Shaping Communities: One Survey at a Time
With over 40 years of experience and millions of residents surveyed, ETC Institute offers a variety of community engagement and satisfaction survey options including Resident Satisfaction, Business Satisfaction, and Community Health Assessments.
Utilizing statistically-valid sampling methods, custom data visualizations through our DirectionFinder® Dashboards, and national benchmark data covering 100+ types of government services, we deliver reliable information and expertise you can trust.
Resident Satisfaction
ETC Institute’s resident surveys give local governments and organizations a statistically valid, community-wide picture of resident priorities. By revealing preferences and concerns, our surveys equip city and county managers to plan strategically, allocate resources effectively, and shape the future of their communities.
Locally Branded Outreach
ETC understands that reaching residents is key to meaningful engagement. Our team develops locally branded survey materials, including custom websites, digital ads, and print mailers, tailored to each community to boost response rates and ensure more inclusive participation.
DirectionFinder® Dashboards
Used by over 900 cities and counties nationwide, our dashboards transform survey data into actionable insights. The survey provides a consistent and statistically valid way to measure resident satisfaction with local government services.
From survey design to final analysis, ETC delivers data you can trust, and insights you can use, to build more connected, responsive, and thriving communities.
Leading the Way Awards
The Leading the Way Award by ETC Institute acknowledges exceptional local governments for their exemplary service delivery to residents.
To earn the award, communities must rank in the top 10% nationwide based on results from the DirectionFinder® Survey. The distinction is awarded to those who rank exceptional performance in three key areas: overall quality of service, customer service, and the value residents feel they receive for taxes.
Trusted by Communities Nationwide
ETC Institute proudly partners with local governments of all sizes to conduct large-scale community research across the country. Some of our previous partners include:
Parks & Recreation
ETC Institute has helped hundreds of communities gather statistically valid resident input to support parks and recreation planning.
The data we provide gives planners and agencies the insights they need to identify priorities, guide investments, and make informed, community-driven decisions.
With experience on over 700 parks-related projects nationwide, ETC is a trusted partner in shaping responsive and effective parks systems.
Business Satisfaction
Gain a clear picture of how the local business community views the area’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
Our Business Satisfaction Surveys uncover insights into the needs, concerns, and satisfaction levels of employers and business owners. With national benchmarks included, results offer meaningful context for understanding how local business conditions compare to other communities nationwide.
Often used by economic development departments and chambers of commerce, these surveys support data-informed strategies for business retention, attraction, and long-term economic growth.
Health Needs Assessments
ETC Institute’s Community Health Needs Assessments provide local governments, hospitals, and health-focused organizations with a clear, data-backed view of the health challenges facing their communities. These surveys help identify critical issues, support strategic planning, and guide the allocation of resources to improve public health.
Key Metrics
These surveys gather input for local leaders and health groups to assess:
- Access to Health Services
- Barriers to Healthcare
- Social Influences
- Personal Health Behaviors
Custom Dashboards
Custom dashboards break down health indicators across key categories.
- Physical and Oral Health
- Mental and Emotional Well-being
- Lifestyle and Wellness
- Safety and Community Support
Measuring baseline conditions or tracking ongoing program impacts, ETC Institute delivers insights that support building healthier, more resilient communities.
Employee Satisfaction
Engaged employees drive productivity and workplace success. ETC Institute’s Employee Satisfaction Surveys measure key factors such as job satisfaction, morale, leadership transparency, and team dynamics.
Our surveys can also collect feedback on job responsibilities, work environment, department dynamics, commute or remote work experiences, physical and emotional health, role clarity, and long-term outlook.
Strict confidentiality is maintained, and no data is released that could identify individuals.
Survey design, analysis, and reporting are handled with care to deliver strategic insights that build a more connected, motivated, and satisfied workforce.
Explore our Latest Articles
Discover other communities using ETC Institute’s data driven insights to guide meaningful change.
Inside Our Community Research
Download the PDF to learn how our research helps communities understand and respond to the needs of their residents.
