This was the second year that the city of Manitou Springs used a survey to gauge the community’s satisfaction with its quality of service, among other key indicators of residents’ feelings, opinions and ideas.
In 2021, 431 residents responded, but this year’s respondents dropped to 346. Public Information Officer Alex Trefry still considers that a “great turnout for a community survey.”
That approximately 7 percent response rate is one that other municipalities can only dream of receiving for a survey without a randomized sample pool, he said.
“I was especially pleased by the number of responses we got. This gives the survey credibility. The majority of responses were positive, so citizens are recognizing the city’s efforts,” Mayor John Graham said.
“Also, some of the comments that were critical targeted specific issues that the city is working on, so we are generally on the right track.”
The survey went live April 26 and ended May 10. Trefry compiled the questions, drawing ideas from other municipalities’ surveys.
“The way in which survey questions are worded is an art, and the slightest word change can make major impacts toward how people answer the question,” Trefry said.
The city mailed 2,052 informational postcards to local residences on the utilities mailing list; of those, 108 were returned for invalid addresses. The survey was online, but paper copies were available in City Hall.
The opportunity to give feedback was announced several times on the city’s social media outlets and website, and in the Bulletin.
This year, the first question asked if the respondent is a Manitou resident; nine people answered no, so their answers were not factored into the analysis.
“The intent of the survey was not for decision-making, but due to trends and significant findings, some of the data may prove beneficial to help city officials with policy-making or administrative decisions,” Trefry explained.
But, he added, answers to the 2021 Community Survey led to the Free Residential Downtown Parking Program because many residents requested a break on parking fees.
A total of 306 respondents — about 88 percent — said the quality of life in Manitou is “very good” or “good.” Seven people said it was “bad” and four said “very bad.”
Last year, 371 people — about 86 percent — answered with those positive responses and 21 people said it was “bad” and one said “very bad.”
The question about the city’s quality of service to residents drew about 63 percent “very good” and “good” answers this time, compared with about 62 percent in 2021.
Both years, respondents could respond with “neither good nor bad or don’t know.”
Respondents also were asked to choose one thing they love most about Manitou. Most said “location/amenities,” with 45 percent. “Community” followed with 29 percent and the “small-town feel” with about 12 percent.
“It is great to see that the dedication of city staff is preserving Manitou Springs as a community that people love to live in. City staff will continue to work toward further improving the quality of life in Manitou Springs, and our doors will always remain open to anyone who has any questions, compliments and/or concerns,” City Administrator Denise Howell said.
Parking/mobility concerns dominated the “one thing to change about Manitou Springs” answers, with about 31 percent of responders choosing that. Municipal government and infrastructure featured in other answers, with 16 and 15 percent, respectively.
People who wanted to change the municipal government mentioned that the city focuses too much on businesses, rather than its residents. Of the 56 people who wanted to change the government, 17 said they were concerned about City Council and five specified city staff/departments.
The survey also asked if respondents would like for someone in City Hall to follow up on questions and concerns, and 46 people said yes. Trefry said those questions ranged from water/sewer fees to tree maintenance, and included recommendations for new parks.
Department directors followed up with those residents; for instance, questions about the Manitou Springs Police Department went to Chief Bill Otto.
Trefry said the city will continue the annual survey, although some questions or how it’s conducted may change. After a few years’ worth of surveys, the city can compare results year-to-year and find trends to monitor.
“Community surveys are extremely important to do for a few reasons: It gives us true data to look at when gauging the performance of ourselves, but also how people feel about living here. In addition, it gives our residents a very quick and easy way to get involved with the city,” he said.