City: Novatans Highly-Satisfied with Quality of Life, Want to Keep it That Way

The following is a news release from the city of Novato:

A recently-commissioned independent survey shows residents in the City of Novatoare highly satisfied with their quality of life and the services the City provides. The survey, conducted January 27 through February 3 2015, shows a remarkable 93% of respondents rate Novato’s quality of life as “excellent” or “good.” Additionally, of those residents who have come in direct contact with City staff 83% give staff “excellent” or “good” ratings on responsiveness.

“Novato prides itself on a tradition of community engagement, fiscal accountability and the delivery of excellent, quality of life services. After years of Sacramento takeaways and money grabs, we are still a City that works,” says Novato City Manager Michael Frank.

The City commissioned the survey to get input on resident satisfaction with city services, service priorities, overall quality of life, and community perspectives on maintaining voter-approved local funding. The City regularly surveys its residents to measure satisfaction and to gage community priorities as it relates to City-provided services. The last survey taken was in 2013. Bryan Godbe of Godbe Research presented the survey findings to Council this evening. The presentation and related survey information are posted on the City’s website.

Respondents overwhelmingly placed a high priority on maintaining rapid 911 emergency response times, maintaining city streets, repairing potholes, and attracting and retaining local business that create jobs. Over 76% of residents surveyed indicated they would support continuing current levels of local funding to maintain essential city services.

“Public safety, quality parks and roads and supporting a vibrant local economy are vitally important to maintaining and enhancing our quality of life,” continued Frank. “It’s incredibly helpful to know that as we engage the community for more feedback in the coming months, residents clearly value the services the City provides and agree that we need to continue to provide the services they expect and deserve.”

The City will continue to solicit additional feedback about ongoing efforts to maintain and enhanceNovato residents’ quality of life. To read more and take a quick survey, go here.