Agenda #: 2.1
Meeting Date: November 21, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
STRATEGIC
GOAL: Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
Hear presentation and receive report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the presentation of the survey results.
BACKGROUND:
In support of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which identifies an Open Engaged, and Responsive government as a core goal, the City Council approved an agreement with True North Research, Inc. (True North) to conduct a comprehensive resident survey.
True North’s extensive experience conducting community surveys on behalf of public agencies, familiarity with the local area, and data collection methodology resulted in a scientifically-valid random sample survey with more than 600 resident respondents that measures resident perception of the overall quality of life in Diamond Bar, satisfaction with the type of and level of City services and programs, and communication and engagement preferences, among other items.
ANALYSIS:
The survey provides a detailed baseline that can be compared to future surveys, tracking resident satisfaction, expectations, and preference over time. The attached report contains information that can be used to assess performance, develop services and programs, and make improvements. In summary, the findings indicate that:
• In general, residents have a positive perception of their local government. o 85% strongly or somewhat agreed that the City was trustworthy. o 80% strongly or somewhat agreed that the City treats all residents the same regardless of color, age, income, or identity.
o 78% strongly or somewhat agreed that the City manages its finances well. o 78% of respondents are satisfied with the City’s efforts to share information, with email and electronic newsletters, the City website, and print newsletters identified as the three most effective communication methods.
• Residents are generally satisfied with the City’s municipal services. o Overall, 76% of respondents were very or somewhat satisfied with City services meeting the needs of residents.
o Specific service areas receiving high marks include fire and emergency medical services (91% very or somewhat satisfied), maintenance of parks and recreation areas (91%), and maintenance of public facilities (89%). o Among residents that interacted with city staff in the last 12 months, 89% found them to be professional, 87% found them to be accessible, and 77% found them to be helpful.
• Residents are generally satisfied with the quality of life in Diamond Bar. o Overall, 86% of respondents found the quality of life to be excellent or good.
o 86% of respondents found Diamond Bar to be an excellent or good place to raise a family.
o 89% of respondents found Diamond Bar to be a very or somewhat safe place to live.
• Residents have positive views of Diamond Bar’s overall quality of life. o 86% of respondents are satisfied with the overall quality of life. o 86% of respondents are satisfied with Diamond Bar as a place to raise a family.
o 89% of respondents believe Diamond Bar is a safe place to live. • Residents want improved shopping and dining opportunities in town. o 24.6% of respondents identified family chain restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden as the type of restaurants most desired. o 24.9% of respondents identified specialty food stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes as the most desired type of retail stores desired. • Respondents identified the improvement and maintenance of local streets, addressing homelessness, and the development of a pedestrian-oriented and walkable Diamond Bar Town Center as the three most-desired spending priorities.
In general, the results of the survey find that the City does many things well and should continue to maintain and augment those areas while addressing the areas that can be improved with service improvements and enhanced communication.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 2.1.a Diamond Bar Community Survey Report