When asked how residents rate the overall quality of life in Sparks, 84 percent said it was good to excellent, a decrease of five points from 2010. 

The annual survey examines a variety of city services ranging from public safety to transportation.  A total of 80 percent responded with good to excellent when it comes to the overall quality of services in Sparks, a decrease of three points from 2010.

“The public attitude survey has become an important tool for us to evaluate how we are delivering city services to our residents,” said Sparks City Manager Shaun Carey.  “It is not surprising that the results have shown a slight decrease in positive responses which are directly related to the ongoing city budget reductions and the difficult recession our state is facing.  The Sparks City Team is committed to providing the services we can with the resources we have.  We appreciate the continued patience and positive cooperation we have received from Sparks residents.”

Of the 503 residents surveyed, Housing Market and Foreclosures, as well as Unemployment were rated by 94 percent as a medium to large problem.  Other top concerns include Graffiti rated by 81 percent as a medium to large problem, City Budget/Reduction in Services by 77 percent as a medium to large problem, and 76 percent felt Education/Schools and Gang Activity are a medium to large problem.

When asked if they would support one consolidated government for all of Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, 74 percent responded “no,” a seven point increase from 2010.

Special events in downtown Sparks remain popular.  According to the survey, 86 percent rated the quality of special events to be good to excellent.

The survey has a margin of error of +/- 5 percent.  Respondents were polled November 30 – December 14, 2011 and were randomly selected from a computerized list from the Washoe County voter registration database.

The entire report can be viewed on-line here.