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Liberty Lake commission presses staff to broaden access as 2026 community survey rolls out
Summary
City staff reported about 216 survey completions in the first week and described a postcard incentive drawing; commissioners raised concerns that the all-online rollout excludes residents without internet or who distrust online methods and asked staff to explore hard-copy or assisted options.
City staff told the Community Engagement Commission on Jan. 21 that the 2026 community satisfaction survey had begun and that roughly 216 residents had completed the survey in its first week.
David, who walked commissioners through the rollout, said postcards were mailed to households with unique codes that make respondents eligible for a drawing (five winners receive one free hour at the simulators at Trailhead Golf Course). He said the vendor’s automation produced an unclear “learn more” link that returned a 404 for at least one respondent and that he would investigate. “We got somewhere around 216 people who have completed surveys since these came out last week,” David said during the update.
Several commissioners raised accessibility concerns because the mailed outreach contained no multi-page paper survey and directed residents who need help to the library or city staff. Commissioners noted that some residents do not use computers or social media, may discard QR-code postcards, or lack trust in online platforms and urged more visible instructions and a way to request a mailed paper copy or in-person assistance. David said cardholders can be directed to the library for assistance and that staff can provide a unique code if a postcard did not arrive.
Commissioners asked David to raise the accessibility concerns with the city administrator and to explore whether the methodology can be adjusted mid-survey to improve participation among underrepresented groups. The commission will revisit survey participation and feedback at its Feb. 17 meeting; David agreed to provide an update on participation and any fixes implemented.
What happens next: David will investigate the 404/link issue with the vendor (Zen City), discuss possible additional access options with the city administrator, and return with an update to the commission at its February meeting.
