How Local Governments Can Use Survey Data to Innovate

by NRC on October 7, 2016

- NRC Q & A -

Citizen expectations are rising, technologies are changing and local government practices are evolving every day to best serve communities all across the United States. The need for innovation may be more important than ever, and with it, the need for actionable data. Most jurisdictions today understand the value of performance measurement when it comes to developing and testing new practices. However, knowing where resident opinion data can best play into innovation, measurement and implementation can seem a bit more muddy.

National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) welcomes Alliance for Innovation (AFI) West Regional Director Nijah Fudge to NRC Q & A. Fudge focuses on identifying innovative practices throughout local government, and works to determine what makes the best of them so successful. In this video, Fudge explains how and why survey data benefits innovation.

Watch on YouTube

Top Takeaways

1. The most effective innovative practices include feedback from citizens.

2. Survey data is best used to inform and guide the innovation and experimentation process.

3. Surveys that are representative of the population provide an opportunity for diverse residents to weigh in on community issues.

4. The future of communities often relies on public opinion.

5. Survey data can draw a hard line to the changes your community wants to see.

6. Those who regularly attend town hall meetings may not necessarily speak for everyone else. Surveys allow local governments to reach wider audiences, ensuring the entire community is represented fairly.

Alliance for Innovation is dedicated to supporting and inspiring innovation for the advancement of communities. Visit transformgov.org to learn more.

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National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) is a leading full-service survey research and evaluation firm focusing on the information requirements of the public sector, including local governments, health care providers, foundations and non-profit organizations. Visit our home on the Web at www.n-r-c.com. Check out our media page for more news, tips and human-interest stories from NRC.