In an announcement that might just make other cities a tad green with envy, the City of Creve Coeur has once again snagged the Leading the Way Award from ETC Institute. It's not just any token of recognition—the award places them in the top echelon, a clean top 10% of all cities and counties in the US, in terms of the quality of services they deliver to the people who call it home. This isn't the first lap they're taking on this track; they've clinched this honor back in 2022 as well.
According to the City of Creve Coeur's official statement, their exemplary performance is measured across three core areas: residents' satisfaction with the overall quality of services, satisfaction levels regarding customer service by city employees, and the perceived value for local taxes and fees. Not merely scraping by, Creve Coeur has surpassed national averages by striking margins—talking numbers like a 49% excess in satisfaction as a place to live.
For those curious about the fine print, the data driving this accolade comes from the ETC Institute’s residents survey conducted last fall, with results showcased not too long ago in November 2024. The City's residents have spoken, with a resounding 98% voicing their satisfaction with their urban habitat, and another 95% conveying contentment with their quality of life. Such high marks don't come without hard work or attentiveness to public needs—city parks and police services got an affirmative nod from 95% and 94% of surveyed residents, respectively. Mayor Robert Hoffman reflected on this achievement, "We are honored to receive the Leading the Way Award for the second time. The high ratings from our resident survey speak volumes about the dedication of our city staff and their commitment to delivering high-quality services to the community," as per the City of Creve Coeur.
The city doesn’t just bask in the glow of high scores; they use this data to continue raising the bar, aiming to better their best. "This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of every department and staff member who works day in and day out to make Creve Coeur a city our residents are proud to call home," shared City Administrator Mark Perkins in a statement obtained by the City of Creve Coeur. He further communicated a message of promise, one that looks toward a horizon of further improvements and sustained excellence. And it seems the data backs up this commitment—the city leads with a significant 43% over the national average in perceived value for tax dollars and fees, and likewise in quality customer service from city employees.
On Monday, the City received more than just an award—it received a reaffirmation of its principles and hard work. Robert Heacock of the ETC Institute presented the award virtually, recognizing Creve Coeur as the sole recipient in the St. Louis area for this award cycle.
