What Your Community Really Thinks (And Why Most Leaders Are Wrong)

Are You Making Big Decisions Based on a Few Loud Voices?

Every leader wants to do right by their community. But here’s the hard truth:

most of the feedback you’re hearing doesn’t reflect what your entire community actually thinks.

Town halls attract a handful of regulars. Online comments are often dominated by the loudest or angriest voices. And social media? It's more noise than nuance.

That’s where Benchmark Surveys come in.

What are Benchmark Surveys, Really?

Benchmark Surveys are scientifically validated surveys that provide a clear, representative snapshot of how residents view their community - from public safety to economic opportunity. Conducted through Polco, they use random sampling, national comparisons, and expert guidance to help governments understand their residents with unmatched accuracy.

Whether you're using The National Community Survey (The NCS™) or the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA), these tools help leaders:

• Understand how residents feel about local services
• Identify areas for improvement
• Compare performance to peer communities
• Make informed, data-driven decisions

Why Most Feedback You Get Is Flawed

Let’s be honest. Public input today is often:

• Anecdotal: Based on a few vocal opinions
• Unstructured: Comments with no measurable context
• Unrepresentative: Skewed by self-selection or special interest groups

Benchmark Surveys, in contrast, use randomized sampling and validated methods to ensure every demographic is heard. That means fewer surprises, fewer assumptions, and decisions backed by real data—not just gut feelings.

The 10 Things Every Leader Should Know About Their Community

Polco’s Benchmark Surveys assess resident satisfaction across ten core dimensions of livability. Here’s what you can learn:

1. Safety – Do people feel safe in neighborhoods and public spaces?
2. Mobility – How accessible is public transportation, biking, and walking?
3. Housing – Is housing affordable and available?
4. Economy – Are job opportunities strong and incomes fair?
5. Health and Wellness – Do residents have access to quality healthcare and healthy lifestyles?
6. Parks and Recreation – Are public spaces accessible and enjoyable?
7. Natural Environment – How do people view air, water, and conservation?
8. Utilities – Are water, trash, and energy services reliable and efficient?
9. Community Design – Is the city well-planned and easy to navigate?
10. Inclusivity and Engagement – Do people feel welcome and able to participate in civic life?

These are the data points that define long-term planning, grant funding, and quality-of-life policies.

How to Use Benchmark Data to Shape Your Next Big Decision

You’ve got the data. Now what?

Use these steps to turn insights into action:

• Share Results Widely: Press releases, social media, dashboards, and public meetings
• Prioritize Issues: Focus on what matters most to residents
• Build Strategic Plans: Align budgets and initiatives with real community needs
• Follow Up: Use open participation surveys and Polco’s engagement tools to crowdsource solutions and monitor progress

Communities that communicate findings and follow through build trust and increase future participation.

Real-World Results: Edmond, Oklahoma

The city of Edmond used The National Community Survey to gauge resident satisfaction and uncover actionable insights. The data helped inform decisions across public safety, recreation, and transportation. But the real success came afterward—leaders actively shared results with the public, built targeted initiatives, and used the momentum to launch follow-up surveys.

"This wasn’t just data—it became a roadmap for what our community needed most." — Edmond City Official

Their transparent, data-driven approach fostered trust and encouraged more residents to stay involved. It’s proof that listening well is the first step to leading better.

Bonus: What Happens When You Keep Listening

Polco doesn’t stop with one survey. Residents can opt into a verified Engagement Platform, so you can continue to gather timely input year-round.

That means:

• Easier follow-ups
• Consistent engagement
• A data trail that evolves as your community grows

Benchmark Surveys go beyond opinions - they capture community reality.

If you're serious about leading with transparency, accountability, and impact, this is where you start.

Want to know what your community really thinks?

Get started with data that drives results.

Explore Benchmark Surveys on Polco >>

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