same parameters used by the city in the last two city surveys). "The survey is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings about your community and let us know how your city government is performing for you," Mayor Richard Notte said. Notte said resident participation and responses are important because city officials have streamlined city government over the past five years as it navigates the financial storm facing all Michigan communities. He explained that Sterling Heights has implemented layoffs, cut employee pay and benefits, and reduced city services to save taxpayers more than $27 million a year in the wake of declining property values. "Our residents' voluntary responses to this survey will help us gauge how the city is doing in light of these challenges," Notte said. "Survey results will help shape city policies, and prioritize programs and city services." Residents who do not receive a survey via direct mail or email and wish to participate in the survey can complete a survey by logging onto sterling-heights.net . Printed copies of the survey are also available in the Community Relations Department. To have one mailed to your home, call Community Relations at 446-2470. A final report containing survey results is expected in early 2013 with an executive summary presented to the City Council at a special meeting in February.