Center for Performance Excellence 2015 Business Survey and 2016 Community Survey results
Working towards their goal of delivering enhanced services to residents, businesses, and visitors, the City’s Center for Performance Excellence announced results of the most recent City of Dallas Business Survey and City of Dallas Community Survey. Both surveys were administered in cooperation with the ETC Institute.
A Business survey has not been conducted by the City of Dallas since 2008. Its purpose was to help the city better understand how business owners and managers feel about operating a business in Dallas and how the city can help improve the quality of their services. Results will also help to determine priorities for businesses within the City.
Every other year, the City of Dallas conducts a Community Survey (the last in 2014). The purpose of this survey was to assess resident satisfaction with the delivery of major City services, to help improve the quality of City services and to determine priorities for the community.
Methodology
The six-page Business Survey and seven-page Community Survey were mailed in English and Spanish to a random sample of businesses and residents within the city limits. Businesses and residents had the option of completing the survey by mail, online or phone. For both surveys, A total of 1,470 Business Surveys and 1,512 Community Surveys completed (both surveys included at least 100 responses from each Council District).
Results
From the Business Survey results, an Importance-Satisfaction analysis was conducted to identify services of high importance but low satisfaction. 
Businesses recommended the top priorities for investment by the City of Dallas as 1) the Dallas Police Department to help ensure safety in the various communities; 2) Street Maintenance to improve the quality of city infrastructure; and 3) water services. Business survey results also indicated that a low crime rate will have the most impact on a business’ decision to stay in Dallas over the next 10 years. The survey also noted that 28% of businesses are considering expansion in Dallas. The complete results of the Business Survey can be found on the CPE page of the city’s website.
Community Survey results indicated that residents recommended the top priorities for investment by the City of Dallas as 1) maintenance of infrastructure, 2) neighborhood Code Enforcement, and 3) Dallas Police Department services. Results also indicated that overall satisfaction with City services is 12 points above the national average for large U.S. cities. Overall customer service satisfaction went up nearly 5% from the 2014 Community Survey.
“I think we need to thank every city employee for these numbers…to beat all other cities around the country to that degree, that’s a significant difference and we don’t thank our employees enough,” said Mayor Mike Rawlings.
The City of Dallas rated significantly above the national average in overall quality of life, overall appearance, overall image/reputation, overall quality of services, value received for City taxes paid and the direction the City is taking. Complete results of the Community Survey can be found on the CPE page of the city’s website.
The chart below shows the recommended top investment priorities as rated by Dallas businesses and residents.
