Survey Research Overview

Several online surveys were sent to city officials in order to obtain views of their city’s fiscal environment.

In May 2008, city officials were asked to complete two parts of one survey:

• Part I was completed primarily by chief administrative officials (mayors or city managers/administrators); and
• Part II was completed primarily by finance directors or clerk-treasurers.

Part I was completed by officials at 194 cities, representing 69 percent of cities and 73 percent of the state’s population living in cities. Part II was completed by officials at 236 cities, representing 84 percent of cities and 89 percent of the incorporated population.

A follow-up survey was sent to city finance directors or clerk-treasurers in October to capture actions cities were planning to take in an effort to balance the 2009 budget. One hundred and sixty-seven cities responded to this survey, representing 59 percent of cities and 68 percent of city residents.

Collectively, 262 cities completed one, two or all three surveys; representing 93 percent of cities and 99 percent of Washington’s incorporated population.

Survey I part I results

Survey I part II results

Survey II (Fiscal conditions update) results

City survey participation (pdf, 83 kb)