Which type of survey helps determine public preferences on critical issues affecting an agency's financial future?

The correct choice focuses on a limited issue survey, which is specifically designed to gather targeted feedback from the public about defined issues that are critical to an agency’s financial future. Such surveys are effective in assessing community preferences because they delve into particular concerns or topics rather than addressing a wide range of subjects. By concentrating on a limited scope, agencies can collect more in-depth insights that inform decision-making processes, thus ensuring that responses accurately reflect public sentiment on key financial priorities.

In contrast, broad issue surveys might cover a vast array of topics, which can dilute the effectiveness of the feedback on specific financial issues. Comprehensive issue surveys, similarly, attempt to encompass a wide range of factors that could overwhelm the respondents and lead to less focused insights. Focus group surveys, while valuable in gathering qualitative data, may not provide the quantitative results necessary for assessing overall public preferences in a manner that a limited issue survey achieves. The targeted nature of the limited issue survey makes it an ideal tool for an agency seeking to understand and shape its financial strategies based on community input.