Empower more neighborhoods through collective action, to achieve vitality citywide
Collect and provide access to informative qualitative and quantitative data
Provide a tool for tracking progress and success
Promote data driven planning and decision-making at all levels
What is this survey? The Neighborhood Vitality Index Survey gathers information from Detroiters about their lived experiences. Survey responses help to show a more complete picture of what neighborhoods are really like for the people who live in them than can be shown by data from sources like the Census and state and city governments. The survey is the most important part of calculating the Neighborhood Vitality Index because it shows how Detroiters’ experiences in different parts of the city are changing over time.
What is the Neighborhood Vitality Index? It’s a tool to track progress and advocate for resources to make changes in Detroit’s neighborhoods. The index measures things Detroiters told us they actually care about—including health, well-being, feelings of safety, and more—by including data from multiple sources, especially from Detroit residents with this survey. You can read more about the Neighborhood Vitality Index history and methodology here.
Who is doing this, and why? Community Development Advocates of Detroit is partnering with JFM Consulting Group and Data Driven Detroit to manage the Neighborhood Vitality Index (NVI) and Survey. The NVI was created to gather local information based on what people in Detroit said was important to them. We make this data available for free so that everyone can see where Detroit is today and track changes over time.
How do I take the survey? There are three ways to take the survey:
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Instructions for receiving the incentive are written at the end of the survey. Your answers are confidential, and will never be shared in a way that includes your name, address, or other information that identifies you.
Who can participate in the survey? Any person living in Detroit can participate. The person answering the survey must be 18 or older and must live at the reported address most of the time. If you are currently in the process of moving or without permanent housing and want to speak with someone regarding where to send your incentive, please call (313) 290-0992.
Why do you need my name and address? We use your address to make sure your survey responses are included in the right neighborhood, and we use your name and address to mail your $25 incentive.
How will my answers be used? Your responses will be combined with other data to calculate the Neighborhood Vitality Index to be used by community development organizations, funders, and city government to track progress in Detroit’s neighborhoods over time. The survey will provide important data to inform decisions that will help Detroit become a city of strong, vital neighborhoods. See what we’ve learned from the survey for all of Detroit, or select a council district on the map!
How will my data be protected? JFM Consulting Group and Data Driven Detroit have a long track record of handling sensitive data with proper care. Survey results are stored securely on an encrypted server. Only aggregated data that protects your anonymity will be published.
Many thanks to the Neighborhood Vitality Task Force, the Resident Advisory Panel, our partners, and our funders for their help in creating this body of work.
Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD). As a membership centered organization with more than 100 dues-paying members, CDAD advocates for public policies and resources that advance the work of nonprofit, community-based organizations and resident-led groups in Detroit neighborhoods who are engaged in physical development, land use planning, community organizing, and other activities designed to stabilize and revitalize the quality of life in Detroit.
Data Driven Detroit (D3). D3 is Metro Detroit’s community data hub with a commitment to driving informed decision-making through the provision of accessible, high-quality information and analysis. D3 helps to foster positive change, improve lives, and strengthen communities by offering data, analysis, and technical assistance to various entities, including nonprofits, foundations, governments, and others.
JFM Consulting Group, Inc. JFM is a Detroit-based strategy, planning and evaluation consulting firm that works in partnership with a wide range of public, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to find solutions to the challenges facing urban communities. JFM strives to promote positive social change and increase the effectiveness of the nonprofit community through planning and evaluation services and technical assistance.
Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). MNA is a statewide membership organization that serves the diverse nonprofit sector through advocacy, inclusive services, programming, and resources. MNA serves as fiduciary for several grants funding this work.
Do you already know everything you need to know? If you’re ready to take the survey, get started now!
Interested in finding out more or contributing to the Neighborhood Vitality Index? Fill out this form and we’ll be glad to talk!
