In a recent town council meeting, Garner's Town Manager Jody Miller presented the results of the town's inaugural National Community Survey, marking a significant milestone in understanding resident perspectives. This survey, developed in collaboration with the National Research Center at Polico and the International City County Management Association (ICMA), serves as a strategic planning tool and allows Garner to benchmark its services against over 500 communities nationwide.

Miller highlighted the survey's methodology, which included a random sampling of households and an open participation phase, yielding a 7% response rate from 246 residents. The results provide a baseline for evaluating community services and priorities as Garner continues to grow.

Key findings revealed that 85% of respondents expressed a likelihood to remain in Garner for the next five years, while 59% rated the town's overall image positively. The survey also assessed governance, with 80% of residents rating customer service from town employees as good or excellent. However, only 47% felt adequately informed about community issues.

In terms of economic health, Garner scored higher than the benchmark for shopping opportunities and cost of living, but lower for the vibrancy of its downtown area. This prompted discussions among council members about the definition of \"downtown\" and the need for deeper analysis of residents' perceptions of commercial areas.

Safety ratings were notably high, with 95% of residents feeling safe in their neighborhoods during the day. The survey also indicated strong satisfaction with fire and police services, aligning with safety as a top priority for the town in the coming years.

Other facets of the survey included community design, utilities, health and wellness, and education, arts, and culture. While the town received positive ratings in many areas, challenges were identified, such as the need for affordable housing and improved mental health care services.

Overall, the survey results provide valuable insights for Garner's leadership, guiding future initiatives and improvements to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The council plans to utilize this data to inform strategic decisions and foster community engagement moving forward.