Fuquay Varina survey: residents rate town services among nation’s best; town wins Leading the Way award

ETC Institute presented results of the Town of Fuquay Varina’s 2024 community survey, reporting that residents gave unusually high ratings for overall quality of life and town services and that the town qualified for ETC’s “Leading the Way” award for ranking in the top 10% nationally on core metrics.

Why it matters: Survey results are used to set priorities, measure trends and guide town investments. Town staff said the findings reinforce local priorities — traffic management and planning for growth — while confirming high satisfaction with customer service and core services.

Survey findings presented - Overall perception: 89% of respondents rated Fuquay Varina as an excellent or good place to live. - Service ratings: Fuquay Varina rated above the U.S. average in 47 of 51 areas compared; customer service by town employees and overall quality of town services were among the highest differentials above national averages. - Safety and access: Residents reported high perceived safety in neighborhoods and public spaces; overall feeling of safety was 93%. - Priorities: The top two priorities residents want the town to emphasize over the next two years are traffic management and planning for growth and development; other priorities included street lighting, maintenance of streets and sidewalks, police visibility and greenways. - Sample and methodology: The mail/online survey yielded 421 completed responses, with a margin of error of ±4.8% at the 95% confidence level; staff said respondents reflected a range of tenures in town, from new residents to those living there 20+ years.

Leading the Way award ETC Institute announced Fuquay Varina received a composite score that places it in the top 10% nationally for three core areas (overall quality of town services; value received for tax dollars and fees; customer service provided by town employees). ETC presented the board with a physical award during the meeting.

Board reaction and next steps: Commissioners praised staff for the positive ratings; staff and commissioners said the findings reaffirm priorities already identified by the board and suggested continued use of triannual or biennial surveys to track progress. One commissioner requested staff break out results by length of residency to compare views of newer and long‑term residents; ETC noted that cross tabulations could be provided.