For Immediate Release: 6/25/2019 3:43 pm
Worcester residents will have an opportunity in the next few weeks to share their opinions about environmental sustainability in the city by participating in a new telephone survey.
Starting Wednesday, June 26, interviewers will be calling residents for a survey, available in Spanish as well as English, about environmental issues. Residents 18 years of age or older will be selected at random and contacted by live interviewers calling both landline and mobile telephone numbers. It should take residents about 10 minutes to complete the survey. The goal is to have 600 residents complete the survey for statistically significant results.
The poll will inform work on the City’s Green Worcester Strategic Plan, launched this spring, with a goal of developing a comprehensive and holistic plan to bring sustainability values and actions to all aspects of city life, including social and economic development. The plan development is led by the Green Worcester Working Group, with assistance from the consultant team led by Larissa Brown + Associates. The City aims to complete the plan in time for the 50th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2020.
“The first step in any planning process is listening to the public. This survey will let us hear from a cross-section of residents about their hopes and concerns regarding sustainability and the environment,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “We need your help to make Worcester the most green and sustainable city it can be.”
The poll is being conducted by the MassINC Polling Group (MPG), a non-partisan public opinion research company. MPG has conducted numerous polls and focus groups on climate and transportation issues across Massachusetts, and is the pollster for WBUR, a Boston National Public Radio affiliate.
While participation in the survey is optional, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns, which will assist the Green Worcester Working Group in determining the Plan’s direction. Residents not called for the survey will have an opportunity to offer feedback in an online version of the survey which will be posted on the City’s website in July at www.worcesterma.gov/green-worcester, where the City will be posting information about the Plan.
In addition, residents can sign up to receive information about the Plan and learn about future opportunities to participate in the planning process by sending an e-mail to: GreenWorcester@worcesterma.gov.
