City hopes survey reveals valuable information

Maricopa residents have the opportunity to provide input on their city by filling out a citizen opinion survey that is arriving in their mailboxes. Residents also can go online to the city’s Web site at www.cityofmaricopa.net to fill out the survey through July 31.

The goal of the survey is to assist the city in maintaining its strong sense of community as it incorporates new development. The survey will collect information not only about local demographics but also employment, skill levels and preferences.

Danielle Casey, a management assistant with the city, noted that Maricopa is presently undergoing a branding process, and the first phase of the process includes giving every community member the chance to be heard.

“The survey was incorporated as part of the scope of services provided by the branding consultant we selected through RFP and approved by city council,” Casey said.

According to Casey the city hopes to get a response rate to the survey similar to the surveys it has conducted in the past. “In October of 2005 we mailed to all occupied 4,050 households and received a 16 percent response rate,” Casey said. “In 2006 we mailed to 7,883 households and got a 13.21 percent response. The advertising and multiple options for survey completion (mailed and online) could, hopefully, increase this response rate.”

Oftentimes, people will bypass surveys they receive in the mail or over the phone. Casey is hoping that is not the case with city residents.

“The survey is completely anonymous,” Casey said. “A few moments of their time will allow Maricopa to get a complete picture of the needs and preferences of the local community, and will help guide the future growth and development of the city.”

Residents can complete and return the survey in a postage-paid envelope. To assure the statistical validity of the survey, a random resident telephone poll will also be conducted.