Irving releases 2012 resident survey results
Written by Phil Cerroni
Irving residents’ happiness with City services ticked up yet again in 2012, continuing the upward satisfaction trend that began in 2006. The majority of questions registered double digit increases; with code enforcement topping the list at a 90 percent lift over the six-year period.
“I think Irving employees go above and beyond in listening to our residents. We take every bit of information to heart and investigate each and every concern. If we need to change the way we provide service and it makes sense financially, we change,” said Irving Councilwoman Rose Cannaday.
In 2006, City officials recognized a growing problem with run down, dilapidated apartment complexes. The City formed an initiative teaming police, code enforcement and the inspections departments and went to work tightening policies and holding owners and managers accountable. Six years later, all the structures are cleaned up or torn down, resulting in a 35 percent reduction in crime, and a more visually attractive city.
“Irving is cleaner, safer, better,” said Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez. “We talked with residents, and developed a strategic plan that addressed their concerns. We set goals and measurements, engaged our workforce and the survey results speak to the vast and rapid progress we have made.”
Following are highlights of the 2012 Irving Resident Survey:
|
|
|||||
|
Excellent/Good Rating |
2006 |
2012 |
Point Change |
% Change |
National average |
|
Code Enforcement |
33.5 |
63.8 |
30.3 |
90.4% |
44 |
|
Appearance of City |
39.7 |
61.8 |
22.1 |
55.7% |
63 |
|
Overall Quality of Life |
52.3 |
71.1 |
18.8 |
35.9% |
55 |
|
Overall Customer Service |
62.4 |
72.2 |
9.8 |
15.7% |
52 |
|
Safety in Neighborhood during Day |
92.7 |
95.7 |
3.0 |
3.2% |
91 |
|
Neighborhood Streets |
38.2 |
52.9 |
14.7 |
38.5% |
44 |
|
Parks |
68.5 |
76.4 |
7.9 |
11.5% |
57 |
|
Library |
75.4 |
81.5 |
6.1 |
8.1% |
79 |
The anonymous residents’ comments carried compliments and suggestions for improvement. One citizen wrote, “I've seen Irving really grow and prosper and much of this is due to our city services, just keep it up!”
While another said, “Congestion during rush hour could be reduced with fine tuning of lights - some intelligent lights do not sense a car waiting for a light requiring long delay for multiple vehicles to activate light change.”
“We are aware of the frustration and are currently in the process of upgrading our traffic signal communications’ system to enhance progression and reduce driver delay throughout Irving,” said Dan Vedral, Irving transportation director.
Source: City of Irving
