Auburnites like how they are living these days.

So says findings from the latest city-backed survey on the qualify of life here.

The City of Auburn contracted with Elway Research, Inc., to conduct and measure resident’s opinions and behaviors to determine their satisfaction with city services and the overall quality of life in Auburn.

The baseline survey was conducted in 2005 and the current one reflects a follow-up from the 2006 and ’07 results.

According to the latest survey, citizen’s opinion of quality of life issues – in regards to crime and safety, job opportunities, natural environment, recreational opportunities, traffic congestion – “remains high and appears to have remained consistent” since the study began in 2005.

While overall satisfaction with city departments remained steady, areas that were noted where improvements could be made are: communication with residents, opportunities for citizen involvement in decision making, permit center, and street and sidewalk landscaping.

“We are consistently looking to improve communication with our residents,” said Communications Manager Dana Hinman. “We have recently launched new e-mail update lists and an online citizen survey tool on our Web site to gain more feedback from our residents and increase opportunities for involvement.”

“We continue on a daily basis to improve our customer service and systems in our permit center,” according to Planning Director Cindy Baker. “Department hours were extended, a permit manager selected, and six new employees hired. Reaching any goal takes time and we will continue to strive for excellence.”

Elway Research conducted the telephone interviews to a total of 529 residents from March 12-16. Residents were selected from listed households and randomly were chosen using a database.

The complete survey can be downloaded from the city’s Web site at: www.auburnwa.gov/_media/_temp/08-Citizen-Survey.pdf. For more information about the City of Auburn, visit www.auburnwa.gov.