Aspen launches community survey

The city of Aspen has launched its biannual quality-of-life community survey, which will be in Aspen residents’ mailboxes starting this week.

The city is asking residents to take the survey to help better outline local priorities, assess satisfaction with city services and inform future decision-making, according to a press release. Survey questions will cover a number of topics including community livability, satisfaction with city services and long-term planning priorities. The results will help city staff and city council with identifying emerging needs, evaluating performance and shaping future programs and policies.

“This survey is one of the most important tools we have to hear directly from our community in a structured and meaningful way,” Mayor Rachael Richards said in the release. “We rely on this feedback to understand what is working well, where we can improve, and how we can best serve Aspen residents now and into the future. Every response helps inform better decisions.”

As part of the survey rollout, randomly selected households received mailed participation invitations beginning on June 8. Those selected can complete the survey either online or by paper.

The survey will open to the entire community beginning June 22 and remain available through July 20 on the city’s engagement platform: aspencommunityvoice.com.

“Community members are encouraged to participate once available and to help share the opportunity with neighbors, friends, and family,” the release reads.

The survey is open to all adults 18 years and older within each household. The release confirms that responses are confidential and no identifying information will be released.

Results will be compiled by Polco, the city’s survey partner, and shared publicly following completion. According to the release, “Polco is a nationally recognized civic engagement and survey research firm and uses The National Community Survey” and is used by more than 500 communities across the country. Utilizing the NCS also allows Aspen to benchmark results against national data and track trends over time.

“Community participation plays a critical role in ensuring the survey reflects a broad range of perspectives across Aspen,” the release reads. “Residents who have already completed the survey are encouraged not to submit multiple responses, but to help spread awareness within their networks.”

For additional information, contact 970-309-5762.