About seven of 10 residents surveyed reported they experienced a good quality of life in Englewood and about three of four felt they lived in a good neighborhood.

Mike Flaherty, deputy city manager, reported these and other figures during his July 13 report to the city council on the results of the 2009 citizen survey. He said most of the results of the 2009 survey were at or above the national norm and the majority of responses were close to the results of the survey conducted two years ago.

The complete 102-page report has been posted on the city Web site at www.englewoodgov.com. It can be reviewed on line or downloaded.

This is the third time since 2000 that Englewood has arranged for a citizen survey. The first was in 2002 and the second one was conducted in 2007. The stated goal is to conduct the survey every two years as a way to get a sampling of how residents feel about the city, the services it provides and how the city is doing its job.

Flaherty told the council 1,200 randomly selected residents participated in the survey and, of that number, 344 people completed and returned the completed forms. The 32 percent response rate fits in the national statistics of 25 to 40 percent participation in the citizen survey.

Residents responding to the survey were asked to rate various characteristics of the city of Englewood. Those rated highest included availability and ease of use of light rail and bus travel and the fact Engelwood was a pedestrian-friendly community.

The three areas rated lowest were employment opportunities, availability of quality child care and availability of educational opportunities.

Additionally, most of those who completed the survey rated the direction the city was taking as good or excellent and the majority of respondents gave favorable ratings to delivery of city services.

Earlier this year, Englewood contracted with the National Research Center in Boulder to conduct the survey which the center collaborated in with the International City/County Management Association to develop.

The general survey is used by about 300 cities around the country so it allows comparison between the responses by Englewood residents to the responses of other communities.

The survey process took place in March and April. Those selected to complete the survey were first notified by postcard and then they received a letter signed by Mayor Jim Woodward inviting them to complete the survey and send it back in a post-paid envelop. Finally, each person who received a survey was sent a letter as a reminder to complete and return it.