Deficit Reduction Plan

We recently shared information about a partnership with Polco to conduct the National Community Survey (NCS) in Dedham, and randomly selected households have already started to receive postcards and information about this comprehensive resident feedback initiative. To help answer additional questions about the NCS and its role in Dedham, we have compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from Polco:

What is The National Community Survey (The NCS)®?

The NCS was among the first scientific surveys developed to gather resident opinion on a range of community issues. It provides robust benchmark comparisons among communities across the nation. It has been used in more than 500 jurisdictions across 46 states. Communities using The NCS have reported that the tool improved service delivery, strengthened communications with community stakeholders, and helped leaders identify clear priorities for use in strategic planning and budget setting. It is the only resident survey endorsed by the International City/County Management Association and the National League of Cities.

Background of Polco

Polco is an online community engagement platform that is conducting The NCS. Polco launches surveys and analyzes the data, providing local governments and other public sector leaders with important information needed to make decisions within the community. Hundreds of organizations nationwide use Polco for strategic planning, budgeting, and empowering resident voices.

Why is The NCS broken down into two surveys?

The Sampled Survey was designed to be as representative as possible of the population of the jurisdiction. A sampling of community households is randomly selected from a comprehensive list of residential addresses as an effort to reduce bias and get feedback from all areas within the community. The sampled group receives a paper invitation and survey packet in the mail, though they may opt to fill out the survey online. Their link is unique to their household and should not be shared. This effort is to gather accurate data from the residents who make up the community today.

• The Open Participation Survey is offered to all residents so each voice in the community can be heard. It is identical to the Sampled Survey except that it asks if you are a resident of the community and which area of the community you live in.

How long will The NCS be open?

• The Sampled Survey is open August 28 through October 9 at midnight.
• The Open Participation Survey is open September 25 through October 9 at midnight.

Who can participate in the survey?

• The Sampled Survey is for the randomly selected households only.
• The Open Participation Survey is open to all residents.

How long will the survey take to complete?

It takes approximately 15-16 minutes to complete.

How can I be assured that my feedback will remain anonymous?

• Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
• This is a confidential survey conducted by an outside firm, so your identity is completely secure. https://info.polco.us/your-privacy

What about leading questions or bias with the way questions are worded?

• Every effort is made to pose questions as neutral as possible. The team of survey scientists put a tremendous amount of thought into this when developing the main survey. Because all opinions are welcome, the questions need to be a blend of easy to understand, simple to respond to, and neutral in the way they are asked. There are many methods with which this is accomplished, but one of the more noticeable ones are questions with "if at all" contained in the question.

Can I share my survey link with another person?

• If you received a postcard invitation and paper survey in the mail, then this survey has a unique link for randomly selected households only and should not be shared.
• We encourage everyone to share the Open Participation survey link with their neighbors. The survey will be open September 25 through October 9.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

For more information on this process, contact the Town at 781-751-9100 or visit our Deficit Reduction Plan page at https://beheard.dedham-ma.gov/deficit-reduction.

Starting last week, select households in Dedham received invitations to participate in The National Community Survey. If you have not yet checked your mail, keep an eye out for a postcard from Polco with information about the upcoming National Community Survey. We value your opinions and want to hear from you!

Didn't receive a postcard? Don't worry! If you don't receive an invitation, stay tuned: a community-wide survey will be open later this month.

Learn more about Polco and the National Community Survey using the following links:

• Polco: https://info.polco.us/
• National Community Survey: https://info.polco.us/platform/benchmark-surveys/national-community-survey

This week, the Town of Dedham will be launching a new resident survey to get input on government services and measure the quality of life in this community. The Town plans to use this data in its upcoming Deficit Reduction Plan. The survey allows more people to participate in shaping that plan and the future of Dedham.

"We are excited to launch Dedham's first-ever National Community Survey as part of our comprehensive Deficit Reduction Plan. This scientifically valid survey will provide us with crucial baseline data about how residents view our municipal services, public safety, infrastructure, and overall quality of life," said Town Manager Leon I. Goodwin III.

The National Community Survey (The NCS) was developed by the National Research Center at Polco. The survey captures opinions on the economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, inclusivity, engagement, and other elements of Dedham's overall livability. The results will show Dedham’s strengths, areas of improvement, and what matters most to residents. The Town will also be able to see how its performance compares to other communities across the country.

Over the next two weeks, households randomly selected through Polco's scientific sampling methodology will receive mailed survey invitations. Households that receive an invitation are asked to follow the enclosed instructions and complete the survey. All residents will have the opportunity to share their input in a few weeks, when the survey becomes available to the entire community in late September.

“We hope everyone will take the time to fill out this survey because the input we receive will directly inform our strategic decisions as we work to maintain essential services while addressing our structural budget challenges. This represents an important milestone in our commitment to data-driven, community-focused planning for Dedham's financial future,” said Town Manager Goodwin.

For more information on this process, contact the Town at 781-751-9100 or visit our Deficit Reduction Plan page at beheard.dedham-ma.gov/deficit-reduction. The survey closes to all residents October 9.

About Polco

Polco brings people and data together to help build stronger, healthier communities. With award-winning community engagement tools and services, Polco allows leaders to engage residents around their most important topics, align goals, and strengthen public trust. Polco is committed to a strict privacy policy, designed to keep participants’ responses confidential and protect personal data. Learn more at info.polco.us

This news feed will keep you informed throughout the development of Dedham's Deficit Reduction Plan. Here is where you'll find updates on key milestones, public input opportunities, draft plan reviews, and important conversations about how to address the Town's fiscal challenges.

Check back regularly for the latest information and subscribe for email notifications using this link.