DATE: August 21, 2007

CONTACT: Anne McGrath, Communications & Outreach Manager
(mcgrath@ci.monterey.ca.us)

PHONE: 831.646.5692

RELEASE: Immediate

Survey Results

2007 SURVEY GIVES MONTEREY HIGH MARKS

Monterey, CA – The City of Monterey received “excellent” ratings for programs and services, according to results from the 2007 Community Survey.  More than 600 people completed the survey, the highest return rate in five years.

 The Survey asked residents to rate the City in five areas:  appearance, government, community services, neighborhoods and business districts, and safety concerns.  Of the 41 items surveyed, nearly 60% received “excellent” ratings, 27% got “good” ratings, 12% fell into the “fair” category, and only one item – street conditions – rated as a “problem.”

Here are some of the highlights of the 2007 Monterey Community Survey:

• Community Services, e.g. police, fire, harbor, library, rated as “excellent”

• City appearance rated as “excellent” in five categories

• Neighborhoods rated as “excellent” for cleanliness and safety

• Business Districts rated as “excellent” for safety

•  City government rated as “excellent” in communicating with residents

The survey reveals improvements from previous years, such as:

• Programs for teens registered the biggest improvement of any item on the survey

• People felt safe in their neighborhoods and noted an increase in neighborhood police presence

• Library services showed a gain for the first time since budget cuts were made in 2002

The Survey also spotlights areas that need improvement, including the following:

• Street conditions improved for the first time in 10 years but remained the lowest rated item in the survey

• Safety on the Recreation Trail, from El Estero to Seaside, concerned 76% of residents

• Traffic congestion concerned slightly more residents than in previous surveys

• Walkways for pedestrians increased as a concern of residents

Now in its 10th year, the Community Survey tracks changes in public perception about the City of Monterey.  The survey offers residents the opportunity to give feedback to the City.  The City uses that feedback to set budget priorities. 

A copy of the 2007 Community Survey is attached for your review.  Previous years’ surveys are available at www.monterey.org/survey

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