Residents give Lewes high marks for safety, livability

The people who live in Lewes actually do love Lewes.

That is according to the results of a national community survey conducted by Polco. The survey was open from Sept. 3 to Oct. 15. All adults who live in city limits were eligible to take part, with 853 people, or 35%, responding.

Michelle Kobayashi, the principal research strategist from Polco, presented the results to mayor and city council Jan. 23.

“Our goal has been to bring data into the hands of local governments, really be data-driven in terms of strategic planning, budgeting and performance evaluation,” she said.

A summary of the extensive survey showed Lewes scored highest in overall quality, feelings of safety, natural environment, and parks and recreation.

For example, 85% of respondents said they feel safe in Lewes, while 97% favorably rated utility infrastructure. Both exceeded national benchmarks, compared to other communities.

The lowest scores came in community design (which included affordable housing), mobility (which included parking), environment/open space and economy/affordability (which included healthcare).

The study was last conducted in 2021.

The new results showed the city scored higher in governance, inclusivity and engagement, and mobility than it did four years ago.

But, it scored lower in utilities, healthcare and housing.

A next-steps workshop with council and city staff was held Dec. 2, when they brainstormed ways to build a more diversified, resilient economy, less reliant on the beach.

Some of the ideas: collaborating with the chamber of commerce for job creation, hosting workshops on climate and economic resilience, and working with volunteer groups to help find opportunities for older adults.

The workshop also talked about promoting eco, maritime, culinary and flower tourism.

“We’ll put some action points on a future agenda to move forward based on this information. It’s great to receive data, but it’s what you do with it that matters,” said Mayor Andrew Williams.

The full survey results can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.