2026 National Community Survey
The City of Naperville has partnered with Polco, an independent research firm and civic engagement company, to launch the 2026 National Community Survey in Naperville. The City’s Bridge to 2023 Priorities Plan recommended that the City conduct a statistically valid resident survey every few years to give decision-makers an assessment of resident satisfaction.
The National Community Survey (The NCS™) focuses on ten key areas: economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, parks and recreation, health and wellness, education/arts/culture, and inclusivity/engagement.
Survey results will inform decision-making, strategic priorities and financial planning. Naperville last completed the National Community Survey in 2023, and previous community surveys were completed in 2016, 2012, 2008 and 2006.
Process
Polco administers the National Community Survey, which more than 400 local government entities use to measure resident satisfaction levels and perceptions. There are two survey types:
1. The Sampled Survey – Randomly Selected Households (April 6 – June 1)
To achieve a representative sample and reduce bias, a random sampling of 5,000 Naperville households is selected to participate in the survey. These households are mailed a postcard invitation followed by a survey packet. The packet includes instructions, a paper version of the survey and a postage-paid return envelope. Participants may choose to take the survey online instead.
2. The Open Participation Survey – Open to All Naperville Residents (May 11 – June 1)
This survey is open to all Naperville residents. The survey is identical to the Sampled Survey, except participants are asked to enter their zip code. When the Open Participation Survey is available, the URL will be added to this webpage. The survey can be accessed online using a desktop or mobile device.
The results from both survey types will be evaluated. However, since only the Sampled Survey is statistically valid, Polco will separate the Open Participation Survey results from the Sampled Survey results in the final survey report.
Timeline and Next Steps
- April 6, 2026: The Sampled Survey opens, and postcard invites are mailed to the randomly selected households.
- April 13, 2026: Sampled Survey packets are mailed to the randomly selected households.
- May 11, 2026: The Open Participation Survey is available to all.
- June 1, 2026: Both survey types close at 11:59 p.m. CST on June 1.
- June 2026: Polco analyzes the survey results and prepares a report for Naperville.
- July onward: The City shares the results with City leadership, staff and the community. The results will show areas of strength and opportunity, informing the City’s strategic priorities and 2027 budget discussions.
