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2022-042 Community Benchmark Survey Results 2022Date: July 8, 2022 Report No. 2022-042 INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Community Benchmark Survey Results 2022 BACKGROUND: The City of Denton regularly conducts a Community Benchmark Survey using the National Community Survey (NCS) tool to assess residents’ opinions on different aspects of the quality of life in Denton. The 2022 survey was mailed to 2,800 randomly selected households in Denton from April to June 2022 with a 10% response rate. Additionally, an online open participation survey was available for two weeks to all Denton residents where additional responses were received. The online open participation survey data was compiled separately to ensure survey validity but is represented in the last tabs entitled “Methods (Open Participation)” and “Open Participation Survey Results.” The survey captures residents’ opinions on 10 central faces of a community, including: • Economy • Mobility • Community Design • Utilities • Safety • Natural Environment • Parks and Recreation • Health and Wellness • Education, Arts, and Culture • Inclusivity and Engagement Most cities of Denton’s size and complexity use community benchmark surveys in some form or fashion. Community benchmark surveys differ from other surveys in that they are: • Comprehensive – these surveys are not topic-specific and are designed to understand public sentiment in many areas. • Longitudinal – these surveys use consistency in questions to capture trends over time. • Infrequent – Due to their scope, cities do not usually use surveys more frequently than on an every-other-year basis. • Comparable – many similar or identical questions are utilized by cities across the nation, allowing for comparisons between similarly-situated cities. Importantly, while online surveys suffer from a self-selection bias, community benchmark surveys use random sampling to ensure statistically valid results. This is important as benchmark surveys are often used to accurately assess the effectiveness of a local government, form the basis of high-level goals and priorities, and impact resource allocation and funding decisions. Date: July 8, 2022 Report No. 2022-042 Benchmark cities were selected to provide comparisons to other jurisdictions with similarly sized populations. Benchmark data is provided ranking Denton’s results as higher, lower, or similar to these benchmark cities, as well as Denton’s ranking and percentile within the selected jurisdictions who have asked a similar question. DISCUSSION: Staff observed many areas in which residents responded favorably of the City of Denton in 2022, mirroring and/or exceeding results from 2018 survey responses. Some areas scored lower in 2018 while remaining comparable with benchmark cities. This may be due to national or state level issues, in addition to local. Events that may affect responses between the previous survey collection in 2018 and the most recent include Winter Storm Uri and the associated power outages, the COVID-19 Pandemic, rising costs of inflation, and incidences of civil unrest. While not reflected within survey questions themselves, these events may affect responses for residents in Denton, and may negatively impact benchmark comparisons locally and nationally, depending on the relevance to their jurisdiction. Notable highlights within the survey results include: • The residents of Denton continue to appreciate the quality of life. About seven out of 10 respondents gave a positive opinion about Denton as a place to live and its overall image or reputation. Almost 80 percent of participants said they would strongly or somewhat recommend Denton as a place to live and that they intend to stay for the next five years. • Participants considered the economy an area of importance. The survey findings about the economy are favorable and in line with national benchmarks, however some aspects seem to be below responses reported on pre-pandemic surveys. • Denton's arts were highly praised. Respondents were very pleased with the community's support for the arts and the opportunity to participate in cultural, artistic, and musical events. Denton received higher ratings for these areas than national benchmarks. • About half of respondents had a favorable opinion of the city’s retail options, employment prospects, and economic development. Even though results in livability categories are mainly favorable, participants’ opinions of Denton as a place to work, the city’s general economic health, and the cost of living have significantly declined compared to 2018 survey responses. • Fewer than half of survey participants gave several mobility-related questions positive ratings, which fell below those of national benchmark comparisons. • Respondents prioritized the overall feeling of safety as an area of importance and generally feel safe in Denton. During the day, nine out of 10 participants said they felt secure in both their neighborhood and Denton's downtown/commercial district, and at least 75 percent said they felt secure from violent crime as well as fire, flood, and other natural catastrophes. The quality of services connected to safety was likewise highly ranked in Denton, and many ratings remained consistent from prior years’ surveys. • The majority of respondents (86 percent) rated fire services as excellent or good, followed closely by ambulance or EMS services (83 percent) and animal control (76 percent) as well as fire prevention and education (75 percent). Almost seven out of 10 Date: July 8, 2022 Report No. 2022-042 people rated Denton's police services and emergency readiness positively. These ratings were also in line with national benchmarks. To assist in guiding staff and officials in resource allocation, resident ratings of services’ importance were compared to their ratings on quality of those services shared on page nine of the attachment. The quadrants assist in clarifying community facets that were higher in importance and higher in quality, higher in importance and lower in quality, lower in importance and higher in quality, and lower in importance and lower in quality. NCS recommends prioritizing facets within the lower right quadrant, of which scored higher in importance and lower in quality. CONCLUSION: The National Community Survey results assist in the prioritization of areas designated as important by community members and allow council and staff to focus energy in areas of opportunity for growth. Departments are currently reviewing the results of the NCS results and will utilize the information to improve services and develop work plans. Results are now available for review and download on the City of Denton website, as well as a link to an interactive dashboard. Staff have also planned community engagement activities including social media promotion and Discuss Denton topics for enhanced resident feedback. Engaging community members in deeper discussions on areas ranked most important to them, such as utilities, natural environment, community design, and mobility assists staff in aligning residents’, staff, and council priorities, along with staff and budget allocation. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – National Community Survey Report of Results 2022 STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Rainey, Assistant to the City Manager 940-349-8569 jennifer.rainey@cityofdenton.com REQUESTOR: Staff Initiated PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: City Manager’s Office Public Affairs Denton, TX The National Community Survey Report of Results 2022 Report by: Visit us online! www.polco.us About The NCS™ The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the “livability” of Denton. A livable community is a place that is not simply habitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, but where they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts from National Research Center at Polco. Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector, community-based organizations and residents, all geographically connected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten central facets of a community:  • Economy  • Mobility  • Community Design  • Utilities  • Safety  • Natural Environment  • Parks and Recreation  • Health and Wellness • Education, Arts, and Culture  • Inclusivity and Engagement The report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 267 residents of the City of Denton collected from April 19th, 2022 to June 10th, 2022. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 6% for all respondents and the response rate for the 2022 survey was 10%. Survey results were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents was representative of the demographic profile of adults in Denton. How the results are reported For the most part, the percentages presented in the following tabs represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data.” However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in most of the tabs. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Comparisons to benchmarks NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 600 communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic and population range. In each tab, Denton's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Denton residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Denton's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much lower,” then Denton's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark. The survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of challenge for many local governments. While we provide comparisons to national benchmarks, it is important to note that much of the benchmark data was collected prior to the pandemic. This may impact how your City's 2022 ratings compare to other communities’ ratings from the past five years. Trends over time Trend data for Denton represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines*. Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the percent difference. If the difference is greater than nine percentage points between the 2018 and 2022 surveys, the change is statistically significant. * In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. 1 About The NCS™The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the“livability” of Denton. A livable community is a place that is not simplyhabitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, butwhere they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts fromNational Research Center at Polco.Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector,community-based organizations and residents, all geographicallyconnected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten centralfacets of a community: • Economy • Mobility • Community Design • Utilities • Safety • Natural Environment • Parks and Recreation • Health and Wellness • Education, Arts, and Culture • Inclusivity and EngagementThe report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 267residents of the City of Denton collected from April 19th, 2022 to June 10th,2022. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 6% for allrespondents and the response rate for the 2022 survey was 10%. Surveyresults were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents wasrepresentative of the demographic profile of adults in Denton.How the results are reportedFor the most part, the percentages presented in the following tabs represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, thepercent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving thisreply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data.” However, these responses have been removedfrom the analyses presented in most of the tabs. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondentswho had an opinion about a specific item.Comparisons to benchmarksNRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 600communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparisonevaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest resultsquickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent awide geographic and population range. In each tab, Denton's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower”than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Denton residents is statisticallysimilar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means thatDenton's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “muchhigher” or “much lower,” then Denton's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark.The survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of challenge for many local governments. While we providecomparisons to national benchmarks, it is important to note that much of the benchmark data was collected prior to thepandemic. This may impact how your City's 2022 ratings compare to other communities’ ratings from the past five years. Trends over time Trend data for Denton represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines*. Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the percent difference. If the difference is greater than nine percentage points between the 2018 and 2022 surveys, the change is statistically significant. * In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. 2 Methods Selecting survey recipients All households within the City of Denton were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codes serving Denton was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Denton households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file. Addresses located outside of the City of Denton boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey. Each address identified as being within city boundaries was further identified as being within one of the 4 districts. From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a unit number) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units. An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the introduction of the survey. Conducting the survey The 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7 weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a cover letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing was a follow-up postcard, alerting residents that data collection was coming to a close, and inviting them the take the survey if they had not already done so. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the survey to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again. The survey was available in English and Spanish.  All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants on how to complete the survey in their preferred language. About 5% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,659 households that received the invitations to participate, 267completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 10%. The response rate was calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons. It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinions are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Denton survey is no greater than plus or minus six percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (267 completed surveys). In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey was publicized by the City of Denton. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two small updates; it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and a question about where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on May 24th. The survey remained open for 2 weeks.  The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participation survey data, but a tab at the end provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Denton funded this research. Please contact Ryan Adams of the City of Denton at Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com if you have any questions about the survey. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali * See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx * Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm.  Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf * Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target* Age 18-34 35-54 55+ Area District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Housing tenure Own Rent Housing type Attached Detached Race & Hispanic origin Not white alone White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Sex Female Male Sex/age Female 18-34 Female 35-54 Female 55+ Male 18-34 Male 35-54 Male 55+ Analyzing the data Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses. The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Denton. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the following table. NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups. 3 MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Denton were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codesserving Denton was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since someof the zip codes that serve the City of Denton households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exactgeographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundaryfile. Addresses located outside of the City of Denton boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.Each address identified as being within city boundaries was further identified as being within one of the 4 districts. From thatlist, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a unitnumber) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within thehousehold by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlyingassumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction wascontained in the introduction of the survey.Conducting the surveyThe 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a coverletter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing was a follow-uppostcard, alerting residents that data collection was coming to a close, and inviting them the take the survey if they had notalready done so. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-upmailings asked those who had not completed the survey to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completingthe survey again.The survey was available in English and Spanish.  All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants onhow to complete the survey in their preferred language.About 5% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postalservice was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,659 households that received the invitations toparticipate, 267completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 10%. The response rate was calculated usingAAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying“confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidenceinterval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinionsare relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Denton survey is no greater than plus or minussix percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (267 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey waspublicized by the City of Denton. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two smallupdates; it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and a question about where they heard about thesurvey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on May 24th. The survey remainedopen for 2 weeks.  The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participation survey data, but a tab at the endprovides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Denton funded this research. Please contact Ryan Adams of the City of Denton at Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com if you have any questions about the survey. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali * See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx * Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm.  Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf * Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target* Age 18-34 35-54 55+ Area District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Housing tenure Own Rent Housing type Attached Detached Race & Hispanic origin Not white alone White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Sex Female Male Sex/age Female 18-34 Female 35-54 Female 55+ Male 18-34 Male 35-54 Male 55+ 26% 26% 48% 26% 26% 48% 65% 21% 13% 26% 24% 26% 24% 26% 24% 26% 24% 37% 15% 30% 17% 21% 79% 21% 79% 11% 89% 51% 49% 51% 49% 26% 74% 56% 44% 56% 44% 76% 24% 62% 38% 62% 38% 79% 21% 48% 52% 48% 52% 44% 56% 12% 13% 23% 14% 13% 25% 12% 13% 23% 14% 13% 25% 31% 7% 6% 36% 15% 5% Analyzing the data Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses. The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Denton. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the following table. NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups. 4 MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Denton were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codesserving Denton was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since someof the zip codes that serve the City of Denton households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exactgeographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundaryfile. Addresses located outside of the City of Denton boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.Each address identified as being within city boundaries was further identified as being within one of the 4 districts. From thatlist, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a unitnumber) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within thehousehold by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlyingassumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction wascontained in the introduction of the survey.Conducting the surveyThe 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a coverletter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing was a follow-uppostcard, alerting residents that data collection was coming to a close, and inviting them the take the survey if they had notalready done so. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-upmailings asked those who had not completed the survey to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completingthe survey again.The survey was available in English and Spanish.  All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants onhow to complete the survey in their preferred language.About 5% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postalservice was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,659 households that received the invitations toparticipate, 267completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 10%. The response rate was calculated usingAAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying“confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidenceinterval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinionsare relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Denton survey is no greater than plus or minussix percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (267 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey waspublicized by the City of Denton. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two smallupdates; it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and a question about where they heard about thesurvey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on May 24th. The survey remainedopen for 2 weeks.  The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participation survey data, but a tab at the endprovides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Denton funded this research. Please contact Ryan Adams of the City of Denton at Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com if you have any questions about the survey. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali * See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx * Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm.  Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf * Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target*Age 18-3435-5455+Area District 1District 2District 3District 4Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or LatinoSpanish, Hispanic, or LatinoHousing tenure OwnRentHousing type AttachedDetachedRace & Hispanicorigin Not white aloneWhite alone, not Hispanic or LatinoSexFemaleMaleSex/age Female 18-34Female 35-54Female 55+Male 18-34Male 35-54Male 55+Analyzing the dataResponses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses areentered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Rangechecks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco weredownloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2019 American CommunitySurvey estimates for adults in the City of Denton. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the surveyrespondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race,Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculatedusing an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme forthe probability sample are presented in the following table.NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g.,age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups. 5 Highlights Denton residents continue to experience a high quality of life and appreciate the city’s opportunities surrounding arts and culture. All items relating to the quality of life in Denton received positive marks on par with comparison communities across the nation. About 7 in 10 survey participants gave positive ratings to Denton as a place to live, the overall quality of life in the city, and the overall image or reputation of Denton. A strong majority of residents also reported that they would recommend living in Denton to someone who asks (79% very or somewhat likely) and planned to remain in Denton for the next five years (75%). Notably, residents also gave high praise to the arts in Denton. Nearly 8 in 10 positively rated the overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts, and three-quarters were pleased with community support for the arts and opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities. These were all rated higher than in other communities nationwide. The economy is an important area of focus for Denton, with some aspects falling below pre-pandemic ratings. Although survey results relating to Denton’s economy tended to be positive and on par with national averages, a few items declined since the previous iteration of The NCS, indicating an opportunity for renewed focus. Denton continued to garner strong ratings for the overall quality of business and service establishments (79% excellent or good), holding steady from 2018 results. The variety of business and service establishments was also rated favorably by 7 in 10 respondents, and the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and commercial area by two-thirds. While the vibrancy of Denton’s downtown/commercial area received lower reviews this year than in 2018 (from 78% to 66%), this survey item exceeded ratings given in benchmark comparison communities across the nation. About 6 in 10 respondents were pleased with Denton as a place to visit, and roughly half felt positively about the city’s shopping opportunities, employment opportunities, and economic development. Despite the largely positive ratings within this facet of livability, residents’ evaluations of Denton as a place to work, the overall economic health of the city, and the cost of living all declined significantly since the previous survey. In addition, residents felt much less optimistic about the economy’s expected impact on their family income, with only 15% anticipating positive effects (compared to 36% in 2018). Mobility may be an area of opportunity for Denton. Many mobility-related survey items received positive reviews from fewer than half of respondents and were rated lower than the national benchmark comparisons, suggesting an opportunity for growth. Roughly one-third of respondents gave excellent or good assessments to the overall quality of Denton’s transportation system and traffic flow on major streets, and only one-quarter felt favorably about the ease of public parking, ease of travel by bicycle, and ease of travel by public transportation. About 4 in 10 approved of the ease of walking in Denton, as well as the city’s street cleaning, snow removal, and sidewalk maintenance services. Each of these were rated lower than the national averages. Additionally, street repair remains a concern, with fewer than one-quarter of respondents providing positive reviews (much lower than comparison communities). However, other areas emerged as bright spots within this facet of livability. Positive evaluations for the ease of travel by car increased by over 10% since 2018 results, garnering favorable ratings from 56% of residents this year. Traffic enforcement also received high marks from about half of residents; although this declined since 2018, it remained on par with benchmark comparison communities. Street lighting (47%) and traffic signal timing (37%) both held steady from prior survey results and were comparable to the national benchmarks. Residents generally feel safe in Denton but continue to prioritize safety in the community. When asked about which aspects of the community the City should focus on in the next two years, about 9 in 10 residents identified the overall feeling of safety as an area of priority. While a lower proportion of residents gave positive ratings to the quality of Denton’s overall feeling of safety (62% excellent or good), all items in this facet received majority favorable ratings. About 9 in 10 reported feeling safe in both their neighborhood and Denton’s downtown/commercial area during the day, while at least three-quarters reported feeling safe from violent crime as well as fire, flood, and other natural disasters. A lower proportion also felt safe from property crime (65% very or somewhat safe). Additionally, the quality of safety related services were also rated highly in Denton, and many ratings remained stable since the previous survey iteration. Fire services received the most favorable ratings (86% excellent or good), followed closely by ambulance or EMS services (83%), animal control (76%), and fire prevention and education (75%). Nearly 7 in 10 gave positive marks to Denton’s police/sheriff services and emergency preparedness. Each of these ratings were similar to the national benchmarks. 6 Facets of livability Resident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview of community strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation. The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and the priority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher than communities across the country (the national benchmark). 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall economic health Overall quality of the transportation system Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Overall feeling of safety Overall quality of natural environment Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Residents' connection and engagement with their community 64% 68% 51% Similar 64% 68% 51% Similar 37% Lower 37% Lower 53% 59%48% Lower 53% 59%48% Lower 55% Lower 55% Lower 77%78%62% Lower 77%78%62% Lower 62%62%52% Lower 62%62%52% Lower 70% Similar 70% Similar 67%67%61% Similar 67%67%61% Similar 83%87%79% Higher 83%87%79% Higher 61% Similar 61% Similar Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) Overall economic health Overall quality of the transportation system Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Overall feeling of safety Overall quality of natural environment Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Residents' connection and engagement with their community Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. (% essential or very important) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Balancing performance and importance Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address. To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists. Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 58% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and those with ratings lower than 58% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they were rated as essential or very important by 79% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they received a rating of less than 79%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in half. The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring  closest to the lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation. (vs. benchmark*) 7 Facets of livabilityResident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview ofcommunity strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation.The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and thepriority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher thancommunities across the country (the national benchmark).Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall economic health Overall quality of the transportation system Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Overall feeling of safety Overall quality of natural environment Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Residents' connection and engagement with their community 87% Similar 87% Similar 78% Similar 78% Similar 79% Similar 79% Similar 87% Similar 87% Similar 92% Similar 92% Similar 79% Similar 79% Similar 85% Similar 85% Similar 77% Similar 77% Similar 74% Similar 74% Similar 71% Similar 71% Similar Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. (% essential or very important) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Balancing performance and importance Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address. To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists. Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 58% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and those with ratings lower than 58% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they were rated as essential or very important by 79% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they received a rating of less than 79%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in half. The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring  closest to the lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation. (vs. benchmark*) 8 Facets of livabilityResident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview ofcommunity strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation.The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and thepriority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher thancommunities across the country (the national benchmark).Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good)Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in thecoming two years.(% essential or very important)* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Balancing performance and importance Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address. To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists. Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 58% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and those with ratings lower than 58% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they were rated as essential or very important by 79% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they received a rating of less than 79%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in half. The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring  closest to the lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation. 70%80%90% Importance 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%QualityInclusivity and engagement Health and wellness Community design Economy Education, arts, and culture Mobility Natural environment Parks and recreation Safety Utilities Median Median (vs. benchmark*) 9 Excellent 19% Good 52% Poor 4%Fair 25% The overall quality of life in Denton, 2022 Quality of life Measuring community livability starts with assessing the quality of life of those who live there, and ensuring that the community is attractive, accessible, and welcoming to all. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Denton as a place to live The overall quality of life 86%86%77% Similar vs. benchmark* 86%86%77% Similar vs. benchmark* 80%83%72% Similar 80%83%72% Similar Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Remain in Denton for the next five years 84%89%79% Similar 84%89%79% Similar 76% 82%75% Similar76% 82%75% Similar Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. (% very or somewhat likely) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall image or reputation 76%76%67% Similar 76%76%67% Similar Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 10 Excellent 3% Good 34% Fair 40% Poor 23% Overall confidence in Denton government, 2022 Governance Strong local governments produce results that meet the needs of residents while making the best use of available resources, and are responsive to the present and future needs of the community as a whole. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2016 2018 2020 2022 The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton The overall direction that Denton is taking The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Overall confidence in Denton government Generally acting in the best interest of the community Being honest Being open and transparent to the public Informing residents about issues facing the community Treating all residents fairly Treating residents with respect 46% 50%42% Similar 46% 50%42% Similar 48% 64% 41% Similar48% 64% 41% Similar 45% 62%50% Similar45% 62%50% Similar 37% 51% 39% Similar37% 51% 39% Similar 39% 58%43% Lower39% 58%43% Lower 42% 57% 41% Lower42% 57% 41% Lower Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Public information services Overall customer service by Denton employees 73%78%64% Similar 73%78%64% Similar 74%73%76% Similar vs. benchmark* 74%73%76% Similar vs. benchmark* Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) The City of Denton The Federal Government Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? (% excellent or good) 11 Overall confidence in Dentongovernment, 2022GovernanceStrong local governments produce results that meet the needsof residents while making the best use of available resources,and are responsive to the present and future needs of thecommunity as a whole. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. The value of services for the taxes paid to DentonThe overall direction that Denton is takingThe job Denton government does at welcoming residentinvolvementOverall confidence in Denton governmentGenerally acting in the best interest of the community Being honest Being open and transparent to the public Informing residents about issues facing the community Treating all residents fairly Treating residents with respect 42% 57% 41% Lower42% 57% 41% Lower 47% Similar 47% Similar 48% Similar 48% Similar 59% 39% 52% Similar59% 39% 52% Similar 57% Similar 57% Similar Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance.(% excellent or good)Public information servicesOverall customer service by Denton employeesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 The City of Denton The Federal Government 83%61% Similar 83%61% Similar 42%29% Similar 42%29% Similar Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? (% excellent or good) 12 Excellent 10% Good 40% Fair 44% Poor 6% Overall economic health of Denton, 2022 Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative 6% 39% 36% 12% 8% 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: Economy Local governments work together with private and nonprofit businesses, and with the community at large, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote a thriving local economy. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Denton as a place to work Denton as a place to visit 62%71%58% Similar 62%71%58% Similar 65% 73%61% Similar65% 73%61% Similar Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall quality of business and service establishments Variety of business and service establishments Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Employment opportunities Shopping opportunities Cost of living 78%72%79% Similar78%72%79% Similar 70% Similar 70% Similar 78% 81%66% Higher78% 81%66% Higher Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) Economic development Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 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: 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 or somewhat positive) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall economic health 64%68%51% Similar vs. benchmark* 64%68%51% Similar vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 13 Overall economic health ofDenton, 2022 Very positiveSomewhatpositiveNeutralSomewhatnegativeVery negativeWhat impact, if any, do you think the economywill have on your family income in the next 6months? Do you think the impact will be:EconomyLocal governments work together with private andnonprofit businesses, and with the community atlarge, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs,and promote a thriving local economy.Denton as a place to workDenton as a place to visitPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of business and service establishmentsVariety of business and service establishmentsVibrancy of downtown/commercial area Employment opportunities Shopping opportunities Cost of living 40% 55%47% Similar40% 55%47% Similar 59% 63%54% Similar 59% 63%54% Similar 48%49%27% Similar 48%49%27% Similar Please rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Economic development 52%63%54% Similar52%63%54% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 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: 36% 15% Lower 36% 15% Lower 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 or somewhat positive) Overall economic healthPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 14 Excellent 5% Good 32% Fair 27% Poor 36% Overall quality of the transportation system in Denton, 2022 Mobility The ease with which residents can move about their communities, whether for commuting, leisure, or recreation, plays a major role in the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the community. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Traffic flow on major streets Ease of public parking Ease of travel by car Ease of travel by public transportation Ease of travel by bicycle Ease of walking 26% 15% 34% Lower26% 15% 34% Lower 24% 32%27% Much lower 24% 32%27% Much lower 44% 36% 56% Similar44% 36% 56% Similar 26% 51% 23% Lower26% 51% 23% Lower 32% 47% 26% Lower32% 47% 26% Lower 41% 63%45% Lower41% 63%45% Lower Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) Used public transportation instead of driving Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Walked or biked instead of driving Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes) Traffic enforcement Traffic signal timing Street repair Street cleaning Street lighting Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Bus or transit services Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall quality of the transportation system 37% Lower vs. benchmark* 37% Lower vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 15 Overall quality of the transportationsystem in Denton, 2022MobilityThe ease with which residents can move about theircommunities, whether for commuting, leisure, or recreation,plays a major role in the quality of life for all who live, work,and play in the community.Traffic flow on major streetsEase of public parkingEase of travel by carEase of travel by public transportationEase of travel by bicycleEase of walkingPlease also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Used public transportation instead of driving Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Walked or biked instead of driving 30%31%23% Similar 30%31%23% Similar 52%50% 57% Higher 52%50% 57% Higher 54%55%51% Similar 54%55%51% Similar Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Traffic enforcement Traffic signal timing Street repair Street cleaning Street lighting Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Bus or transit services 55%60%50% Similar 55%60%50% Similar 33% 29% 37% Similar 33% 29% 37% Similar 19% 13% 19% Much lower 19% 13% 19% Much lower 46%48%40% Lower 46%48%40% Lower 45%47% Similar45%47% Similar 45%41% Lower 45%41% Lower 40% 27% 36% Lower 40% 27% 36% Lower 41% 60% 35% Similar41% 60% 35% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) Overall quality of the transportation systemPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 16 Excellent 5% Good 43% Fair 34% Poor 18% Overall design or layout of Denton's residential and commercial areas, 2022 Community design A well-designed community enhances the quality of life for its residents by encouraging smart land use and zoning, ensuring that affordable housing is accessible to all, and providing access to parks and other green spaces. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Well-planned residential growth Well-planned commercial growth Well-designed neighborhoods Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Public places where people want to spend time Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Overall quality of new development Overall appearance 36% Lower 36% Lower 45% Similar 45% Similar 40% Lower 40% Lower 60% Similar 60% Similar 76%76% Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Your neighborhood as a place to live 81%82%73% Similar81%82%73% Similar Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. (% excellent or good) Land use, planning and zoning Code enforcement Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas 53%59%48% Lower vs. benchmark* 53%59%48% Lower vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) 17 Overall design or layout ofDenton's residential andcommercial areas, 2022Community designA well-designed community enhances the quality of life for itsresidents by encouraging smart land use and zoning, ensuringthat affordable housing is accessible to all, and providingaccess to parks and other green spaces. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Well-planned residential growthWell-planned commercial growthWell-designed neighborhoodsPreservation of the historical or cultural character of thecommunity Public places where people want to spend time Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Overall quality of new development Overall appearance 73%76%53% Similar 73%76%53% Similar 46% 61% 36% Similar 46% 61% 36% Similar 43% 19% Lower 43% 19% Lower 58% 72% 46% Similar 58% 72% 46% Similar 66%75% 50% Lower 66%75% 50% Lower Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good)Your neighborhood as a place to livePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Land use, planning and zoning Code enforcement 34% 55%37% Similar34% 55%37% Similar 47%40%44% Similar47%40%44% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) Overall design or layout of residential and commercialareasPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) 18 Excellent 11% Good 43% Fair 26% Poor 20% Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Denton, 2022 Utilities Services such as water, gas, electricity, and internet access play a vital role in ensuring the physical and economic health and well-being of the communities they serve. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Affordable high-speed internet access Garbage collection Drinking water Sewer services Storm water management Power (electric and/or gas) utility Utility billing 48% Similar 48% Similar 86%92%78% Similar 86%92%78% Similar 74%74%72% Similar74%74%72% Similar 81%81%74% Similar81%81%74% Similar 65%68%60% Similar65%68%60% Similar 75%80%74% Similar75%80%74% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure 55% Lower vs. benchmark* 55% Lower vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) 19 Overall quality of the utilityinfrastructure in Denton, 2022UtilitiesServices such as water, gas, electricity, and internet accessplay a vital role in ensuring the physical and economic healthand well-being of the communities they serve. * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Affordable high-speed internet accessGarbage collectionDrinking waterSewer servicesStorm water managementPower (electric and/or gas) utility Utility billing 67% 73%69% Similar67% 73%69% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of the utility infrastructurePlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) 20 Excellent 9% Good 52% Fair 33% Poor 6% Overall feeling of safety in Denton, 2022 Safety Public safety is often the most important task facing local governments. All residents should feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods and in the greater community, and providing robust safety-related services is essential to residents' quality of life. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall feeling of safety 77%78%62% Lower vs. benchmark* 77%78%62% Lower vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 In your neighborhood during the day In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day From property crime From violent crime From fire, flood, or other natural disaster 94%91% Similar 94%91% Similar 88%87% Similar 88%87% Similar 65% Similar 65% Similar 81% Similar 81% Similar 75% Similar 75% Similar Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: (% very or somewhat safe) Police/Sheriff services Crime prevention Animal control Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Fire prevention and education Emergency preparedness Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 21 Overall feeling of safety in Denton,2022SafetyPublic safety is often the most important task facing localgovernments. All residents should feel safe and secure in theirneighborhoods and in the greater community, and providingrobust safety-related services is essential to residents' qualityof life.Overall feeling of safetyPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good)In your neighborhood during the dayIn Denton's downtown/commercial area during the dayFrom property crimeFrom violent crimeFrom fire, flood, or other natural disasterPlease rate how safe or unsafe you feel:(% very or somewhat safe) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Police/Sheriff services Crime prevention Animal control Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Fire prevention and education Emergency preparedness 75%78%68% Similar75%78%68% Similar 61% 69%60% Similar61% 69%60% Similar 75% 66% 76% Similar 75% 66% 76% Similar 91%96%83% Similar 91%96%83% Similar 92%93%86% Similar92%93%86% Similar 72% 80%75% Similar72% 80%75% Similar 69%72%69% Similar69%72%69% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 22 Excellent 14% Good 37% Fair 34% Poor 16% Overall quality of natural environment in Denton, 2022 Natural environment The natural environment plays a vital role in the health and well-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residents live and experience their communities has a direct and profound effect on quality of life. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Cleanliness Water resources Air quality 59%64%45% Lower 59%64%45% Lower 35% Lower 35% Lower 34% 71%50% Much lower34% 71%50% Much lower Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Preservation of natural areas Denton open space Recycling Yard waste pick-up 50% 62%49% Similar50% 62%49% Similar 51% 56%48% Lower51% 56%48% Lower Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall quality of natural environment 62%62%52% Lower vs. benchmark* 62%62%52% Lower vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 23 Overall quality of naturalenvironment in Denton, 2022Natural environmentThe natural environment plays a vital role in the health andwell-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residentslive and experience their communities has a direct andprofound effect on quality of life.CleanlinessWater resourcesAir qualityPlease also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good)Preservation of natural areasDenton open space Recycling Yard waste pick-up 85%86%68% Similar 85%86%68% Similar 83%85%75% Similar83%85%75% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of natural environmentPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 24 Excellent 23% Good 46% Fair 22% Poor 9% Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities, 2022 Parks and recreation "There are no communities that pride themselves on their quality of life, promote themselves as a desirable location for businesses to relocate, or maintain that they are environmental stewards of their natural resources, without such communities having a robust, active system of parks and recreation programs for public use and enjoyment." - National Recreation and Park Association 2016 2018 2020 2022 Availability of paths and walking trails Fitness opportunities Recreational opportunities 40% 53%44% Lower40% 53%44% Lower 68%72%54% Similar 68%72%54% Similar 67%75%53% Similar 67%75%53% Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 City parks Recreation programs or classes Recreation centers or facilities 83%85%73% Similar 83%85%73% Similar 72% 78%65% Similar72% 78%65% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities 70% Similar vs. benchmark* 70% Similar vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 25 Overall quality of parks andrecreation opportunities, 2022Parks and recreation"There are no communities that pride themselves on theirquality of life, promote themselves as a desirable location forbusinesses to relocate, or maintain that they areenvironmental stewards of their natural resources, withoutsuch communities having a robust, active system of parks andrecreation programs for public use and enjoyment."- National Recreation and Park AssociationAvailability of paths and walking trailsFitness opportunitiesRecreational opportunitiesPlease also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good)City parks Recreation programs or classes Recreation centers or facilities 68% 76%64% Similar68% 76%64% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 26 Excellent 16% Good 44% Fair 31% Poor 9% Overall health and wellness opportunities in Denton, 2022 Health and wellness The characteristics of and amenities available in the communities in which people live has a direct impact on the health and wellness of residents, and thus, on their quality of life overall. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Availability of affordable quality food Availability of affordable quality health care Availability of preventive health services Availability of affordable quality mental health care 78%81%59% Similar 78%81%59% Similar 62% 66% 41% Lower 62% 66% 41% Lower 63%70%41% Lower 63%70%41% Lower 40% 64% 28% Similar40% 64% 28% Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Health services 65%76%57% Similar 65%76%57% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) Please rate your overall health. Please rate your overall health. (% excellent or very good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall health and wellness opportunities 67%67%61% Similar vs. benchmark* 67%67%61% Similar vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 27 Overall health and wellnessopportunities in Denton, 2022Health and wellnessThe characteristics of and amenities available in thecommunities in which people live has a direct impact on thehealth and wellness of residents, and thus, on their quality oflife overall.Availability of affordable quality foodAvailability of affordable quality health careAvailability of preventive health servicesAvailability of affordable quality mental health carePlease also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good)Health servicesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Please rate your overall health.52%68% Similar52%68% Similar Please rate your overall health. (% excellent or very good) Overall health and wellness opportunitiesPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 28 Excellent 34% Good 45% Fair 18% Poor 3% Overall opportunities for education, culture and the arts, 2022 Education, arts, and culture Participation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and in cultural activities is linked to increased civic engagement, greater social tolerance, and enhanced enjoyment of the local community. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Community support for the arts Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool K-12 education Adult educational opportunities Opportunities to attend special events and festivals 86%87%77% Higher86%87%77% Higher 76% Higher 76% Higher 44%47%31% Similar44%47%31% Similar 65%63% 68% Similar65%63% 68% Similar 76%83%61% Similar 76%83%61% Similar 77% 80%68% Similar77% 80%68% Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) Public library services Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts 83%87%79% Higher vs. benchmark* 83%87%79% Higher vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 29 Overall opportunities for education,culture and the arts, 2022Education, arts, and cultureParticipation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and incultural activities is linked to increased civic engagement,greater social tolerance, and enhanced enjoyment of the localcommunity.Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activitiesCommunity support for the artsAvailability of affordable quality childcare/preschoolK-12 educationAdult educational opportunitiesOpportunities to attend special events and festivalsPlease also rate each of the following in the Denton community.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Public library services 92%95%81% Similar 92%95%81% Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. (% excellent or good) Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 30 Excellent 13% Good 47% Fair 35% Poor 4% Residents' connection and engagement with their community, 2022 Inclusivity and engagement Inclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental feeling of belonging; residents who feel invited to participate within their communities feel more included, involved, and engaged than those who do not. 2016 2018 2020 2022 Denton as a place to raise children Denton as a place to retire Sense of community 79%80%68% Similar79%80%68% Similar 58% 64%51% Lower58% 64%51% Lower 73%73%71% Similar 73%73%71% Similar Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Residents' connection and engagement with their community 61% Similar vs. benchmark* 61% Similar vs. benchmark* Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. (% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Making all residents feel welcome Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Taking care of vulnerable residents 71% Similar 71% Similar Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. (% excellent or good) Sense of civic/community pride Neighborliness of residents Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 31 Residents' connection andengagement with theircommunity, 2022Inclusivity and engagementInclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental feeling ofbelonging; residents who feel invited to participate within theircommunities feel more included, involved, and engaged thanthose who do not.Denton as a place to raise childrenDenton as a place to retireSense of communityPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton.(% excellent or good)Residents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.(% excellent or good) Making all residents feel welcome Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Taking care of vulnerable residents 70% Similar 70% Similar 69% Similar 69% Similar 47% Similar 47% Similar Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following.(% excellent or good) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Sense of civic/community pride Neighborliness of residents Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 63% Similar 63% Similar 64%66%59% Similar64%66%59% Similar 81%83%67% Similar 81%83%67% Similar 83%83%74% Similar 83%83%74% Similar 73%89%66% Similar 73%89%66% Similar 67%81%66% Similar67%81%66% Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. (% excellent or good) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 32 Residents' participation levels 2016 2018 2020 2022 Contacted the City of Denton for help or information Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion Attended a local public meeting Watched a local public meeting Volunteered your time to some group/activity Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Voted in your most recent local election 52% 63% Higher vs. benchmark* 52% 63% Higher vs. benchmark* 13% 23% Similar13% 23% Similar 20% 46% 14% Similar20% 46% 14% Similar 16% 45% 30% Similar 16% 45% 30% Similar 37% 63% 30% Similar37% 63% 30% Similar 20% 26% Similar20% 26% Similar 70% Similar 70% Similar Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes) 2016 2018 2020 2022 Access the internet from your home Access the internet from your cell phone Visit social media sites Use or check email Share your opinions online Shop online 96% Similar 96% Similar 98% Similar 98% Similar In general, how many times do you: (% a few times a week or more) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 33 Residents' participation levelsContacted the City of Denton for help or informationContacted Denton elected officials to express your opinionAttended a local public meetingWatched a local public meetingVolunteered your time to some group/activityCampaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidateVoted in your most recent local electionPlease indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.(% yes)Access the internet from your home Access the internet from your cell phone Visit social media sites Use or check email Share your opinions online Shop online 98% Similar 98% Similar 85% Similar 85% Similar 98% Similar 98% Similar 32% Similar 32% Similar 61% Similar 61% Similar In general, how many times do you:(% a few times a week or more) * Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 34 Please rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: The availability of information about City programs and services City efforts to keep citizens informed about local issues The quality of the City's website (www.cityofdenton.com) The usefulness of information in mailed City newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) City efforts to engage citizens on social media Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: City website (www.cityofdenton.com) City mailed newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) City cable television channel (Charter 194, Grande 12, Frontier 38) Social Media Channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Youtube) City email news updates and alerts Local news media sources, such as the Denton Record-Chronicle Your homeowner/neighborhood association City staff or public buildings (brochures, posters, signage) City Council Word of mouth/friends Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: The ease of locating contact information The availability of City staff (hours of operation) The length of time you waited (waiting on hold, waiting in line, etc.) to submit a request The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff The competence and knowledge of City staff The timely resolution of your request 53% 65% 62% 49% 51% 91% 63% 66% 46% 80% 71% 78% 31% 89% 89% 77% 85% 81% 62% 68% 62% Custom questions Below are the results of each custom question on the survey. The percentage of positive responses (Excellent/Good or Major/Minor source) is shown. % positive 35 Please rate the following aspectsof City of Dentoncommunications:The availability of information about Cityprograms and servicesCity efforts to keep citizens informed aboutlocal issuesThe quality of the City's website(www.cityofdenton.com)The usefulness of information in mailed Citynewsletters (Resident Update, CitizenConnection, Construction Guide)City efforts to engage citizens on social mediaPlease indicate how much of asource, if at all, you consider eachof the following to be forobtaining information about theCity government and itsactivities, events and services:City website (www.cityofdenton.com)City mailed newsletters (Resident Update,Citizen Connection, Construction Guide)City cable television channel (Charter 194,Grande 12, Frontier 38)Social Media Channels (Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, Nextdoor, Youtube)City email news updates and alertsLocal news media sources, such as the DentonRecord-ChronicleYour homeowner/neighborhood associationCity staff or public buildings (brochures,posters, signage)City CouncilWord of mouth/friends Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: The ease of locating contact information The availability of City staff (hours of operation) The length of time you waited (waiting on hold, waiting in line, etc.) to submit a request The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff The competence and knowledge of City staff The timely resolution of your request 77% 85% 81% 62% 68% 62% Custom questionsBelow are the results of each custom question on the survey. The percentage of positive responses (Excellent/Good orMajor/Minor source) is shown.% positive 36 % positiveRankNumber ofcommunitiesPercentilePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to live Similar Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar Denton as a place to raise children Similar Denton as a place to work Similar Denton as a place to visit Similar Denton as a place to retire Lower The overall quality of life Similar Sense of community Similar Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall economic health Similar Overall quality of the transportation system Lower Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Lower Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Lower Overall feeling of safety Lower Overall quality of natural environment Lower Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Higher 2133726477% 1629024273% 2434125968% 3233222558% 4929114861% 1733727851% 2436327472% 5529013171% 2827820151% 1116314637% 1427123348% 1115914155% 1532928062% 328027052% 2016513370% 2227321361% National benchmark tables This table contains the comparisons of Denton's results to those from other communities. The first column shows the comparison of Denton's rating to the benchmark. Denton's results are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Denton residents is statistically similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is Denton's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to Denton's rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for Denton's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a lower rating than Denton. 37 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Higher Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Similar Remain in Denton for the next five years Similar Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day Similar In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day Similar From property crime Similar From violent crime Similar From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Similar Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Making all residents feel welcome Similar Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Similar Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Similar Taking care of vulnerable residents Similar Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Similar Variety of business and service establishments Similar Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Higher Employment opportunities Similar Shopping opportunities Similar Cost of living Similar Overall image or reputation Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Lower Ease of public parking Much lower Ease of travel by car Similar 832744679% 651605661% 2228121879% 1027824975% 2930821791% 3529218987% 2916811965% 3116811581% 2415812175% 421669671% 821633070% 671645469% 1916013047% 752776879% 601606470% 772605966% 4329316647% 4728515254% 2727219827% 3733321067% 1930624734% 325424527% 38 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Ease of public parking Much lower Ease of travel by car Similar Ease of travel by public transportation Lower Ease of travel by bicycle Lower Ease of walking Lower Well-planned residential growth Lower Well-planned commercial growth Similar Well-designed neighborhoods Lower Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Similar Public places where people want to spend time Similar Variety of housing options Similar Availability of affordable quality housing Lower Overall quality of new development Similar Overall appearance Lower Cleanliness Lower Water resources Lower Air quality Much lower Availability of paths and walking trails Lower Fitness opportunities Similar Recreational opportunities Similar Availability of affordable quality food Similar Availability of affordable quality health care Lower Availability of preventive health services Lower Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar 2129223156% 1925320423% 729427426% 829527045% 1816213336% 391629945% 1315913940% 421589260% 3326617753% 1727723036% 1829924419% 1329025246% 1631326150% 930027245% 1514512435% 426425250% 1029726844% 1826621854% 2128722553% 2926018559% 1226823641% 1425522041% 39 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Availability of preventive health services Lower Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Higher Community support for the arts Higher Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Similar K-12 education Similar Adult educational opportunities Similar Sense of civic/community pride Similar Neighborliness of residents Similar Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Similar Opportunities to volunteer Similar Opportunities to participate in community matters Similar Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Similar Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Contacted the City of Denton for help or information Higher Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion Similar Attended a local public meeting Similar Watched a local public meeting Similar Volunteered your time to some group/activity Similar Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Similar Voted in your most recent local election Similar Used public transportation instead of driving Similar Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Higher Walked or biked instead of driving Similar 2125620228% 842834577% 931591276% 2726719431% 4027016168% 5826311061% 571596863% 2426720159% 682748867% 6327210068% 732707374% 712737966% 772896666% 953081563% 842674223% 1726722114% 732486630% 4427015130% 802605226% 2516112170% 692437523% 952631457% 40 Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Higher Walked or biked instead of driving Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Public information services Similar Economic development Similar Traffic enforcement Similar Traffic signal timing Similar Street repair Much lower Street cleaning Lower Street lighting Similar Snow removal Lower Sidewalk maintenance Lower Bus or transit services Similar Land use, planning and zoning Similar Code enforcement Similar Affordable high-speed internet access Similar Garbage collection Similar Drinking water Similar Sewer services Similar Storm water management Similar Power (electric and/or gas) utility Similar Utility billing Similar Police/Sheriff services Similar Crime prevention Similar Animal control Similar 3326717851% 3828617564% 4227916154% 1632727350% 1427123437% 332231119% 1028425540% 1631326247% 1324120941% 728026036% 2925017735% 1428624537% 3532020744% 531567448% 2330423378% 3928017172% 2928520174% 3029920960% 2622416674% 5125112269% 1535430068% 2832623560% 41 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Crime prevention Similar Animal control Similar Ambulance or emergency medical services Similar Fire services Similar Fire prevention and education Similar Emergency preparedness Similar Preservation of natural areas Similar Denton open space Lower Recycling Similar Yard waste pick-up Similar City parks Similar Recreation programs or classes Similar Recreation centers or facilities Similar Health services Similar Public library services Similar Overall customer service by Denton employees Similar Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton Similar The overall direction that Denton is taking Similar The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Similar Overall confidence in Denton government Similar Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower Being honest Lower Being open and transparent to the public Similar Informing residents about issues facing the community Similar 672969776% 1629324783% 1331727486% 1528223975% 4428115769% 2026321049% 1325622348% 3130621168% 4526214575% 2529922573% 3929117665% 4727614564% 2525018757% 2729821781% 3434222576% 2034627742% 1731025741% 4630816650% 1227624239% 1328024343% 1427123441% 2316512847% 42 Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. Being open and transparent to the public Similar Informing residents about issues facing the community Similar Treating all residents fairly Similar Treating residents with respect Similar Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton Similar The Federal Government Similar Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall economic health Similar Overall quality of the transportation system Similar Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar Overall feeling of safety Similar Overall quality of natural environment Similar Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar In general, how many times do you: Access the internet from your home Similar Access the internet from your cell phone Similar Visit social media sites Similar Use or check email Similar Share your opinions online Similar Shop online Similar Please rate your overall health.Similar 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: Lower 3517111148% 1827722752% 1616213657% 2333826161% 826024029% 4925112787% 801583278% 4925112879% 491578187% 3525116392% 742516579% 911581485% 882513177% 682517974% 622519571% 621586196% 98158498% 921571285% 681585098% 651585632% 681585161% 652629168% 43 Please rate your overall health.Similar 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:Lower 726424615% 44 % positiveRankNumber ofcommunitiesPercentilePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to live Similar Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar Denton as a place to raise children Similar Denton as a place to work Similar Denton as a place to visit Similar Denton as a place to retire Similar The overall quality of life Similar Sense of community Similar Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall economic health Similar Overall quality of the transportation system Lower Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Lower Overall feeling of safety Similar Overall quality of natural environment Lower Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Similar 40322077% 16242173% 37322168% 43321958% 44291761% 31322351% 37322172% 6822871% 33211551% 18161437% 28211648% 18161455% 31292162% 9222152% 29171370% 28211661% 7621679% 6816661% Custom benchmark tables This table contains the comparisons of Denton's results to those from other communities with a similar population, as selected by City Staff. The first column shows the comparison of Denton's rating to the benchmark. Denton's results are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Denton residents is statistically similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is Denton's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to Denton's rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for Denton's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a lower rating than Denton. 45 Please rate each of thefollowing characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Similar Remain in Denton for the next five years Similar Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day Similar In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day Similar From property crime Similar From violent crime Similar From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Similar Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Making all residents feel welcome Similar Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Similar Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Similar Taking care of vulnerable residents Similar Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Similar Variety of business and service establishments Similar Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Higher Employment opportunities Similar Shopping opportunities Similar Cost of living Similar Overall image or reputation Similar Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Similar Ease of public parking Lower Ease of travel by car Similar Ease of travel by public transportation Lower Ease of travel by bicycle Lower Ease of walking Similar Well-planned residential growth Similar 50221279% 36221575% 36251791% 60231087% 44181165% 44181181% 40151075% 6216771% 9316270% 7516569% 31161247% 6621879% 5217970% 7319666% 36251747% 38211454% 42211327% 50281567% 26262034% 5181827% 22221856% 21191623% 18221926% 27221745% 46 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Ease of walking Similar Well-planned residential growth Similar Well-planned commercial growth Similar Well-designed neighborhoods Similar Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Similar Public places where people want to spend time Similar Variety of housing options Similar Availability of affordable quality housing Similar Overall quality of new development Similar Overall appearance Similar Cleanliness Lower Water resources Lower Air quality Lower Availability of paths and walking trails Lower Fitness opportunities Similar Recreational opportunities Similar Availability of affordable quality food Similar Availability of affordable quality health care Lower Availability of preventive health services Lower Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Higher Community support for the arts Higher Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Similar K-12 education Similar Adult educational opportunities Similar Sense of civic/community pride Similar 37161136% 43161045% 35171240% 6615660% 50201153% 30201536% 30231719% 18221946% 32282050% 18272345% 21141235% 13222050% 13232144% 25201654% 27221753% 27181459% 25201641% 26191541% 26191528% 7722677% 8716376% 40201331% 6121968% 6121961% 47 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Adult educational opportunities Similar Sense of civic/community pride Similar Neighborliness of residents Similar Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Similar Opportunities to volunteer Similar Opportunities to participate in community matters Similar Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Similar Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Contacted the City of Denton for help or information Higher Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion Similar Attended a local public meeting Similar Watched a local public meeting Similar Volunteered your time to some group/activity Similar Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Similar Voted in your most recent local election Lower Used public transportation instead of driving Similar Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Higher Walked or biked instead of driving Similar Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Public information services Similar Economic development Similar Traffic enforcement Similar Traffic signal timing Similar Street repair Lower Street cleaning Lower Street lighting Similar Snow removal Similar 6816663% 40201359% 7722667% 7020768% 7520674% 8020566% 9022366% 10026163% 7520623% 20201714% 7020730% 45201230% 7020726% 6161670% 5719923% 9520257% 50201151% 54221164% 42211354% 37271850% 30201537% 4232319% 26191540% 33241747% 48 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Street lighting Similar Snow removal Similar Sidewalk maintenance Lower Bus or transit services Similar Land use, planning and zoning Similar Code enforcement Similar Affordable high-speed internet access Similar Garbage collection Similar Drinking water Similar Sewer services Similar Storm water management Similar Power (electric and/or gas) utility Similar Utility billing Similar Police/Sheriff services Similar Crime prevention Similar Animal control Similar Ambulance or emergency medical services Similar Fire services Similar Fire prevention and education Similar Emergency preparedness Similar Preservation of natural areas Similar Denton open space Lower Recycling Similar Yard waste pick-up Similar City parks Similar Recreation programs or classes Similar 29171341% 17171536% 25201635% 18221937% 37291944% 6615648% 38261778% 39231572% 34231674% 40251660% 47171074% 7319669% 31322368% 48271560% 7225876% 34261883% 36302086% 29241875% 47231369% 19211849% 15201848% 34261868% 52211175% 37241673% 49 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. City parks Similar Recreation programs or classes Similar Recreation centers or facilities Similar Health services Similar Public library services Similar Overall customer service by Denton employees Similar Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton Similar The overall direction that Denton is taking Similar The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Similar Overall confidence in Denton government Similar Generally acting in the best interest of the community Similar Being honest Similar Being open and transparent to the public Similar Informing residents about issues facing the community Similar Treating all residents fairly Similar Treating residents with respect Similar Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton Similar The Federal Government Similar Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall economic health Similar Overall quality of the transportation system Similar Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar Overall feeling of safety Similar Overall quality of natural environment Similar Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar 44251565% 56231164% 30201557% 33271981% 60301376% 31322342% 23262141% 60281250% 22221839% 18221943% 20201741% 35171247% 50181048% 28211652% 25161357% 45311861% 15201829% 42191287% 8116478% 5719979% 5315887% 5719992% 8419479% 9316285% 50 Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar In general, how many times do you: Access the internet from your home Similar Access the internet from your cell phone Similar Visit social media sites Similar Use or check email Similar Share your opinions online Similar Shop online Similar Please rate your overall health.Similar 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:Similar 8419477% 8419474% 9419271% 7516596% 10016198% 10016185% 8116498% 6816632% 8116461% 6020968% 25201615% 51 Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor Your neighborhood as a place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to raise children Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to work Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to visit Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to retire Excellent Good Fair Poor The overall quality of life Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent 6% 18% 50% 26% 8% 19% 41% 33% 7% 26% 41% 26% 13% 30% 42% 16% 9% 30% 36% 25% 21% 29% 33% 17% 4% 25% 52% 19% Complete set of frequencies This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the survey. By default, "Don't know" responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. When a table for a question that only permitted a single response does not total to exactly 100%, it is due to the common practice of percentages being rounded to the nearest whole number. 52 Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. The overall quality of life Poor Sense of community Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall economic health Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of the transportation system Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall feeling of safety Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of natural environment Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor 10% 20% 52% 18% 6% 44% 40% 10% 36% 27% 32% 5% 18% 34% 43% 5% 20% 26% 43% 11% 6% 33% 52% 9% 16% 34% 37% 14% 22% 46% 23% 53 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Fair Poor Overall health and wellness opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Excellent Good Fair Poor Residents' connection and engagement with their community Excellent Good Fair Poor Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Remain in Denton for the next five years Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From property crime Very safe Somewhat safe 9% 9% 31% 44% 16% 3% 18% 45% 34% 4% 35% 47% 13% 9% 13% 48% 30% 16% 10% 26% 49% 3% 6% 27% 64% 0% 5% 8% 33% 53% 24% 54 Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: From property crime Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From violent crime Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Making all residents feel welcome Excellent Good Fair Poor Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Taking care of vulnerable residents Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Excellent Good 3% 11% 22% 40% 2% 6% 11% 48% 33% 3% 2% 21% 44% 31% 4% 26% 57% 13% 7% 23% 47% 23% 10% 21% 42% 26% 29% 24% 33% 14% 21% 55 Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Excellent Good Fair Poor Variety of business and service establishments Excellent Good Fair Poor Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Excellent Good Fair Poor Employment opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Shopping opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Cost of living Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall image or reputation Excellent Good Fair Poor Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent 1% 21% 57% 9% 22% 50% 19% 4% 30% 40% 26% 20% 35% 40% 5% 15% 32% 38% 15% 28% 46% 19% 8% 7% 27% 49% 17% 31% 35% 28% 6% 56 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Poor Ease of public parking Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by car Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by public transportation Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of walking Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-planned residential growth Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-planned commercial growth Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-designed neighborhoods Excellent Good Fair Poor 33% 41% 22% 4% 13% 33% 42% 12% 53% 24% 20% 3% 36% 38% 23% 3% 30% 27% 32% 12% 36% 30% 29% 5% 28% 28% 38% 5% 43% 34% 4% 57 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Well-designed neighborhoods Fair Poor Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Public places where people want to spend time Excellent Good Fair Poor Variety of housing options Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality housing Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of new development Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall appearance Excellent Good Fair Poor Cleanliness Excellent Good Fair Poor Water resources Excellent Good Fair 18% 17% 24% 37% 22% 9% 38% 40% 13% 32% 32% 29% 7% 51% 29% 17% 3% 32% 23% 38% 7% 11% 41% 37% 12% 15% 40% 40% 5% 27% 7% 58 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Water resources Good Fair Poor Air quality Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of paths and walking trails Excellent Good Fair Poor Fitness opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Recreational opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality food Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality health care Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of preventive health services Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality mental health care Excellent Good 21% 45% 19% 31% 42% 8% 22% 34% 30% 14% 11% 35% 37% 17% 15% 33% 32% 20% 10% 33% 41% 17% 24% 35% 32% 9% 20% 39% 30% 11% 9% 59 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Availability of affordable quality mental health care Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Excellent Good Fair Poor Community support for the arts Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Excellent Good Fair Poor K-12 education Excellent Good Fair Poor Adult educational opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Sense of civic/community pride Excellent Good Fair Poor Neighborliness of residents Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent 35% 39% 18% 5% 18% 50% 27% 4% 20% 41% 35% 22% 48% 19% 10% 6% 27% 50% 17% 14% 25% 44% 17% 4% 34% 42% 20% 10% 32% 48% 10% 60 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Neighborliness of residents Poor Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to volunteer Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to participate in community matters Excellent Good Fair Poor Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Contacted the City of Denton for help or information No Yes Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion No Yes Attended a local public meeting No Yes Watched a local public meeting No Yes Volunteered your time to some group/activity No Yes Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate No Yes 5% 29% 50% 17% 3% 29% 46% 22% 1% 25% 50% 23% 4% 31% 46% 19% 9% 26% 43% 22% 64% 36% 23% 77% 13% 87% 30% 70% 31% 69% 74% 61 Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate No Yes Voted in your most recent local election No Yes Used public transportation instead of driving No Yes Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone No Yes Walked or biked instead of driving No Yes Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Public information services Excellent Good Fair Poor Economic development Excellent Good Fair Poor Traffic enforcement Excellent Good Fair Poor Traffic signal timing Excellent Good Fair Poor Street repair Excellent Good Fair Poor Street cleaning Excellent Good Fair 26% 70% 30% 23% 77% 57% 43% 50% 50% 3% 33% 53% 11% 13% 34% 43% 10% 21% 31% 34% 14% 26% 39% 21% 14% 58% 24% 15% 3% 29% 11% 62 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Street cleaning Good Fair Poor Street lighting Excellent Good Fair Poor Snow removal Excellent Good Fair Poor Sidewalk maintenance Excellent Good Fair Poor Bus or transit services Excellent Good Fair Poor Land use, planning and zoning Excellent Good Fair Poor Code enforcement Excellent Good Fair Poor Affordable high-speed internet access Excellent Good Fair Poor Garbage collection Excellent Good 23% 37% 16% 38% 39% 8% 22% 36% 28% 13% 29% 36% 31% 4% 33% 32% 27% 8% 33% 31% 32% 4% 23% 34% 37% 6% 18% 34% 31% 17% 25% 63 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Garbage collection Excellent Good Fair Poor Drinking water Excellent Good Fair Poor Sewer services Excellent Good Fair Poor Storm water management Excellent Good Fair Poor Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent Good Fair Poor Utility billing Excellent Good Fair Poor Police/Sheriff services Excellent Good Fair Poor Crime prevention Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent 2% 21% 52% 6% 23% 52% 18% 7% 20% 49% 25% 11% 30% 42% 18% 4% 23% 53% 20% 6% 26% 42% 26% 8% 25% 47% 20% 5% 36% 47% 12% 64 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Crime prevention Poor Animal control Excellent Good Fair Poor Ambulance or emergency medical services Excellent Good Fair Poor Fire services Excellent Good Fair Poor Fire prevention and education Excellent Good Fair Poor Emergency preparedness Excellent Good Fair Poor Preservation of natural areas Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton open space Excellent Good Fair Poor Recycling Excellent Good Fair Poor 3% 22% 55% 20% 1% 17% 56% 26% 1% 13% 54% 32% 11% 13% 57% 19% 13% 17% 50% 20% 17% 35% 35% 13% 18% 35% 36% 11% 23% 47% 20% 65 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Recycling Fair Poor Yard waste pick-up Excellent Good Fair Poor City parks Excellent Good Fair Poor Recreation programs or classes Excellent Good Fair Poor Recreation centers or facilities Excellent Good Fair Poor Health services Excellent Good Fair Poor Public library services Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall customer service by Denton employees Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton Excellent Good Fair 9% 4% 22% 52% 22% 8% 19% 46% 26% 12% 23% 39% 27% 8% 29% 39% 24% 12% 32% 41% 16% 1% 19% 48% 32% 3% 20% 57% 20% 39% 3% 66 Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton Good Fair Poor The overall direction that Denton is taking Excellent Good Fair Poor The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall confidence in Denton government Excellent Good Fair Poor Generally acting in the best interest of the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Being honest Excellent Good Fair Poor Being open and transparent to the public Excellent Good Fair Poor Informing residents about issues facing the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Treating all residents fairly Excellent Good 18% 39% 25% 35% 28% 12% 10% 40% 45% 5% 23% 40% 34% 3% 24% 35% 37% 5% 23% 37% 31% 10% 28% 25% 35% 11% 21% 31% 38% 10% 6% 67 Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. Treating all residents fairly Excellent Good Fair Poor Treating residents with respect Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton Excellent Good Fair Poor The Federal Government Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall economic health Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of the transportation system Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Essential 27% 22% 46% 15% 28% 48% 9% 11% 29% 42% 18% 31% 41% 23% 4% 0% 13% 39% 48% 2% 21% 40% 38% 4% 17% 49% 30% 2% 11% 38% 49% 68 Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Not at all important Overall feeling of safety Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of natural environment Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall health and wellness opportunities Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Residents' connection and engagement with their community Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Please rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: The availability of information about City programs and services Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know City efforts to keep citizens informed about local issues Excellent Good Fair 0% 8% 46% 46% 0% 21% 30% 49% 0% 15% 44% 41% 3% 20% 31% 46% 3% 24% 33% 41% 5% 24% 36% 35% 8% 6% 41% 30% 15% 29% 16% 69 Please rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: City efforts to keep citizens informed about local issues Good Fair Poor Don't Know The quality of the City's website (www.cityofdenton.com) Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know The usefulness of information in mailed City newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know City efforts to engage citizens on social media Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: City website (www.cityofdenton.com)Major source Minor source Not a source City mailed newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) Major source Minor source Not a source City cable television channel (Charter 194, Grande 12, Frontier 38) Major source Minor source Not a source Social Media Channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Youtube) Major source Minor source Not a source City email news updates and alerts Major source Minor source 8% 10% 38% 11% 9% 26% 40% 15% 9% 6% 26% 37% 22% 32% 11% 22% 23% 12% 11% 34% 55% 11% 43% 46% 70% 16% 14% 23% 36% 42% 42% 70 Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: City email news updates and alerts Major source Minor source Not a source Local news media sources, such as the Denton Record-Chronicle Major source Minor source Not a source Your homeowner/neighborhood association Major source Minor source Not a source City staff or public buildings (brochures, posters, signage) Major source Minor source Not a source City Council Major source Minor source Not a source Word of mouth/friends Major source Minor source Not a source Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: The ease of locating contact information Excellent Good Fair Poor The availability of City staff (hours of operation)Excellent Good Fair Poor The length of time you waited (waiting on hold, waiting in line, etc.) to submit a request Excellent Good Fair Poor The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff Excellent Good Fair 30% 28% 20% 38% 42% 55% 26% 20% 34% 45% 21% 38% 38% 24% 10% 48% 43% 6% 33% 44% 16% 2% 30% 47% 20% 8% 31% 44% 17% 47% 34% 71 Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff Good Fair Poor The competence and knowledge of City staff Excellent Good Fair Poor The timely resolution of your request Excellent Good Fair Poor In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your home Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Access the internet from your cell phone Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Visit social media sites Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Use or check email Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Share your opinions online Several times a day Once a day 1% 18% 0% 15% 52% 32% 2% 21% 48% 29% 3% 1% 8% 5% 83% 2% 0% 3% 4% 90% 14% 1% 8% 14% 63% 1% 1% 2% 16% 80% 11% 72 In general, how many times do you:Share your opinions online Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Shop online Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Please rate your overall health.Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor 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 How many years have you lived in Denton?Less than 2 years 2-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Which best describes the building you live in?One family house detached from any other houses Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apa.. Mobile home Other Do you rent or own your home?Rent Own 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 $500 to $999 54% 15% 14% 6% 13% 26% 38% 7% 16% 1% 6% 24% 43% 25% 12% 36% 39% 8% 6% 23% 18% 13% 31% 14% 1% 3% 43% 54% 49% 51% 3% 73 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 $500 to $999 $1,000 to $1,499 $1,500 to $1,999 $2,000 to $2,499 $2,500 to $2,999 $3,000 to $3,499 $3,500 or more Do any children 17 or under live in your household? No Yes Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? No Yes 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 $25,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino 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 In which category is your age?18-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65-74 years 75 years or older Female 1% 1% 6% 14% 20% 33% 22% 28% 72% 24% 76% 8% 11% 15% 25% 25% 15% 20% 80% 5% 83% 5% 11% 2% 8% 11% 5% 16% 10% 38% 13% 74 In which category is your age?75 years or older What is your gender?Female Male Identify in another way 6% 45% 49% 75 199620082015201720182022Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to live Your neighborhood as a place to live Denton as a place to raise children Denton as a place to work Denton as a place to visit Denton as a place to retire The overall quality of life Sense of community Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall economic health Overall quality of the transportation system Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Overall feeling of safety Overall quality of natural environment Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Residents' connection and engagement with their community Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks 71% 72% 51% 61% 58% 68% 73% 77% 73% 83% 58% 65% 71% 79% 81% 86% 73% 80% 64% 73% 62% 80% 82% 86% 68% 85% 69% 72% 70% 81% 77% 89% 89% 85% 61% 79% 61% 70% 52% 62% 55% 48% 37% 51% 87% 67% 62% 77% 59% 68% 83% 67% 62% 78% 53% 64% 89% 72% 71% 80% 67% 73% Full trends This table contains the trends over time for the City of Denton. The combined "percent positive" responses for each survey year are presented (e.g., excellent/good or yes). If an item was not included during an administration of the survey, no percentage will be shown in the table. If the difference between the 2018 and 2022 surveys is greater than nine percentage points, the change is statistically significant. It is important to note that in 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. 76 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole.Residents' connection and engagement with their community Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Remain in Denton for the next five years Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day From property crime From violent crime From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Making all residents feel welcome Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Taking care of vulnerable residents Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Variety of business and service establishments Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Employment opportunities Shopping opportunities Cost of living Overall image or reputation Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Ease of public parking Ease of travel by car Ease of travel by public transportation Ease of travel by bicycle Ease of walking Well-planned residential growth 75% 79% 76% 89% 82% 84% 84% 89% 75% 81% 65% 87% 91% 88% 94% 92% 93% 47% 69% 70% 71% 67% 27% 54% 47% 66% 70% 79% 76% 48% 63% 55% 78% 78% 76% 49% 59% 40% 81% 72% 76% 60% 62% 48% 78% 74% 45% 26% 23% 56% 27% 34% 63% 47% 51% 44% 32% 26% 41% 32% 26% 36% 24% 15% 52% 41% 44% 45% 34% 27% 77 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Ease of walking Well-planned residential growth Well-planned commercial growth Well-designed neighborhoods Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Public places where people want to spend time Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Overall quality of new development Overall appearance Cleanliness Water resources Air quality Availability of paths and walking trails Fitness opportunities Recreational opportunities Availability of affordable quality food Availability of affordable quality health care Availability of preventive health services Availability of affordable quality mental health care Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Community support for the arts Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool K-12 education Adult educational opportunities Sense of civic/community pride 61% 68% 31% 76% 77% 28% 41% 41% 59% 53% 54% 44% 50% 35% 45% 50% 46% 19% 36% 53% 60% 40% 45% 36% 83% 63% 44% 86% 64% 70% 66% 81% 75% 72% 53% 71% 64% 75% 72% 43% 61% 73% 76% 65% 47% 87% 40% 63% 62% 78% 67% 68% 40% 34% 59% 66% 58% 46% 76% 79% 68% 44% 87% 58% 72% 73% 81% 74% 76% 47% 56% 67% 67% 68% 48% 69% 72% 81% 78 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Adult educational opportunities Sense of civic/community pride Neighborliness of residents Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Contacted the City of Denton for help or information Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion Attended a local public meeting Watched a local public meeting Volunteered your time to some group/activity Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Voted in your most recent local election Used public transportation instead of driving Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Walked or biked instead of driving Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Public information services Economic development Traffic enforcement Traffic signal timing Street repair Street cleaning Street lighting Snow removal 66% 66% 74% 68% 67% 59% 63% 81% 89% 83% 77% 83% 64% 67% 73% 83% 80% 81% 66% 64% 75% 81% 85% 79% 64% 51% 57% 23% 70% 26% 30% 30% 14% 23% 63% 55% 50% 30% 20% 37% 16% 20% 13% 52% 54% 52% 31% 63% 45% 46% 55% 48% 27% 30% 43% 22% 21% 19% 52%49% 47% 40% 19% 37% 50% 54% 64% 45% 48% 19% 33% 60% 63% 78% 46% 13% 29% 55% 52% 73% 50% 52% 21% 39% 54% 62% 72% 34% 60% 79 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Street lighting Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Bus or transit services Land use, planning and zoning Code enforcement Affordable high-speed internet access Garbage collection Drinking water Sewer services Storm water management Power (electric and/or gas) utility Utility billing Police/Sheriff services Crime prevention Animal control Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Fire prevention and education Emergency preparedness Preservation of natural areas Denton open space Recycling Yard waste pick-up City parks Recreation programs or classes 73% 75% 68% 48% 49% 69% 75% 86% 83% 76% 60% 68% 69% 74% 60% 74% 72% 78% 48% 44% 37% 35% 36% 41% 47% 85% 83% 85% 51% 50% 72% 72% 92% 96% 75% 61% 75% 73% 80% 65% 81% 74% 92% 47% 55% 60% 40% 45% 45% 83% 85% 86% 56% 62% 69% 80% 93% 91% 66% 69% 78% 67% 75% 68% 81% 74% 86% 40% 34% 41% 27% 89% 81% 85% 58% 64% 66% 73% 90% 86% 67% 69% 72% 77% 84% 61% 88% 85% 89% 51% 57% 68% 44% 37% 50% 90% 96% 93% 74% 87% 64% 84% 57% 89% 94% 73% 85% 66% 87% 86% 80 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. City parks Recreation programs or classes Recreation centers or facilities Health services Public library services Overall customer service by Denton employees Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton The overall direction that Denton is taking The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Overall confidence in Denton government Generally acting in the best interest of the community Being honest Being open and transparent to the public Informing residents about issues facing the community Treating all residents fairly Treating residents with respect Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton The Federal Government Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall economic health Overall quality of the transportation system Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Overall feeling of safety Overall quality of natural environment Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities 76% 81% 57% 64% 65% 73% 73% 95% 76% 68% 72% 85% 74% 92% 65% 76% 78% 83% 73% 90% 71% 81% 80% 89% 96% 87% 89% 90% 95% 93% 57% 52% 48% 47% 41% 43% 39% 50% 41% 42% 59% 57% 58% 51% 62% 64% 50% 39% 42% 39% 37% 45% 48% 46% 55% 62% 65% 59% 58% 69% 53% 29% 61% 42% 83% 34% 78% 85% 79% 92% 87% 79% 78% 87% 87% 86% 76% 93% 81 Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Overall health and wellness opportunities Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Residents' connection and engagement with their community In general, how many times do you: Access the internet from your home Access the internet from your cell phone Visit social media sites Use or check email Share your opinions online Shop online Please rate your overall health. 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: 71% 74% 77% 85% 87% 83% 78% 61% 32% 98% 85% 98% 96% 68%52%55% 15%36%35% 82 Methods (open participation) As part of its participation in The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™), the City of Denton conducted a survey of 2,800 residents. Survey invitations were mailed to randomly selected households and data were collected from April 19th, 2022 to June 10th, 2022. The results from this main survey effort represent the most robust estimate of your residents’ opinions. After the above data collection period was underway, a link to an online open participation survey was publicized by the City of Denton. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two small updates;  it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and also a question about where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on May 24th, 2022. The survey remained open for 2 weeks and there were 187 responses. The open participation survey data were not collected through a random sample and it is unknown who in the community was aware of the survey; therefore, a level of confidence in the representativeness of the sample cannot be estimated. However, to reduce bias where possible, these data were statistically weighted to match the demographic characteristics of the 2010 Census and 2019 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Denton. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for the open participation survey are presented in the following table. * Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm.  Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf Unweighted Weighted Target* Age 18-34 35-54 55+ Area District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispa.. Housing tenure Own Rent Housing type Attached Detached Race & Hispanic origin Not white alone White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Sex Female Male Sex/age Female 18-34 Female 35-54 Female 55+ Male 18-34 Male 35-54 Male 55+ 26% 26% 48% 26% 25% 49% 34% 39% 26% 26% 24% 26% 24% 26% 24% 26% 24% 18% 25% 43% 14% 21% 79% 21% 79% 11% 89% 51% 49% 51% 49% 24% 76% 56% 44% 56% 44% 84% 16% 62% 38% 62% 38% 83% 17% 48% 52% 48% 52% 43% 57% 12% 13% 23% 14% 13% 25% 12% 13% 23% 14% 13% 25% 15% 18% 11% 20% 23% 13% 83 In which area of Denton do you live? (Refer to map above.) Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 None of these/I don't live in Denton Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor Your neighborhood as a place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to raise children Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to work Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to visit Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton as a place to retire Excellent Good Fair Poor 1% 26% 24% 26% 24% 7% 26% 53% 13% 11% 21% 44% 25% 16% 35% 31% 18% 23% 34% 32% 10% 18% 23% 41% 17% 20% 34% 18% Open participation survey results This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the open participation survey. By default, "don't know" responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. When a table for a question that only permitted a single response does not total to exactly 100%, it is due to the common practice of percentages being rounded to the nearest whole number. 84 Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Denton. Denton as a place to retire Fair Poor The overall quality of life Excellent Good Fair Poor Sense of community Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall economic health Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of the transportation system Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall feeling of safety Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of natural environment Excellent Good Fair Poor 28% 8% 35% 50% 7% 14% 35% 34% 18% 14% 48% 34% 3% 53% 23% 22% 1% 32% 37% 28% 3% 16% 27% 44% 13% 24% 31% 34% 11% 33% 31% 13% 85 Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Denton as a whole. Overall quality of natural environment Fair Poor Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall health and wellness opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Excellent Good Fair Poor Residents' connection and engagement with their community Excellent Good Fair Poor Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Recommend living in Denton to someone who asks Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Remain in Denton for the next five years Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe 23% 15% 21% 42% 21% 19% 34% 34% 13% 12% 22% 37% 30% 14% 27% 45% 14% 17% 11% 51% 22% 14% 11% 38% 37% 4% 8% 7% 31% 50% 44% 39% 86 Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In Denton's downtown/commercial area during the day Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From property crime Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From violent crime Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Making all residents feel welcome Excellent Good Fair Poor Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Taking care of vulnerable residents Excellent Good Fair 5% 5% 7% 10% 32% 12% 33% 14% 11% 17% 14% 33% 25% 2% 6% 17% 46% 28% 19% 34% 29% 18% 18% 28% 30% 24% 19% 35% 23% 23% 17% 12% 87 Please rate the job you feel the Denton community does at each of the following. Taking care of vulnerable residents Good Fair Poor Please rate each of the following in the Denton community. Overall quality of business and service establishments Excellent Good Fair Poor Variety of business and service establishments Excellent Good Fair Poor Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Excellent Good Fair Poor Employment opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Shopping opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Cost of living Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall image or reputation Excellent Good Fair Poor Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Excellent Good Fair 39% 32% 7% 25% 49% 19% 12% 23% 48% 17% 12% 20% 40% 28% 25% 40% 29% 5% 23% 30% 34% 14% 41% 31% 26% 3% 20% 25% 44% 12% 22% 3% 88 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Traffic flow on major streets Good Fair Poor Ease of public parking Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by car Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by public transportation Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent Good Fair Poor Ease of walking Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-planned residential growth Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-planned commercial growth Excellent Good Fair Poor Well-designed neighborhoods Excellent Good Fair 38% 37% 31% 37% 22% 11% 19% 37% 34% 10% 63% 26% 10% 1% 53% 30% 11% 6% 38% 40% 20% 3% 48% 33% 15% 3% 45% 38% 16% 0% 23% 7% 89 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Well-designed neighborhoods Good Fair Poor Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Public places where people want to spend time Excellent Good Fair Poor Variety of housing options Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality housing Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall quality of new development Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall appearance Excellent Good Fair Poor Cleanliness Excellent Good Fair Poor Water resources Excellent Good Fair 30% 40% 17% 40% 33% 10% 18% 32% 35% 15% 43% 36% 17% 3% 61% 30% 7% 3% 35% 43% 20% 2% 20% 31% 43% 7% 18% 30% 44% 8% 22% 7% 90 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Water resources Good Fair Poor Air quality Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of paths and walking trails Excellent Good Fair Poor Fitness opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Recreational opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality food Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality health care Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of preventive health services Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality mental health care Excellent Good Fair 38% 33% 30% 28% 32% 9% 21% 40% 29% 10% 18% 38% 31% 14% 12% 48% 29% 11% 24% 27% 36% 13% 31% 27% 32% 11% 25% 28% 36% 11% 27% 2% 91 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Availability of affordable quality mental health care Good Fair Poor Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Excellent Good Fair Poor Community support for the arts Excellent Good Fair Poor Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Excellent Good Fair Poor K-12 education Excellent Good Fair Poor Adult educational opportunities Excellent Good Fair Poor Sense of civic/community pride Excellent Good Fair Poor Neighborliness of residents Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Excellent Good Fair 47% 24% 12% 28% 28% 32% 8% 31% 30% 31% 40% 28% 30% 2% 26% 29% 31% 14% 4% 30% 41% 24% 17% 28% 33% 21% 20% 32% 34% 14% 30% 27% 92 Please also rate each of the following in the Denton community. Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Good Fair Poor Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to volunteer Excellent Good Fair Poor Opportunities to participate in community matters Excellent Good Fair Poor Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Excellent Good Fair Poor Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Contacted the City of Denton for help or information No Yes Contacted Denton elected officials to express your opinion No Yes Attended a local public meeting No Yes Watched a local public meeting No Yes Volunteered your time to some group/activity No Yes Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate No Yes Voted in your most recent local election No Yes No 10% 33% 11% 25% 34% 29% 8% 23% 42% 27% 12% 29% 38% 20% 18% 29% 29% 24% 71% 29% 25% 75% 25% 75% 51% 49% 59% 41% 33% 67% 77% 23% 93 Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. Voted in your most recent local election Yes Used public transportation instead of driving No Yes Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone No Yes Walked or biked instead of driving No Yes Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Public information services Excellent Good Fair Poor Economic development Excellent Good Fair Poor Traffic enforcement Excellent Good Fair Poor Traffic signal timing Excellent Good Fair Poor Street repair Excellent Good Fair Poor Street cleaning Excellent Good Fair Poor Street lighting Excellent Good Fair 28% 72% 62% 38% 55% 45% 10% 33% 47% 10% 25% 44% 27% 5% 28% 37% 31% 4% 27% 34% 35% 3% 64% 27% 7% 2% 25% 29% 37% 9% 42% 4% 94 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Street lighting Good Fair Poor Snow removal Excellent Good Fair Poor Sidewalk maintenance Excellent Good Fair Poor Bus or transit services Excellent Good Fair Poor Land use, planning and zoning Excellent Good Fair Poor Code enforcement Excellent Good Fair Poor Affordable high-speed internet access Excellent Good Fair Poor Garbage collection Excellent Good Fair Poor Drinking water Excellent Good Fair 18% 36% 16% 55% 26% 4% 35% 40% 20% 4% 50% 25% 21% 4% 47% 37% 13% 3% 32% 27% 31% 10% 20% 27% 42% 11% 3% 14% 49% 33% 51% 23% 95 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Drinking water Good Fair Poor Sewer services Excellent Good Fair Poor Storm water management Excellent Good Fair Poor Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent Good Fair Poor Utility billing Excellent Good Fair Poor Police/Sheriff services Excellent Good Fair Poor Crime prevention Excellent Good Fair Poor Animal control Excellent Good Fair Poor Ambulance or emergency medical services Excellent Good Fair 8% 18% 3% 12% 58% 26% 6% 27% 45% 22% 7% 21% 43% 29% 11% 23% 46% 21% 16% 31% 35% 18% 29% 27% 33% 10% 21% 15% 35% 29% 50% 31% 96 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. Ambulance or emergency medical services Good Fair Poor Fire services Excellent Good Fair Fire prevention and education Excellent Good Fair Poor Emergency preparedness Excellent Good Fair Poor Preservation of natural areas Excellent Good Fair Poor Denton open space Excellent Good Fair Poor Recycling Excellent Good Fair Poor Yard waste pick-up Excellent Good Fair Poor City parks Excellent Good Fair Poor 5% 14% 9% 53% 38% 17% 27% 26% 30% 14% 28% 41% 16% 35% 29% 27% 9% 28% 41% 22% 9% 18% 32% 29% 21% 5% 18% 37% 39% 20% 51% 20% 97 Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. City parks Fair Poor Recreation programs or classes Excellent Good Fair Poor Recreation centers or facilities Excellent Good Fair Poor Health services Excellent Good Fair Poor Public library services Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall customer service by Denton employees Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton Excellent Good Fair Poor The overall direction that Denton is taking Excellent Good Fair Poor The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Excellent Good Fair Poor 10% 6% 32% 45% 17% 11% 33% 44% 12% 21% 27% 44% 9% 2% 12% 41% 45% 10% 20% 47% 23% 28% 35% 32% 4% 40% 39% 13% 7% 33% 29% 12% 98 Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement Fair Poor Overall confidence in Denton government Excellent Good Fair Poor Generally acting in the best interest of the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Being honest Excellent Good Fair Poor Being open and transparent to the public Excellent Good Fair Poor Informing residents about issues facing the community Excellent Good Fair Poor Treating all residents fairly Excellent Good Fair Poor Treating residents with respect Excellent Good Fair Poor Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton Excellent Good Fair Poor 26% 41% 33% 19% 7% 36% 37% 17% 9% 36% 25% 32% 7% 38% 25% 30% 6% 34% 28% 22% 16% 39% 24% 27% 9% 23% 26% 41% 10% 39% 36% 14% 99 Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? The City of Denton Fair Poor The Federal Government Excellent Good Fair Poor Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall economic health Essential Very important Somewhat important Overall quality of the transportation system Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Essential Very important Somewhat important Overall feeling of safety Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of natural environment Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall health and wellness opportunities Essential Very important 12% 35% 36% 28% 1% 21% 41% 38% 2% 8% 40% 50% 1% 21% 30% 48% 2% 52% 45% 0% 17% 29% 54% 0% 24% 34% 41% 5% 30% 42% 24% 31% 100 Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Overall health and wellness opportunities Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Residents' connection and engagement with their community Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important Please rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: The availability of information about City programs and services Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know City efforts to keep citizens informed about local issues Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know The quality of the City's website (www.cityofdenton.com) Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know The usefulness of information in mailed City newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know City efforts to engage citizens on social media Excellent Good 4% 34% 30% 6% 25% 44% 25% 6% 36% 40% 18% 4% 12% 31% 44% 8% 2% 19% 41% 31% 8% 9% 14% 27% 39% 11% 16% 13% 11% 44% 16% 5% 101 Please rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: City efforts to engage citizens on social media Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: City website (www.cityofdenton.com)Major source Minor source Not a source City mailed newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) Major source Minor source Not a source City cable television channel (Charter 194, Grande 12, Frontier 38) Major source Minor source Not a source Social Media Channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Youtube) Major source Minor source Not a source City email news updates and alerts Major source Minor source Not a source Local news media sources, such as the Denton Record-Chronicle Major source Minor source Not a source Your homeowner/neighborhood association Major source Minor source Not a source City staff or public buildings (brochures, posters, signage) Major source Minor source Not a source City Council Major source Minor source Not a source Word of mouth/friends Major source Minor source 29% 14% 22% 30% 6% 29% 65% 24% 36% 40% 75% 17% 7% 10% 45% 45% 34% 36% 30% 26% 30% 44% 74% 16% 10% 45% 45% 10% 39% 38% 23% 43% 102 Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: Word of mouth/friends Major source Minor source Not a source Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: The ease of locating contact information Excellent Good Fair Poor The availability of City staff (hours of operation)Excellent Good Fair Poor The length of time you waited (waiting on hold, waiting in line, etc.) to submit a request Excellent Good Fair Poor The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff Excellent Good Fair Poor The competence and knowledge of City staff Excellent Good Fair Poor The timely resolution of your request Excellent Good Fair Poor In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your home Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Access the internet from your cell phone Several times a day Once a day 12% 46% 6% 31% 48% 14% 5% 27% 46% 22% 18% 18% 39% 24% 6% 17% 44% 33% 3% 29% 40% 27% 8% 19% 43% 30% 1% 3% 7% 6% 83% 89% 103 In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your cell phone Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Visit social media sites Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Use or check email Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Share your opinions online Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Shop online Several times a day Once a day A few times a week Every few weeks Less often or never Please rate your overall health.Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor 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 5% 0% 1% 4% 11% 3% 4% 10% 72% 0% 4% 16% 80% 43% 13% 16% 1% 27% 6% 45% 34% 4% 12% 1% 4% 30% 51% 14% 45% 29% 5% 3% 104 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: Somewhat negative Very negative How many years have you lived in Denton?Less than 2 years 2-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Which best describes the building you live in?One family house detached from any other houses Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apa.. Mobile home Other Do you rent or own your home?Rent Own 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)? 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 $500 to $999 $1,000 to $1,499 $1,500 to $1,999 $2,000 to $2,499 $2,500 to $2,999 $3,000 to $3,499 $3,500 or more Do any children 17 or under live in your household?No Yes Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? No Yes 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 $25,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more Are you Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino?Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native 18% 25% 15% 13% 33% 13% 1% 0% 44% 55% 49% 51% 2% 2% 7% 12% 17% 36% 18% 4% 26% 74% 17% 83% 19% 20% 16% 8% 15% 22% 21% 79% 105 Are you Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino?Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino 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 In which category is your age?18-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65-74 years 75 years or older What is your gender?Female Male Identify in another way How did you hear about this survey? (Select all that apply.) The city's website The city's social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,.. Received an email from the city In a city newsletter or utility bill Received a postcard or letter from the city Nextdoor In my Facebook feed Saw it on the city's cable channel Saw it in a newspaper article or ad (hard copy or online) Saw a flyer or poster about it Heard about it from a family member, friend or neighbor Heard about it from a business or social organization in my co.. Polco's weekly email Other 9% 90% 3% 6% 6% 2% 11% 12% 11% 14% 29% 20% 2% 47% 51% 13% 0% 4% 9% 1% 4% 0% 9% 9% 1% 0% 10% 49% 11% 106 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 Denton. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Denton as a place to live ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Denton as a place to raise children .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Denton as a place to work .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Denton as a place to visit ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Denton as a place to retire ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Denton ................................................................................ 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 Denton as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Overall economic health of Denton .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Denton ................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall design or layout of Denton’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Denton (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Denton ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Denton .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Denton ............................................. 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 Denton to someone who asks ..........................1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Denton 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 Denton’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 Denton 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 Denton community. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Overall quality of business and service establishments in Denton .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Denton ................................... 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 Denton ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Denton ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 107 7. Please also rate each of the following in the Denton 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 Denton .......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Denton .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Denton .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Denton .................................................................................................... 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 Denton .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Denton ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Denton ............................................................................................................. 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 Denton ........................................................................... 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 Denton (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information ................................ 1 2 Contacted Denton 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 Denton ............................................................................................. 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 2 108 9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Denton. 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 Snow removal ........................................................................................................................ 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/Sheriff 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 Denton 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 Denton employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 10. Please rate the following categories of Denton government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The value of services for the taxes paid to Denton ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Denton is taking .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 The job Denton government does at welcoming resident involvement ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Denton 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 5 109 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 Denton ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Denton 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 Denton .....................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Denton ....................................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall design or layout of Denton’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) .....................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Denton (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ..........................................1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Denton ......................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Denton .......................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ...............................................1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Denton ................................................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 rate the following aspects of City of Denton communications: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The availability of information about City programs and services .......... 1 2 3 4 5 City efforts to keep citizens informed about local issues ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 The quality of the City’s website (www.cityofdenton.com) ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 The usefulness of information in mailed City newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) .................. 1 2 3 4 5 City efforts to engage citizens on social media ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 14. Please indicate how much of a source, if at all, you consider each of the following to be for obtaining information about the City government and its activities, events and services: Major Minor Not a source source source City website (www.cityofdenton.com) ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 City mailed newsletters (Resident Update, Citizen Connection, Construction Guide) .............. 1 2 3 City cable television channel (Charter 194, Grande 12, Frontier 38)................................................ 1 2 3 Social Media Channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Youtube) ................................. 1 2 3 City email news updates and alerts ................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 Local news media sources, such as the Denton Record-Chronicle ..................................................... 1 2 3 Your homeowner/neighborhood association ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 City staff or public buildings (brochures, posters, signage) .................................................................. 1 2 3 City Council ................................................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 Word of mouth/friends ......................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 15. Thinking about your most recent experience with the City of Denton, please rate your impression of the following categories of customer service performance: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The ease of locating contact information ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The availability of City staff (hours of operation) ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The length of time you waited (waiting on hold, waiting in line, etc.) to submit a request ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The courtesy and helpfulness of City staff .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The competence and knowledge of City staff .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The timely resolution of your request .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 110 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 Denton?  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 111