The City Council approved a contract with Polco (Policy Confluence Incorporated) for a citywide community survey using the National Community Survey instrument at a cost of $40,500.

Assistant to the City Manager and innovation coordinator Kent told council the survey will provide standardized benchmark data used by many U.S. cities and will include a randomly selected 3,000-household mail sample plus a subsequent mail-to-all distribution to give broader participation. The standard instrument covers topics such as livability, utilities, mobility and public safety; council can request custom questions for the survey instrument.

Kent said the base price covers two years of service and that an add-on "engage" module for ongoing on-demand surveys is available for about $3,000 per year; staff noted the engagement module permits unlimited additional short surveys and a self-service dashboard for staff use. The full package for the initial two-year period was described as $40,500 for the first cycle and anticipated ongoing module costs of roughly $7,000 for the follow-on year if the city keeps the additional modules active.

Councilmembers asked about language access and outreach plans. Kent said the platform includes language translations and that staff will coordinate direct outreach with HOAs, apartment managers and event-based on-site survey opportunities. Council requested more time to propose custom questions; staff said they would compile council suggestions and present the draft instrument before launch.

The motion to contract with Polco passed unanimously.