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Vienna council narrows questions for townwide survey and considers funding trade‑off question
Summary
Council asked staff to prepare a fall 2026 National Community Survey and agreed on core priority questions; staff recommended allowing a funding‑tradeoff question (willingness to pay) as a custom item. Staff requested council topic suggestions by late May for final wording.
Public information director Karen presented the National Community Survey background, methodology and past results and asked the council what custom topics to include in the fall 2026 survey.
Karen said the 2023 survey used a probability‑based sample of 3,000 randomly selected households and drew 928 responses — "a 31% overall response rate, which is considered stellar in the survey world." She explained the standard instrument provides three custom questions at no extra charge and recommended adding a funding question if the council wanted to measure residents’ willingness to prioritize and finance projects.
Council members suggested topics including water and sewer replacement pacing, Maple Avenue/primary commercial corridor uses, annex property options, and communications channels. Several council members recommended adding framing language to the priority question so respondents understand that town funds are limited and trade‑offs may require tax increases or reprioritization.
Council direction and timeline: Staff asked councilmembers to email topic areas and suggested questions by Memorial Day; staff will consolidate overlaps, present a draft to council and instruct the survey contractor for a fall mailing (post‑Labor Day) with results expected around the winter holidays.
What’s next: Staff will produce a proposed draft with menu options and a recommended set of custom questions for council review; council will confirm a final set for the contractor’s production timeline.
