Survey: Infrastructure selected as major priority to Houston residents

Participants were asked about 13 categories of programs and services:

• Addressing homelessness
• Animal welfare
• Development services and permitting
• Economic and workforce development
• Health services
• Housing
• Houston Fire Department
• Parks and recreation
• Police
• Solid Waste Management
• Infrastructure
• Library services
• Neighborhood enforcement

By the numbers

Infrastructure—categorized as roads, better drainage and pipes and electric grids—was a category that most residents wanted to see more funding for, Simburger said. Only 10% said they would be okay with less spending on infrastructure due to budget constraints.

The survey also found that nearly 58% of respondents want the city to spend more on Solid Waste Management and programs addressing homelessness.

Of the 13 categories discussed in the budget, public safety received the most support in decreased spending, with 27% of respondents saying the city should spend less on police, and 19% saying they should spend less on the fire department.

The survey also asked if the city were to spend more money on public safety, how they would like to spend it.

About 30% said they would also want to spend “a lot” more on investigations and police patrols. Another 30% said they would only want “a little” more spent on those categories.

The survey also showed that 62% of residents would support raising taxes to fund garbage services. However, most respondents—52%—said they would not support a $5 garbage fee per month. However, 62% said they would support a $2-a-month fee.

“Five dollars seemed to be the sweet spot for half of the residents for the garbage fee that they would pick,” Simburger said.

Moving forward

Houston residents can still give their comments and opinions on the budget, including during the June 3 City Council public session. Council is set to vote on the budget June 10.