2014 Budget Survey Presentation to Mayor & Council September 25, 2013 Jennifer Kinneman, Manager, Civic Engagement & Corporate Initiatives

Overview  Council approved civic engagement program for the 2014 Budget on July 15, 2013  Postcard mailer sent to all addresses July 24, 2013  2014 Budget Survey launched August 1; open until August 31  Hard copy surveys available in Mission City Record August 15

Discussion & Analysis  651 responses; 513 online, 138 hard copy (79%:21%)  Limitations/opportunities  Transparency/Privacy

Discussion & Analysis  Respondents were predominantly male. 52% Male 44% Female 4% Prefer to not respond  Survey participants represent a broad range of ages categories. 65% were 45 years of age or older 32% were between years of age

Discussion & Analysis  The majority of participants (50%) are long-time residents of the District of Mission, 15 years or more.  The vast majority of participants are property owners. (88%)  Most respondents are not owners or operators of businesses. (80%)

Discussion & Analysis  The most important issue facing the District: downtown revitalization; business and the economy; high property taxes.  In general, most respondents are satisfied with the quality of life in Mission. 92% rated as Excellent, Very Good, and Good.  The top three priorities for respondents include: A safe and secure municipality A strong financial position Infrastructure that is well-maintained and sustainable

Discussion & Analysis  Participants are generally satisfied with District services. Some areas to note include: Fire/Rescue Services (7% Very Poor; 10% Poor; 14% N/A) Condition of streets and roads (19% Poor) Bylaw enforcement (9% Very Poor; 20% Poor; 26% N/A) Public transit (11% Very Poor; 23% Poor; 30% N/A) Snow removal (21% Poor)

Discussion & Analysis  39% of respondents offered alternative suggestions to holding the line on taxes. 96 out of 252 suggestions related to increasing taxes. 21 comments related to business attraction and retention. 14 comments related to reducing District staff levels and/or salaries.

Discussion & Analysis  The respondents enjoy a variety of communications methods when dealing with the District of Mission. The preferred channels include: Newspaper Mailed Information Town Hall meetings  Electronic channels ( /Web site and Facebook/Twitter) received a fairly strong response when combined. (166 responses)

Discussion & Analysis  There is room for improvement on the amount of information the District provides to the community. 74% Good-Very Good- Excellent. But 22% Very Poor-Poor. 57% Good 18% Poor 12% Very Good 8% Unsure 4% Very Poor 2% Excellent

Discussion & Analysis  Suggestions for new projects or initiatives were varied. Main topics included downtown revitalization, business and economic development and fire/rescue services.  When asked for any other suggestions to improve District services, respondents also provided a range of comments. Topics ranged from the downtown and the waterfront to animal control and dog parks.

The Benefits of Being Engaged  Thank you for taking the time to find out what concerns the citizens of Mission. I had, until now, yet to live in a district which does so.  I like this survey!  Thanks for the opportunity!!!  Keep asking for feedback from the community. I like this form.

The Benefits of Being Engaged  Encourage citizen based initiative and create a "safe" environment, welcoming and engaging the rich diversity in our community to engage in the conversation around what it means to love the District of Mission.  This survey is a good start.  Publish the results of this survey.  Improved opportunities for meaningful engagement with residents, volunteers, those who are community engaged.

Questions?