Feedback on Hamilton ranks strengths, areas to improve
Bermuda’s capital has ranked favourably among residents and businesses in a “satisfaction survey” — the first of its kind for Hamilton.
The city scored well for cleanliness and appearance, while finding and paying for parking was ranked as “more difficult than ideal”.
The firm Narrative Research polled city residents and property owners, and, separately, businesses within the city limits.
Participants were asked to rate municipal services and priorities between April 4 and May 2, to identify areas for improvement and support data-driven planning for the future.
The results showed satisfaction with Hamilton’s services on the part of 70 per cent of both residents and businesses, with three quarters describing the city as responsive to their needs.
Nearly all business respondents, at 93 per cent, said they would recommend Hamilton as a place to do business, and 85 per cent of city residents said they would recommend it as a good place to live.
Responses were collected anonymously through a combination of e-mail invitations, flyers, telephone calls, in-person interviews and digital links.
Jessica Astwood, the city’s director of marketing and communications, said the comeback enabled Hamilton to “connect and listen directly to the people we serve”.
She added: “It allows us to identify where we’re performing well and where we need to improve, so that we can better align our services with community expectations.”
Cleanliness and upkeep were said to be standout strengths.
More than two thirds of businesses rated the city’s cleanliness and appearance positively, and residents approved of the condition of parks and the quality of waste management services.
Many expressed satisfaction with the city’s beautification efforts and public art installations.
Two thirds of residents endorsed City of Hamilton staff, citing friendliness, timely responses and clear communication, while 75 per cent of businesses said their recent dealings with the City were handled effectively.
As well as highlighting parking, and a desire for improved infrastructure maintenance, many respondents encouraged enhancement of the city’s appearance and support for businesses.
Respondents also asked for the City to address homelessness in public spaces.
Eligible residents who took part were entered into a prize draw to win a year of free parking in any City of Hamilton car park, valued at up to $3,500, which went to Coldrex Gordon, a city resident, and Keith and Candice Trott, representing a city business.
• To see more about the satisfaction survey results, see Related Media
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