Community poll questions
Explore the questions, then visit the polling place to add your voice and compare local vibes with all-town vibes.
Curated by Jennifer Grace Smyrnos.
Just for fun
Your perfect local Saturday?
Coffee & the farmers market · A trail & fresh air · Live music downtown
Settle a small-town breakfast debate.
Sweet: pancakes win · Savory: eggs all day · Coffee counts, right?
Pick a small adventure close to home.
Explore a new trail · Try a new café · Browse a local market · Find a live performance
Which season makes your town shine?
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
The perfect local evening is…
Dinner outside · A sunset walk · Live music · A cozy night in
Your picnic basket has room for one star. What goes in?
Fresh fruit · Sandwiches · Something from the bakery · A homemade surprise
What is your favorite little weather moment?
Rain on the roof · A sunny winter afternoon · A cool summer breeze · The first crisp autumn morning
Which sound feels most like home?
Birds in the morning · Neighbors laughing · Music drifting outside · A quiet evening
You get one free plant for your space. Pick it.
A fruit tree · Fresh herbs · Colorful flowers · A sturdy houseplant
What is your favorite inexpensive pick-me-up?
A good cup of tea or coffee · A library book · A walk with a view · Making something at home
A neighborhood game night needs…
Board games · Card games · Trivia · A mix of everything
What draws your eye first at a local market?
Seasonal produce · Handmade crafts · Fresh bread · Live music
An unexpected free hour appears. You…
Head outside · Read a few chapters · Call someone you like · Do absolutely nothing
Pick the fruit of your summer.
Peaches · Watermelon · Berries · Cherries
A tiny holiday starts with…
A scenic drive · A blanket in the park · A new recipe · Sleeping in
What belongs on a neighborhood playlist?
Old favorites · Local musicians · Dance-floor energy · A little of everything
Best place to watch the sun go down?
A hilltop · By the water · The front porch · Wherever I am
Choose a weekend treat.
Fresh pastries · A long walk · A thrift-store treasure · An afternoon nap
Our imaginary town mascot should be…
A cheerful dog · A clever owl · A determined squirrel · A mysterious cat
Choose your crunch.
Popcorn · Chips · Crisp apples · Roasted nuts
Your ideal morning starts…
Slow and quiet · With music · With movement · After one more snooze
Pick a dessert team.
Pie · Cake · Ice cream · Fruit
A rainy day calls for…
A movie marathon · A creative project · A good book · A walk in the rain
On a road trip, you are…
The driver · The navigator · The DJ · The snack manager
The best breakfast potato is…
Hash browns · Home fries · A breakfast burrito filling · No potato needed
Choose an outdoor movie setting.
A park lawn · A rooftop · A drive-in · A backyard
For a day off, you reach for…
Sneakers · Sandals · Hiking shoes · Slippers
Your cookie should be…
Soft and chewy · Crisp and crunchy · Warm from the oven · Whatever is available
Pick a friendly neighborhood contest.
Best homemade chili · Trivia champions · Garden photo challenge · Most creative sidewalk chalk
Borrow a time machine for one afternoon.
Visit the past · Peek at the future · Relive a favorite day · Stay right here
What makes you look up?
A colorful sunset · A star-filled sky · Dramatic clouds · Birds passing by
One kitchen skill, instantly mastered.
Making great bread · Perfecting a favorite meal · Decorating desserts · Turning leftovers into magic
Pick a small surprise gift.
Fresh flowers · A handwritten note · A homemade treat · A playlist made for me
Your favorite low-key hangout?
A walk together · Cooking together · A game at home · Sitting and talking
A five-minute neighbor chat is best about…
Pets · Something funny · What is growing · A local discovery
Choose a little treat to share.
Homemade popcorn · Seasonal fruit · Fresh bread · A favorite recipe
Your sidewalk chalk message would be…
You belong here · Have a good day · A terrible pun · A colorful doodle
Give your town one imaginary superpower.
Always finding lost keys · Perfect picnic weather · Instant pothole repair · Buses arriving right on time
Which free local discovery would delight you?
A quiet viewpoint · A tiny book exchange · An unexpected mural · A shady shortcut
Pick a color for a shared harvest table.
Tomato red · Squash gold · Leafy green · Berry purple
Celebrate a small win with…
A happy dance · A call to a friend · A favorite snack · A peaceful moment
Your town postcard should feature…
Everyday neighbors · A favorite landscape · A quirky local detail · A lively gathering
A neighbor lends you something fun. Pick it.
A puzzle · A telescope · A musical instrument · A kite
Choose a playful neighborhood motto.
Wave more, worry less · Bring snacks · Small kindnesses count · We are figuring it out
If your town had a signature scent, what would it be?
Pine after rain · Fresh bread · Ocean air · Something floral
Pick an unexpected local pop-up pairing.
Books & tacos · Plants & records · Stargazing & cocoa · Roller skating & a DJ
A mystery outing starts with one clue. Which do you choose?
Follow the music · Find the oldest tree · Look for a bright door · Take the scenic route
What belongs in your imaginary pocket-sized museum?
Odd little found objects · Favorite family sayings · Tiny drawings · Ticket stubs & memories
You get a screen-free afternoon. What sounds fun?
Make something messy · Explore without a map · Play a tabletop game · Rest with a favorite album
Choose your event in the Everyday Olympics.
Carrying all the groceries · Finding the comfiest seat · Remembering everyone’s snack · Parallel parking perfection
Leave your future self a tiny surprise. Pick it.
A favorite photo · A note about today · A playlist · A small souvenir
Which texture would you put on your town’s mood board?
Weathered wood · Shiny neon · Soft moss · Sun-warmed brick
Try a playful detour on your usual walk.
Photograph one color · Sketch an interesting doorway · Notice five new sounds · Invent names for clouds
An imaginary late-night diner opens. What’s your order?
Breakfast at midnight · Soup & warm bread · Fries & a milkshake · Tea & a slice of pie
Culture & community
Pick our next community event.
An outdoor movie night · A local food festival · An art walk
What helps you feel connected to your community?
Knowing my neighbors · Shared events · Volunteering · Local places I return to
When are community events easiest for you to attend?
Weekday evenings · Saturday daytime · Saturday evenings · Sunday daytime
What would you most enjoy at your local library?
Creative workshops · Talks & discussions · Quiet reading space · Tools & skill sharing
What is the best way to welcome a new neighbor?
A friendly introduction · A neighborhood gathering · A guide to local favorites · An invitation to help out
Where would you most like to see more local art?
Public walls & murals · Parks & gathering spaces · Small galleries & shops · Live community performances
Which skill would you enjoy swapping with a neighbor?
Cooking or baking · Gardening · Repairs and making things · Languages or technology
What would make community events more accessible to you?
Free or low-cost entry · Better transport · Accessible spaces and facilities · Family-friendly timing
How would you prefer to hear about neighborhood happenings?
A simple website · Printed notices · Email updates · Word of mouth
What kind of shared meal sounds most welcoming?
A potluck · A picnic in the park · A community breakfast · A cooking-and-sharing workshop
What kind of volunteering fits your life best?
A short one-time project · A regular weekly slot · Helping from home · Spontaneous help when needed
How would you like to explore local history?
Walking tours · Stories from longtime residents · Photo exhibits · Hands-on activities
How can young people have more say in community life?
Youth discussion groups · School and community projects · Seats on advisory groups · Simple surveys
Where do you feel most comfortable meeting people locally?
A park or trail · A library or community center · A café or local shop · A shared activity
What would you bring to a community swap?
Books · Plants or seeds · Clothes · Tools or craft supplies
What makes a gathering feel welcoming?
A friendly host · Clear information · Room for different needs · An easy way to join in
Which small public performance would you stop for?
Acoustic music · Dance · Spoken word · A school or youth performance
What belongs on a neighborhood noticeboard?
Upcoming events · Help offered and needed · Local creative projects · All of the above
Pick a free community learning day.
First aid and preparedness · Cooking and nutrition · Art and making · Digital skills
Which small neighborly habit matters most?
Saying hello · Checking in · Sharing useful information · Lending a hand
A community repair day should start with…
Clothes and sewing · Bikes · Small household items · Basic repair lessons
Which language-sharing format sounds fun?
Conversation tables · Music and stories · Cooking together · Beginner mini-lessons
Choose an activity for different generations.
Story sharing · Gardening · Games · Making something together
How far ahead do you usually plan an outing?
The same day · A few days · A week or two · A month or more
What helps when you arrive at an event alone?
Someone greeting me · A simple shared activity · Clear signs and instructions · A relaxed place to sit
How would you like to discover local creators?
Open studios · A community website · Markets and pop-ups · Performances and exhibitions
Which local stories would you like to hear?
How people arrived here · Everyday acts of kindness · Skills and traditions · How the town has changed
Which event feature matters most to you?
A quiet area · Seating and step-free access · Clear sound or captions · Space for children and caregivers
Which neighbor-help project would you join?
A food-sharing shelf · A tool library · Rides or errands · A neighborhood cleanup
Pick a casual community activity.
Walking club · Pickup games · Outdoor stretching · Social dancing
Your preferred community event size?
A small gathering · A neighborhood crowd · A town-wide festival · Depends on the event
Choose a community reading activity.
A book club · Poetry in the park · An author conversation · A book exchange
A newcomer guide needs…
Everyday services · Free things to do · Ways to meet people · A little of everything
Who deserves more everyday appreciation?
Volunteers · Local workers · Caregivers · People who quietly help
Which new tradition would you enjoy?
A seasonal potluck · An annual neighborhood walk · A community making day · A monthly open gathering
What most often makes joining a local group difficult?
Cost · Scheduling · Not knowing anyone · Finding a group that fits
Which free gathering would you be most likely to try?
A short neighborhood walk · A bring-your-own craft circle · A conversation table · None of these
How would you prefer to learn about available community help?
A printed guide · A trusted local person · A searchable website · A phone information line
What would make volunteering easier for you?
Shorter shifts · Clear tasks in advance · Transport or childcare support · I do not need a change
How often would a neighborhood check-in suit you?
Weekly · Monthly · Only when help is needed · I prefer no organized check-in
What would help you use a community lending shelf?
Clear borrowing rules · Knowing items are maintained · A convenient pickup spot · I would not use one
Which event detail do you most want before deciding to attend?
The full cost · How to get there · What participation involves · Accessibility information
How do you prefer to contribute in a new group?
Listen first · Help with a practical task · Talk in a small group · Share something in writing
Which shared resource would you use most?
Occasional tools · Children’s supplies · Cooking equipment · None of these
After a first community gathering, what would help you return?
A personal invitation · A clear next date · A familiar activity · I prefer occasional visits
What helps you stay in a conversation when opinions differ?
A shared question · Time to explain my view · A clear pause option · I prefer to reflect privately
How could short-term residents feel more included?
An open neighborhood welcome · Access to local activities · A simple community guide · Ask what would help them
What would you contribute to a community time capsule?
An everyday-life photo · A recorded story · A local recipe · A hope for the future
At a cultural event, what helps you connect with a tradition?
Hearing from its practitioners · Learning its meaning · Trying an activity by invitation · Watching and listening
After a shared local loss, what space would you value?
A quiet place to gather · A remembrance project · A practical support network · Space to grieve privately
What helps a new local friendship become a lasting one?
A regular low-key meetup · Working on something together · Checking in between visits · Room for different schedules
How would you like your community contribution acknowledged?
A personal thank-you · A public mention · Credit to the whole team · No acknowledgment needed
How would you like AI to feature in a community creative workshop?
As an optional brainstorming tool · For a mix of human and AI art · As a topic to explore together · Keep the activities AI-free
What might bring people from different neighborhoods together?
A shared practical project · A traveling community event · A friendly team challenge · I prefer nearby activities
What makes stepping back from a community role easier?
A clear handoff · A time-limited commitment · A warm invitation to return · No explanation required
Around town
More car-free evenings downtown?
Yes, let’s stroll · Keep the streets open · Try it once a month
What would make getting around easier?
More bus connections · Safer bike routes · Better sidewalks
What would make your local parks more inviting?
More shade & seating · Better paths & access · More activities · They work well already
What would bring you downtown more often?
More independent shops · More events · Easier transport & parking · I already go often
Which street improvement comes first?
Safer crossings · Road maintenance · Bike connections · Lighting & visibility
Where would you most like a new gathering space?
Near the town center · In residential neighborhoods · Near parks & trails · Use existing spaces better
Which local service would you improve first?
Transit · Libraries · Parks & recreation · Street maintenance
Where would better public restroom access help most?
Downtown · Parks and trails · Transit stops · Community gathering spaces
What would make outdoor public spaces better on hot days?
More trees and shade · Drinking-water stations · Covered seating · More evening activities
What would make an evening walk more comfortable?
Better lighting · Safer crossings · Smoother sidewalks · More people out and about
Which local information should be easier to find?
Service hours and contacts · Public meeting agendas · Events and activities · Road closures and transit updates
What would you most like to see in an unused storefront?
An independent business · A community workspace · An arts or learning space · A temporary pop-up
What would improve your local trail experience?
Clearer signs · Accessible paths · Better maintenance · Connections to nearby neighborhoods
Where could your town use more places to sit?
Along sidewalks · At transit stops · Near shops · In parks
Which change would make everyday errands easier?
More services close to home · Better bus frequency · Safer walking routes · Longer service hours
Where would you put a refill station?
A busy park · Downtown · A trail entrance · A transit hub
Which sign would help visitors most?
Walking directions · Accessible routes · Public facilities · Local attractions
One small improvement this month. Pick it.
Fix a broken sidewalk · Add a bench · Clean up a shared space · Improve a confusing sign
What makes a bus stop better?
Shade and shelter · A place to sit · Reliable arrival information · A safe route to reach it
An empty public lot becomes…
A small park · A community garden · A gathering space · Housing
Which service needs more flexible hours?
The library · Public offices · Recreation facilities · Public transport
What would improve a busy crossing?
More time to cross · Better visibility · A safer crossing location · Slower vehicle speeds
Where would secure bike parking help most?
Shops · Libraries · Transit stops · Parks and recreation spaces
Where would you plant the next street trees?
Along walking routes · Near bus stops · Around public buildings · In neighborhoods with little shade
Which cleanup effort comes first?
More public bins · Regular litter pickup · Community cleanup days · Better reporting of problem spots
When would extra library hours help you most?
Early mornings · Evenings · Saturdays · Sundays
Pick a playground improvement.
More shade · Accessible play equipment · Seats for caregivers · More options for different ages
Where would public internet access help most?
Libraries · Community centers · Downtown gathering places · Transit hubs
Which route needs the most weather-ready care?
Routes to schools · Routes to transit · Routes to essential services · Popular walking routes
What helps people share a busy park?
Clear signs · Separate spaces for different activities · More facilities · Friendly reminders
A public water station should include…
Bottle filling · A drinking fountain · A lower accessible outlet · All of these
How do you usually find a new local place?
A maps app · Recommendations · Street signs · Exploring on foot
How would you prefer to report a local maintenance problem?
A simple online form · A phone call · In person · An app with a photo
What would improve getting to school?
Safer walking routes · Better bus options · Safer pickup areas · More bike connections
A shared garden should make room for…
Food growing · Native plants · Accessible gardening beds · A mix of all three
What helps you support local businesses?
Affordable choices · Convenient hours · Easy walking or transit access · Knowing what is available
What most often interrupts a sidewalk trip for you?
Uneven surfaces · Missing curb ramps · Obstacles in the path · Nothing regularly interrupts it
When you contact a local service, which part is hardest?
Finding the right contact · Reaching someone · Understanding the answer · It usually works well
After reporting a repair, what update would help most?
Confirmation it was received · An expected repair date · A reason for any delay · I do not need updates
Where does rain most disrupt your usual route?
Sidewalks · Road crossings · Transit stops · It does not disrupt my route
Which entrance improvement would help you most?
An automatic door · A step-free entrance · Clear opening hours · No change needed
What would most improve a bus transfer for you?
Better-connected schedules · Clear directions · A sheltered waiting area · I do not use bus transfers
Where is it hardest to find a public trash bin?
Walking routes · Bus stops · Small parks · Bins are easy to find here
What makes a public notice hardest to use?
Small text · Unclear wording · Out-of-date information · Notices usually work for me
Which public-facility repair would help you most?
Working restroom fixtures · Working lights · Usable seats and tables · Facilities work well for me
On a longer local outing, what would help you take a break?
A sheltered seat · A free indoor place to pause · A nearby restroom · I do not need a change
How should a busy street accommodate delivery vehicles?
Short designated loading windows · Dedicated loading spaces · Nearby pickup hubs · It depends on the street
What would help balance lively streets with quieter homes?
Clear quiet hours · Better sound insulation · Thoughtful event locations · The current balance works
Where would public device-charging access help you most?
Libraries · Transit waiting areas · Community centers · I would not use it
Which rainwater project would you like to see nearby?
Rain gardens along streets · Water storage for public gardens · More absorbent parking surfaces · Learn about local needs first
What would make a shared walking and cycling path work better?
Clear passing etiquette · Separate lanes where possible · Lower speeds in busy stretches · It works well already
How should a popular public space divide booked and drop-in use?
Mostly drop-in access · An even balance · Mostly scheduled activities · Different times for each
What would make short winter days easier around town?
Earlier activity times · Better-lit routes · More indoor gathering options · No change needed
How would you prefer to try a proposed street redesign?
A temporary weekend setup · A month-long trial · A walk-through demonstration · Review the plans first
What would improve public spaces for people with and without pets?
Clearly marked pet zones · More waste stations · Consistent leash rules · The current setup works
What helps you navigate an unfamiliar part of town?
Landmark-based directions · Clear street signs · A simple area map · Directions on my phone
Big questions
What should our town make room for next?
More affordable homes · More green spaces · More small businesses
How much should your community prioritize building more homes?
A top priority · One of several priorities · A lower priority · Not sure yet
What pace of change feels right for your community?
More ambitious change · Steady, gradual change · Preserve things as they are · It depends on the issue
Which environmental investment matters most locally?
Water conservation · Clean energy · Trees & habitat · Disaster preparedness
How should residents help shape local spending?
Public workshops · Resident budget voting · Surveys & feedback · Through elected officials
How comfortable are you with AI in local public services?
Comfortable with oversight · Only for routine tasks · Prefer human-only services · Need to learn more
What would help you trust local decisions more?
Clear explanations · Accessible public records · More resident participation · Independent review
Which housing approach deserves more local attention?
Smaller homes and apartments · Homes for lower-income households · Reusing existing buildings · A mix of approaches
Which cost puts the most pressure on your household?
Housing · Food · Transport · Healthcare and other essentials
When should residents be invited into a major local project?
Before options are drafted · When draft options are ready · Before the final decision · At every stage
Which preparedness effort would help your community most?
Clear alerts and information · Accessible evacuation planning · Cooling and shelter spaces · Neighbor-to-neighbor support
What should local services prioritize for people without reliable internet?
In-person assistance · Phone assistance · Public internet access · Keeping paper options
When a local budget is tight, what approach feels best?
Protect essential services first · Look for shared services and efficiencies · Consider more revenue · Decide case by case with residents
What would you most like your community to achieve over the next decade?
More affordable everyday life · Better public spaces and services · More opportunity for work and learning · A stronger sense of belonging
Choose one focus for the year ahead.
Housing affordability · Reliable public services · Local jobs · Community wellbeing
How should we judge a local project’s success?
Who it helps · What it costs · How well it works · All three together
What should public services make easier first?
Understanding the process · Getting help in person · Using services online · Getting help in different languages
What most often keeps you from local public meetings?
Timing · Transport or access · Not knowing about them · Feeling my input will not matter
When neighbors disagree, what helps most?
Clear facts · Hearing lived experiences · Finding a small shared goal · Trying an approach and reviewing it
What deserves more space in local discussions?
Everyday affordability · Long-term planning · People often left out · Practical follow-through
Which local information should be easier to understand?
How money is spent · How decisions are made · How services are performing · What projects are planned
Which support would help caregivers most locally?
Affordable care options · Flexible service hours · Accessible transport · Places to connect and get advice
Which approach could improve local food access?
Affordable neighborhood markets · Community food programs · Better transport to shops · Community gardens
Which local learning opportunity deserves attention?
Trade and repair skills · Digital skills · Language learning · Small-business skills
When should a completed public project be reviewed?
Soon after opening · After a full year · At regular intervals · When residents raise concerns
What is the best way to check whether a service works?
Ask people who use it · Publish clear performance measures · Offer independent review · Use all three
How should housing discussions include different residents?
Separate listening sessions · Mixed resident groups · Anonymous feedback · A combination of approaches
How much weight should long-term effects have in local decisions?
A great deal · Alongside immediate needs · Less than urgent needs · Depends on the decision
When deciding how to use public land, what matters most?
Community access · Housing needs · Environmental value · Weighing all three
What helps you evaluate a preparedness investment?
Clear local risks · Who the investment protects · Costs and alternatives · All of these
Which public discussion format would you actually use?
A short online session · A small in-person group · Written feedback · A drop-in conversation
Which local opportunity would make the biggest difference?
Stable jobs · Affordable childcare · Training and apprenticeships · Support for small businesses
What is the best first check for fair public access?
Listen to people facing barriers · Review fees and eligibility · Check physical and digital access · Do all three
What helps you understand a community poll result?
The number of responses · How participants were reached · The question and answer wording · All of these
What follow-up would you like after residents give feedback?
A summary of what was heard · An explanation of the decision · A timeline for next steps · All of these
What is the biggest barrier when applying for local assistance?
Knowing what is available · Understanding eligibility · Gathering documents · I have not applied
How often do public-service fees keep you from using a service?
Often · Sometimes · Rarely or never · I have not needed one
For a complicated public form, which help would you choose?
An in-person guide · A phone walkthrough · A clear written example · I prefer to complete it alone
When a service falls short, what would help you raise the issue?
A clear complaint contact · A confidential feedback option · An independent support person · I already know how
How often do care responsibilities prevent you from using local services?
Often · Sometimes · Rarely or never · Not applicable to me
How should a town prioritize a backlog of small repairs?
Address safety risks first · Prioritize heavily used places · Prioritize underserved areas · Balance these factors publicly
What would help you assess a small trial improvement?
A clear goal · A spending limit · A review date and results · I need all three
When would access to assistance staff help you most?
Before typical work hours · After typical work hours · Weekends · Current hours suit me
Which sign should prompt a closer look at a local service?
Long waiting times · Repeated resident complaints · Low use despite apparent need · Any of these
What would make a promised local fix easier to follow?
A named responsible office · A public deadline · Regular progress updates · All of these
Should residents be paid for lengthy public advisory work?
Yes, for all participants · Offer need-based stipends · Cover expenses only · Keep participation unpaid
How much control should residents have over optional public-service data collection?
Choose each use separately · One simple opt-in choice · Use only anonymous totals · I need more information
When a service moves online, what should happen to its human help option?
Keep it equally available · Keep it for complex cases · Offer it by appointment · It depends on the service
With a limited budget, how should upkeep compare with new projects?
Prioritize existing upkeep · Balance both equally · Prioritize new capacity · Assess each project separately
How should a town approach housing near essential jobs?
Allow more nearby homes · Support employer housing efforts · Improve transport from farther away · Use a mix of approaches
When should a town favor a reversible trial over a permanent change?
Whenever a trial is practical · When evidence is uncertain · Only for low-cost changes · Prefer a full decision first
Where would an optional local AI helper be most useful to you?
Explaining public forms · Finding relevant local services · Summarizing meeting agendas · I would prefer human help
Which issue would benefit most from neighboring towns working together?
Transport connections · Emergency preparation · Housing planning · Water and habitat management
If an automated system affects access to a public service, what review should be available?
A human review on request · Human review before any denial · An independent appeal process · Do not automate eligibility
What would you most want from a free community AI workshop?
Practical everyday uses · Checking answers and sources · Creative tools and projects · I would not attend