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LTC 160-2010 Comparative Jurisdiction for 2009 Survey Questions
m MIAMIBEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER NO. LTC # i6o-2oio LETTER TO COMMISSION To: Mayor Matti Bower and Members of the City Commission FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager DATE: June 1, 2010 SUBJECT: Comparative Jurisdictions for the 00 urvey Questions The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to transmit the attached copy of the comparative jurisdictions for the 2009 survey questions, as requested at the Commission Retreat, by Commissioner Tobin. Please contact Kathie Brooks, should you need any additional information or have any questions. JMG/KGB/pr c°°~ ~ ,.~..} --, -'~ i 4f I .-^Y '~.,~... j T~ City of Miami Beach, Florida Benchmark Comparisons • April 2009 1V ATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER tn~. 3005 3oth Street Boulder, CO 80301 t~ 303-444-7863 f: 303-444-1145 e: nrcQa n-r-c.com www.n-r-c.com Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog Comparison Data National Research Center, Inc. has collected citizen surveys conducted in over 400 jurisdictions in the United States. Responses to over 4,000 survey questions dealing with resident perceptions about the quality of community life and services provided by local government were recorded, analyzed and stored in an electronic database. Putting Evaluations Onto a 100-Point Scale In order to create fair comparisons to ratings that may have been given using many different types of response scales (e.g., excellent-good-fair-poor, or very good-good-neither good nor bad-bad-very bad), the results from your jurisdiction and from all the jurisdictions in our database were converted to a 100-point scale with a minimum score of 0 (equaling the lowest possible rating) to a maximum score of 100 (equaling the highest possible rating). NRC principals have pioneered and reported their methods for converting all survey responses to the same scale in professional journals. Because scales responses will differ among types of survey questions, NRC statisticians have developed statistical algorithms, which adjust question results based on many characteristics of the question, its scale, and the survey methods. We then can provide a benchmark that not only controls for question differences, but also controls for differences in types of survey methods and respondents. This way we put all questions on the same scale and fair comparison can be made. Interpreting the Results Comparisons are provided when similar questions are included in our database, and there are at least five other jurisdictions in which the question was asked. Where comparisons are available, three numbers are provided. The first is the rank assigned to your jurisdiction's rating. The second is the number of jurisdictions that asked a similar question. Third, this rank is expressed as a percentile to indicate its distance from the top score. This rank (5th highest out of 25 jurisdictions' results, for example) translates to a percentile (the 80th percentile in this example). A percentile indicates the percent of jurisdictions with identical or lower ratings. Therefore, a rating at the 80th percentile would mean that your jurisdiction's rating is equal to or better than 80% of the ratings from other jurisdictions. Conversely, 20% of the jurisdictions where a similar question was asked had higher ratings. Alongside the rank and percentile appears a comparison: "above benchmark," "below benchmark" or "similar to benchmark." This evaluation of "above," "below" or "similar to" comes from a statistical comparison of your jurisdiction's rating to the benchmark (the average rating from all the jurisdictions where a similar question was asked). Differences of 2.9 or more points on the 100-point scale between the your jurisdiction's ratings and the average based on the appropriate comparisons from the database are considered "statistically significant," and thus are marked as "above" or "below" the benchmark. When differences between your jurisdiction's ratings and the benchmark are less than 2.9 points, they are marked as "similar to" the benchmark. Contents Table is Benchmarks for All Jurisdictions ................................................................................................................ 2 Table z: Benchmarks for Selected Cities ................................................................................................................ 3 Table 3: Benchmarks for Florida Jurisdictions .........................................................................................................4 Table 4: Benchmarks for Jurisdictions with Population 70,000 to ioo,ooo .............................................................. 5 All Jurisdictions Included in Benchmark Comparisons ............................................................................................6 Jurisdictions Included in Selected Cities Benchmark Comparisons ......................................................................... g Jurisdictions Included in Florida Only Benchmark Comparisons ........................................................................... io Jurisdictions Included in Population 70,000 to ioo,ooo Benchmark Comparisons ................................................. io Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page i Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog Table 1: Benchmarks for All Jurisdictions Number of Miami Jurisdictions Miami Comparison of Beach for Beach Rating to Rating ' Rank Comparison Percentile Benchmark i. Rate quality of life 7i z3 40 45% Similarto Benchmark 5. Rate City as a place to live 7z ' u 38 47% Similarto Benchmark g. Cleanliness of streets in your ' 6z 8 z3 7o°i6 Above Benchmark neighborhood io. Cleanliness of streets in 58 io z3 6i% Similarto Benchmark business areas iz. Storm drainage 41 zg 33 i5% Below Benchmark i3. Condition of sidewalks 55 4 7 57% Similarto Benchmark i4. Adequacy of street lighting 6z io 3i 7i9io Above Benchmark i5. Appearance and maintenance 68 3 5 60% Similarto Benchmark of City's public buildings i6.Overall quality of beaches 6g 3 5 60% Similarto Benchmark i7. Recreation programs 67 i5 3z 56% Similarto Benchmark i8. Appearance of playgrounds 68 z 5 80% Above Benchmark zo. Landscape maintenance in 67 6 g 44°~ Similarto Benchmark rights of way/public areas zi. Garbage/trash collection 66 3i 35 14% Below Benchmark z3. City Gov't/meeting your 59 ' S 9 56% Similarto Benchmark expectations with services 30. Traffic flow where you drive in 35 i5 i7 i8% Below Benchmark City 3i. Condition of roads. 48 ii 15 33°~ Below Benchmark 34• Police 71 19 45 60% Similarto Benchmark 35• Emergency Medical Response 79 i3 z6 54°x6 Similarto Benchmark 36. Fire 8o zo 38 50% Similarto Benchmark 39. In your neighborhood during go iz z7 59°i6 Above Benchmark the day 40. In your neighborhood during 8z 5 z8 86% Above Benchmark the evening 4z. In business commercial areas 76 3 z5 gz°i6 Above Benchmark during the evening 63. Rate overall value of City 55 i8 31 45% Similarto Benchmark Services 7z. Employees that assisted me 79 8 zz 68% Above Benchmark were courteous... 7z. Employees that assisted me had 74 zo 30 37°~ Similarto Benchmark proper training... 73.Overall, I was satisfied with 67 z6 zg ~49/o Below Benchmark experience 74. City Gov't is open and 67 zz zg 6z% Similarto Benchmark interested in hearing... 76.Overall, how satisfied with 78 z io go% Above Benchmark website Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page z Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog Table 2: Benchmarks for Selected Cities Number of Miami Jurisdictions Miami Comparison of Beach for Beach Rating to Rating Rank Comparison Percentile Benchmark i. Rate quality of life 7i 6 ig 74% Above benchmark 5. Rate City as a place to live 7z io z3 6i% Similarto benchmark g. Cleanliness of streets in your 6z 7 i5 60% Above benchmark neighborhood io. Cleanliness of streets in 58 9 i5 47% Similarto benchmark. business areas iz. Storm drainage 41 i5 i6 i39io Below benchmark i3. Condition of sidewalks 55 NA NA NA NA i4. Adequacy of street lighting 6z 3 iz 83% Above benchmark i5. Appearance and maintenance 68 NA NA NA NA of City's public buildings i6.Overall quality of beaches 69 NA NA NA NA i7. Recreation programs 67 9 zo 60% Above benchmark i8. Appearance of playgrounds 68 NA NA NA NA zo. Landscape maintenance in 67 NA NA NA NA rights of way/public areas z1. Garbage/trash collection 66 18 z4 zg% Below benchmark z3. City Gov't/meeting your 59 1 7 ioo9io Above benchmark expectations with services 30. Traffic flow where you drive in 35 6 7 z9°ib Below benchmark City 3i. Condition of roads 48 5 ii 64% Similarto benchmark 34• Police 7i 9 3z 75% Above benchmark 35• Emergency Medical Response 79 iz z4 54°~ Similarto benchmark 36. Fire 8o ii z9 66% Above benchmark 39. In your neighborhood during go 4 i7 8zoib Above benchmark the day 40. In your neighborhood during 8z z zg 95% Above benchmark the evening 4i. In business commercial areas 76 i i5 ioo9~o Above benchmark during the evening 63. Rate overall value of City 55 io i8 50% Similarto benchmark Services 7i. Employees that assisted me 79 5 14 7195 Above benchmark were courteous... 7z. Employees that assisted me had 74 8 i6 56°r6 Similarto benchmark propertraining... 73.Overall, I was satisfied with 67 iz i8 39% Similarto benchmark experience 74. City Gov't is open and 67 3 i7 88°ib Above benchmark interested in hearing... 76. Overall, how satisfied with 78 z 7 86% Above benchmark website Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 3 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog Table 3: Benchmarks for Florida Jurisdictions Number of Miami Jurisdictions Miami Comparison of Beach for Beach Rating to Rating Rank Comparison Percentile Benchmark i. Rate quality of life 7i 8 3i 77% Above Benchmark 5. Rate City as a place to live 7z i4 34 6z% Similarto Benchmark 9. Cleanliness of streets in your neighborhood 6z 4 u 86% Above Benchmark io. Cleanliness of streets in business areas 58 9 u 6z% Similarto Benchmark a2. Storm drainage 41 3z 33 g% Below Benchmark s3. Condition of sidewalks 55 NA NA NA NA iy. Adequacy of street lighting 6z 5 z7 85% Above Benchmark i5. Appearance and maintenance of City's public buildings 68 NA NA NA NA i6.Overall quality of beaches 6g z 5 80% Above Benchmark i7. Recreation programs 67 i4 30 57% Similarto Benchmark z8. Appearance of playgrounds 68 NA NA NA NA zo, Landscape maintenance in rights ofway/public areas 67 NA NA NA NA zi. Garbage/trash collection 66 3z 35 li% Below Benchmark z3. City Gov't/meeting your expectations with services 59 z g ggg~ Above Benchmark 30. TrafFc flow where you drive in City 35 io ii i8% Below Benchmark 3i. Condition of roads 48 7 zo 40% Below Benchmark 34• Police 7i 14 4z 69% Above Benchmark 35• Emergency Medical Response 79 z4 36 36% Similarto Benchmark 36. Fire 80 zo 39 5i% Similarto Benchmark 39. In your neighborhood during the day go io z6 65% Similarto Benchmark 40. In your neighborhood during the evening 8z z z8 g6% Above Benchmark yz. In business commercial areas during the evening 76 i z6 ioo% Above Benchmark 63. Rate overall value of City Services 55 iz z9 6z% Similarto Benchmark 7i. Employees that assisted me were courteous... 79 a z6 6z% Similarto Benchmark 7s. Employees that assisted me had propertraining... 74 i4 z6 50% Similarto Benchmark 73.Overall, I was satisfied with experience 67 z5 34 z9% Below Benchmark 74. City Gov't is open and interested in hearing... 67 io z7 67% Above Benchmark 76.Overall, how satisfied with website 78 i 6 ioo4% Above Benchmark Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 4 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoo9 Table 4: Benchmarks for Jurisdictions with Pop ulation 70,000 to 100,000 Number of Miami Jurisdictions Miami Comparison of Beach for Beach Rating to Rating Rank Comparison Percentile Benchmark i. Rate quality of life 7i z3 40 45% Similarto Benchmark io. Cleanliness of streets in business areas 58 io z3 6i% Similarto Benchmark iz. Storm drainage 41 zg 33 i5°h Below Benchmark i3. Condition of sidewalks 55 4 7 579io Similarto Benchmark i4. Adequacy of street lighting 6z io 3i 7i~6 Above Benchmark i5. Appearance and maintenance of City's public buildings 68 3 5 60% Similar to Benchmark i6.Overall quality of beaches 6g 3 5 60% Similarto Benchmark i7. Recreation programs 67 i5 3z 56% Similarto Benchmark i8. Appearance of playgrounds 68 z 5 80% Above Benchmark zo. Landscape maintenance in rights ofway/public areas 67 6 9 44% Similarto Benchmark zz. Garbage/trash collection 66 3i 35 14% Below Benchmark i3. City Gov't/meeting your expectations with services 59 5 9 56% Similarto Benchmark 30. Traffic flow where you drive in City 3S 15 17 i8% Below Benchmark 3i. Condition of roads 48 ii i5 33~ Below Benchmark 34• Police 7i ig 45 60% Similarto Benchmark 35• Emergency Medical Response 79 z3 z6 54% Similarto Benchmark 36. Fire 8o zo 38 So~Yo Similarto Benchmark 39• In your neighborhood during the day go iz z7 59% Above Benchmark 40. In your neighborhood during the evening 8z 5 z8 869io Above Benchmark 4i. In business commercial areas during the evening 76 3 z5 9z% Above Benchmark 5. Rate City as a place to live 7z zi 38 47% Similarto Benchmark 63. Rate overall value of City Services 55 i8 31 45% Similarto Benchmark 7i. Employees that assisted me were courteous... 79 8 zz 68% Above Benchmark 7i. Employees that assisted me had propertraining... 74 20 30 37% Similarto Benchmark 73.Overall, I was satisfied with experience 67 z6 zg i4°i6 Below Benchmark 74. City Gov't is open and interested in hearing... 67 iz zg 6z9io Similarto Benchmark 76.Overall, how satisfied with website 78 z io go°r6 Above Benchmark g. Cleanliness of streets in your neighborhood 6z 8 z3 70% Above Benchmark Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 5 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog All Jurisdictions Included in Benchmark Comparisons Addison Village, IL ....................35~914 Boston, MA.............................589,141 Cooper City, FL.........................27,939 Agoura Hills, CA ................ ........zo,S37 Botetourt County, VA....... .......30,496 Coral Springs, FL................ .....117,549 Akron, OH ......................... ......217.074 Bothell, WA ...................... ........30,150 Coronado, CA .................... ...... z4,loo Alabaster, AL .................... ....... 22,168 Boulder County, CO.......... ..... 291,288 Corpus Christi, TX.............. ..... 277,454 Alamogordo, NM .............. ........35,58z Boulder, CO............................. 94,673 Corvallis, OR...................... ...... 49,322 Albany, GA ....................... ....... 76,939 Bowling Green, KY............ .......49,z96 Coventry, CT...................... .......11,504 Albany, OR ....................... ....... 40,852 Bozeman, MT ................... ....... 27,509 Craig, CO ........................... ........ 9,189 Albemarle County, VA ...... ........79,236 Bradenton, FL................... .......49,504 Cranberry Township, PA.... ...... 23,625 Albuquerque, NM ............. ..... 448,607 Branson, MO..................... .........6,050 Crested Butte, CO.............. ........1,52g Alpharetta, GA .................. ....... 34.854 Brea, CA ........................... ........35,410 Creve Coeur, MO ............... ......16,500 Altamonte Springs, FL ............. 41,200 Breckenridge, CO ............. .........2,408 Cumberland County, PA .... .....213,674 Ames, IA ...................................50,731 Brevard County, FL........... ......476,z3o Cupertino, CA .................... ...... 50,546 Andover, MA ............................3i,z47 Brisbane, CA..................... ..........3,597 Cypress, CA ....................... ......46,229 Ankeny, IA ........................ ........ 27,117 Broken Arrow, OK............. ........74,839 Dakota County, MN ........... .....355904 Ann Arbor, MI ................... ......114,024 Broomfield, CO................. ........38,272 Dallas, TX........................... ..1,188,580 Antioch, CA ...................... ....... 80,532 Broward County, FL.......... ...1,6z3,o18 Dania Beach, FL................. ...... 20,061 Appleton, WI ..................... ........70,087 Bryan, TX.......................... ........34,733 Davenport, IA ..................... ..... 98,359 Arapahoe County, CO ....... ......487,967 Burlingame, CA................. ....... 28,158 Davidson, NC...................... ........7,139 Arcadia, CA ....................... ........53054 Burlington, MA ................. ....... 22,876 Daviess County, KY............. ..... 91,545 Archuleta County, CO ....... .........g,8g8 Calgary, Canada................ ..... 878,866 Davis, CA............................ ..... 60,308 Arkansas City, KS .............. ........11,g63 Cambridge, MA ................ ......101,355 Dayton, OH......................... ....166,179 Arlington County, VA ........ ......18g,453 Canandaigua, NY.............. ....... 11,26y Daytona Beach, FL................... 64,112 Arlington, TX .................... ..... 332,969 Cape Coral, FL .................. ..... 102,286 De Pere, WI......................... ..... 20,559 Arvada, CO ....................... ......102,153 Capitols, CA...................... ........10,033 Decatur, GA........................ ......18,147 Asheville, NC .................... .......68,889 Carlsbad, CA..................... ........78,247 Decatur, IL.......................... ..... 81,860 Ashland County, WI .......... .......16,866 Carrollton, TX ................... ......109,576 Deerfield Beach, FL............. ..... 64,583 Ashland, KY ...................... ....... 21,981 Carson City, NV ................ ........52,457 DeKalb, IL........................... ..... 39,018 Ashland, OR ...................... .......19,Szz Cartersville, GA................. .......15925 Del Mar, CA ............................... 4,389 Aspen, CO ......................... ......... 5,914 Carver County, MN ........... ........70,205 Delaware, OH ..................... ..... 25,243 Atlanta, GA ....................... ......416,474 Cary, NC ........................... ....... 94,536 Delhi Township, MI ............. .....22.569 Auburn, AL ....................... ....... 42,987 Castle Rock, CO................ ....... 20,224 Delray Beach, FL......................6o,ozo Auburn, WA ...................... ....... 40,314 Cedar Creek, NE ............... ............396 Denton, TX ......................... ......80,537 Aurora, CO ........................ ......276,393 Cedar Falls, IA................... ........36,145 Denver (City and County), C O 554,636 Austin, TX ......................... ..... 656,562 Cedar Rapids, IA ............... ......120,758 Des Moines County, IA........ ......42,351 Avondale, AZ .................... ........35,883 Centralia, IL ...................... ........1y,136 Des Moines, IA.......................188,682 Bakersfield, CA ................. ......247,057 Chandler, AZ..................... ......176,581 Desoto, TX......................... ..... 37,646 Ballwin, MO ...................... ........31,283 Chanhassen, MN............... ........20,321 Destin, FL ........................... ......11,119 Barnstable, MA ................. ........47,821 Chanute, KS...................... ......... 9,411 Detroit, MI .......................... ....951,270 Batavia, IL ......................... ....... 23,866 Charlotte County, FL......... ......141,627 Dewey-Humboldt, AZ......... .......6,z95 Battle Creek, MI ................ ........53364 Charlotte, NC.................... ..... 540,828 Dillon, CO........................... ..........8oz Bedford County, VA .......... ........60,371 Chesapeake, VA................ ..... 199,184 District of Saanich,Victoria, Bedford, TX ...................... ........47,152 Chesterfield County, VA ... ..... 259,903 Canada ........................... ....103,654 Beekman, NY .................... ........11,452 Cheyenne, WY.................. ........53,011 Douglas County, CO ........... ....175,766 Belleair Beach, FL ............. ..........1,751 Chittenden County, VT ..... ......146,571 Douglas County, GA ........... ......92,174 Bellevue, WA .................... .....109,569 Chula Vista, CA................. ......173,556 Dover, DE ........................... ......32,135 Bellflower, CA ................... ........72,878 Cincinnati, OH .................. ......331,285 Dover, NH........................... ..... 26,884 Bellingham, WA ................ ........67,171 Claremont, CA.................. ....... 33998 Downers Grove, IL .............. ..... 48,724 Benbrook, TX .................... ....... 20,208 Clark County, WA ............. ......345,238 Dublin, CA .......................... ......29,973 Bend, OR .......................... ....... 52,029 Clarke County, IA.............. ..........9,133 Dublin, OH.......................... ......31,392 Benicia, CA ....................... ....... 26,865 Clay County, MO............... ..... 184,006 Duluth, MN......................... ..... 86,918 Bettendorf, IA ................... ........31,275 Clearwater, FL .................. ......108,787 Duncanville, TX................... ..... 36,081 Billings, MT ....................... ....... 89,847 Cococino County, AZ........ ......116,3zo Durango, CO....................... ..... 13,822 Biloxi, MS .......................... ....... 50,644 College Park, MD.............. ....... 24,657 Durham, NC........................ ....187,038 Blacksburg, VA ................. ........39357 Collier County, FL ............. ......251,377 Duval County, FL ....................778,879 Blaine, MN ........................ .......44,942 Collinsville, IL.................... ........24,707 Eagan, MN.......................... ......63,557 Bloomfield, NM ................ ......... 6,417 Colorado Springs, CO ....... ..... 360,890 Eagle County, CO ............... ..... y1,6S9 Blue Ash, OH .................... ........12,513 Columbia, MO .................. ........84,531 East Lansing, MI ................. ..... 46,515 Blue Earth, MN ................. ......... 3,621 Columbia, SC.................... ......116,278 East Providence, RI............. .....48,688 Blue Springs, MO .............. .......48,08o Columbus, GA................... ......185,781 Eau Claire, WI ..................... ......61,704 Boca Raton, FL ................. ........74,764 Columbus, OH .................. ......711,470 Edmond, OK....................... ......68,315 Boise, ID ........................... ......185,787 Concord, CA ..................... ......1z1,78o Edmonton, Canada............. ... 666,104 Bonita Springs, FL ............. ........32,797 Concord, NC ..................... ........55,977 EI Cerrito, CA ...................... ...... 23,171 Borough of Ebensburg, PA ......... 3,091 Cookeville, TN .................. ....... 23,923 EI Paso, TX.......................... ... 563,662 Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 6 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April 2009 Ellisville, MO ........................ ...... 9,104 Hanover County, VA................ 86,320 Lawrence, KS................ ...........80,098 Elmhurst, IL ......................... .... 42,762 Hartford, CT......................... ...121,578 Lebanon, NH ................ ........... 12,568 Encinitas, CA ........................ .... 54,014 Hayward, CA........................ ...140,030 Lebanon, OH ................ ...........16,962 Englewood, CO .................... .....31,727 Henderson, NV .................... ...175,381 Lee"s Summit, MO........ ............70,700 Ephrata Borough, PA ........... .....13,z13 Hercules, CA ........................ ....19,488 Lenexa, KS.................... ........... 40,238 Erie County, PA .................... .. 280,843 Hermiston, OR..........................13,154 Lewiston, ID.................. ...........30,904 Escambia County, FL ........... .. 294,410 Hickory, NC ......................... .....37,222 Lewisville, TX................ .............77,737 Escanaba, MI ....................... .....13,140 High Point, NC..................... .... 85839 Lexington, KY ............... ......... 260,512 Eugene, OR .......................... ...137,893 Highland Park, IL ................. .....31,365 Lexington, VA............... ............. 6,867 Eustis, FL ............................. .....15,106 Highland, CA........................ ....44,605 Lincolnwood, IL ............ ............12,359 Evanston, IL ......................... .....74,239 Highlands Ranch, CO........... .....70,93i Little Rock, AR.............. ..........183,133 Fairborn, OH ........................ .... 32,052 Hillsborough County, FL ...... ..998,948 Littleton, CO................. ...........40,340 Fairway, KS .......................... ...... 3,952 Homer, AK........................... ......3,946 Livermore, CA............... ............73,345 Farmington, NM .................. .....37,844 Homewood, IL..................... .....19.543 Lodi, CA........................ ...........56,999 Farmington, UT ................... .....12,081 Honolulu, HI......................... ...876,156 Lompoc, CA.................. ............41,103 Fayetteville, AR ................... .... 58,047 Hopewell, VA....................... .... 22,354 Lone Tree, CO............... ..............4,873 Federal Way, WA ................. .... 83,259 Hoquiam, WA...................... ......9,097 Long Beach, CA ............ ......... 461,522 Fishers, IN ............................ .....37,835 Hot Springs, AR ................... .....35,613 Longmont, CO.............. ............71,093 Flagstaff, AZ ........................ ....52,894 Hot Sulphur Springs, CO...... ......... 521 Los Alamitos, CA .......... ............11,536 Florence, AZ ........................ .....17,054 Howell, MI ........................... ...... 9,232 Los Alamos County, NM ...........18,343 Fort Collins, CO .................... ...118,652 Huber Heights, OH .............. .....38,212 Los Angeles, CA............ ...... 3,694,820 Fort Dodge, IA ..................... .....25,136 Hudson, NC ......................... .......3,078 Los Gatos, CA ............... ........... 28,592 Fort Lauderdale, FL .............. ...15z,397 Hudson, OH......................... .... 22,439 Louisa County, IA.......... ............1z,183 Fort Madison, IA .................. .....10,715 Hurst, TX ............................. .....36,273 Louisville, CO................ ............18,937 Fort Smith, AR ..................... ....80,268 Hutchinson, MN................... .....13,080 Loveland, CO................ ...........50,608 Fort Wayne, IN ..................... ... 205,727 Hutto, TX............................. ......1,250 Lower Merion Township, PA.... 59,850 Fort Worth, TX ..................... .. 534,694 Independence, MO.............. ...113,288 Lower Providence Town ship, PAzz,39o Franklin, TN ......................... .... 41,842 Indianola, IA......................... ....12,998 Lubbock, TX.................. .........199,564 Fremont, CA ........................ ...203,413 Iowa County, IA ................... .....15,671 Lufkin, TX...................... ...........32,709 Fridley, MN .......................... .... 27,449 Irving, TX............................. ...191,615 Lyme, NH ...................... ............ 1,679 Frisco, CO ............................ ...... 2,443 Jackson County, OR............. .. 181,269 Lynchburg, VA.............. ...........65,269 Fruita, CO ............................ ...... 6,478 Jacksonville, FL.................... ... 735,617 Lynnwood, WA.............. ...........33,847 Gainesville, FL ...................... .... g5~447 James City County, VA......... .... 48,102 Lynwood, CA ................ ...........69,845 Gaithersburg, MD ................ .....52,613 Janesville, WI....................... ....59498 Macon, GA................................97,255 Galt, CA ............................... .....19~47z Jefferson County, CO........... ...5z7,o56 Madison, WI................... ........ 208,054 Garden Grove, CA ................ ...165,1g6 Jefferson Parish, LA ............. ..455.466 Manchester, CT ............ ........... 54,740 Garland, TX .......................... ...215,768 Joplin, MO ........................... .... 45,504 Manheim, PA................ ............. 4.784 Gary, IN ............................... ...102,746 Kamloops, Canada............... .....77,281 Mankato, MN................. ...........32,427 Genesee County, NY ............ .....60,37o Kannapolis, NC.................... .... 36,910 Maple Grove, MN........... .......... 50,365 Georgetown, CO .................. ......1,088 Kansas City, MO .................. ...441,545 Maplewood, MN ............ ...........34,947 Gig Harbor, WA ................... ......6,465 Kearney, NE......................... .....27,431 Marana, AZ.................... ...........13,556 Gilbert, AZ ........................... ...109,697 Keizer, OR ........................... .....32,203 Marion County, IN.......... ........860,454 Gillette, WY ......................... ....19,646 Kelowna, Canada................. ....96,288 Marion, IA...................... .............7,144 Gilroy, CA ............................ ....41,464 Kenosha, WI ........................ .... 90,352 Marquette County, WI ... ...........15,832 Gladstone, MI ...................... ...... 5,032 Kent, WA............................. .... 79,524 Marshfield, WI ............... ..........18,800 Golden Valley, MN ............... .... 20,281 Kentwood, MI...................... .... 45,255 Maryland Heights, MO... ...........z5,756 Golden, CO .......................... .....17,159 Kettering, OH ...................... .....57,502 Marysville, WA.............. ...........12,268 Goodyear, AZ ...................... .....18,911 King County, WA ................. 1,737,034 Maryville, MO ................ ...........10,581 Grand County, CO ................ ....1z,442 Kirkland, WA........................ .... 45,054 Maui, HI ........................ .........128,094 Grand Forks, MN .................. ......... 231 Kirkwood, MO ..................... .....27,324 Mauldin, SC .................. ........... 15,224 Grand Forks, ND .................. .... 49,321 Kissimmee, FL ..................... .....47,814 Mayer, MN.................... ................ 554 Grand Junction, CO .............. .... 41,986 Kitsap County, WA............... .. 231,969 McAllen, TX .................. ......... 106,414 Grand Prairie, TX ................. ...127,427 Knightdale, NC .................... ...... 5,958 McKinney, TX ............... ........... 54,369 Grand Rapids, MI ................. ...197,800 Knoxville, TN ....................... ...173,890 Medford, NJ.................. ........... 22,253 Grandview, MO .................... .... 24,881 Kutztown Borough, PA........ ...... 5,067 Medina, MN.................. .............4,005 Greeley, CO ......................... .....76,930 La Mesa, CA......................... .... 54,749 Melbourne, FL .............. ............71,382 Greenbelt, MD ..................... .... 21,456 La Plata, MD........................ ...... 6,551 Menlo Park, CA............. ............30,785 Greensboro, NC ................... ...zz3,891 La Vista, NE ......................... ....11,699 Meridian Charter Township, MI.38,g87 Greenville, SC ...................... ....10,468 Lafayette, CO ...................... .....23,197 Merriam, KS.................. ............11,008 Greenwood Village, CO ....... .....11,035 Laguna Beach, CA ................ .....23,7z7 Merrimack, NH ............. ............25,119 Gresham, OR ....................... .... 90,205 Lake Oswego, OR ................ .....35,278 Mesa County, CO.......... ..........116,z55 Guelph, Ontario, Canada ..... ...114,943 Lakewood, CA ..................... .....79345 Mesa, AZ ...................... ..........396,375 Gulf Shores, AL .................... ......5,044 Lakewood, CO..................... .. 144,126 Miami Beach, FL........... ............87,933 Gurnee, IL ............................ .... 28,834 Laramie, WY........................ .... 27,204 Miami, FL...................... ..........362,470 Hackensack, NJ .................... .....42,677 Larimer County, CO............. .. 251,494 Miami-Dade County, FL .......z,z53,36z Hampton, VA ....................... ...146,437 Las Vegas, NV...................... ...478,434 Milledgeville, GA........... ............18,757 Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 7 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April Zoog Milton, WI ...................................5,131 Oviedo, FL .............................. 16,316 Roswell, GA..............................79,334 Minneapolis, MN .............. .......38z,618 Oxnard, CA...................... .......i7o,358 Round Rock, TX..................... ...61,136 Minnetonka, MN .............. .........51,301 Ozaukee County, WI........ .........8z,317 Rowlett, TX............................ .. 44,503 Mission Viejo, CA .............. ....... 93,101 Palatine, IL....................... ........ 65,479 Rye, NY.................................. .. 14,955 Mission, KS .................................9,727 Palm Bay, FL.................... .........79,413 Saco, ME................................ ..16,811 Missoula, MT .................... ........57,053 Palm Beach County, FL..... ... 1,131,184 Sacramento County, CA ......1, zz3~499 Missouri City, TX ............... ........51,g13 Palm Beach Gardens, FL... ........35~058 Safford, AZ................................ 9,131 Monterey, CA ................... ....... 19,674 Palm Beach, FL................. .......10,468 Saint Joseph, MO................... ...73,990 Montgomery County, MD. ......873341 Palm Coast, FL .................. ........31,731 Saint Peters, MO..................... ..51,381 Montrose, CO ................... ....... 11344 Palm Springs, CA.............. ....... 4z,8o7 Salem, NH .............................. ..18,111 Mooresville, NC ................ ........18,813 Palo Alto, CA .................... ....... 58,598 Salina, KS ............................... . 45,679 Morgan Hill, CA ................. ........33,556 Park Ridge, IL............................ 37,775 San Bernardino County, CA .1,7og,434 Morgantown, WV ............. .......16,8og Parker, CO........................ ........z3~558 San Francisco, CA ................... 776,733 Moscow, ID ....................... ....... 11,191 Pasadena, CA.................... .....133.936 San Jose, CA .......................... 894,943 Mount Pleasant, TX .......... ........13,935 Pasadena, TX.................... ......141,674 San Juan County, NM.............. 113,801 Mountain View, CA ........... ........70,708 Pascagoula, MS ................ .......16,zoo San Marcos, TX....................... ..34,733 Mountlake Terrace, WA.... ....... zo,36z Pasco, WA ........................ ....... 3z,o66 San Mateo, CA........................ . 91,481 Multnomah County, OR.... .....66o,y86 Peoria County, IL .............. ......183,433 San Rafael, CA........................ . 56,063 Munster, IN ....................... ........ 11,511 Peoria, AZ......................... ......108364 San Ramon, CA....................... . 44~71z Muskegon, MI ................... ....... yo,1o5 Peoria, IL .......................... ......111,936 Sandusky, OH......................... . 17,844 Myrtle Beach, SC .............. ....... 22,759 Phenix City, AL ................. ....... 18,165 Sanford, FL............................. . 38,191 Nacogdoches, TX .............. ....... 19,914 Philadelphia, PA ............... ...1,517,550 Santa Barbara County, CA ...... 399,347 Naperville, IL ..................... ......118,358 Phoenix, AZ...................... ...1,3z1,o45 Santa Clara, CA....................... 1oz,361 Nashville, TN .................... ..... 545~5z4 Pickens County, SC........... ......110,757 Santa Clarita, CA..................... 151,088 Needham, MA .................. ....... 18,911 Pinellas County, FL ........... ..... 911,481 Santa Monica, CA ................... .84,084 New London, CT ............... ........15,671 Pinellas Park, FL ............... ....... 45,658 Santa Rosa, CA....................... 147,595 New Orleans, LA ............... ..... 484,674 Pitkin County, CO............. ........14,871 Sarasota, FL............................ ..51,715 New York City, NY ............ .. 8,008,178 Plano, TX .......................... .....1zz,o3o Sault Sainte Marie, MI............. .16,542 Newport Beach, CA .......... ........70,031 Platte County, MO............ ........73~791 Scott County, MN ................... .89498 Newport News, VA ........... ......180,150 Pleasanton, CA ................. .......63,654 Scottsdale, AZ........................ 101,705 Newport, RI ...................... ....... 16,475 Plymouth, MN .................. .......65,894 Seattle, WA ............................ 563,374 Newton, IA ....................... ........15,579 Polk County, MN............... ........31,36g Sedona, AZ............................. . 10,191 Norfolk, VA ....................... ......134,403 Pomona, CA...................... ......149,473 Seminole, FL........................... .10,890 Normal, IL ......................... ....... 45,386 Port Huron, MI .................. ........31,338 Shaker Heights, OH ................ .29.405 North Branch, MN ............ ......... 8,013 Port Orange, FL................ ....... 45,813 Shawnee, KS........................... . 47,996 North Las Vegas, NV ......... ......115,y88 Port St. Lucie, FL .............. ....... 88,769 Sheldahl, IA ............................ ...... 336 North Palm Beach, FL ....... .......1z,o64 Portland, OR..................... ......519,111 Shenandoah, TX ..................... ....1,503 North Port, FL ................... ........11,797 Poway, CA........................ .......48,044 Sherman, IL............................ ....1,871 North Vancouver, Canada. ....... 44,303 Prescott Valley, AZ ........... ........15,535 Shorewood, IL ........................ ... 7,686 Northampton County, VA. ........13,093 Prince Albert, Canada ....... ....... 34,191 Shrewsbury, MA..................... . 31,640 Northglenn, CO ................ ........31,575 Prince William County, VA ......180,813 Siloam Springs, AR ................. .10,000 Novato, CA ....................... ........47,630 Prior Lake, MN.................. ........15,917 Silverthorne, CO..................... ... 3,196 Novi, MI ............................ ........47,386 Queen Creek, AZ .............. ......... 4,316 Simi Valley, CA ....................... 111,351 O"Fallon, IL ....................... ....... 11,910 Rancho Cordova, CA......... ....... 55,060 Sioux Falls, SD ........................ 113,975 O"Fallon, MO .................... .......46,169 Raymore, MO................... ........11,146 Skokie, IL................................ . 63,348 Oak Park, IL ...................... ....... 39,803 Redding, CA...................... ....... 80,865 Slater, IA................................. ...1,306 Oak Ridge, TN .................. ........ 17387 Reno, NV .......................... .....180,480 Smyrna, GA ............................ .40,999 Oakland Park, FL .............. .......30,966 Renton, WA...................... ....... 50,051 Snoqualmie, WA..................... ....1,631 Oakland Township, MI ...... ........13,071 Richfield, MN.................... ....... 34,439 Solana Beach, CA.................... ..1z,979 Oakville, Canada ............... ......144,738 Richland, WA.................... ........38,708 South Daytona, FL.................. .. 13,177 Ocean City, MD ................. .......... 7,173 Richmond Heights, MO .... ......... 9,601 South Gate, CA....................... ..86,375 Ocean Shores, WA ............ ......... 3,836 Richmond, CA................... ....... 99,116 South Haven, MI ..................... ... 5,011 Oceanside, CA .................. ..... 161,019 Richmond, VA................... ......197,790 South lake Tahoe, CA ............ .13,609 Ocoee, FL ......................... ....... 14,391 Ridgecrest, CA.................. ....... 14,917 Sparks, NV.............................. .66,346 Ogden, UT ........................ ........77,116 Rio Rancho, NM................ ........51,765 Spotsylvania County, VA ........ . 90395 Oklahoma City, OK ........... ......506,131 Riverdale, UT.................... ......... 7,656 Springboro, OH ...................... ..11,380 Olathe, KS ........................ ....... 91,961 Riverside, CA .................... ..... 155,166 Springfield, OH....................... . 65358 Oldsmar, FL ...................... ........11,910 Riverside, IL...................... .........8,895 Springfield, OR ....................... . 51,864 Olmsted County, MN ........ ......1z4,z77 Roanoke County, VA......... ........85,778 Springville, UT........................ .10,414 Olympia, WA .................... ....... 41,514 Roanoke, VA..................... ....... 94,911 St. Charles, IL.......................... . 17,896 Orange County, FL ............ ..... 896,344 Rochester Hills, MI ............ ....... 68,815 St. Clair Shores, MN................ ...... 817 Orange Village, OH ........... ......... 3,136 Rochester, NY................... ......119,773 St. Cloud, FL ........................... . 10,074 Orlando, FL ....................... ......185,951 Rock Hill, SC ..................... ....... 49,765 St. Cloud, MN ......................... ..59.107 Orleans Parish, LA ............ .....484,674 Rockville, MD.................... ........47,388 St. Louis County, MN............. 100,518 Ottawa County, MI ........... ......138,314 Rocky Mount, NC.............. ....... Ss~893 St. Paul, MN............................ 187,151 Overland Park, KS ............. .....149,08o Roseville, MN.................... ....... 33,690 St. Petersburg, FL.................. 148,131 Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page 8 Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April zoog Stafford County, VA ................ 92,446 Starkville, MS ................ ........... 21,869 State College, PA .......... ........... 38,y2o Staunton, VA ................ ............23,853 Steamboat Springs, CO ............. 9,815 Sterling, CO .................. ............11,360 Stillwater, OK ............... ........... 39.065 Stockton, CA ................ .......... 243,771 Streamwood, IL ............ ............36,407 Suamico, WI ................. .............8,686 Sugar Grove, IL ............. .............3,909 Sugar Land, TX ............. ........... 63,328 Summit County, CO ...... ........... 23,548 Sunnyvale, CA .............. ..........131,760 Superior, WI .................. ............27,368 Suwanee, GA ................ ............. 8,725 Tacoma, WA ................. ..........193,556 Takoma Park, MD ......... ............17,zgg Tallahassee, FL ............. .........15o,6z4 Taos, NM ...................... ............. 4,700 Temecula, CA ............... ............ 57,716 Tempe, AZ .................... ..........158,625 Temple, TX ................... ........... 54.514 Teton County, WY ......... ...........18,z51 The Colony, TX .............. ...........26,531 Thornton, CO ................. .......... 82,384 Thousand Oaks, CA ....... .........117,005 Thunder Bay, Canada ..... ........ log,ol6 Titusville, FL ............................ 40,670 Tomball, TX ................... ............ g,o8g Torrance, CA .................. .........137.946 Troy, MI ...................................80,959 Tucson, AZ ............................ 486,699 Tuskegee, AL ......................... .. 11,846 Twin Falls, ID ......................... ..34,469 University Place, WA ............. .. 29,933 Upper Merion Township, PA.. .. 28,863 Urbana, IL .............................. ...36,395 Urbandale, IA ......................... .. 2g,o7z Vail, CO ................................. .....4,531 Valdez, AK ............................. .... 4,036 Vancouver, WA ...................... .143560 Vernon, CT .............................. . z8,o63 Victoria, Canada .......................78,057 Victoria, TX ............................ .. 60,603 Village of Brown Deer, WI....... ..1z,17o Village of Howard City, MI ...... ...1,585 Virginia Beach, VA .................. 425.257 Visalia, CA ............................... . 91,565 Volusia County, FL .................. 443~343 Wahpeton, ND ........................ ...8,586 Walla Walla, WA ..................... .zg,686 Walnut Creek, CA ................... .64,296 Walton County, FL .................. .40,601 Washington City, UT ............... ... 8,186 Washington County, MN ........ zo1,130 Washoe County, NV ............... 339,486 Watertown, NY ....................... . 26,705 Waukee, IA ............................. ...5,126 Wausau, WI ............................. .38,426 Wauwatosa, WI ....................... ..47,271 West Des Moines, IA ............... .46,403 West Hartford, CT .................... 63,589 West Valley City, UT ............ ..108,896 Westerville, OH .................... .....35318 Westminster, CO ................. ..100,940 Wethersfield, CT .................. .....z6,z71 Wheat Ridge, CO ................. .....32,913 White House, TN ................. ...... 7,zzo Whitehorse, Canada ............ .... lg,o58 Whitewater, WI .................... .....13437 Wichita, KS .......................... .. 344,284 Williamsburg, VA ................. .... 11,998 Willingboro Township, N1.... .... 33,008 Wilmette, IL ......................... .....27,651 Wilmington, IL ..................... .......5,134 Wilmington, NC ................... ....go,4oo Windsor, CT ......................... .....28,237 Winnebago County, WI........ ...156,763 Winnipeg, Canada ............... .. 619,544 Winston-Salem, NC ............. ...185,776 Winter Park, FL .................... .... z4,ogo Woodbury, MN .................... ....46,463 Woodridge, IL ...................... .... 30,934 Worcester, MA ..................... ...172,648 Yellowknife, Canada ............ .....16,541 Yellowstone County, MT...... ...129~352 York County, SC ................... .. 164,614 Yuba City, CA ....................... .....36.758 Yuma County, AZ ................ ..16o,oz6 Yuma, AZ ............................. .....77,515 Jurisdictions Included in Selected Cities Benchmark Comparisons Atlanta, GA .............................416,474 Austin, TX ........................ ......656,562 Boca Raton, FL ................ .........74,764 Boston, MA ...................... .......589,141 Boulder, CO ..................... ........ 94,673 Broward County, FL ......... ....1,6z3,o18 Charlotte, NC ................... ...... 54o,8z8 Clearwater, FL ................. .......108,787 Collier County, FL ............ ....... 251,377 Coral Springs, FL .............. .......117,549 Dallas, TX ......................... ....1,188,580 Deerfield Beach, FL .......... ........ 64,583 Delray Beach, FL .............. ........60,020 Fort Lauderdale, FL .......... .......152~397 Fort Worth, TX ................. ...... 534,694 Gainesville, FL .......................... 95447 Jacksonville, FL ................... ....735,617 Kissimmee, FL .................... ......47,814 Miami, FL ............................ ....362,470 Miami-Dade County, FL...... .z,z53,36z Myrtle Beach, SC ................. .... 22,759 New York City, NY .............. 8,oo8,z78 Newport, RI ........................ ..... 26,475 Orange County, FL .............. ... 896,344 Orleans Parish, LA .............. ... 484.674 Palm Bay, FL ........................ .....79.413 Palm Beach County, FL........ 1,131,184 Palm Beach, FL .................... ....10,468 Palm Springs, CA ................. .... 4z,8o7 Phoenix, AZ ........................ .1,321,045 Pinellas County, FL ................ 921,482 Pinellas Park, FL ............ .......... 45,658 Port St. Lucie, FL ........... .......... 88,769 Reno, NV ....................... ........180,480 Sacramento County, CA ......1,223,499 San Francisco, CA .......... ......... 776,733 Santa Monica, CA .......... ..........84,084 Scottsdale, AZ ............... .........2oz,7o5 Seattle, WA ................... ......... 563,374 St. Petersburg, FL .......... ........ 248,232 Tallahassee, FL .............. ........ 15o,6z4 Taos, NM ....................... ............ 4,700 Virginia Beach, VA ......... .........425.257 Walton County, FL ......... .......... 40,601 Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page g Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April 2009 Jurisdictions Included in Florida Only Benchmark Comparisons Altamonte Springs, FL ............. 41,200 Belleair Beach, FL ............ ...........1,751 Boca Raton, FL ................ .........74,764 Bonita Springs, FL ............ .........3z,797 Bradenton, FL .................. ........49504 Brevard County, FL .......... .......476,z3o Broward County, FL ......... ....1,6z3,o18 Cape Coral, FL ................. ...... 102,286 Charlotte County, FL ........ .......141,6z7 Clearwater, FL ................. .......108,787 Collier County, FL ............ ....... z51~377 Cooper City, FL ................ .........27,939 Coral Springs, FL .............. .......117,549 Dania Beach, FL ............... ........20,061 Daytona Beach, FL ........... ........ 64,112 Deerfield Beach, FL .......... ........ 64,583 Delray Beach, FL .............. ........60,020 Destin, FL ........................ ......... 11,119 Duval County, FL ............. .......778,879 Escambia County, FL ....... ......294,410 Eustis, FL ....................... ...........15,106 Fort Lauderdale, FL ........ .........15z,397 Gainesville, FL ................ .......... 95,447 Hillsborough County, FL . ....... 998,948 Jacksonville, FL ............... ........735.617 Kissimmee, FL ................ ..........47,8i4 Melbourne, FL ................ ..........71,382 Miami Beach, FL ............. ..........87,933 Miami, FL ........................ ........362,470 Miami-Dade County, FL.. .....z,z53~36z North Palm Beach, FL ..... ......... 12,064 North Port, FL ................. ..........22,797 Oakland Park, FL ............ .........30,966 Ocoee, FL ....................... ......... 24,391 Oldsmar, FL .................... ..........11,910 Orange County, FL .......... ....... 896,344 Orlando, FL ..................... ........185,951 Oviedo, FL ...................... ......... 26,316 Palm Bay, FL ................... ..........79413 Palm Beach County, FL... .....1,131,184 Palm Beach Gardens, FL...........35,058 Palm Beach, FL ...................... ..10,468 Palm Coast, FL ........................ ..32,732 Pinellas County, FL ................ 921,482 Pinellas Park, FL ..................... . 45,658 Port Orange, FL ....................... 45~8z3 Port St. Lucie, FL .................... . 88,769 Sanford, FL ............................. . 38,291 Sarasota, FL ............................ ..52,715 Seminole, FL ........................... .10,890 South Daytona, FL :................. ..13,177 St. Cloud, FL ........................... . 20,074 St. Petersburg, FL .................. 248,232 Tallahassee, FL ...................... 150,624 Titusville, FL ........................... . yo,67o Volusia County, FL .................. 443~343 Walton County, FL .................. .40,601 Winter Park, FL ....................... .24,090 Jurisdictions Included in Population 70,000 to ioo,ooo Benchmark Comparisons Albany, GA .............................. 76,939 Albemarle County, VA ............. .79,236 Antioch, CA ............................. 90,532 Appleton, WI ............................ .70,087 Bellflower, CA .......................... .72,878 Billings, MT .............................. 89,847 Boca Raton, FL ........................ .74,764 Boulder, CO ............................. 94,673 Broken Arrow, OK .................... .74,839 Carlsbad, CA ............................ .78,247 Carver County, MN .................. .70,205 Cary, NC .................................. 94,536 Columbia, MO ......................... .84,531 Davenport, IA .......................... 98,359 Daviess County, KY .................. 91,545 Decatur, IL ............................... 81,860 Denton, TX .............................. .80,537 Douglas County, GA ................ .92,174 Duluth, MN .............................. 86,918 Evanston, IL ............................. .74,239 Federal Way, WA ..................... 83259 Fort Smith, AR ......................... 80,268 Gainesville, FL .......................... g5~447 Greeley, CO ..............................76,930 Gresham, OR ............ ............... 90,205 Hanover County, VA . ............... 86,320 High Point, NC .......... ............... 85,839 Highlands Ranch, CO ................70,931 Kamloops, Canada .... ................77,281 Kelowna, Canada ...... ...............96,288 Kenosha, WI ............. ............... 90,352 Kent, WA .................. ............... 79,524 Lakewood, CA .......... ................79,345 Lawrence, KS ............ ...............80,098 Lee"s Summit, MO .... ................70,700 Lewisville, TX ............ .................77,737 Livermore, CA ........... ................73345 Longmont, CO .......... ................71,093 Macon, GA ................ ................97,255 Melbourne, FL .......... ................71,382 Miami Beach, FL ....... ................87,933 Mission Viejo, CA ...... ............... 93,102 Mountain View, CA ... ................70,708 Newport Beach, CA .. ................70,032 Ogden, UT ................ ................77,226 Olathe, KS ................ ............... 92,962 Ozaukee County, WI .................82,317 Palm Bay, FL ............................ .79,413 Platte County, MO ................... .73~791 Port St. Lucie, FL ..................... 88,769 Redding, CA ............................. 80,865 Richmond, CA .......................... 99,216 Roanoke County, VA ................ .85,778 Roanoke, VA ............................ 94.911 Roswell, GA ............................. .79,334 Saint Joseph, MO ..................... .73~990 San Mateo, CA ......................... 92,482 Santa Monica, CA .................... 84,084 Scott County, MN .................... 89,498 South Gate, CA ........................ .96,375 Spotsylvania County, VA ......... 90,395 Stafford County, VA ................ 92,446 Thornton, CO ........................... 8z,38y Troy, MI ................................... 80,959 Victoria, Canada ...................... .78,057 Visalia, CA ................................ 91,565 Wilmington, NC ....................... 90,400 Yuma, AZ ................................. .77,515 Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page io Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April Zoog National Research Center's National Citizen Survey Database Frequently Asked Questions • ©iggg-ioo7 National Research Center, Inc. Q: What is in the citizen survey database? A: NRC's database includes the results from citizen surveys conducted in over 400 jurisdictions in the United States. These are public opinion polls answered by more than 250,000 residents around the country. We have recorded, analyzed and stored responses to over 6,000 survey questions dealing with resident perceptions about the quality of community life and public trust and residents' report of their use of public facilities. Respondents to these surveys are intended to represent over 40 million Americans. Q: What kinds of questions are included? A: Residents' ratings of the quality of virtually every kind of local government service are included - from police, fire and trash haul to animal control, planning and cemeteries. Many dimensions of quality of life are included such as feeling of safety and opportunities for dining, recreation and shopping as well as ratings of the overall quality of community life and community as a place to raise children and retire. Q: What is so unique about the NRC database? A: It is the only database of its size that contains the people's perceptions about government service delivery and quality of life. For example, others use government statistics about crime to deduce the quality of police services or speed of pot hole repair to draw conclusions about the quality of street maintenance. Only NRC's database adds the opinion of service recipients themselves to the service quality equation. We believe that conclusions about service or community quality are made prematurely if opinions of the community's residents themselves are missing. Q: What is the database used for? A: Benchmarking. Our clients use the comparative information in the database to help interpret their own citizen survey results, to create or revise community plans, to evaluate the success of policy or budget decisions, to measure local government performance. We don't know what is small or tall without comparing. Taking the pulse of the community has little meaning without knowing what pulse rate is too high and what is too low. So many surveys of service satisfaction turn up at least "good" citizen evaluations that we need to know how others rate their services to understand if "good" is good enough. Furthermore, in the absence of national or peer community comparisons, a jurisdiction is left with comparing its fire protection rating to its street maintenance rating. That comparison is unfair. Streets always lose to fire. We need to ask more important and harder questions. We need to know how our residents' ratings of fire service compare to opinions about fire service in other communities. Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page ii Miami Beach, FL Benchmark Comparisons • April ioo9 Q: So what if we find that our public opinions are better or-for that matter- worse than opinions in other communities? What does it mean? A: A police department that provides the fastest and most efficient service-one that closes most of its cases, solves most of its crimes and keeps the crime rate low-still has a problem to fix if its clients believe services are not very good compared to ratings received by objectively "worse" departments. NRC's database can help that police department - or any city department - to understand how well citizens think it is doing. Without the comparative data form NRC's database, it would be like bowling in a tournament without knowing what the other teams are scoring. We recommend that citizen opinion be used in conjunction with other sources of data to help managers know how to respond to comparative results. Ct: Aren't comparisons of questions from different surveys like comparing apples and oranges? A: It is true that you can't simply take a given result from one survey and compare it to the result from a different survey. NRC principals have pioneered and reported their methods for converting all survey responses to the same scale. Because scales responses will differ among types of survey questions, NRC statisticians have developed statistical algorithms, which adjust question results based on many characteristics of the question, its scale and the survey methods. All results are then converted to the PTM (percent to maximum) scale with a minimum score of 0 (equaling the lowest possible rating) to a maximum score of 100 (equaling the highest possible rating). We then can provide a benchmark that not only controls for question differences, but also controls for differences in types of survey methods. This way we put all questions on the same scale and a benchmark can be offered for communities of given sizes or in various regions. C!: How can managers trust the comparability of results? A: NRC principals have submitted their work to peer reviewed scholarly journals where its publication fully describes the rigor of our methods and the quality of our findings. We have published articles in Public Administration Review, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management and Governing, and we wrote a book, Citizen Surveys: How to do them, how to use them, what they mean, that describes in detail how survey responses can be adjusted to provide fair comparisons for ratings among many jurisdictions. Our work on calculating national benchmarks for resident opinions about service delivery and quality of life won the Samuel C. May award for research excellence from the Western Governmental Research Association. C!: Can we compare our results to similar jurisdictions? A: Yes. The database can be cut a number of different ways. We can select jurisdictions similar to your own based on population size, ethnic composition, educational status or income. We further can select communities that used the same data collection method (mail or phone) or that are in the same geographic vicinity. This way we can provide a customized benchmark that best suits your uses. Prepared by National Research Center, Inc. Page iz