Palo Alto Neighborhoods Civic Engagement Survey Results

1. Palo Alto Neighborhoods Civic Engagement Survey Results March 17, 2008

2. Why & How We Did the Survey We wanted to know Who was engaged. How they were engaged. What hindered participation. About the survey It�s not scientific. We focused on civic rather than community volunteer engagement. It was distributed through neighborhood news and the local press. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data through questions that allowed multiple choices. We also collected comments both about specific questions and the survey in general. The data represents 449 responses from February 11-29 (although there were over 500 responses before the survey server failed). Survey comments have been collected in a handout that you have at your places. Responses were consistent each time we looked at the results.Survey comments have been collected in a handout that you have at your places. Responses were consistent each time we looked at the results.

3. What�s Your Involvement in Civic Affairs Betsy to present.Betsy to present.

4. How do you participate in Palo Alto civic affairs? The Top 10 Not surprising that NA was highest because we distributed through the NAs. Over half participate through their neighborhood associations. Interesting point is that 47 said they didn�t participate at all.Not surprising that NA was highest because we distributed through the NAs. Over half participate through their neighborhood associations. Interesting point is that 47 said they didn�t participate at all.

5. In which areas would you like to be more involved? Top 10 People who want to participate do.People who want to participate do.

6. What holds you back from participating more?

7. How Do You Get Information Mark to present. Mark to present.

8. What are your sources of information about issues facing the City? Through the local papers and neighborhoods news, we get the word out.Through the local papers and neighborhoods news, we get the word out.

9. How do you find out what meetings or events are scheduled?

10. Are you able to get information in adequate time to participate in an issue? We could do a better job of getting information out in a timely manner. We can�t the get the information out to the neighborhoods if we can�t get it in time from the City.We could do a better job of getting information out in a timely manner. We can�t the get the information out to the neighborhoods if we can�t get it in time from the City.

11. What IssuesAre You Interested In Tom to present. Tom to present.

12. Additional Issues of Interest / ConcernTop 10 There were several other issues people were interested in, including school capacity, the public safety building and the regional housing allocation. See your handout for all the issues. People sent in a lot of comments about additional issues, such as flooding and traffic.There were several other issues people were interested in, including school capacity, the public safety building and the regional housing allocation. See your handout for all the issues. People sent in a lot of comments about additional issues, such as flooding and traffic.

13. Are You Interested In Logically, when you submit a question or idea, you should get a reponse.Logically, when you submit a question or idea, you should get a reponse.

14. Who Responded Norm to present. Norm to present.

15. By Gender

16. By Age

17. By Ethnic Background

18. By Occupation

19. Where Respondents Live This shows how increasing involved south Palo Altoans are.This shows how increasing involved south Palo Altoans are.

20. What�s Next? Use these survey results to help focus the City�s communication with Palo Altans. Build upon the existing communications channels, such as neighborhood e-news. Enhance the City�s web site. Encourage residents to become active participants in their neighborhood associations in general and in specifically in emergency preparedness activities.