Citizen Survey Numbers Show Duluth Trending Upwards

City Digests, Interprets 2015 National Citizen Survey Data

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There’s over 400 communities nationwide that use the National Citizen Survey.

Mayor Don Ness says it’s a tool to measure year–to–year improvements, but adds the real trends are what’s seen in the long–term.

It’s citizen feedback such as this:

“All the sidewalks need to be fixed,” said Linda Barber.

“I walk and take the bus everywhere, and it’s just so easy to get places,” Kathy Brantner said.

“There’s always things to do and it’s just an active community,” Jake Nelson added.

That Mayor Don Ness says is essential in helping Duluth make forward strides.

“To measure what the perception our customers – the citizens – have on a range of surfaces,” Ness explained.

The National Citizen Survey breaks down those perceptions into tangible numbers on a year–to–year basis.

“The big message coming out of this year is that we’ve kind of sustained at this higher level than we’ve seen,” Ness described.

Ness says the survey’s broader categories, such as ‘Services Provided by Duluth,’ are main focal points

“Those are ones that capture a person’s overall sense of where the city is,” he told FOX 21.

Categories in which Duluth has trended upwards the past seven years.

“Back in 2009, we were at 49 percent,” he said. “Today we’re at 71 percent.”

But the more specific grades are important to consider as well.

‘Travel by Public Transportation’ increased 11 percent since last year.

“I can catch the bus everywhere, at every corner, and it takes me almost everywhere I need to go,” Brantner said.

Improving city streets, however, still remains a challenge.

“Fourth is just, you know, not up to standards right now,” Nelson admitted.

“We’re doing what we can, but it’s not enough,” Ness said.

Another category is safety.

Since 2012, the rating for the ‘Safe Downtown and Commercial Area’ decreased from 75 percent to 70 percent.

“Substance abuses, especially heroin, is a problem these days,” Nelson admitted.

“One very high profile event can really shape a community’s perspective,” Ness explained.

The ‘Overall Feeling of Safety’ has stayed the same.

“Last Place on Earth got shut down and I think that was a good thing just for the downtown atmosphere,” Nelson said.

“There are policemen and women on horses and on bicycles and walking,” Brantner smiled.

Mayor Ness says the survey translates into real investments.

“If a person is feeling better about their city, they’re more likely to invest in their business or in their home,” he said.

Helping to make Duluth a better place to call home.

This year, Duluth was recognized nationwide as seeing the most significant improvement in the category ‘Built Environment,’ which has to do with home investments, new construction, and downtown improvements.

Duluth will receive that award this fall.