Pinellas County is on a mission to tap into the collective mindset of its residents, reaching out for opinions on everything from the state of local parks to the effectiveness of public safety. The county has launched the National Community Survey (NCS), which is available starting today and aims to capture a wide range of feedback concerning community life and services.

The survey comes as an effort to shape future policies and projects around the actual needs and views of people who live and work in the county. A county’s website will host the survey, providing access in both English and Spanish until April 10. This initiative, according to a Pinellas County news release, is the only resident survey endorsed by the International City/County Management Association and the National League of Cities.

In a statement obtained by the official Pinellas County website, Commission Chair Brian Scott underscored the significance of public participation: "The National Community Survey uses your feedback to help our Board and County staff identify priorities that will improve the quality of life in Pinellas County." It's a clear call for engagement, with leaders signalling an eagerness to lean on citizen input for steering communities forward.

Utilizing the NCS tool has reportedly been beneficial for other communities, contributing to enhanced service delivery and stronger communication with stakeholders. "If you live or work in Pinellas County, we want to hear from you as we map out our community’s future," Scott said. More details on the survey and its implications for residents can be found at the Pinellas County’s website.