Administrative
Report
H.16., File # 22-4799 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
APPROVE AN ADDENDUM TO THE MARCH 18, 2021 AGREEMENT WITH ZENCITY TECHNOLOGIES US, INC., FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC OPINION DATA COLLECTION AND ENGAGEMENT SOFTWARE, FOR THE TERM OCTOBER 5, 2022 THROUGH OCTOBER 5, 2025, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,950 PER YEAR AND A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $122,850
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Zencity Technologies US, Inc. (Zencity) provides public opinion and engagement tools for Cities and Police Departments across the United States. In early 2021, Zencity acquired Elucd and maintained the opinion polling services that the Police Department has utilized since 2019 through the Elucd platform. The proposed Addendum to the Agreement with Zencity will continue the Blockwise key performance indictor surveys to measure the Department’s trust and safety scores and identify concerns among respondents, along with the Pulse survey ad-hoc limited time survey feature that is used to engage the community and solicit answers to specific operational questions, through October 2025. The data collected through the agreement with Zencity has been invaluable in aligning Department resources with contemporary community service demands and better understanding the department’s strengths and weaknesses in operational response.
BACKGROUND
In March 2019, the City Council approved an agreement with Elucd Inc. providing access to the Elucd public opinion research platform which delivers surveys to Redondo Beach residents via targeted digital advertisements. The responses assisted the Police Department through survey results that identify critical matters of perception and provide actionable data through a robust platform to allow for analysis and follow-up on items of concern with residents and visitors to Redondo Beach. In early 2021, Zencity acquired Elucd and maintained the polling services that the Police Department utilizes. On March 18, 2021, City Council approved an agreement with Zencity for continued use of the public opinion and engagement tools through October 2022.
Zencity delivers short, confidential surveys to Redondo Beach residents through digital advertisements. The surveys are delivered to residents through commonly used apps and websites using technology designed to reach all corners of the City’s population. Using highly targeted digital advertisements allows the survey to reach a broad group and therefor collects a diverse and highly representative sample of respondents. The surveys find the right respondents based on the precision of Zencity’s targeted outreach. Zencity uses the US Census data for demographic statistics and dynamically adjusts sampling to reach demographic audiences that match the population of
H.16., File # 22-4799 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
and dynamically adjusts sampling to reach demographic audiences that match the population of Redondo Beach. Survey respondents are asked to provide their zip code in the survey so that responses from people outside of Redondo Beach can be filtered out.
Zencity provides two types of surveys for the Police Department, Blockwise and Pulse:
Blockwise surveys reflect the diversity of a city’s neighborhoods and incorporate voices from all aspects of the community. In the process of gathering raw data from the respondents directly, the survey system ensures that it gets responses from people across all major demographic groups so that scores reflect the demographic composition of the neighborhood they represent. Zencity makes sure each data point-representing an individual voice from the community or area-is equally heard and weighted, without the risk of getting lost or overlooked. Zencity ensures the security and privacy of its data. Survey responses are confidential, and unless a respondent chooses to share their email address for follow-up purposes, remain completely anonymous. No personal information is required for collection when a respondent takes a survey.
Pulse is a limited time, ad-hoc survey that is designed to answer specific questions. Pulse surveys sample a statistically representative portion of any population, by race, sex, age, and geographic area through targeting similar to the Blockwise methodology. This style of survey has been used to identify and prioritize quality of life issues to assist with resource deployment.
The use of the survey and communication technology through Zencity allows for a broader reach and closer examination of how Redondo Beach residents feel, how much they trust the Police Department, and to identify concerns they want the Police to address. The survey results are used by the Police Department to consistently gauge priorities, community concerns, and resource allocation to provide the highest level of law enforcement service. The most current survey summary report is posted monthly on the Police Department website for public viewing under the transparency link. Approval of the proposed agreement addendum will allow for continued use of the Blockwise and Pulse public opinion and engagement tools for the term of October 5, 2022 through October 5, 2025.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s Office approved the agreement addendum as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
Ongoing funding for this Agreement was approved by City Council as part of the FY 2022-23 Budget per Decision Package #24. Funding of $40,950 per year for the term October 5, 2022 through October 5, 2025 is available in the Police Department’s operating budget. No additional appropriation of funds is required for this service.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Agmt - Agreement Addendum Zencity Technologies US, Inc. · Agmt - Zencity Technologies US, Inc., October 28, 2021
H.16., File # 22-4799 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
· Insurance - Zencity Technologies US, Inc.