Maximizing Community Impact: Improving Traditional Surveys

About the webinar

In today’s complex local government environment, understanding the needs and priorities of residents is more crucial than ever. One of the most effective tools for gaining this understanding is the community survey. However, with the myriad of options available and the nuances involved in deploying these surveys, many local government leaders find themselves questioning the best practices for using this tool effectively.

In this insightful webinar, presenters from ICMA Strategic Partner Zencity will delve into the best practices for conducting community surveys and the strategic tools you can use to enhance their effectiveness. We believe that local government is the foundational institution impacting the lives of billions of residents daily—whether through the roads they drive on, the safety of their neighborhoods, or the public services they rely on. To maximize their impact, local government managers must be equipped with the right tools and know how to deploy them strategically.

Key Topics:

• The Role of Community Surveys: Community surveys are a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can provide management staff with critical insights into the needs and satisfaction levels of their communities. However, they should not function in isolation. In this webinar, we will explore how community surveys can be integrated with other engagement tools to create a comprehensive understanding of resident priorities.

• Addressing Common Questions and Challenges: There are often many questions surrounding the use of community surveys: What type of survey should be used? How should the survey be deployed? Who is participating in these surveys? What are the right questions to ask? And most importantly, how should the collected data be used to inform decision-making? Our presenters will provide clear answers to these questions, helping you navigate the complexities of designing and implementing effective surveys.

• Strategic Use of Survey Data: Once the survey data is collected, it is essential to use it strategically. This webinar will cover how community survey results can be applied to key activities such as strategic planning, budgeting, land use, and zoning planning. By integrating survey data with other tools and initiatives, local governments can ensure that their strategies are aligned with the actual needs and preferences of their residents.

• Best Practices for Enhancing Survey Effectiveness: Learn about the best practices that can enhance the impact of your community surveys. From question design to deployment methods and data analysis, our presenters will share actionable tips and strategies that can be applied to your own community engagement efforts.

Community surveys are more than just a tool for collecting feedback—they are essential to the foundational activities of local government. When used effectively, they can provide the insights needed to drive strategic planning, resource allocation, and policy development that truly reflect the community’s needs and desires.

Join us for this informative webinar to learn how to maximize the impact of your community surveys and ensure that they are an integral part of your community engagement and planning efforts.