By now, I hope you have heard that New Hanover County is conducting its biennial citizen survey, available online until Dec. 12. It was also mailed to 4,000 randomly selected New Hanover County households.

This statistically-valid survey is designed to measure citizens’ satisfaction and gather input about issues facing the community. 

If you are a New Hanover County citizen and you haven’t taken five to 10 minutes to complete the survey yet, I hope you will. This is your chance to provide feedback, share your ideas and communicate the priorities that are important to you, your family and your business. The survey responses will directly inform the policy decision-making and strategic planning of the board of commissioners.

Previous surveys have provided direction to the county to focus on policies that keep our residents safe, healthy and secure. We have listened to what is important to you and we are responding each and every day in the actions we take and investments we make.

The 2014 citizen survey was used to inform the county’s first-ever comprehensive plan, as well as the community health assessment. Those are two important guides for your county leadership, and they were shaped by your voice.

The results we receive from this year’s survey will be used to do the following:

• Assess progress on the New Hanover County Strategic Plan
• Inform program and budget priorities
• Assess public perceptions of New Hanover County and our programs
• Compare results to 2012 and 2014 to understand how we are doing
• Prioritize areas for continuous improvement
• Inform communication and outreach programs.

Your voice and input will help set the priorities for your tax dollars, helping the board of commissioners determine the range of investments and support for county programs and services, including economic and workforce development, crime prevention and support for local schools.

I hope you will help us as the board sets the priorities for the county’s future. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey if you live in New Hanover County. Help spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors. Share the survey link on social media, send it out in your community newsletters and remind your customers about this easy way to provide valuable feedback.

Your voice matters! Take the survey and help shape this great county where we live, work and play for years to come.