HCP Research Aides Pinellas County in Providing Evidence-Based Service to its Citizens
CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 25, 2013) HCP was engaged by Pinellas County to conduct citizen research in order to gauge citizen sentiment and determine the best ways for which the county to offer evidence-based service in response to the strongest citizen need. A presentation to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) last week revealed the most recent findings.
In accordance with the direction provided by County leadership, it was and continues to be of paramount importance for Pinellas County to build citizen trust and confidence by striving to provide evidence-based service. In an effort to gather evidence that maintains a “pulse” on citizen sentiment, the County contracted local research, strategy and marketing firm, HCP & Associates, to collaborate with internal County teams and executive leadership to develop scientifically-reliable study that gauges citizen sentiment.
In September the Communications Cross Functional Team came together for the first time, tasked in part with collaborating with HCP to guide the focus and development of the 2013 study. Members of this team represented a sampling of various departments throughout the County, and thus reflected well on the diversity of the organization. Between September and December, the team communicated with HCP and ultimately arrived at a revised survey instrument that retained continually relevant questions and incorporated newly relevant content.
Ultimately, the 2013 survey was designed to statistically represent the diversity of the county by both geography and demographics. It was facilitated through a Random Digit Dial (RDD) telephonic methodology seeking quotas in each measured category. HCP Senior Research Manager Sarah Lindemuth reported the findings to the BOCC.
“We were pleased to help Pinellas County develop and refine the survey instrument that would help them accurately and robustly respond to Citizen needs.”
HCP has offered support over the last several years, helping the county make sound decisions through citizen research. Beginning in 2011, Pinellas County engaged HCP to develop a survey to facilitate budget decisions. Citizens were asked what services in their opinion should be cut first and which last. They were also posed scenarios where the implementation of additional fees and operational changes had been considered. This data—when coupled with internal meetings and town hall feedback—gave the County confidence in making decisions.
News article: http://www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/content_articles/052013_pco-04.txt