Lombard gets high marks on resident survey

Lombard officials asked residents to tell them what it's like to live in the village, and they're happy with what they heard.

The village participated in a National Citizen Survey, which was mailed late last year to 3,000 random households by the National Research Center. Roughly 36 percent of households responded, which officials said is well above the industry standard of 20 percent.

"We gave residents the chance to be completely frank with us, and we are grateful for their feedback," village spokeswoman Avis Meade said.

So what did they have to say?

The majority rated their quality of life highly, saying Lombard is an excellent or good place to live. Most participants gave positive ratings for Lombard's overall image and appearance, while adding that the village is an excellent or good place to raise children.

Additionally, about eight in 10 survey participants planned on remaining in Lombard for the next five years, while nine in 10 would recommend living in the village to others.

Village President Keith Giagnorio discussed the survey results in his State of the Village address last month during a Lombard Chamber of Commerce lunch, and residents also can find details about the results in the spring issue of the Village Pride newsletter.

"We are so lucky to live in a community with such a highly rated quality of life," he said in the this spring's newsletter. "I celebrate these results with you as your village president and as your neighbor."

Other survey conclusions include:

• Residents identified safety and the economy as important facets for Lombard to focus on in the coming two years.

• The Village Pride newsletter was identified as the top source for information about the village.

• Most residents said they would be very or somewhat likely to contact the village or seek out information about the village if needed.

• Lombard outpaced the national average in the following categories: paths and riding trails; bicycle travel; public transportation use; affordable quality housing; housing options; shopping; health care; child care and preschool.

Data from the survey will be considered as village officials make development plans. It also will be shared with other agencies such as the Lombard Park District and area school districts, as well as with village committees.

"This data lets us know that, as a village, we are headed in the right direction." Meade said. "For example, the results show that we are well above the norm on alternative transportation like bicycle travel, which supports Lombard's bicycle and pedestrian plan and the use of bike lanes."

For full survey results, visit villageoflombard.org/NCS.