Cobalt Community Research is a Michigan-based 501c3 nonprofit organization serving a multitude of local governments, schools, and other organizations. Their mission is to provide research and education through high-quality metrics, surveys, and other analyses.

The City of Ferndale has conducted two community surveys: in 2019 and 2023. The results and data collected are used to drive the City's Master Land Use Plans, Parks and Recreation Master Plans, City Council's annual strategic planning, budgeting, and other essential planning and decision making.