Item 22 - Consumer Confidence Report and Auxiliary Services

Home Browse Search

I RELEVANT EXPERIENCE CASE STUDY Communication LAB conducted the first Southwest Lake Forest Neighborhood Improvement Needs Assessment to identify root causes of perceived lower quality of life in the southwest area of the city. Initially, quality -of -life concerns were captured during a bi-annual citywide survey, which found that "Area 2" residents felt their quality of life was lower than other areas, plus a desire for improvements in the community. As part of a multi -pronged approach to capture honest feedback and document needs, Comm LAB canvassed residential and business stakeholders, conducted interviews with residents, business, and city stakeholders, conducted a community pop-up event, bilingual surveys, and sent letters. In our comprehensive assessment, we discovered that residents were concerned about a variety of specific issues, including traffic, lightning, parking, noise, crime, issues related to homelessness, property maintenance, bulky item disposal, street sweeping, trash, beautification, and a need for accessible parks. In the wake of our assessment, we developed a series of key recommendations with specific, actionable items that should be considered by the Task Force. Since the completion of the assessment, the Southwest Lake Forest Task Force has implemented many of the report's recommendations such as improved street lighting and parking signage, increased code enforcement action and police patrols at specific locations and, increased bulky item pick up efforts. Unique Features: The study area was home to a diverse community of residential and business stakeholders, including some ethnic minorities. To alleviate the perception of a lower quality of life in the neighborhood, our team also educated residents about the available city services and programs. Key Accomplishments: As a result of our work, the City of Lake Forest received the American Planning Association -California Award of Merit for its first Neighborhood Improvement Project. The project was also featured during a panel on successful neighborhood improvement projects at the 2022 American Planning Association -California Annual Conference.