Michigan Public Policy Survey Questions and Data Tables

One way of thinking about the proper role for citizen engagement in local policymaking is along a spectrum from low engagement to high engagement. At the low end, citizen engagement would focus just on keeping citizens informed about issues. At the high end, citizens would actually make decisions for the jurisdiction. While it might differ depending on the issue, in general, what do you personally believe is the proper role for citizen engagement in local governance?

Now thinking about particularly controversial issues, who do you think should have the final say on the most controversial issues in your jurisdiction?

To the best of your knowledge, how likely or unlikely is it that the primary law enforcement agency serving your jurisdiction will use the following practices in the near future, or are they already being used?

a. Have a citizen task force that advises the law enforcement agency

To the best of your knowledge, how likely or unlikely is it that the primary law enforcement agency serving your jurisdiction will use the following practices in the near future, or are they already being used?

b. Conduct citizen satisfaction surveys

 We want to start by getting a very broad sense of citizen engagement with your local government. How would you describe citizen engagement — whatever that means to you — with your jurisdiction? Overall, citizens in your jurisdiction are...

To what extent do you feel your jurisdiction offers opportunities to citizens for engagement with your jurisdiction in its policymaking and/or operations?

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses notices in newspapers to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses hard copy newsletters or notices to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses electronic/email newsletters or notices to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses a local government website to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses local government performance dashboards or reports to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses cable TV broadcasts and/or online streaming of government meetings to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses public comment opportunities at jurisdiction's main governing Council/Board meetings to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses public comment opportunities at other jurisdictional meetings (e.g., planning commissions, etc.) to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses citizen surveys conducted by or for your jurisdiction to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses social media accounts for your jurisdiction (e.g., Facebook or Twitter) to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses internet discussion forums or online input/feedback forms to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses informal one-on-one discussions with citizens to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses open houses or "coffee with officials" to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses neighborhood meetings to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses community-wide "Town Hall" meetings to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses focus groups conducted by or for your jurisdiction to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses strategic-planning or "visioning" sessions to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses neighborhood-specific committees/teams to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.

Please indicate whether your jurisdiction uses citizen participation on ad hoc task forces or planning teams to engage its citizens in your government's policymaking and/or operations.