Committee discusses contracting ETC Institute for resident survey; cost estimate $15K–$40K

The Public Safety and Health Committee on March 18 discussed commissioning a new resident satisfaction survey from the ETC Institute, which performed Cleveland Heights’ previous survey in 2020.

Committee members said the city’s last full survey (2020) received 452 responses to a random household sample, and staff described a price range for a repeat survey between about $15,000 and $40,000 depending on sample size and neighborhood breakdowns. Staff said costs increase if the survey is expanded to generate statistically valid neighborhood-level results or if the consultant must attend presentations in person.

Several council members urged keeping the core questions consistent with the 2020 instrument to preserve year-to-year comparability; the mayor had expressed concern that such a survey could be politicized, and staff said sticking to resident satisfaction questions rather than governance questions would reduce that risk. Staff also noted the city administration is conducting an internal employee survey and said the resident survey would be an outsourced effort that does not require direct administrative involvement.

Council members asked staff to request a formal proposal from the ETC Institute and to place the proposal on the committee’s next agenda. Staff said funding may be available from leftover budgeted consulting funds and that the planning department could present grant and survey status at the council meeting on the 7th.

No formal procurement decision was taken at the committee meeting; staff will return with a proposal.