Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: JUNE 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Results Presentation for the Town of Atherton Resident Survey
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council receive the Presentation from Adam Probolsky, Probolsky Research; ask questions regarding the results and provide feedback, as appropriate.
BACKGROUND
In May 2024, the City Council awarded a Professional Services Contract to Probolsky Research to conduct a Community Survey. The survey was to be conducted in early 2025. The goals of the survey were to:
• Measure the general attitude of residents toward Town services and programs; • Determine residents’ priorities and areas of concern; and • Receive feedback on key policy issues or priorities.
The survey would include questions that could be used as a benchmark for future surveys on a multi-year cycle. Input from the community will help the Town better understand the community, inform budget priorities and identify infrastructure needs.
ANALYSIS
The City Council assigned an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to work with staff and the consultant to develop the survey. Councilmembers Lewis and Hawkins-Manuelian were selected to serve on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The Subcommittee solicited input from the Town’s various Committees and the Planning Commisison regarding their priority questions and topics for the survey.
After reviewing the draft survey, the survey was released in April 2025. Data was collected via mail, telephone and online modes. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish. Survey participants totaled 424 allowing for +/- 4.5% margin of error. The survey remained open through the end of May to gather additional responses. However, these responses are ad hoc and not included in the statistically responsive results.
Resident Survey Results Presentation
JUNE 4, 2025
Adam Probolsky, Probolsky Research is present to provide an overview of the survey results.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of the survey was $19,000.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
POLICY FOCUS
Policy focus for the Council is gaining insight into the survey results and the priorities and general attitude of residents.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Survey Results Presentation