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1. 1. How did you get my address?

Your address was sampled at random from a list of all addresses from the post office by ETC Institute. This is a standard service offered by the post office. It is not a city government file and no household member is named in the file.

2. 2. I received your survey, and while I own the property that it was sent to, I don’t live there. What should I do?

The resident of the property should complete the survey.

3. 3. What is the purpose of requesting the person who most recently had a birthday complete the survey?

ETC Institute randomly selected households within our jurisdiction to receive the survey. We would also like to choose, in an unbiased way, a person within each household to complete the survey. This way we ensure the results are representative of our community as a whole. While it may seem a bit strange, using the “birthday method” is a simple way to select an adult from within each household without permitting bias in our results.

4. 4. I most recently had a birthday in my household, but I am not very informed about the issues covered in the survey. Can I give the survey to someone else in my household who is more informed?

We would prefer that you complete the survey. The “birthday method” (See FAQ #3) creates the most representative sample of our jurisdiction. You’ll be surprised at how much you can contribute.

5. 5. I doubt that you are interested in my opinion, since I rarely leave my home. Should I really complete the survey?

Yes, we are here to serve all residents, and it is important to us that we get feedback from a complete cross-section of our residents. 

6. 6. If I filled out the survey when I first received it, should I fill it out again now that I have received a second copy?

No, please don’t fill it out again. The second copy is distributed as a reminder to all people selected to be sent a survey and sent again for your convenience. Thank you for completing the first survey.

7. 7. I was not sent a survey, but I would be happy to complete one, and I think you should be interested in my opinion.

The sample was designed to be as representative as possible of the population of our city, so by sending copies of the survey to people who request a copy, we would skew the sample and make the results less meaningful. However, for the 2022 survey, in order to allow all citizens to offer their input, a general public survey link will be on the city’s website, along with paper copies at designated locations, available after October 24. 

8. 8. How do you ensure the results are representative of the City?

This is the main reason ETC Institute asks demographic questions. This is how they will compare the data received to the recent Census data to ensure that it is representative and scientifically valid.

9. 9. What will be done with the results?

After survey data is compiled and analyzed by ETC Institute, City administration and staff will review your feedback carefully and make appropriate improvements in programs and services. Listening to you, our citizens, is critical to our effort of becoming a Well-Managed Government.

10. 10. Why is “Hispanic” separate from “Race”?

We want to compare the demographic profile of those responding to the demographic profile of the municipality as presented by the Census. In order to be able to do this, ETC Institute asked the race and ethnicity question the same way the Census does. The census designates Hispanic as an ethnicity, not a race.

11. 11. Are my survey answers confidential?

Yes! All individual responses to the survey are kept by ETC Institute to ensure confidentiality. ETC Institute will analyze and compile the data and present the findings to City leadership.