Polls aren’t perfect, but they help us listen—and act

In the aftermath of a divisive election season, it’s easy to feel like we don’t really know our neighbors—or that we understand them less than we thought. It’s a sentiment many can relate to, especially when conflicting views clash at every turn, leaving us to wonder: What are people really thinking?

Polling, despite its flaws in presidential politics, offers a glimpse into this question. While we may scoff at inaccuracies in national polls or their sometimes contradictory results, polls do one thing well: they attempt to capture public sentiment and create a record of what people are thinking. Even if we don’t always like the answers, the process of gathering input is valuable.

We often look down on politicians who seem to govern based on the shifting winds of public opinion—those who prioritize popularity over thoughtful decision-making. Yet, when government agencies ask for our opinions, it’s a welcome development. It shows the so-called “deep state” is willing to hear us, understand our needs and priorities, and adjust plans accordingly, countering the perception that government is cold and unresponsive.

This month, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, or DED, wants to know what’s on your mind. They’re making it easy for you to share your thoughts in a survey that will help shape community development priorities across Nebraska.

The DED and the Department of Health and Human Services, or DHHS, are conducting a survey to gather input from individuals, households, and organizations across the state. Feedback will inform funding priorities and set goals for housing, community development, and economic growth programs in the 2025-29 planning cycle. The survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, is open now through Dec. 10.

Participants are asked to weigh in on key areas, including affordable housing, public facilities, infrastructure, economic development, broadband access, and public services. This data will be crucial for guiding future funding decisions and helping shape the development of local programs and services that directly affect Nebraskans’ quality of life.

The survey is online, so you won’t need to find a No. 2 pencil—just visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FW2SRHD and share your thoughts. Your responses will remain confidential, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. The survey is open to individuals, households, and organizations, so whether you’re a small-town resident, a city dweller, or part of a nonprofit, your input matters.

This is an opportunity for all Nebraskans to voice their opinions on state resource allocation and community development priorities. The decisions made as a result of this survey will have lasting impacts on our communities, from road and school quality to the availability of affordable housing and public services.