City of Kalamazoo to Conduct National Community Survey

Published on January 06, 2025

The City of Kalamazoo will conduct the National Community Survey (NCS) starting this month to gather valuable feedback from residents about their experiences and perceptions of the city. The NCS, a benchmarking tool used by cities across the country, will evaluate how city government is serving residents and help inform future decisions on policies, programs, and services.

A random sample of 3,000 Kalamazoo households will receive invitations to participate in the survey by mail. The survey uses scientific methods to ensure results are statistically significant and reflective of the broader community. A postcard invitation has been sent to sampled households with instructions to complete the survey online. A paper survey with a postage-paid return envelope will be sent to sampled households later this month.

Residents are encouraged to watch their mailboxes and respond to the survey if selected. Responses are critical in shaping the future of Kalamazoo and ensuring that community voices are heard. The survey will cover topics related to community livability, local government services, policies, and management. Responses can be submitted through February 13.

“The National Community Survey is an essential tool for gathering input from a diverse cross-section of our community,” said Laura Lam, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Kalamazoo. “It helps ensure that we hear from residents who might not otherwise participate in public meetings or engagement opportunities. We greatly value the feedback we receive and encourage anyone who receives the survey to respond.”

To ensure the integrity and accuracy of the results, the adult in the household with the most recent birthday should complete the survey. All responses are anonymous, and survey links should not be shared.

The City of Kalamazoo has conducted the National Community Survey roughly every two years since 2017. The feedback collected plays a crucial role in shaping budget priorities and guiding program development to better meet the needs of residents.

The results of the survey will be published in March. Previous survey reports from 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 are available at www.kalamazoocity.org/survey. The National Community Survey is administered by Polco.