LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP, PA

1. LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP, PA Summary of FindingsSeptember 2008

2. The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS) Background • ICMA/NRC initiative • Turnkey omnibus citizen survey service • Benchmark comparisons • Over 160 participants in The NCS in over 40 states • Over 500 jurisdictions in full database National Research Center, Inc.

3. Primary Purposes of Survey • To assess resident satisfaction with community characteristics and amenities • To help evaluate Lower Providence local government • Using comparisons to other jurisdictions • To determine resident participation in local activities National Research Center, Inc.

4. Uses of Survey Results Monitor trends in resident opinion Results can be used to: Measure government performance Inform budget, land use, strategic planning decisions Benchmark service ratings National Research Center, Inc.

5. Study Methods • Mailed survey to approximately 1,200 residents • 340 households returned the survey • 29% response rate • Margin of error • +/- 5% for any given percentage point National Research Center, Inc.

6. Quality of Community Populations less than 40,000 in the East Similar Above Similar All Above the National comparison National Research Center, Inc.

7. National Benchmark Comparison Recommend living inLower Providence to someone who asks Above 89% Remain in Lower Providence for thenext five years Similar 88% Likelihood of Remaining in Communityand Recommending Community Percent responding (Very + Somewhat) Likely National Research Center, Inc.

8. Snow Removal Animal control 69% 68% Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc) 50% Quality of new development in township 64% Variety of housing options 64% Availability of affordable quality housing 43% Also rated above when compared to Populations less that 40,000 in the east Street repair /maintenance 60% Community Characteristics National Benchmark Comparison Abovethe benchmark Percent responding "excellent" or "good" National Research Center, Inc.

9. Community Characteristics Populations less than 40,000 in the East National comparison Place to work Above Above 66% Overall quality of business and service establishments in Lower Providence Similar 60% Comparison not available Shopping opportunities Above Above 54% Employment opportunities Above Similar 42% Percent responding "excellent" or "good" National Research Center, Inc.

10. = national benchmark comparison Fireservices Ambulance/EMS services Policeservices Township parks 98% 97% 91% 88% = Populations less than 40,000 in the East Township Services Highest Rated Percent responding "excellent" or "good" National Research Center, Inc.

11. = national benchmark comparison Services to low-income people Land use, planning and zoning Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands, and greenbelts Traffic signal timing 38% 40% 47% = Populations less than 40,000 in the East Township Services Lowest Rated Percent responding "excellent" or "good" National Research Center, Inc.

12. Overall image or reputation ofLower Providence 70% Similar Similar Value of services for the taxespaid to Lower Providence 50% Below Below The overall direction that Lower Providence is taking 49% Below Below Job Lower Providence governmentdoes at welcoming citizen involvement 40% Below Below Government Performance Populations less than 40,000 in the East National comparison Percent responding "excellent" or "good" National Research Center, Inc.

13. Lower Providence Employees National Research Center, Inc.

14. Ratings of Nuisance Problems National Research Center, Inc.

15. From Environmental Hazards 64% From Property Crime 74% From Violent Crime 90% Public Safety Neighborhood Downtown 97% 95% Duringthe day Felt “very” or “somewhat” safe 87% Afterdark 77% National Research Center, Inc.

16. Community’s Natural Environment National Research Center, Inc.

17. Support for Funding: Percent Responding “Strongly” or “Somewhat” Support National Research Center, Inc.

18. Support for Raising Taxes to Fund: Percent Responding “Strongly” or “Somewhat” Support National Research Center, Inc.

19. A Single Zip Code 56% strongly or somewhat support To what degree do you support or oppose a single Township-wide zip code for Lower Providence? 45%strongly or somewhat oppose National Research Center, Inc.

20. Key Driver Analysis (KDA) • Cornerstone of customer satisfaction research in the private sector • Tells what service evaluations best predict how well you do overall • Focuses managers and staff on activities that could “get the most bang for the buck” NationalBenchmarkComparisons “Key Drivers” Lower Providence Action Chart National Research Center, Inc.

21. Community Design Recreation and Wellness Planningand zoning Animal control Recreationprograms Township parks Code enforcement Streetrepair Library Economic development Snowremoval Streetlighting Street cleaning Civic Engagement Traffic signal timing Public information Environmental Sustainability Public Safety Preservation of natural areas Recycling Emergency preparedness Policeservices Garbagecollection Sewer services Traffic enforcement Fire services Storm drainage EMS Legend Above Benchmark Similar to Benchmark Below Benchmark Key Driver Overall Quality of Lower Providence Township Services National Research Center, Inc.

22. Strengths Civic engagement Community quality Overall service provision Economic Sustainability Public Trust Transportation Conclusions Challenges National Research Center, Inc.

23. Possible Next Steps Policy exploration survey Focus groups Staff workshop National Research Center, Inc.

24. Questions Thank You!