UPDATD, Feb. 26: The following explanation about the annual town survey is based on a Jan. 7 town news release. The survey deadline, originally March 1, has been extended to Monday, March 8. All members of the community 15 and older are invited to respond. Take the survey arlingtonma.gov/survey
Deadline March 8.
Envision Arlington invites all members of the Arlington community to take the 2021 annual town survey. This year’s survey reflects back on two predominant issues in 2020 — Covid-19 and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Survey responses will provide insight into how the community has been affected by these issues. They will help the Town understand the support that residents need and the types of changes that would better address such community needs in the future.
Responses to the annual town survey regularly result in policy and administrative changes.
Spurring change
For example, the 2014 survey guided the decision to update Robbins Library operating hours to remain amenable to day shift workers by closing Thursday mornings while staying open in the evenings and maintaining summer and weekend hours. The 2018 survey resulted in a doubling of the number of street trees that the town provides to residents on request.
Most recently, the 2020 survey provided feedback to the Election Modernization Committee, which, based on these results, made recommendations to address barriers to participation in elections. Reports on annual town surveys dating back to 2010 are available at here >>
The survey may be completed by any resident over the age of 15. Multiple members of a household are invited to respond. All responses will be kept anonymous and reported either in aggregate or after filtering by demographic information to understand the needs of specific populations in town.
The survey is available online through March 1.
Community members who lack internet access can obtain a paper copy of the survey in the Robbins Library foyer during pickup hours. This year, because of Covid-19 concerns, residents can instead email envision at town.arlington.ma.us with their name and address or call 781-316-3096 to request a paper copy by mail.
About Envision Arlington
Each year since 1991, critical input from the community has been obtained through the annual town survey. The survey is administered by Envision Arlington in collaboration with town departments, boards and committees.
Envision Arlington’s mission is to foster an engaged, culturally diverse and civically active community, and the survey is an important tool for gathering information to help committees and departments prioritize projects or adjust services.
Find information about Envision Arlington task groups and meeting schedules at arlingtonma.gov/envision.
For more information about the annual town survey, contact Scott Lever or Greg Christiana, interim cochairs, at envision at town.arlington.ma.us.
Feb. 7, 2020: Varied efforts to each out to residents via annual survey
This appeal for opinion was published Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, and updated Feb. 26.
