Continental Research
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4500 Colley Avenue
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Norfolk, VA 23508
10
Executive Summary
(cont’d)
~ ~ Conclusion ~ ~
These research findings represent the views of a cross-section of Chesapeake households.
Each survey participant was encouraged to be candid and promised anonymity. Most residents
reported being quite satisfied with their overall quality of life in Chesapeake and with the services
provided by the City. They believe that Chesapeake is an attractive, pleasant, and safe place
to live.
In terms of focusing resources and effort, there were six specific areas that some residents
indicated an interest in improving. Most of these are common to many communities in Hampton
Roads.
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The traffic flow on City roadways
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The maintenance of City roads and bridges
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The rain water drainage in neighborhoods
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The condition of roads in neighborhoods
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The quality of the drinking water
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Residents feeling that they have opportunities to share their ideas or opinions before
the City makes important decisions
Overall, however, the ratings of City services and life in Chesapeake were very favorable. There
is also external validation of the favorable quality of life in Chesapeake. Due to Chesapeake’s
desirable tax base and low unemployment rate, 24/7 Wall Street has ranked Chesapeake one
of America’s best run cities for the third year in a row.* And, for the second time, Bloomberg
Business Week has named Chesapeake one of America’s 50 best cities.*
This feedback from the “average citizen” is critical to making important decisions about priorities
for City services, budgeting, and the future growth and development of Chesapeake. Tracking
changes in perceptions over time is an excellent way for Chesapeake to know what taxpayers
value.
As part of a multi-year tracking study, the reader may wish to examine the detailed trend data
in the Appendix of this report. While there has been some variability from year to year, the
satisfaction levels have remained high over a period of many years. In fact, the average overall
satisfaction score for City services in 2014 is the highest ever (a 3.20 out of a possible 4.0).
These trend data demonstrate that Chesapeake continues to be responsive to residents and
eager to meet their needs.
* Per the 2014 State of the City speech.
