2026 National Community Survey FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the National Community Survey (The NCS™)?
Developed over 20 years ago and continually refined, The NCS™ is a resident survey designed to provide comprehensive feedback about a community’s quality of life and local government services. It covers 10 facets of livability and offers benchmark comparisons to other communities across the country. It is used by more than 400 government entities across the nation. Communities using The NCS have reported that the tool improved service delivery, strengthened communications with community stakeholders, and helped leaders identify clear priorities for use in strategic planning and budget setting. It is the only resident survey endorsed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
2. What is Polco?
Polco is an independent research firm, civic engagement company and online community engagement polling platform. Using award-winning community engagement tools and services, Polco provides local governments and other public sector leaders with the important information needed to make decisions within the community. Hundreds of organizations nationwide use Polco for strategic planning, budgeting and empowering resident voices. Learn more about Polco at info.polco.us/about.
3. Why is The NCS broken down into two surveys?
The Sampled Survey goes to randomly selected Naperville households and is designed to be as representative as possible of the entire community and is statistically valid. The sampled group is randomly selected from a comprehensive list of households within the zip codes Naperville serves. These households receive a mailed paper invitation and survey packet, though they can opt to fill out the survey online.
The Open Participation Survey is available to all residents and is online only. This survey is identical to the Sampled Survey, except participants are asked to enter their zip code.
4. How long will The NCS be open?
The Sampled Survey will be open from Monday, April 6, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, June 1, 2026. The Open Participation survey is open Monday, May 11, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, June 1, 2026.
5. Are the 2026 and 2023 Naperville National Community Surveys the same?
Polco administered both surveys. The survey questions are identical (except for a few edits to a half-page of custom questions). This allows us to directly compare the 2026 results against the 2023 data to see what has changed. We can also look at similar questions from past Naperville community surveys to track progress and changes.
The number of randomly selected households increased from 3,000 (2023) to 5,000 (2026) to ensure statistically valid results by zip code. Having statistically valid data by zip code provides further assurance that the survey results accurately represent the entire community.
The 2023 survey was available in English and Spanish. The 2026 survey is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Per the latest Census data, Chinese is the fourth most common language spoken at home in Naperville (following English, Spanish and other Indo-European languages). Mandarin is a commonly spoken dialect of the Chinese language.
The 2026 survey takes place earlier in the year to inform 2027 budget discussions and the City’s Priorities Plan.
6. Who can participate in the survey?
The Sampled Survey is for randomly selected households only. The Open Participation Survey is open to everyone in Naperville.
7. How long does the survey take to complete?
It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey.
8. How can I be assured that my feedback remains anonymous?
Polco is committed to a strict privacy policy that protects personal data and keeps responses confidential. No identifying information will be shared. To view Polco’s Privacy Policy, visit info.polco.us/privacy-policy.
9. Is the survey available in different languages?
The survey is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
10. Is The NCS accessible?
Polco works to make its products as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. You can view Polco’s Accessibility Statement at blog.polco.us/polco-knowledgebase/polcos-accessibility-statement. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to Marcie Schatz at 630-420-6030 or schatzm@naperville.il.us.
11. What is the purpose of the Sampled Survey access code?
A representative sample of Naperville households will receive mailed survey instructions that include a unique access code. The access code prevents the Sampled Survey from being shared. There is no access code for the Open Participation Survey, and we encourage the community to share the Open Participation Survey link when it’s available.
12. How will I know when the Open Participation Survey becomes available?
A link to the Open Participation Survey will be posted to this webpage when it becomes available. As May 11 approaches, look for communication about the Open Participation Survey on the City of Naperville’s social media accounts and in the resident newsletter (Naperville Connected). You can also create an account with Polco and sign up to be notified via email when the City of Naperville publishes surveys, including the Open Participation Survey. Sign up at polco.us/n/res/account.
13. What about leading questions or bias with the way questions are worded?
Every effort is made to pose questions as neutrally as possible. The team of survey scientists put a tremendous amount of thought into this when developing the main survey. Because all opinions are welcome, the questions need to be a blend of easy to understand, simple to respond to and neutral in the way they are asked.
14. How will the survey results be used?
The City used the 2023 NCS survey results to create the Naperville 2027: Investing in our Community Priorities Plan, focused on utilities, safety, economy, mobility, and natural environment/community design. The 2026 NCS survey results will help guide the City’s future investments (2027 budget discussions) and priorities based on what is important to the community.