City of Bloomington Launches Community Survey with Scientific Sample

The City of Bloomington has announced the launch of its 2026 Community Survey, continuing a practice in place since 2017 of engaging an independent research firm to assess resident perspectives on City services, priorities, and quality of life.

The survey, historically conducted on a biennial cycle, was shifted from 2025 to 2026 to avoid overlapping with several major engagement efforts, including large-scale planning and departmental surveys conducted last year. The City determined that spacing these efforts would improve clarity and participation.

This is the first Community Survey conducted under the Thomson administration. In advance of the 2026 cycle, the City reviewed prior survey processes and public feedback related to survey methodology and question structure. This year, the City selected a new consultant, aQity Research & Insights Inc., a full-service public opinion research firm based in Evanston, Illinois. aQity also administered the City’s 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey. Following that recent engagement and review process, the City engaged aQity to conduct the 2026 Community Survey.

A randomized sample of households will receive a survey invitation directly from aQity on behalf of the City. The City and aQity will complete the statistically valid survey sample (n=530 minimum) before opening the survey to general participation to preserve the integrity of the scientific sample. Privacy and confidentiality will be protected for all respondents and results will be reported only in aggregate form.

Residents who inquire about participating but do not receive a direct invitation are encouraged to watch for a mailed or emailed survey invitation in the coming weeks. If they are not included in the random sample, they will be able to participate once the statistically valid survey closes and the open participation link is released.

Residents should expect updated questions in this year’s survey. As in prior cycles, the questionnaire includes core benchmarking items along with revised and new questions intended to reflect current community priorities and lessons learned from previous feedback.

Past Community Survey results are available at bloomington.in.gov/communitysurvey. The full 2026 report will be released following completion of data collection and presented at a public meeting, with details forthcoming.

Residents who receive a survey invitation from the City in partnership with aQity Research & Insights Inc. can be assured the communication is legitimate. The City encourages participation from both selected households and residents who choose to complete the open participation survey.

For additional information, please contact [email protected].