Ashland, VA Key Findings January 6, 2015 The NCS is presented by NRC in collaboration with ICMA
About The NCS Community Livability Community Characteristics Governance Participation Communities are partnerships among... Residents Community- based organizations Government Private sector
Facets of Community Livability Safety Mobility Recreation and Wellness Economy Quality of Community Overall Natural Environment Built Environment Community Engagement Education and Enrichment
The NCS & Ashland 2 nd time conducting The NCS Previous survey in 2011 Scientific sample of 1,200 households 316 completed surveys; 28% response rate ±5% margin of error
National Benchmark Comparisons 5
104 received similar ratings 104 received similar ratings 2014 National Benchmark Comparisons 12 received higher ratings 12 received higher ratings 2 received lower ratings 2 received lower ratings
Education and Enrichment Community Engagement Mobility Natural Environment Recreation and Wellness Built Environment Safety Economy Legend Higher than national benchmark Similar to national benchmark Lower than national benchmark Most important Key Focus Areas
Residents continue to enjoy high quality of life Key Finding #1
High Quality of Life Overall quality of life Place to raise kids Place to live Appearance 4 in 5 “excellent” or “good”
Mobility Ratings Comparison to national benchmark: Higher Similar Lower Travel by car Ease of walking Public parking Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent or good Overall ease of getting around Traffic flow
Residents feel safe in Ashland Key Finding #2 Safety
Feelings of Safety National Research Center, Inc. 12 Overall in neighborhoods in Ashland’s downtown/ commercial areas Almost all felt safe:
Safety Services Majority excellent or good: Crime prevention Emergency preparedness Police services Comparison to national benchmark: Higher Similar Lower
Economy is important Key Finding #3 Economy
Characteristics of Economy Comparison to national benchmark: Higher Similar Lower Place to visit Quality of businesses Excellent or good Overall economic health Place to work
Special Topics
Town Hall Renovations
Town Budget
Town Priorities
Conclusions Quality of life remains high Residents value Safety Economy a top priority
Questions?
Thank you! National Research Center, Inc Valmont Road Suite 300 Boulder, CO