The survey, which was sent out last fall to a random sample of residents, asked respondents several questions about everything from public safety to roads to drainage. Dawn Davis, project manager for ETC Institute, the entity that conducted the survey, unveiled some highlights during League City’s workshop Feb. 22.
“Bottom line: Residents have a very positive perception of the city,” she said.
About 90% of respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of life in League City. That is 8% above the U.S. average and 24% above the state average, Davis said.
Of those surveyed, 96% said League City is an excellent or good place to live, which is higher than the national average of 73%. Additionally, 94% said the city is an excellent or good place to raise children, which is above the national average of 71%.
The top concerns for respondents include fixing traffic and congestion and maintaining streets and sidewalks. This is no surprise to the city, said Sarah Greer Osborne, director of communications and media relations; the 2019 survey showed residents overwhelmingly wanted traffic congestion addressed.
Another top area the city should focus its efforts, according to the survey, is ensuring the community is prepared for emergencies.
Respondents rated the city’s quality of life, reputation and appearance as the things with which they are most satisfied. Police, fire and parks were the city services respondents were most satisfied with, Davis said.
Compared to the 2019 survey, there were notable increases in how quickly the city responds to requests, how easy it is to contact staff and how well city employees handle issues.
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“Anytime you use customer service numbers going up, that’s a positive,” said John Bowen, League City City Council member.
However, there were decreases in other areas, such as the amount of youth athletic programs and the quality of library programs, Davis said.
City Manager John Baumgartner contributed at least some of that to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the city could not offer as many programs at the library at the height of the pandemic, he said.
“During this two-year period, COVID had an impact,” Baumgartner said.
Overall, 77% of respondents said they felt they were getting their money’s worth for their tax dollars, Davis said.
Council Member Hank Dugie said the positive survey results are proof Baumgartner has created a good environment. Mayor Pat Hallisey agreed.
“Certainly, it’s a team effort,” Baumgartner said.
League City will use the survey results to improve programs.
Ranking satisfaction To live To raise children You are proud to call home To work Moving in the right direction To retire To visit A 2021 survey of League City shows residents are most dissatisfied with traffic congestion and most satisfied with police and fire services. Sources: city of League City, ETC Institute/Community Impact Newspaper
