A five-stage approach for improved use of citizen surveys in public investment decisions

Abstract

Citizen surveys may be useful tools for enhancing government performance by leading to effective use of limited resources through responsiveness to citizen demand. This study develops a five-stage approach to citizen demand assessment, employing the dimensional analysis matrix model (DAMM) as a heuristic mode for informed decision making. A park and recreation survey of approximately 900 citizens is employed to demonstrate how a five-stage graduated approach to citizen survey analysis can enhance the usefulness of the results to guide public investment. Feedback from citizens and successful matches of public investment to citizen demand offer important performance opportunities in an age of limited resources.