Boise prepares new resident survey

Last weekend, the city of Boise mailed invitations households across the city, asking people who live in those homes to fill out a survey telling the city their opinions on topics ranging from police and fire services to recreational opportunities, the city announced Tuesday.

This is the sixth time since 2005 that the city has undertaken a resident survey. The last survey was conducted in 2013. Respondents in that survey said they were satisfied with Boise’s quality of life and value of services received for tax dollars paid, though they rated the overall quality of services somewhat lower.

Mayor David Bieter, who on Tuesday became the first Boise mayor to be sworn in to a fourth four-year term, used the value response as a talking point in his campaign last year.

People who receive an invitation can participate by completing the survey via mail or online. People who received invitations will receive a questionnaire packet sometime this week, according to a news release. A follow-up survey packet will be mailed later this month “to encourage strong participation.”

The city expects completing the survey will take 10-20 minutes. Responses are anonymous.

“In order to ensure a diverse, scientifically-valid survey sample, it is encouraged that each the survey be completed by the adult in the household who most recently had a birthday and is at least 18-years-old,” according to the city’s news release.

The city’s cost for conducting the survey is about $30,000 spokesman Mike Journee said.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Boise prepares new resident survey."