Calvert County Government has released the findings from its latest community survey, capturing the opinions and insights of 869 residents. Of these respondents, 690 were recruited digitally via platforms such as social media, mobile apps, local websites, and survey panels. The digital recruitment aimed to ensure an unbiased sample of county residents through targeted advertisements. The survey provides a comprehensive look at the community's strengths and areas needing improvement.
The survey pinpointed three primary areas for improvement:
Arts and Culture: The survey results showed a low score in arts and culture. In response, Calvert County Government is pushing forward with initiatives to integrate the arts into county facilities. These plans include adding murals at the Appeal Landfill and park basketball courts.
Public Transportation: Despite ongoing county efforts to enhance transportation services, public transportation remains a low-scoring area. To address this, Calvert County is transitioning to fare-free bus services starting July 1. The county also plans to update transportation route maps and improve education and outreach regarding transportation use to make public transit more accessible and convenient.
Zoning: Zoning issues continue to be a concern, with residents expressing a desire for more information from the Planning & Zoning department. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed Zoning Ordinance articles and provide feedback during the public comment period this summer. The county staff is exploring additional opportunities and channels to increase information dissemination and engagement in this area.
The survey included specific questions about community resources and communication. Notably, 27% of respondents identified a lack of awareness about eligibility as the biggest barrier to accessing veterans' benefits in Calvert County. To tackle this issue, staff are collaborating with the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) on various efforts, including a new monthly veterans newsletter.
In terms of communication with residents, 56% of respondents expressed a desire for increased transparency, and 37% wanted more frequent updates from local government. To address these concerns, the county has launched a new mobile app that allows custom notifications for topics of interest and quick access to submitting feedback or contacting county staff.
The survey also highlighted key areas of strength according to respondents:
Safety: Overall safety continues to score high, with the establishment of new Sheriff's Office district stations in Dunkirk and Lusby being significant steps in maintaining and improving this essential service.
Libraries and Education: The quality of libraries and education funding received consistent praise. The recent addition of a new library and ongoing county funding for education demonstrate the county's commitment to these critical services.
An impressive 77% of surveyed residents expressed overall satisfaction with life in Calvert County. This figure underscores a generally positive sentiment within the community and motivates staff to continue working on areas needing improvement.
Full survey results are available at www.calvertcountymd.gov/SurveyResults.
Calvert County residents are encouraged to participate in the latest community survey available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Survey through August 31. Those who have participated in previous surveys are strongly encouraged to respond again. Continuous feedback is invaluable in helping county officials and staff identify and address community concerns, strengths, and areas needing improvement.
Survey responses are confidential and anonymous. However, respondents may choose to share their email addresses if they wish to receive updates about future surveys. The survey will not collect any individual's name, address, or other identifying information.
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