North Richland Hills residents continue to see their community as a great place to live. A recent citizen’s survey found that 94% of residents rate the quality of life in North Richland Hills as excellent or good, 97% would recommend NRH to a friend or family member as a good place to live, and 99% feel safe in their neighborhood.

The city surveys residents every other year to obtain input about its services. The results of the latest survey are consistent and in some areas improved over prior survey results.

“It’s gratifying to continue to see such positive results,” said Mayor Oscar Trevino. “It tells us that North Richland Hills is on a solid foundation and we are continuing to move forward in the right direction.”

Survey respondents gave the highest marks for public safety services:

·         100% of survey respondents who had contact with the Fire Department during the past year said the employee was courteous and 100% said the department responded promptly.

·         96% who had contact with a police officer during the past year reported that the officer was courteous and 95% said the police responded promptly;

The Parks & Recreation Department also received high marks:

·         94% of residents who visited a North Richland Hills park in the past year rated parks as excellent or good;

·         88% who participate in the city’s recreational programs rated the programs as excellent or good.

Areas with notable improvement since the 2007 survey included the NRH Public Library, the city’s web site and general customer service:

·         74% of survey respondents said they used the library in 2009, compared to 60% in 2007. (The library moved into a new facility in 2008, which likely contributed to this increase.)

·         71.5% of library users rated library services as excellent and 25.4% rated library services as good, compared to 58% excellent and 37% good in 2007.

·         71% of residents with internet access said they visited the City’s web site in 2009, compared to 60% in 2007.

·         96% of residents who visited the web site said they found the information they were looking for, a slight increase over 2007.

·         Among residents who contacted the City in the past year, 96% said the employee they had contact with was courteous and helpful, compared to 90% in 2007

·         83% were satisfied with the results of their contact, compared to 73% in 2007.

“Providing great customer service is a top priority for City employees,” said City Manager Mark Hindman. “I am proud of our employees and the great job they are doing.”

The survey also identifies areas that need attention such as streets, traffic and code enforcement.

“We strive to provide quality services in all City departments and will continue to focus on areas where we can make improvements,” Mr. Hindman said.

The telephone survey was conducted by the University of North Texas Survey Research Center using statically sound research standards. The survey has a margin of error of 4.9%. The North Richland Hills City Council heard a report about the survey at its January 11, 2010 Work Session.

NRH city officials indicated that input from residents is always appreciated. Residents who have a comment, question or suggestion about City services may call City Hall at 817-427-6000 or e-mail admin@nrhtx.com.