A survey is a research method where standardized questions are asked to a sample of people to gather information about attitudes, preferences, behaviours, or characteristics. Municipalities use surveys to understand resident satisfaction, gather input on priorities, evaluate services, and inform decision-making. Surveys may be conducted online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Representative surveys use statistical sampling to ensure results reflect the broader population. Survey design affects result quality—questions must be clear, unbiased, and appropriately structured. Survey results are one input among many in decision-making, complementing other engagement methods. Municipalities increasingly use regular satisfaction surveys to track performance over time and benchmark against other communities.