Community Satisfaction Survey

Share Community Satisfaction Survey on Facebook Share Community Satisfaction Survey on Twitter Share Community Satisfaction Survey on Linkedin Email Community Satisfaction Survey link

The City of Lawrence is committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our community. One of the most important ways we can do that is by listening.

In early 2026, the City conducted its latest Community Satisfaction Survey through the National Community Survey™ (NCS), administered by Polco in partnership with the International City/County Management Association. This survey, conducted periodically since 2007, gives us a reliable way to track trends over time and better understand what residents value most about living in Lawrence.

The National Community Survey provides a statistically valid snapshot of community livability. It captures not just whether Lawrence is a place people live, but how it feels to live here. It measures resident perspectives across key areas like the local economy, mobility, safety, community design, utilities, and overall quality of life, along with satisfaction with local government.

The 2026 survey was conducted from January 2 through February 13 and included a representative sample of 405 residents. Results are weighted to reflect the community’s demographics and carry a margin of error of approximately +/-5%. Lawrence’s results are also compared to national benchmarks from more than 400 communities and a group of peer cities with similar characteristics.

Results are reported as “percent positive,” making it easy to see where Lawrence is succeeding and where there are opportunities to improve.

What We Heard

Several clear themes emerged from this year’s survey:

  • Strong quality of life and community pride. Residents continue to value Lawrence as a place to live, with positive ratings in overall livability and community character.
  • Opportunities in housing and affordability. Residents identified housing availability and affordability as key areas needing continued focus and investment.
  • Desire for safe, well-maintained infrastructure. Streets, sidewalks, and transportation systems remain a priority for improvement and long-term planning.
  • Public safety matters — with nuance. Many residents feel safe in their neighborhoods, while also expressing concern about broader community safety trends.
  • Trust and communication are essential. Residents want clear, consistent communication and to understand how decisions are made and how their input is used.

Why This Matters

This survey is one of the City’s most valuable tools for understanding resident experience. It complements ongoing engagement efforts by ensuring that decisions are informed not only by who participates, but by a representative cross-section of the community.

How We’re Using This Data

These results are already helping guide City priorities. Staff and leadership will use this information to inform strategic planning, allocate resources, and set measurable goals across departments.

Just as importantly, this data helps shape how we engage with the community moving forward. It ensures that future conversations are grounded in what we know residents are experiencing and asking for.

Keep the Conversation Going

Community input does not stop with a survey. We are expanding the ways you can share feedback and stay involved.

Your voice helps us make better decisions and build a community that reflects the people who call it home.

The City of Lawrence is committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our community. One of the most important ways we can do that is by listening.

In early 2026, the City conducted its latest Community Satisfaction Survey through the National Community Survey™ (NCS), administered by Polco in partnership with the International City/County Management Association. This survey, conducted periodically since 2007, gives us a reliable way to track trends over time and better understand what residents value most about living in Lawrence.

The National Community Survey provides a statistically valid snapshot of community livability. It captures not just whether Lawrence is a place people live, but how it feels to live here. It measures resident perspectives across key areas like the local economy, mobility, safety, community design, utilities, and overall quality of life, along with satisfaction with local government.

The 2026 survey was conducted from January 2 through February 13 and included a representative sample of 405 residents. Results are weighted to reflect the community’s demographics and carry a margin of error of approximately +/-5%. Lawrence’s results are also compared to national benchmarks from more than 400 communities and a group of peer cities with similar characteristics.

Results are reported as “percent positive,” making it easy to see where Lawrence is succeeding and where there are opportunities to improve.

What We Heard

Several clear themes emerged from this year’s survey:

  • Strong quality of life and community pride. Residents continue to value Lawrence as a place to live, with positive ratings in overall livability and community character.
  • Opportunities in housing and affordability. Residents identified housing availability and affordability as key areas needing continued focus and investment.
  • Desire for safe, well-maintained infrastructure. Streets, sidewalks, and transportation systems remain a priority for improvement and long-term planning.
  • Public safety matters — with nuance. Many residents feel safe in their neighborhoods, while also expressing concern about broader community safety trends.
  • Trust and communication are essential. Residents want clear, consistent communication and to understand how decisions are made and how their input is used.

Why This Matters

This survey is one of the City’s most valuable tools for understanding resident experience. It complements ongoing engagement efforts by ensuring that decisions are informed not only by who participates, but by a representative cross-section of the community.

How We’re Using This Data

These results are already helping guide City priorities. Staff and leadership will use this information to inform strategic planning, allocate resources, and set measurable goals across departments.

Just as importantly, this data helps shape how we engage with the community moving forward. It ensures that future conversations are grounded in what we know residents are experiencing and asking for.

Keep the Conversation Going

Community input does not stop with a survey. We are expanding the ways you can share feedback and stay involved.

Your voice helps us make better decisions and build a community that reflects the people who call it home.

Page last updated: 15 May 2026, 05:38 PM