Kalamazoo Times

Kalamazoo residents feel a strong sense of community, while also prioritizing the local economy and safety.  They are among the findings reported from a community-wide survey presented on Monday, Feb. 6, during the Kalamazoo City Commission Business Meeting.

Last fall, the City of Kalamazoo commissioned a National Community Survey™ (NCS) administered by Polco, a civic surveying platform, and the National Research Center.  The NCS is a benchmarking survey that focuses on livability and resident perspectives about local government services, policies, and management, and make comparison with peer communities across the country.  The survey was conducted from October to November and sampled 2,800 households, with a 12% overall response rate and a survey margin of error of +/-6%.

This is the sixth time the City of Kalamazoo has conducted the NCS, with previous surveys in 2008, 2010, 2017, 2019, and 2021.  The survey findings are an important source of resident feedback that help to inform budget priorities and program decisions.  Among the 2022 key findings:

1. Residents’ connection and engagement with their community are highly valued, with majorities giving strong approval to diversity and making all residents feel welcome.
2. The economy is a priority for Kalamazoo residents, and survey participants show concern about general affordability and their own economic outlook.
3. Residents generally feel safe in the City but continue to prioritize safety in the community.
4. Residents place high value on opportunities for education, arts, and culture in Kalamazoo.

“The 2022 NCS shows great promise for the City while also highlighting our challenges,” said Laura Lam, Chief Operating Officer, City of Kalamazoo.  “Our community’s focus on education, the arts, and culture, for example, is higher than the national benchmark.  And while safety in Kalamazoo remains a concern, the NCS shows a significant increase in the percent of residents who give excellent or good ratings in safety services since 2021.  There’s more work to be done, and we’re aiming to meet the challenges.”

Previous NCS reports can be found at National Community Survey Results City of Kalamazoo (kalamazoocity.org).  The Kalamazoo City Commission will review the 2022 NCS findings in greater depth and its impact on City operations, programs, and services at its annual City Commission Retreat.  The retreat will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at The Foundry, 600 E. Michigan Ave.  The retreat will be open to the public and there will be an opportunity for public comment.  It will not be streamed online.

Original source can be found here.