Survey says? RR residents satisfied, but work remains
How does a local government get viable information regarding what the citizens it serves think is going well or would benefit from improvement? How does a local government ensure that a vocal minority viewpoint is not dominating discussions pertaining to decision-making, priority-setting, or how tax dollars are spent?
A critical way these issues can be addressed is through scientifically surveying a sample of residents, which ensures the information gathered is a reflection of the opinions of the entire community.
That is why I supported the surveying of Rio Rancho residents in 2015 and 2017. By doing regular surveying, a benchmark can be established along with creating the ability to measure and assess performance over time. This type of information is invaluable to policy makers when trying to ensure actions undertaken are on point with citizen sentiment.
I am pleased to report that the results from the 2017 survey of Rio Rancho residents are in, and what you find is confirmation that local government officials, and the citizens they serve, are very much aligned when it comes to focus areas.
A few key highlights from the data are:
85 percent rated Rio Rancho as a good place to live;
86 percent indicated they would recommend living in Rio Rancho to someone who asked;
93 percent indicated they feel safe in their neighborhood; and
More than 80 percent were pleased overall with police, fire and emergency medical services, parks and libraries.
These findings are consistent with 2015 survey results. I am very proud of the fact that from 2015 to 2017 residents significantly rated local government higher in terms of acting in the best interest of the community, being honest and treating all residents fairly.
Areas where community members thought Rio Rancho specifically regressed over the past two years were fire and crime prevention and ambulance/emergency medical service. Public safety, in all of its different forms, is a top priority for local government. One of the ways we not only maintain but also improve public safety services is by making sure we have the necessary vehicles and equipment in place.
This is why I support letting voters decide whether or not they want to invest in public safety via a small property tax increase by approving a General Obligation Bond in March 2018. If approved, approximately $4 million would be made available that otherwise would not be to replace aging police vehicles, fire trucks, an ambulance and equipment.
It should be noted that the survey contained a question regarding this very issue and 61 percent indicated support for such a bond measure.
While the survey showed that between 75 and 80 percent thought highly of the quality of recent major roadway projects — Sara Road improvements, High Resort Boulevard reconstruction, Broadmoor Boulevard extension and Idalia Road reconstruction — street repair rated low, which was similar to 2015 views.
I want to see this rating improve in future surveys, and I believe we are already on our way to making this happen. Just a few months ago, a tripling, in comparison to past years, of crack patch and seal work on paved residential streets began. The plan is to keep this higher level of street repair work in place going forward.
What I have just detailed is only a very small amount of the information local government received from the 2017 survey. Input in a variety of other important areas such as economic development and different quality of life factors was also collected. Efforts are already underway and incorporated into local government’s new Strategic Plan in order to make strides in these community livability factors.
As mayor, my intent is to make sure Rio Rancho stays strong where we already shine and get better in areas where it has been shown there is room to grow.
To view all of the 2017 community survey results, visit rrnm.gov/2017survey.