................1 Recreation programs or classes............................................................1 Range/variety of recreation programs and classes ...............................1 Recreation centers/facilities...................................................................1 Accessibility of parks .............................................................................1 Accessibility of recreation centers/facilities ...........................................1 Appearance/maintenance of parks........................................................1 Appearance of recreation centers/facilities ...........................................1 Land use, planning and zoning .............................................................1 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc) ........................1 Economic development .........................................................................1 Services to low-income people..............................................................1 Public library services ............................................................................1 Variety of library materials .....................................................................1 Public information services....................................................................1 Cable television .....................................................................................1 Good Fair Poor Don't know 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Good Fair Poor Don't know 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 Excellent The City of Sarasota? ............................................................................1 The Federal Government? ....................................................................1 The State Government? ........................................................................1 12. Have you had any in-person or phone contact with an employee of the City of Sarasota within the last 12 months (including police, receptionists, planners or any others)? No Î Go to question #14 Yes Î Go to question #13 13. What was your impression of employees of the City of Sarasota in your most recent contact? (Rate each characteristic below.) Excellent Knowledge ......................................................................................1 Responsiveness..............................................................................1 Courtesy ..........................................................................................1 Overall impression ..........................................................................1 The National Citizen Survey™ Good Fair Poor Don't know 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 Page 3 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2005 National Research Center, Inc. 11. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by… The City of Sarasota 14. Please rate the following statements by circling the number that most clearly represents your opinion: Strongly agree I receive good value for the City of Sarasota taxes I pay 1 I am pleased with the overall direction that the City of Sarasota is taking...................................................... 1 The City of Sarasota government welcomes citizen involvement ............................................................... 1 The City of Sarasota government listens to citizens ....... 1 Somewhat Neither agree agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 15. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative 16. Please check the response that comes closest to your opinion for each of the following questions: a. To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve the appearance and recreational opportunities of City parks? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know c. "Living wage" is defined as an income level necessary to afford common necessities in a particular community (i.e., housing, utilities and food). To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in property taxes to ensure a living wage for City employees? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know d. What are the two (2) most important environmental protection needs that should be addressed by the City of Sarasota in the next 3-5 years? The National Citizen Survey™ Page 4 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2005 National Research Center, Inc. b. To what extent would you support or oppose an increase in taxes for a dedicated fund to improve infrastructure in your own neighborhood (i.e., sidewalks, decorative lighting, traffic calming, etc.)? Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know The City of Sarasota Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only. 17. Do you live within the City limits of the City of Sarasota? No Yes 24. Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? No Yes 18. Are you currently employed? No Î Go to question #19 Yes Î Go to question #18a 25. Does any member of your household have a physical handicap or is anyone disabled? No Yes 18b.If you checked the motorized vehicle (e.g. car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.) box in 18a, do other people (adults or children) usually ride with you to or from work? No Yes 19. How many years have you lived in Sarasota? Less than 2 years 11-20 years 2-5 years More than 20 years 6-10 years 20. Which best describes the building you live in? One family house detached from any other houses House attached to one or more houses (e.g., a duplex or townhome) Building with two or more apartments or condominiums Mobile home Other 21. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home... Rented for cash or occupied without cash payment? Owned by you or someone in this house with a mortgage or free and clear? 22. Do any children 12 or under live in your household? No Yes 23. Do any teenagers aged between 13 and 17 live in your household? No Yes 26. What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? (mark one box) 12th Grade or less, no diploma High school diploma Some college, no degree Associate's degree (e.g. AA, AS) Bachelor's degree (e.g. BA, AB, BS) Graduate degree or professional degree 27. How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) Less than $24,999 $25,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 or more 28. Are you Spanish/Hispanic/Latino? No Yes 29. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be) American Indian or Alaskan native Asian or Pacific Islander Black, African American White/Caucasian Other 30. In which category is your age? 18-24 years 55-64 years 25-34 years 65-74 years 35-44 years 75 years or older 45-54 years 31. What is your sex? Female Male 32. Are you registered to vote in your jurisdiction? No Yes Don’t know 33. Did you vote in the last election? No Yes Don’t know 34. Are you likely to vote in the next election? No Yes Don’t know Thank you for completing this survey. Please return the completed survey in the postage paid envelope to: National Research Center, Inc., 3005 30th St., Boulder, CO 80301 The National Citizen Survey™ Page 5 of 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2005 National Research Center, Inc. 18a.What one method of transportation do you usually use (for the longest distance of your commute) to travel to work? Motorized vehicle (e.g. car, truck, van, motorcycle etc…) Bus, Rail, Subway, or other public transportation Walk Work at home Other Agosto 2006 Estimado residente de Sarasota: La Ciudad de Sarasota desea saber qué piensa usted sobre la comunidad y el gobierno municipal. Su hogar es uno de entre de algunos hogares seleccionados al azar para participar en la Ciudad de Sarasota 2006 Encuesta de los Ciudadanos. Por favor tome unos pocos minutos para llenar la Encuesta de Ciudadanos adjunta. Sus respuestas ayudarán a que el Concejo de la Ciudad tome decisiones para mejorar la entrega de los servicios a nuestra comunidad. Encontrará que las preguntas son interesantes y nosotros definitivamente encontraremos que sus respuestas son útiles. ¡Por favor participe! Para obtener una verdadera muestra representativa de los residentes de Sarasota, solicitamos que llene la encuesta el adulto que haya tenido su cumpleaños más recientemente. La edad del adulto no importa siempre que tenga 18 años de edad o más. Al selecciónar de ésta forma a la persona que debe llenar la encuesta, se asegura que la encuesta en los hogares de la ciudad mejorara la exactitud de los resultados. Por favor tenga usted la seguridad de que se mantendrán anónimas. Por favor, haga que el adecuado miembro del hogar pase unos minutos contestando todas las preguntas y devuelva la encuesta en el sobre adjunto con el franqueo pagado. Si tiene alguna pregunta acerca de la Encuesta de los Ciudadanos por favor llamanos (941) 951-3640, ext 3640. Su participación en esta encuesta es muy importante especialmente puesto que su hogar es uno del pequeño numero que está siendo encuestado. Por favor, ayúdenos a darle forma al futuro de Sarasota. Gracias por su tiempo y participacion. Sinceramente, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Mayor/Alcalde Post Office Box 1058, Sarasota, Florida 34230 1565 First Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236 Telephone (941) 954-4115 Encuesta Ciudadana del 2006 de la Ciudad de Sarasota Por favor complete este cuestionario si usted es el adulto (18 años o más) de su casa que más recientemente haya celebrado su cumpleaños. El año de nacimiento del adulto no importa. Por favor encierre en un círculo la respuesta que mejor represente su opinión en cada pregunta. Sus respuestas son anónimas y solo serán reportadas en forma general. 1. Por favor haga un círculo en el número que mejor represente su opinión para cada una de las siguientes preguntas: Excelente ¿Cómo evalúa la Ciudad de Sarasota como lugar de residencia? .......1 ¿Cómo evalúa su vecindario como lugar de residencia?......................1 ¿Cómo evalúa la Ciudad de Sarasota como lugar para criar a sus hijos? ...............................................................................................1 ¿De qué manera clasifica la Ciudad de Sarasota como lugar de trabajo? ...........................................................................................1 ¿Cómo evalúa la Ciudad de Sarasota como lugar para retirarse? .......1 ¿Cómo evalúa la calidad de vida en general en la Ciudad de Sarasota? ........................................................................................1 Bueno Pasable Bajo No sé 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 2 3 4 5 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 2 3 4 5 2. Por favor evalúe la forma en que cada una de las siguientes características se relaciona en general con la Ciudad de Sarasota: Excelente Sentido de cooperación comunitaria .....................................................1 Aceptación de la comunidad a gente de diferentes antecedentes........1 Aspecto general de la Ciudad de Sarasota ...........................................1 Oportunidades para asistir a actividades culturales..............................1 Suficientes lugares de compra ..............................................................1 Calidad del medio ambiente (aire).........................................................1 Oportunidades de recreación ................................................................1 Disponibilidad de viviendas a precios accesibles..................................1 Acceso a comida de buena calidad a un costo razonable ....................1 Facilidad para andar en carro................................................................1 Facilidad para andar en bus ..................................................................1 Facilidad para andar en bicicleta...........................................................1 Facilidad para caminar ..........................................................................1 Imagen/reputación general de Sarasota ...............................................1 Calidad general de desarrollo nuevo en Sarasota ................................1 Bueno Pasable Bajo No sé 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3. Por favor evalúe la rapidez de crecimiento durante los últimos 2 años en las siguientes categorías: demasiado lento Crecimiento de la población ............................................ 1 Crecimiento del comercio (tiendas, restaurantes, etc.) ... 1 Aumento de oportunidad de empleo ............................... 1 The National Citizen Survey™ un poco lento cantidad apropiada un poco rápido muy rápido no sé 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 Page 1 of 5 La Ciudad de Sarasota 4. ¿A que nivel, si es que existe alguno, se encuentran los siguientes problemas en la Ciudad de Sarasota?: no hay problema Crímen ...................................................................................................1 Drogas ...................................................................................................1 Demasiado crecimiento .........................................................................1 Falta de crecimiento ..............................................................................1 Ruido .....................................................................................................1 Edificios sin mantenimiento, terrenos con mala hierba, vehículos abandonados ..................................................................................1 Impuestos ..............................................................................................1 Congestión de tránsito...........................................................................1 Indigencia ..............................................................................................1 Ausencia de comunicaciones del Ciudad de Sarasota traducidas a idiomas excepto el inglés ...........................................1 problema problema menor moderado gran problema no sé 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 2 3 4 5 5. Por favor indique que tan seguro se siente contra las cosas que podrían ocurrirle a usted en Sarasota: muy seguro más o menos ni seguro seguro ni inseguro Crímenes violentos (Ej. violación, asalto, robo) .............. 1 Delitos contra su propiedad (Ej. asalto, robo) ................. 1 Incendios ......................................................................... 1 2 2 2 más o menos muy inseguro inseguro 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 no sé 6 6 6 6. Por favor indique que tan seguro se siente: muy seguro más o menos ni seguro seguro ni inseguro En su vecindario durante el día ....................................... 1 En su vecindario durante la noche .................................. 1 En el centro de la Ciudad durante el día ......................... 1 En el centro de la Ciudad durante la noche .................... 1 En los parques durante el día.......................................... 1 En los parques durante la noche..................................... 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 más o menos muy inseguro inseguro 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 no sé 6 6 6 6 6 6 7. Durante los últimos 12 meses, ¿usted o alguno de los miembros de su familia fue víctima de algún crimen No Î Vaya a la pregunta #9 Sí Î Vaya a la pregunta #8 No sé 9. Durante los últimos 12 meses, ¿cuántas veces (usted o algún miembro de su familia) participó en las siguientes actividades en la Ciudad de Sarasota? Nunca Utilizó las bibliotecas públicas de Sarasota y sus servicios ..................1 Utilizó los centros de recreación de Sarasota .......................................1 Participó en programas o actividades recreativas.................................1 Visitó un parque del vecindario o de la Ciudad .....................................1 Utilizó un autobús local dentro de la Ciudad .........................................1 Asistió a una reunión de autoridades locales u otra reunión pública ...1 Vio por cable (TV) una reunión de autoridades locales u otra reunión pública................................................................................1 Recicló papel, latas o botellas en su casa ............................................1 Trabajó de voluntario en algún grupo o actividad .................................1 Utilizó la Internet para cualquier cosa ...................................................1 Utilizó la Internet para hacer negocios con la Ciudad de Sarasota ......1 The National Citizen Survey™ 1ó2 veces 3 a 12 veces 13 a 26 veces más de 26 veces 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 Page 2 de 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2006 National Research Center, Inc. 8. ¿Si usted marcó sí, denunció esos crímenes a la policía? No Sí No sé La Ciudad de Sarasota 10. ¿Cómo evalúa la calidad de cada uno de los siguientes servicios en la Ciudad de Sarasota? Excelente Servicios de la Policía............................................................................1 Servicios de Bomberos..........................................................................1 Servicios de Ambulancia / Médicos de Emergencia .............................1 Prevención de Crímenes .......................................................................1 Imposición de las Leyes de Tránsito .....................................................1 Recolección de Basura..........................................................................1 Reciclaje ................................................................................................1 Recolección de Desechos del Patio (jardín) ........................................1 Reparación de Calles ............................................................................1 Limpieza de Calles ................................................................................1 Iluminación de Calles.............................................................................1 Mantenimiento de Aceras / Veredas .....................................................1 Regulación de Semáforos / Señales de Tránsito ..................................1 Disponibilidad de Estacionamiento Público...........................................1 Servicios de Autobús / Transporte ........................................................1 Drenajes ................................................................................................1 Agua Potable .........................................................................................1 Servicios de Cañería .............................................................................1 Parques de Ciudad ................................................................................1 Clases o Programas Recreativos ..........................................................1 Cantidad / Variedad de Clases o Programas Recreativos ....................1 Centros de Recreación..........................................................................1 Accesibilidad a los Parques...................................................................1 Accesibilidad a los Centros de Recreación ...........................................1 Aspecto y Mantenimiento de Parques...................................................1 Aspecto de los Centros de Recreación .................................................1 Uso, Planificación y Zonificación de Terreno ........................................1 Imposición de las Ordenanzas (mala hierba, maleza, edificios abandonados, etc.) ...........................................................1 Desarrollo Económico............................................................................1 Servicios de Bibliotecas Públicas ..........................................................1 Variedad de Materiales en la Biblioteca ................................................1 Servicios de Información Pública ..........................................................1 Televisión por Cable ..............................................................................1 Bueno Pasable Bajo No sé 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 Bueno Pasable Bajo No sé 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 Excelente el Ciudad de Sarasota ...........................................................................1 el Gobierno Federal ...............................................................................1 el Gobierno Estatal ................................................................................1 12. ¿Ha tenido contacto personal o por teléfono con algún empleado de la Ciudad de Sarasota durante los últimos 12 meses (incluyendo policías, recepcionistas, planificadores u otros)? No Î Vaya a la pregunta #14 Sí Î Vaya a la pregunta #13 13. ¿Cuál fue su impresión de los empleados de la Ciudad de Sarasota en su más reciente contacto? (Evalúe cada característica abajo.) Excelente Conocimiento ..................................................................................1 Simpatía ..........................................................................................1 Cortesía...........................................................................................1 Impresión General...........................................................................1 The National Citizen Survey™ Bueno Pasable Bajo No sé 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 Page 3 de 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2006 National Research Center, Inc. 11. En general, ¿cómo evalúa usted los servicios suministrados por… La Ciudad de Sarasota 14. Por favor evalúe las siguientes declaraciones haciendo un círculo en el número que represente mejor su opinión: Completamente de acuerdo Recibo un valor bueno por los Ciudad de los impuestos de Sarasota que pago .......................... 1 Estoy satisfecho con la dirección general que los Ciudad de Sarasota El gobierno Ciudad de Sarasota promueve la participación Ciudadana......................................... 1 El gobierno Ciudad de Sarasota escucha a los Ciudadanos ............................................................ 1 Más o menos Ni de acuerdo Más o menos Completamente de acuerdo ni en desacuerdo en desacuerdo en desacuerdo No sé 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 15. ¿Qué impacto, si existe, piensa usted que la economía tendrá en los ingresos de su familia en los próximos 6 meses? Usted piensa que el impacto será: Muy positivo Más o menos positivo Neutral Más o menos negativo Muy negativo 16. Por favor marque la respuesta que más se acerca a su opinión para cada una de las siguientes preguntas: a. ¿Hasta qué punto apoyaría o se opondría a un aumento de impuestos para un fondo dedicado a mejorar la apariencia y las oportunidades recreativas de los parques de la Ciudad? Apoyaría fuertemente Algo apoyaría Algo me opondría Me opondría fuertemente No sé c. "Salario de subsistencia" se define como un nivel necesario de entrada para poder comprar necesidades comunes en una comunidad particular (i.e., vivienda, utilidades y comida). ¿Hasta qué punto apoyaría o se opondría a un aumento de impuestos en propiedades para asegurar un salario de subsistencia para los empleados de la Ciudad? Apoyaría fuertemente Algo apoyaría Algo me opondría Me opondría fuertemente No sé d. ¿Cuáles son las dos (2) necesidades de protección ambiental más importantes que debieran ser atendidas por la Ciudad de Sarasota en los próximos 3-5 años? The National Citizen Survey™ Page 4 de 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2006 National Research Center, Inc. b. ¿Hasta qué punto apoyaría o se opondría a un aumento de impuestos para un fondo dedicado a mejorar la infraestructura de su propio vecindario (i.e., aceras, alumbramiento decorativo, calmar el tráfico, etc.)? Apoyaría fuertemente Algo apoyaría Algo me opondría Me opondría fuertemente No sé La Ciudad de Sarasota Nuestras últimas preguntas son acerca de usted y su hogar. De nuevo, todas las respuestas son anónimas y serán reportadas en forma general. 17. ¿Vive dentro de los límites Ciudad de la Ciudad de Sarasota? No Sí 24. ¿Tiene usted o cualquiera de los miembros de su familia 65 años o más? No Sí 18. ¿Está actualmente empleado? No Î Vaya a la pregunta #19 Sí Î Vaya a la pregunta #18a 25. ¿Hay algún miembro de su familia que tenga incapacidad física o que esté inhabilitado? No Sí 18b. Si marcó la pregunta 18a de vehículo motorizado (Ej. carro, camioneta, van, motocicleta), ¿hay otro familiar (adultos o niños) que usualmente viaja con usted a o del trabajo? No Sí 19. ¿Cuántos años tiene usted viviendo en Sarasota? Menos de 2 años 11-20 años 2-5 años Más de 20 años 6-10 años 20. ¿Cuál de las siguientes opciones describe mejor la vivienda (edificio) en la que reside? Casa familiar separada de cualquier otra casa Casa unida a una o más casas (Ej. duplex, townhome) Edificio con 2 o más apartamentos o condominios Casa rodante / trailer Otro 21. ¿Es esta casa, apartamento o casa rodante / trailer es... Alquilada o la ocupa sin pago? Propia, o alguno de su familia la paga con hipoteca o ya está paga? 22. ¿Hay niños de 12 años o menores que viven en su casa? No Sí 23. ¿Hay adolescentes de edades comprendidas entre 13-17 que viven en su casa? No Sí 26. ¿Cuál es el nivel de estudio más alto que usted alcanzó? (marque solo uno) Grado 12 ó menos, sin diploma Diploma de preparatoria / secundaria Algo de universidad, sin título Grado asociado (Ej. técnico en artes o ciencias) Licenciatura (Ej. ciencias y artes) Grado profesional (master, doctorado) 27. ¿Cuánto cree usted que será el ingreso de su familia antes de impuestos para el año actual? (Por favor incluya en su ingreso total todo ingreso de todas las personas de su casa.) Menos de $24,999 $25,000 a $49,999 $50,000 a $99,999 $100,000 o más 28. ¿Es usted Hispano / Latino? No Sí 29. ¿Cuál es su raza? (Marque uno o más grupos que indiquen lo que usted se considera.) American Indian or Alaskan native Asian or Pacific Islander Black, African American White/Caucasian Otro 30. ¿En que categoría está su edad? 18-24 años 55-64 años 25-34 años 65-74 años 35-44 años 75 años o más 45-54 años 31. ¿Cuál es su sexo? Femenino Masculino 32. ¿Está registrado para votar en su jurisdicción? No Sí No sé 33. ¿Votó en las últimas elecciones? No Sí No sé 34. ¿Cree que votará en las próximas elecciones? No Sí No sé Gracias por completar esta encuesta. Por favor regrese la encuesta en el sobre prepagado a: National Research Center, Inc., 3005 30th St., Boulder, CO 80301 The National Citizen Survey™ Page 5 de 5 The National Citizen Survey™ • © 2001-2006 National Research Center, Inc. 18a. ¿Qué tipo de transporte utiliza usualmente (para la parte más larga de su viaje) para ir al trabajo? Vehículo motorizado (Ej. carro, camioneta, van, motocicleta, etc.…) Autobús, tren, metro, u otro servicio público de transporte Camina Trabaja en la casa Otro Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Boulder, CO Permit NO.94 PO Box 1058 Sarasota, FL 34230