Your Scenario: Community Engagement and Local Issues
You are a Junior Community Data Analyst for the "Citizens for a Better Spotsylvania" organization. This organization aims to empower local residents by providing data-driven insights into issues that matter to them. Your first task is to help them understand public opinion on local community services and how residents engage with local government.
Your organization has recently conducted a small pilot survey. You need to present the findings from this pilot in a clear, concise, and impactful visual summary that defines the terms used, explains the methods, and highlights key initial findings.
Survey Methodology
This was a pilot survey using a convenience sample of 50 Spotsylvania residents. The survey was conducted online over two weeks in August 2025. It included a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on service satisfaction and civic participation.
Key Findings
1. Satisfaction with Community Services
Parks and Recreation: 70% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with local parks and recreational facilities. .
Public Libraries: 65% of participants rated public library services as excellent or good.
Road Maintenance: This was the area of lowest satisfaction, with only 30% of residents rating road conditions as satisfactory.
2. Resident Engagement
Voting: 85% of respondents reported consistently voting in local elections.
Civic Participation: A significant gap exists between voting and other forms of engagement. Only 20% of respondents have attended a local government meeting, and just 15% have contacted an elected official.
3. Areas of Concern
The top three concerns identified by residents were traffic congestion, property taxes, and lack of affordable housing. These issues were consistently mentioned in open-ended responses, suggesting a need for further investigation and dialogue.
Sample Answer
Citizen Survey: Findings Summary
This visual summary presents key findings from a pilot survey conducted to understand public opinion on local community services and resident engagement with local government in Spotsylvania.
Definitions of Key Terms
Public Opinion: The collective attitudes or beliefs of the population on a particular issue.
Community Services: Services provided by the local government to its residents, such as trash collection, parks, and libraries.
Local Government Engagement: The various ways residents interact with their local government, including voting, attending meetings, or contacting elected officials.