Vast Majority of Residents Say Oakland Park is Headed in the Right Direction

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Oakland Park Florida | 0 comments

OAKLAND PARK, FL (April 1, 2021) – The City of Oakland Park today released results of a citywide survey conducted by The Kitchens Group in March 2021. The study measures resident satisfaction of services and identifies community priorities. Results from a statistically valid sample of 400 residents show extremely favorable opinions of city operations and management, with 69% saying Oakland Park is headed in the right direction and 78% giving positive ratings for management of services.

“The results of the survey were unprecedented and the most positive we have ever found,” said Dr. Jim Kitchens of The Kitchens Group. “By extremely wide margins, Oakland Park residents express a very high level of confidence in city government and services.”   

 “I am so proud to represent the people of Oakland Park and see how pleased they are with the work we’re doing and the services we provide,” said Mayor Jane Bolin. “It’s inspiring to know how much they love living here and that we’re on the right track, focusing on what matters most to the community.”

The survey gauged residents’ opinions on a variety of services and quality of life issues in Oakland Park. The most positive reactions for city services are having efficient and reliable garbage pickup (94% very or somewhat favorable), maintaining parks and recreational facilities (88% very or somewhat favorable), and providing emergency medical services and paramedics (78% very or somewhat favorable). 

“I’m not the least bit surprised at the overwhelming, positive feelings of our citizens,” said City Manager, David Hebert. “Our team at the City of Oakland Park is as fine as any group of people I have ever worked with – professional, committed, and courteous.” 

The city also received high marks for sponsoring community events (73% very or somewhat favorable), traffic enforcement and calming measures (67% very or somewhat favorable), marketing to attract new business (64% very or somewhat favorable) and maintaining library facilities (63% very or somewhat favorable). When asked about the city millage rate, 59% of residents say the taxes are what they would expect to pay.

Results reflect strong support for future economic development initiatives. Seventy-six percent (76%) of residents surveyed agree that redevelopment of the downtown is needed to attract jobs and new businesses and 77% of residents believe that attracting new jobs should be a top priority. There is also strong support for a commuter rail stop downtown, with 77% of residents in favor of such an initiative.   

The survey used scientifically established models to measure Oakland Park residents’ awareness and satisfaction. Four hundred year-round residents were interviewed between March 4 and March 7, 2021. Interviews were conducted using landlines, cell phones, and The Kitchens Group Internet panel. Statistically, the margin of error for this survey is +/-4.9%, with a confidence level of 95%.

The respondent sample was balanced to reflect the composition of the City based on all known demographics including age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Of those surveyed, 16% are 18 to 34 years old, 25% are 35 to 50, 36% are 51 to 65, and 22% are over 65. When asked to describe their race or ethnicity, 56% are white, 16% African American, 15% Hispanic or Latino, 10% something else, and 3% did not answer. Of those surveyed, 52% are men, 47% are women, 1% responded other.  

The survey was conducted by The Kitchens Group, one of the oldest public opinion research firms in the country. Since 1983, the firm has conducted awareness and satisfaction surveys in more than 50 cities, including 10 in South Florida. They are members of the American Association of Public Opinion Research and the American Association of Political Consultants and the American. Clients include Walt Disney World, Home Depot, Humana, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The survey results will be presented at the April 7, 2021 City Commission Meeting. Survey results and analysis are posted on the City website at www.oaklandparkfl.gov

Scott Rivelli

Scott Rivelli

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