HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – It’s one of the first steps that the Holland City Council takes annually in drawing up a municipal spending plan.
During tonight’s work-study session, the Frost Research Center at Hope College will present results of its 2016 City of Holland Survey that gauges public sentiment on what they perceive as the top issues and concerns for the community. In a phone canvass conducted by students between October 24th and November 12, 51 hundred unique numbers were contacted, with around 10 percent of respondents participating.
The biggest areas of need in the Tulip City, based on the survey, were affordable housing, the Holland Civic Center, crime, street maintenance and infrastructure. City parks and public safety (fire and police) were the amenities or services receiving the highest ratings, and a number of pros and cons about living in Holland were mentioned. The study came at no cost, as Frost Center officials came to the city earlier this year and offered its services in order for students to get some needed learning experience.
Council members will use this data, along with conversations with residents during next month’s “Coffee with Council,” when they huddle with City Manager Ryan Cotton and his staff in a two-day budget retreat that will help in formulating a financial blueprint for Fiscal 2018. The report is available through this link.
