A-3. Attachment 3. The NCS Trends over Time-Chanhassen 2016
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Chanhassen, MN
Trends over Time
2016
1
Summary
The National Citizen Survey™ (The NCS™) is a collaborative effort between National Research Center, Inc. (NRC)
and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The survey and its administration are
standardized to assure high quality research methods and directly comparable results across The NCS
communities. The NCS captures residents’ opinions within the three pillars of a community (Community
Characteristics, Governance and Participation) across eight central facets of community (Safety, Mobility, Natural
Environment, Built Environment, Economy, Recreation and Wellness, Education and Enrichment and
Community Engagement). This report discusses trends over time, comparing the 2016 ratings for the City of
Chanhassen to its previous survey results in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013. Additional reports and technical
appendices are available under separate cover.
Trend data for Chanhassen represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or
declines. Deviations from stable trends over time, especially, represent opportunities for understanding how local
policies, programs or public information may have affected residents’ opinions.
Meaningful differences between survey years have been noted within the following tables as being “higher” or
“lower” if the differences are greater than six percentage points between the 2013 and 2016 surveys, otherwise the
comparison between 2013 and 2016 are noted as being “similar.” Additionally, benchmark comparisons for all
survey years are presented for reference. Changes in the benchmark comparison over time can be impacted by
various trends, including varying survey cycles for the individual communities that comprise the benchmarks,
regional and national economic or other events, as well as emerging survey methodologies.
Overall, ratings in Chanhassen for 2016 generally remained stable. Of the 129 items for which comparisons were
available, 116 items were rated similarly in 2013 and 2016, 9 items showed a decrease in ratings and 4 showed an
increase in ratings. Notable trends over time included the following:
Ratings within Community Characteristics were generally stable over time; however, there were a few
noteworthy exceptions. Between 2013 and 2016, ratings increased for employment opportunities and the cost
of living in Chanhassen. Ratings for travel by public transportation and the availability of affordable quality
mental health care declined over time.
Four aspects within the pillar of Governance were trending downward this year. Ratings decreased from 2013
to 2016 for police services, traffic signal timing, cable television and recreation centers.
In 2016, more survey respondents reported that they had carpooled instead of driving alone and a higher
proportion of Chanhassen residents thought that the economy will have a positive impact on their income in
the coming six months. However, rates of residents who reported participating in religious or spiritual
activities, watching a local public meeting or volunteering their time to a group/activity in Chanhassen
declined over time.
The National Citizen Survey™
2
Table 1: Community Characteristics General
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good)
2016 rating compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Overall quality of life 93% 94% 97% 97% 96% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Overall image NA NA 96% 93% 95% Similar NA NA Much higher Much higher Much higher
Place to live 95% 96% 98% 99% 97% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Neighborhood 90% 91% 92% 94% 96% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Place to raise children 94% 96% 98% 98% 98% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher
Place to retire 50% 54% 75% 70% 74% Similar Lower Lower Much higher Similar Similar
Overall appearance 80% 82% 94% 95% 93% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Table 2: Community Characteristics by Facet
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good,
very/somewhat safe) 2016 rating compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Safety
Overall feeling of safety NA NA NA 97% 97% Similar NA NA NA Higher Higher
Safe in neighborhood 96% 97% 99% 98% 99% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Similar Similar
Safe downtown/commercial area 99% 98% 99% 98% 99% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Mobility
Overall ease of travel NA NA NA 90% 90% Similar NA NA NA Higher Higher
Paths and walking trails NA NA 90% 90% 90% Similar NA NA
Much
higher
Much
higher
Much
higher
Ease of walking NA 75% 87% 83% 85% Similar NA Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Travel by bicycle 70% 73% 85% 81% 83% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher
Travel by public transportation NA NA NA 66% 59% Lower NA NA NA Similar Higher
Travel by car 67% 72% 87% 92% 90% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher
Public parking NA NA NA 87% 88% Similar NA NA NA NA Much higher
Traffic flow 51% 61% 77% 83% 81% Similar NA NA
Much
higher
Much
higher
Much
higher
Natural Environment
Overall natural environment NA NA 94% 97% 95% Similar NA NA
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher
Cleanliness NA NA NA 97% 96% Similar NA NA NA
Much
higher
Much
higher
Air quality 90% 89% 92% 96% 97% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher
Built Environment Overall built environment NA NA NA 83% 82% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
The National Citizen Survey™
3
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good, very/somewhat safe) 2016 rating
compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
New development in Chanhassen NA NA 81% 66% 69% Similar NA NA Much higher Similar Similar
Affordable quality housing 36% 43% 61% 63% 61% Similar Lower Similar Much higher Higher Higher
Housing options NA NA 78% 79% 74% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Higher Higher
Public places NA NA NA 80% 83% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Economy
Overall economic health NA NA NA 90% 94% Similar NA NA NA Much higher Much higher
Vibrant downtown/commercial
area NA NA NA 55% 53% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Business and services NA NA 73% 74% 73% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Similar Similar
Cost of living NA NA NA 53% 61% Higher NA NA NA NA Higher
Shopping opportunities 39% 43% 50% 51% 54% Similar
Much
lower Lower Similar Similar Similar
Employment opportunities 38% 41% 39% 53% 68% Higher Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher
Much
higher
Place to visit NA NA NA 74% 79% Similar NA NA NA Similar Similar
Place to work NA 70% 69% 80% 82% Similar NA
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Recreation and
Wellness
Health and wellness NA NA NA 92% 90% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Mental health care NA NA NA 77% 71% Lower NA NA NA NA Much higher
Preventive health services NA NA 80% 88% 89% Similar NA NA
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher
Health care 68% 77% 79% 89% 88% Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher
Food NA NA NA 75% 78% Similar NA NA NA Similar Higher
Recreational opportunities 74% 82% 83% 87% 87% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Fitness opportunities NA NA NA 90% 88% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Education and Enrichment
Religious or spiritual events and activities NA NA 83% 89% 85% Similar NA NA Higher Similar Similar
Cultural/arts/music activities 40% 45% 54% 65% 67% Similar
Much
lower
Much
lower Similar Similar Similar
Adult education NA NA NA 78% 73% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
K-12 education 82% 87% 93% 95% 94% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher
The National Citizen Survey™
4
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good, very/somewhat safe) 2016 rating
compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Child care/preschool 53% 65% 65% 78% 79% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher
Community Engagement
Social events and activities NA NA 73% 70% 75% Similar NA NA Much higher Similar Similar
Neighborliness NA NA NA 78% 80% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Openness and acceptance 55% 62% NA 64% 64% Similar Similar Similar NA Similar Similar
Opportunities to participate in
community matters NA NA 70% 72% 75% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Similar Similar
Opportunities to volunteer NA NA 73% 79% 75% Similar NA NA Similar Similar Similar
Table 3: Governance General
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good)
2016 rating compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Services provided by Chanhassen 79% 82% 91% 91% 90% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Customer service 77% 84% 89% 89% 89% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Similar Similar
Value of services for taxes paid NA 62% 63% 69% 71% Similar NA Higher Much higher Higher Similar
Overall direction 64% 67% 76% 79% 77% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Welcoming citizen involvement 61% 65% 62% 67% 72% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Similar Higher
Confidence in City government NA NA NA 75% 75% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Acting in the best interest of Chanhassen NA NA NA 74% 76% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Being honest NA NA NA 76% 79% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Treating all residents fairly NA NA NA 74% 78% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Services provided by the Federal Government 49% 46% 46% 44% 47% Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar Similar
Table 4: Governance by Facet
Percent rating positively (e.g.,
excellent/good) 2016 rating compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Safety
Police 80% 82% 87% 95% 88% Lower Similar Higher Much higher Higher Similar
Fire 94% 92% 96% 98% 94% Similar Similar Higher
Much
higher Similar Similar
Ambulance/EMS 90% 91% 95% 96% 94% Similar Similar Higher
Much
higher Similar Similar
Crime prevention 77% 75% 90% 92% 89% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Fire prevention 84% 83% 91% 93% 93% Similar Similar Higher Much higher Higher Higher
The National Citizen Survey™
5
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good) 2016 rating compared
to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Animal control 71% 72% 77% 84% 79% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Emergency preparedness NA NA 80% 82% 81% Similar NA NA Much higher Higher Higher
Mobility
Traffic enforcement 67% 71% 76% 81% 79% Similar Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Similar
Street repair 44% 53% 58% 67% 67% Similar Similar Higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Street cleaning 68% 65% 78% 79% 80% Similar Similar Higher
Much
higher Higher Similar
Street lighting 61% 66% 73% 77% 78% Similar Similar Higher Much higher Higher Higher
Snow removal 78% 74% 81% 82% 86% Similar Higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Sidewalk maintenance 73% 76% 81% 82% 79% Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Traffic signal timing 45% 52% 60% 68% 57% Lower Similar Higher
Much
higher Higher Similar
Bus or transit services 63% 63% 65% 82% 78% Similar Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher
Much
higher
Natural Environment
Garbage collection 87% 89% 93% 92% 89% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Similar Similar
Recycling 86% 84% 92% 92% 89% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Similar Similar
Yard waste pick-up 68% 68% 84% 81% 82% Similar Similar Similar
Much
higher Similar Similar
Drinking water 51% 53% 70% 79% 78% Similar
Much
lower
Much
lower Higher Similar Similar
Natural areas preservation NA NA 78% 79% 75% Similar NA NA Much higher Higher Similar
Open space NA NA NA 80% 75% Similar NA NA NA Similar Similar
Built Environment
Storm drainage 74% 70% 82% 82% 82% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Sewer services 78% 82% 86% 90% 93% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Similar Higher
Power utility NA NA NA 85% 88% Similar NA NA NA Similar Similar
Utility billing NA NA NA 86% 83% Similar NA NA NA Similar Similar
Land use, planning and
zoning 50% 46% 64% 65% 66% Similar Similar Higher
Much
higher Higher Similar
The National Citizen Survey™
6
Percent rating positively (e.g., excellent/good) 2016 rating compared
to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Code enforcement 69% 70% 73% 75% 73% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Cable television 44% 46% 46% 48% 37% Lower Lower Lower Lower Similar Lower
Economy Economic development 61% 64% 68% 74% 79% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Recreation and
Wellness
City parks 92% 91% 96% 97% 94% Similar Much higher Much higher Much higher Higher Higher
Recreation programs 84% 83% 90% 85% 82% Similar Similar Much higher Much higher Similar Similar
Recreation centers 70% 68% 83% 84% 75% Lower Similar Similar
Much
higher Similar Similar
Health services 82% 83% 86% 92% 91% Similar Higher
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Education and
Enrichment
Special events NA NA NA 83% 85% Similar NA NA NA Similar Higher
Public libraries 91% 91% 94% 96% 94% Similar Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Community
Engagement Public information 73% 76% 86% 85% 85% Similar Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Table 5: Participation General
Percent rating positively (e.g., always/sometimes, more than once a month, yes) 2016 rating compared to
2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Sense of community 67% 70% 80% 77% 80% Similar Similar
Much
higher
Much
higher Higher Higher
Recommend Chanhassen NA NA 98% 97% 97% Similar NA NA Much higher Higher Higher
Remain in Chanhassen NA NA 93% 95% 93% Similar NA NA Much higher Higher Similar
Contacted Chanhassen
employees 57% 52% 48% 41% 44% Similar NA NA
Much
lower Similar Similar
Table 6: Participation by Facet
Percent rating positively (e.g., always/sometimes, more
than once a month, yes) 2016 rating
compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Safety
Did NOT report a crime NA NA NA 86% 87% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Was NOT the victim of a crime 92% 95% 97% 94% 94% Similar NA NA Much higher Similar Similar
The National Citizen Survey™
7
Percent rating positively (e.g., always/sometimes, more than once a month, yes) 2016 rating
compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Mobility
Used public transportation instead of driving NA NA NA 26% 23% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Carpooled instead of driving alone NA NA NA 38% 44% Higher NA NA NA NA Similar
Walked or biked instead of
driving NA NA NA 60% 65% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Natural Environment
Conserved water NA NA NA NA 78% NA NA NA NA NA Similar
Recycled at home 95% 94% 98% 96% 98% Similar NA NA Much higher Higher Higher
Built Environment
Did NOT observe a code
violation NA NA NA 80% 77% Similar NA NA NA NA
Much
higher
NOT under housing cost stress NA NA 73% 76% 78% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Higher Similar
Economy
Purchased goods or services in
Chanhassen NA NA NA 98% 97% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Economy will have positive impact on income 25% 28% 20% 28% 34% Higher NA NA Higher Similar Similar
Work in Chanhassen NA NA NA 28% 27% Similar NA NA NA NA Lower
Recreation and
Wellness
Used Chanhassen recreation
centers 62% 63% 57% 59% 54% Similar NA NA Similar Similar Similar
Visited a City park 93% 93% 90% 91% 93% Similar NA NA Higher Similar Higher
Ate 5 portions of fruits and
vegetables NA NA NA 88% 86% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Participated in moderate or
vigorous physical activity NA NA NA 89% 90% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
In very good to excellent health NA NA NA 78% 83% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Education and
Enrichment
Used Chanhassen public libraries 82% 86% 81% 77% 72% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Similar Similar
Participated in religious or
spiritual activities NA NA 50% 53% 44% Lower NA NA Similar Similar Similar
Attended a City-sponsored event NA NA NA 61% 64% Similar NA NA NA NA Higher
Community Engagement
Campaigned for an issue, cause
or candidate NA NA NA 15% 14% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Contacted Chanhassen elected
officials NA NA NA 15% 15% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Volunteered 40% 41% 36% 40% 34% Lower NA NA Much lower Similar Similar
Participated in a club NA NA 22% 25% 23% Similar NA NA Much lower Similar Similar
The National Citizen Survey™
8
Percent rating positively (e.g., always/sometimes, more than once a month, yes) 2016 rating
compared to 2013
Comparison to benchmark
2005 2007 2010 2013 2016 2005 2007 2010 2013 2016
Talked to or visited with neighbors NA NA NA NA 96% NA NA NA NA NA Similar
Done a favor for a neighbor NA NA NA NA 86% NA NA NA NA NA Similar
Attended a local public meeting 30% 28% 18% 17% 21% Similar NA NA
Much
lower Similar Similar
Watched a local public meeting 39% 40% 22% 18% 10% Lower NA NA Much lower Lower Lower
Read or watched local news NA NA NA 90% 85% Similar NA NA NA NA Similar
Voted in local elections 93% 87% 87% 93% 88% Similar NA NA
Much
higher Higher Similar