Survey on Research and Consulting Needs in Municipalities

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Survey: Research and Consulting Needs in Municipalities

SUMA is conducting a survey to better understand the needs and priorities of municipalities in Saskatchewan and Western Canada. Your input will help us tailor research and consulting services, such as governance consulting, strategic planning, and municipal research, to best serve your community.

Elected officials and administrators of municipalities are invited to respond to the survey.

The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Your responses will remain confidential, and aggregate results will be shared as part of our effort to improve municipal services.

Please note: There is an option to provide your name and contact information if you would like to hear more about the proposed research and consulting services. If you choose to share your contact information, your responses will not be fully anonymous to SUMA, but your name will not be associated with your responses when the data is aggregated and shared.

Section 1: Municipality Profile

1. Are you an elected official or administrator of a municipality?

I am an elected official

I am an administrator

I am not an elected official or administrator of a municipality

2. If you are an elected official or administrator of a municipality, where is your municipality located?

My municipality is located in Saskatchewan

Other

3. Please select which of the following describes your municipality:

Village or resort village

Town

City

Northern municipality

Rural municipality

Section 2: Municipal Priorities and Challenges

4. What are the three biggest challenges your municipality currently faces?

Infrastructure development and maintenance

Affordable housing

Governance and council procedures

Strategic planning and long-term visioning

Budgeting and financial sustainability

Environmental management and sustainability

Recruitment and retention of skilled staff

Other

5. How frequently does your municipality review and update its strategic plan?

Annually

Every 2-3 years

Every 4-5 years

We do not currently have a strategic plan

Other

6. What consulting services would best support your municipality's governance needs? Select all that apply.

Council training (e.g., leadership, conflict resolution)

Bylaw and policy development

Facilitation of council retreats or workshops

We do not require governance consulting services

Other

7. How would you rate the importance of external expertise in helping your municipality address challenges?

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important

Not important

Section 3: Interest in Research and Consulting Services

8. Would your municipality use any of the following services in the next 12 months? Select all that apply.

Governance consulting (e.g., leadership training, policy guidance)

Strategic planning facilitation

Operational reviews and organizational change management

Customized research reports on municipal trends and challenges

Environmental or sustainability consulting

Budget and financial planning assistance

We do not require governance consulting services

Other

9. How much would your municipality be willing to invest in consulting services in any given year?

Less than $10,000

$10,000 to $25,000

$25,000 to $50,000

Over $50,000

I'm not sure

10. How likely would you be to access research and consulting services supported by SUMA?

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Neutral

Unlikely

Very unlikely

Section 4: Engagement Details

11. Which areas of expertise would you like the research and consulting firm to focus on? Select all that apply.

Governance and leadership development

Infrastructure funding and maintenance strategies

Economic development and innovation

Environmental sustainability and climate adaptation

Community engagement and inclusivity

Other

12. Are you more likely to engage consulting services directly or through grant-supported or subsidized programs?

Directly using municipal budget or funds

Through grants or subsidized programs

Other

13. What is the preferred frequency for consulting engagements in your municipality?

One-time project-based services

Ongoing, year-round partnership

Periodic engagements (e.g., quarterly or semi-annual support)

14. Are there specific research topics you would like prioritized for your municipality or region?

0/500

Section 5: Closing Questions

15. Would you be interested in learning more about the proposed services offered by the research and consulting firm?

Yes, please reach out to me.

No, not at this time.

17. If you would like to be contacted by SUMA to hear more, please include your name and email address below.

0/500

17. Do you have any additional feedback or suggestions for us?

0/500

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback in invaluable in shaping the future of municipal research and consulting services.

Submit Survey