And the Results Are In…
August 20, 2026
• The Town of Needham has participated in the National Community Survey every two years since 2008.
During the Select Board meeting on Aug. 11, the town’s director of communications and community engagement presented this year’s results from a biennial community survey. The survey solicits residents’ feedback on particular topics, such as utilities, the economy, community design, quality of life and more.
Needham’s responses were paired with nationwide results — 400 towns participate in the National Community survey, including six other communities in Massachusetts.
Of the 562 locals who responded to the survey earlier this year, many indicated Needham is safe and a desirable place to live, giving high marks to institutions like the Needham Free Public Library and to public safety services, including police and fire. But confidence in local government fell, and fewer than 20% of respondents view the cost of living as excellent or good.
The board also decided on the background color for the new town flag to represent Needham, which will be hung in the Great Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House alongside the 350 other flags representing the Commonwealth’s municipalities. The new flag will be updated to reflect the new town seal, which Town Meeting adopted in May 2026.
Municipal Producer Melissa Marchese has an overview:
