March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Annapolis releases results of residents’ survey

surveyIn an on-going effort to better serve City residents, results of a citizen survey were released to the public regarding the City’s services, priorities and responsibilities.

“While this survey was planned before I came into office, the results will be very useful in evaluating the wants and needs of our citizens,” Mayor Mike Pantelides said. “Through input from a broad cross-section of our citizens, we can better assess our city services.”

The second annual survey was spearheaded by the City Manager in November of 2013.  Last year’s survey was conducted by a national firm and focused on comparing our data to other communities nationwide.  This year’s survey, conducted by Annapolis-based OpinionWorks and President Steve Raabe, was focused on customized questions on critical programs, projects, and services that local citizens consider priorities.

“The survey tells us about residents’ perceptions of City services and other aspects of living in the city,” Acting City Manager Virginia Burke said. “Because the imminent budget process is about allocating resources to City services, the release of this information is critical to our decision-making process.”

Some of the positive outcomes from the survey include that residents are satisfied living in Annapolis with eighty-three percent likely to recommend living in Annapolis to someone. Also, eighty percent expect to remain living in Annapolis for at least the next five years. Annapolis received its most positive ratings for the diversity of shopping opportunities, recreational opportunities, ease of walking in Annapolis, and communication with City employees.

Residents gave high performance ratings to a number of critical City services, particularly those related to public safety. Among a list of 29 City services rated by residents for their quality, these eight comprised the areas where residents are most satisfied:
•    Ambulance or EMS
•    Fire services
•    “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center
•    Variety of materials recycled
•    Drinking water
•    Fire prevention and education
•    Sewer services
•    Police services

Some of the challenges include a need to build better connections between residents and the City government, affordable housing, additional parking, and better bicycling trails.

Among the full list of 29 City services that were tested, residents placed the quality of the following services in need of improvement:
•    City utility and payment
•    Snow removal
•    Preservation of natural areas
•    Sidewalk maintenance
•    Street repair
•    Services for low-income people
•    Obtaining a building permit

Over six weeks, a representative sampling from all eight wards was collected for this survey. Randomly-selected residents were invited to participate through the mail, online, and by telephone, in both English and Spanish.  The survey results can be found by going to www.annapolis.gov and clicking on Citizen Survey under Announcements.

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