Resident Survey Outcomes
“It’s a big ask to residents to set aside time to tell us about everything from traffic to taxes,” said Irelan. “Putting this survey out every two years gives us a sense of where we are meeting expectations and where we may need to do a little more work. This is particularly timely for me now that I’m about a half-year into my role as City Manager. We have new and beneficial data to explore as we set priorities with City Council.” Strategic Research Group (SRG) based in Grandview administered the survey, reporting overall Westerville residents remain “quite positive” about the community in which they live. Approximately 90% said they were “highly” satisfied in Westerville. “The 2021 Westerville Resident Survey is the most successful version to date, with nearly twice as many residents accessing the survey as in years past. The results are consistent with previous surveys, showing a high level of satisfaction overall with life in Westerville and the services the City provides,” said Darby Schaaf, principal investigator with SRG.” Residents tend to feel that Westerville is a safe and family-friendly place to live. While we see some shifting in the priorities and concerns that citizens have, overall sentiments remain very positive.”
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RESIDENT HIGHS, LOWS, PRIORITIES Westerville residents gave the highest marks to the overall safety of the community, quality of services and access to parks and recreation. The most important priority remains consistent when compared with years past: public safety and emergency management.
this survey out every two years “ Putting gives us a sense of where we are meeting
expectations and where we may need to do a little more work. - MONICA IRELAN Westerville City Manager
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More Westerville residents participated in the 2021 online resident survey than ever before, with more than 3,200 complete submissions rating City services and programs. It’s the report card used by the City to measure residents’ satisfaction levels, says Westerville City Manager Monica Irelan.
The lowest ratings and complaints related to property taxes and “too much” development. Ratings for concerns about burglary were higher this time when compared with previous surveys. Complaints about traffic and congestion were lower this year than in others. Residents maintained the ratings for City departments and staff, in what we refer to as the “customer standards” section of the survey. Generally residents were happy with the availability of information, resolutions to problems or service requests, friendliness and timeliness and the management of public finances. Road construction and street rehabilitation were rated higher in this survey, and most public service programs got a bump-up as well, with leaf collection getting a notable approval rating. All scores improved in ratings for Westerville’s utilities.
WESTERVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT • (614) 901-6500 • www.wester ville.org
