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Consultants propose statistically valid countywide survey to guide Montgomery County planning
Summary
Consultants from ETC Institute and partners recommended a statistically valid public-engagement survey for Montgomery County, describing a 3,000-mailing approach intended to yield about 400 completed surveys (±3–4% precision), stakeholder interviews and geographic mapping to guide budgeting and zoning decisions.
Consultants from ETC Institute and local partners introduced a proposed countywide public-engagement survey intended to provide statistically valid input for Montgomery County’s comprehensive plan and budgeting. Jason Marado, ETC vice president and director of community research, said the plan calls for mailing roughly 3,000 surveys to achieve about 400 completed responses for the county, producing a margin of error of roughly ±3–4 percent.
The team emphasized two design elements: stakeholder interviews and a steering committee to shape and approve the questionnaire, then a hybrid print-and-online fielding strategy to improve representativeness. "Households are selected at random," Marado said, "and the demographics of survey respondents reflect the actual population of the county," adding that the hybrid approach helps reach both older and younger residents. Presenters showed sample priority-ranking charts (trails, indoor recreation, community arts) and geocoded maps they said would let commissioners target investments and validate Road & Bridge staff knowledge. The consultants emphasized that the final survey instrument will be reviewed by county staff and commissioners before fielding.
