Annual County survey shows access to food and dependable water are top community priorities

The annual 2022 Travis County Community Survey revealed that having a dependable water source and access to food are the highest priorities for Travis County residents. The survey showed that internet access and traffic were also ranked top priorities.

The survey had the most robust participation in its history, with just under 2,500 participants across the county, according to Travis County Planning Manager Yaira Robinson. White residents were overrepresented by 21% compared to the total population, and Hispanic residents were underrepresented by 16%. The survey results will be used to help the Travis County Commissioners Court make better informed funding decisions as well as help allocate the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund that was received through the American Rescue Plan Act.

While water remains a top priority overall, communities may differ on why water remains a top concern for them.

Multiple boil-water notices in the past three years as well as growing drought and water shortages may be the driving force behind the survey results, according to Christy Moffett, economic director for strategic investments for Travis County. Others may be concerned about water affordability.

“Some water bills are particularly high with even before you’ve used any water at all your bill is at $100,” Moffett said. “We think this particular category has a lot of nuance to it,” she said.

The survey data, when broken down into various demographics, showed that LGBTQ residents ranked homelessness as a top priority compared to other groups. Mental health was ranked especially high for Black, Hispanic and disabled communities, and criminal justice was ranked high for Black and LBGTQ communities.

The data shows that the east-west divide in Travis County persists with residents on each side differing on some priorities. Residents in eastern Travis County, a more diverse and lower-income area, ranked jobs with a livable wage and job training among their top concerns, while western Travis County selected climate change and parks.

The Travis County Office of Economic Development & Strategic Investments and Commissioners Court will meet again in July to make funding decisions based on the survey results.