Please complete this survey if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday (the year of birth does not matter). Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Santa Cruz.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Santa Cruz as a place to live ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Santa Cruz as a place to raise children ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Santa Cruz as a place to work............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Santa Cruz as a place to visit............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Santa Cruz as a place to retire ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Santa Cruz ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of community................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Santa Cruz as a whole.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall economic health of Santa Cruz........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Santa Cruz.......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall design or layout of Santa Cruz’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Santa Cruz (water, sewer, storm water, electric, gas) ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Santa Cruz ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Santa Cruz ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Santa Cruz ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .......................... 1 2 3 4 5
3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following.
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Santa Cruz to someone who asks...................1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Santa Cruz for the next five years.........................................1 2 3 4 5
4. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:
Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t
safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know
In your neighborhood during the day......................................1 2 3 4 5 6 In Santa Cruz’s downtown/commercial area
during the day...............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 From property crime.......................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 From violent crime...........................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 From fire, flood, or other natural disaster .............................1 2 3 4 5 6
5. Please rate the job you feel the Santa Cruz community does at each of the following.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds.............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.)........... 1 2 3 4 5
6. Please rate each of the following in the Santa Cruz community.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Santa Cruz............. 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Santa Cruz ............................ 1 2 3 4 5 Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Cost of living in Santa Cruz .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Santa Cruz.................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
15.98 The National Community Survey
™ • © 2001-2021 National Research Center, Inc.
7. Please also rate each of the following in the Santa Cruz community.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Traffic flow on major streets............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of public parking............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by car in Santa Cruz ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Santa Cruz ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Santa Cruz ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Santa Cruz............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Well-planned residential growth...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-planned commercial growth.................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-designed neighborhoods ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community............ 1 2 3 4 5 Public places where people want to spend time........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Santa Cruz ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Santa Cruz..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Santa Cruz...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Water resources (beaches, lakes, ponds, riverways, etc.) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Air quality.................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.)... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities.................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality food ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality health care............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of preventive health services ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Community support for the arts........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 K-12 education.......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Adult educational opportunities ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of civic/community pride........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Neighborliness of residents in Santa Cruz .................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities.................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend special events and festivals ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to volunteer.................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
8. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.
No Yes
Contacted the City of Santa Cruz (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information.........................1 2 Contacted Santa Cruz elected officials (in-person, phone, email, or web) to express your opinion.............1 2 Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) ............................................1 2 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting...............................................................................................1 2 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Santa Cruz ......................................................................................1 2 Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate..................................................................................1 2 Voted in your most recent local election ................................................................................................................................1 2 Used bus, rail, subway, or other public transportation instead of driving...............................................................1 2 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone ..............................................................................1 2 Walked or biked instead of driving...........................................................................................................................................1 2
15.99 The National Community Survey
™ • © 2001-2021 National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Santa Cruz 2021 Community Survey
9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Santa Cruz.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Public information services............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Economic development..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic signal timing............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Bus or transit services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning, and zoning...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable high-speed internet access ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Garbage collection............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sewer services....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Power (electric and/or gas) utility............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utility billing .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Police services....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Animal control....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ambulance or emergency medical services ............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Fire services ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands, and greenbelts)..... 1 2 3 4 5 Santa Cruz open space....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recycling.................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Yard waste pick-up.............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 City parks................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Health services...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public library services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall customer service by City of Santa Cruz employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
10. Please rate the following categories of Santa Cruz government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The value of services for the taxes paid to Santa Cruz......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Santa Cruz is taking....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The job Santa Cruz government does at welcoming resident involvement....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Santa Cruz government........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Generally acting in the best interest of the community ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being honest........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being open and transparent to the public................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Informing residents about issues facing the community ................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Treating all residents fairly ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Treating residents with respect .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
11. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The City of Santa Cruz........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government.................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
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The National Community Survey
™ • © 2001-2021 National Research Center, Inc.
12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Santa Cruz community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years.
Very Somewhat Not at all
Essential important important important
Overall economic health of Santa Cruz..............................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Santa Cruz.............................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall design or layout of Santa Cruz’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.).....................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Santa Cruz (water, sewer, storm water, electric, gas)....................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Santa Cruz ...............................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Santa Cruz ................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities...............................................1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Santa Cruz .........................................1 2 3 4 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts........................................1 2 3 4 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .............................1 2 3 4
13. Please indicate to what extent you would support or oppose the City funding each of the following items, even if it involved raising taxes or fees?
Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Don’t
support support oppose oppose know
Addressing the impacts of climate change......................................................1 2 3 4 5 Increasing the City’s assured water supply....................................................1 2 3 4 5 Reliable services for the unhoused, such as hygiene services, storage, clean-up, and other services............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Outreach and case management services for the unhoused...................1 2 3 4 5 Developing affordable housing for low and moderate income households ...............................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Mitigating the risk of wildfires in our open space and natural areas.....1 2 3 4 5 Maintaining the City’s streets, roads, sidewalks and other public facilities........................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Maintaining our parks, open spaces and recreational facilities ............1 2 3 4 5 Funding for arts programs.....................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Mental health crisis response services.............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Ensuring the City’s financial stability during downturns.........................1 2 3 4 5 Recruiting businesses and jobs to Santa Cruz ...............................................1 2 3 4 5 Improving Downtown Santa Cruz ......................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Increasing police resources to control crime ................................................1 2 3 4 5 Increasing sustainable transportation options (e.g., bus, bikeshare)....1 2 3 4 5 Job training programs..............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Support for local businesses .................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Improving communication and community engagement........................1 2 3 4 5
14. Please rate how important, if at all, each of the following are for the City of Santa Cruz to focus on to help address the impacts of and assist people experiencing homelessness:
Very Somewhat Not at all
Essential important important important
Create affordable housing opportunities..........................................................................1 2 3 4 Provide emergency shelter.....................................................................................................1 2 3 4 Offer outreach and case management services..............................................................1 2 3 4 Provide access to hygiene services, storage, clean-up, and other services........1 2 3 4 Partner with Santa Cruz County, non-profits, and health care providers that provide services to people experiencing homelessness ..............................1 2 3 4 Increase enforcement of the City’s time, place and manner laws for camping ...1 2 3 4
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The National Community Survey
™ • © 2001-2021 National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Santa Cruz 2021 Community Survey
Our last questions are about you and your household.
Again, all of your responses to this survey are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
D1. In general, how many times do you:
Several Once A few times Every Less often Don’t
times a day a day a week few weeks or never know
Access the internet from your home using
a computer, laptop, or tablet computer ......................1 2 3 4 5 6 Access the internet from your cell phone.......................1 2 3 4 5 6 Visit social media sites such as Facebook,
Twitter, Nextdoor, etc. .......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Use or check email....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Share your opinions online...................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Shop online..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 D2. Please rate your overall health.
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
D3. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative D4. How many years have you lived in Santa Cruz?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
D5. Which best describes the building you live in?
One family house detached from any other houses
Building with two or more homes
(duplex, townhome, apartment, or condominium)
Mobile home
Other
D6. Do you rent or own your home?
Rent
Own
D7. About how much is your monthly housing cost
for the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance, and
homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500 $2,000 to $2,499
$500 to $999 $2,500 to $2,999
$1,000 to $1,499 $3,000 to $3,499
$1,500 to $1,999 $3,500 or more
D8. Do any children 17 or under live in your
household?
No Yes
D9. Are you or any other members of your
household aged 65 or older?
No Yes
D10. How much do you anticipate your household’s
total income before taxes will be for the current
year? (Please include in your total income
money from all sources for all persons living in
your household.)
Less than $25,000 $75,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $49,999 $100,000 to $149,999
$50,000 to $74,999 $150,000 or more
D11. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?
No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic, or
Latino
D12. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)
❑ American Indian or Alaskan Native
❑ Asian, Asian Indian, or Pacific Islander
❑ Black or African American
❑ White
❑ Other
D13. In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years
D14. What is your gender?
Female
Male
Identify in another way
Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to:
National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502
15.102
Results for the City
of Santa Cruz
February 22nd, 2022
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Civic Communication &
Analytics Platform
Smarter, better connected communities. A civic
surveying, policy polling, and constituent
communication tech platform.
Advanced Survey Science &
Performance Analytics
Data insights to help communities move forward.
The premiere provider of professional civic surveys
and performance benchmarking analyses.
Exclusive partners of:
Questions about our product?
Visit www.polco.us to learn more
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Monitor trends in resident opinion
Measure government performance
Inform budget, land use, strategic planning decisions
Benchmark service ratings
Role of Resident Surveys in Local Governance
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4 Facets of Community Livability
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The NCS™ for Santa Cruz, CA
● Survey conducted from October 1st, 2021 to November 19th 2021 ● “Hybrid” mailing approach employed:
● Probability-based sample of 2,700 households (1,200 Group A, 1,500 Group B) ● 474 total responses received
● 18% overall response rate
● Non-probability, open-participation sample: 393 responses ● Results statistically weighted to reflect Santa Cruz overall ● 95% confidence interval with a +/- 4.5% margin of error The National Community Survey™ in Santa Cruz
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Demographic Weighting
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National Benchmark Comparison Database
More than 500 comparison
communities across the nation.
Representing the opinions of
more than 50 million residents.
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Overview of Survey Results
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Facets of
Community
Livability:
Quality
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Facets of
Community
Livability:
Importance
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11 Balancing Quality and Importance
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Comparisons to National Benchmarks
57 received similar
ratings
9 received
more positive
ratings
57 received more
negative
ratings
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Comparisons to Custom/Peer Benchmarks
68 received similar
ratings
13 received
more positive
ratings
42 received more
negative
ratings
Custom/peer benchmark group: communities of similar
population size, same region, and similar median
household incomes
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Survey Highlights
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Safety is
important to
Santa Cruz
residents
Key Finding #1:
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Safety in Santa Cruz
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Safety Services in Santa Cruz
71%
Animal
control
46%
Police
services
70% 30%
Fire
prevention
and education
Crime
prevention
87%
Fire
services
Percent excellent or good
Lower than
peer benchmarks
75%
Emergency
medical
services
15.119
Services for
unhoused
residents is an
emergent need
Key Finding #2:
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Community Support for Unhoused Residents in Santa Cruz
57%
59%
61%
63%
28%
23%
25%
29%
9%
10%
9%
5%
6%
7%
6%
3%
Outreach and case management services for the
unhoused
Reliable services for the unhoused, such as hygiene
services, storage, clean-up, and other services
Developing affordable housing for low and moderate
income households
Mental health crisis response services
Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Please indicate to what extent you would support or oppose the City funding each of the following items, even if it involved raising taxes or fees?
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Community Support for Unhoused Residents in Santa Cruz
44%
47%
42%
58%
47%
54%
16%
26%
34%
19%
31%
30%
15%
21%
17%
16%
16%
12%
26%
6%
6%
6%
6%
4%
Increase enforcement of the City's time, place and
manner laws for camping
Provide access to hygiene services, storage, clean-up,
and other services
Provide emergency shelter
Create affordable housing opportunities
Offer outreach and case management services
Partner with organizations that provide services to
people experiencing homelessness
Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Please rate how important, if at all, each of the following are for the City of Santa Cruz to focus on to help address the impacts of and assist people experiencing homelessness:
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Mobility is also
a community
priority
Key Finding #3:
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Mobility in Santa Cruz
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Mobility in Santa Cruz
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Mobility Services in Santa Cruz
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at least
9 in 10
Maintaining the City’s streets, roads,
sidewalks, and other public facilities
Percent strongly or
somewhat support
at least
8 in 10
Increasing sustainable transportation
options such as bus and bikeshare
Percent strongly or
somewhat support
Level of Support for Transportation Projects
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The natural
environment is
a feature of
Santa Cruz
Key Finding #4:
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Natural Environment in Santa Cruz
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Level of Support for Natural Environment Initiatives
53%
61%
63%
41%
31%
26%
6%
5%
5%
1%
2%
6%
Maintaining our parks, open spaces and
recreational facilities
Mitigating the risk of wildfires in our open
space and natural areas
Addressing the impacts of climate change
Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Please indicate to what extent you would support or oppose the City funding each of the following items, even if it involved raising taxes or fees?
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The economy is
a potential area
of focus for the
City, with
affordability a
particularly
acute issue
Key Finding #5:
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Public Trust
31% of residents
rated Santa Cruz’s
economic
development as
excellent or good
The Economy in Santa Cruz
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Job and affordability-related aspects
9 in 10
Percent strongly or
somewhat support
8 in 10
Percent strongly or
somewhat support
Developing affordable housing for low and moderate income households Support for local businesses
Improving downtown Santa Cruz
Recruiting businesses and jobs to Santa Cruz
Job training programs
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Policy questions
in full
15.134
• Safety is important to Santa Cruz
residents
• Services for unhoused residents an
emergent need
• Mobility is also a community priority
• The natural environment is a feature
of Santa Cruz
• The economy is a potential area of
focus for the City, with affordability
a particularly acute issue
Conclusions
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Next Steps:
Follow up on
Polco Platform
Topics for digging deeper:
o Business survey
o Economic development/workforce
survey
o Law enforcement/policing survey
o Support for climate change initiatives
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Continue Engagement Through The Policy Lifecycle
Identify opportunities for improvement. Engage along the way to cultivate buy-in. Demonstrate progress. Repeat.
Don't let the community input and dialogue conclude with the survey.
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It’s Easy To Continue To Engage Your Panel
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The Process To Deliver Great Outcomes
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Questions?
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Thank you!
Jade Arocha, MS
Director of Survey Research
Polco/National Research Center
[email protected]
(303) 226-6987
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