320-1260
City of Cathedral City Strategic Plan
Community Survey 2026
2 Survey Methodology
(Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) Dates January 14-28, 2026
Survey Type Dual-mode Voter Survey
Research Population Cathedral City Residents Age 18+
Total Interviews 508
Margin of Sampling Error (Full Sample) ±4.4% at the 95% Confidence Level (Half Sample) ±6.2% at the 95% Confidence Level
Contact Methods
Data Collection Modes
Survey Tracking January 2023
Languages English and Spanish
Text
Invitations
Telephone
Calls
Email
Invitations
Telephone
Interviews
Online
Interviews
3 Context
4 Q.
Right
Direction
57%
Wrong
Track
27%
Don't
Know
16%
2023 2026
Right
Direction
52%
Wrong
Track
21%
Don't
Know
27%
A majority continue to perceive the City as headed in the right direction, more residents are uncertain about the direction as compared to 2023.
First, would you say things in Cathedral City are headed in the right direction, or do you feel they are off on the wrong track?
5 Q. Thinking about your personal financial situation over the next few months, do you feel confident or uneasy about being able to meet your living expenses? 36%
25%
23%
14%
2%
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Somewhat uneasy
Very uneasy
Prefer not to say
Total
Uneaasy
37%
Total
Confident
61%
Six-in-ten are at least somewhat confident that they will be able to meet their living expenses in the next few months.
6 Q. Next, here are some names of people and organizations active in public life. For each one, please indicate whether you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of that person or organization. 21%
17%
16%
14%
12%
13%
30%
31%
34%
43%
30%
39%
5%
10%
20%
18%
15%
18%
4%
5%
7%
7%
6%
41%
38%
26%
17%
37%
24%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Very Favorable Somewhat Favorable Somewhat Unfavorable Very Unfavorable Never Heard of/Heard of/No Opinion Total Favorable
Total
Unfavorable
51% 8%
48% 13%
50% 24%
58% 26%
42% 21%
52% 24%
The Desert Recreation District
Cathedral City city
government, overall
The Cathedral City City Council
Residents offer a two-to-one favorable to unfavorable opinion of City government and the City Council; favorable ratings are down slightly as more people are unable to offer a rating relative to 2023. (Ranked by 2026 Total Favorable Rating)
7 Q. Generally speaking, how would you rate Cathedral City as a place to live: is it an excellent place to live, a good place, just fair, or a poor place to live? 21%
51%
23%
4%
Excellent
Good
Just fair
Poor
2023
Total
Just Fair/
Poor
27%
Total
Excellent/
Good
72%
Three-quarters continue to consider Cathedral City
as an excellent or good place to live.
21%
55%
20%
4%
2026
Total
Just Fair/
Poor
24%
Total
Excellent/
Good
76%
8 Location; relaxed and quiet place to live; and the very positive regard for the community and its people are the most top of mind cited features for what they best like about living in Cathedral City. (Open-ended Grouped Responses; Multiple Responses Accepted) Q. What do you like best about living in Cathedral City? 21%
19%
15%
14%
8%
7%
7%
7%
6%
6%
6%
4%
3%
4%
1%
1%
1%
Convenient/close to work
Central/good location
Relaxed/quiet city/low traffic
Great community/people
Beautiful/clean city
Low crime/safe
Diversity/mixed culture
Affordability/low cost of living
Great weather/climate
Quality neighborhoods/gated communities
Access to recreational programs/activities/parks
Affordable housing
City continues to grow/improve
Others
Nothing/None
Don't know/Unsure
Refused/No comment
9 Infrastructure improvements, particularly roads; public safety, particularly crime; speeding/unsafe driving; homelessness; and cost of living are top of mind issues residents would like the City to do something about. (Open-ended Grouped Responses; Multiple Responses Accepted) Q. Next, what do you think is the most serious issue facing the residents of Cathedral City that you would like to see City government do something about? 34%
20%
13%
11%
10%
9%
5%
4%
2%
2%
9%
1%
3%
1%
Roads/infrastructure improvement
Public safety/crime
Speeding/traffic/car accidents
Homeless population
The economy/lack of opportunity
Cost of living/housing
ICE raids
High taxes
Illegal immigration
Cannabis/bad smell
Others
Nothing/None
Don't know/Unsure
Refused/No comment
10 Flooding of local streets, the condition of local streets, homelessness, cost of living and speeding and unsafe driving are considered to be at least very serious problems facing the City of Cathedral City.
Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample 37%
33%
27%
28%
24%
22%
23%
15%
15%
25%
22%
27%
24%
23%
22%
17%
25%
20%
25%
28%
33%
32%
24%
38%
27%
36%
28%
11%
17%
11%
14%
27%
17%
17%
18%
36%
16%
6%
^Flooding of local streets
^The condition of local streets and roads
^Homelessness
^The cost of living
Speeding and unsafe driving
The number of vacant storefronts
and buildings
A lack of good-paying jobs
^The condition of the local economy
Traffic congestion on local streets and roads
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
62%
54%
54%
52%
47%
43%
40%
40%
35%
(Ranked by Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
11 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample 16%
18%
15%
16%
13%
11%
11%
13%
11%
18%
14%
17%
15%
17%
18%
17%
15%
15%
30%
28%
43%
16%
31%
38%
27%
24%
29%
36%
15%
19%
51%
39%
32%
40%
30%
35%
25%
7%
5%
19%
10%
The visual appearance along major roads
A lack of access to jobs
Property crime, like burglaries and car thefts
^The frequent smell of cannabis
The visual appearance of commercial areas
Crime in general
^Lack of walkable neighborhoods
Lack of access to public transportation
^Decline in the number of tourists
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
33%
32%
32%
31%
30%
29%
28%
27%
26%
(Ranked by Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Continued
12 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample 12%
9%
8%
9%
6%
8%
6%
4%
4%
12%
16%
13%
11%
13%
9%
11%
12%
7%
30%
34%
35%
32%
19%
25%
17%
28%
21%
41%
30%
42%
39%
59%
53%
59%
48%
62%
5%
12%
9%
5%
7%
9%
5%
Not enough growth and development
^Lack of indoor community or recreational facilities
The visual appearance of neighborhoods
The lack of parks and recreation programs
Lack of entertainment and dining options
Lack of things to do at night
Lack of bike lanes
The condition of local parks
Too much growth and development
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
24%
24%
21%
20%
19%
17%
17%
15%
11%
(Ranked by Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Continued
13 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample 37%
20%
33%
27%
27%
36%
28%
27%
25%
27%
22%
32%
27%
31%
24%
26%
25%
26%
28%
23%
33%
24%
32%
27%
11%
25%
17%
18%
11%
8%
14%
19%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
62%
47%
54%
59%
54%
67%
52%
53%
(Ranked by 2026 Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Serious Problems 2023 and 2026
^Flooding of local streets
^The condition of local streets and roads
^Homelessness
^The cost of living
14 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. Split Sample 24%
25%
22%
22%
23%
16%
15%
20%
23%
31%
22%
31%
17%
24%
20%
21%
24%
23%
38%
27%
27%
30%
28%
33%
27%
19%
17%
16%
17%
17%
36%
25%
16%
13%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
47%
56%
43%
54%
40%
40%
35%
42%
(Ranked by 2026 Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Serious Problems 2023 and 2026; Continued
Speeding and unsafe driving
The number of vacant storefronts
and buildings
A lack of good-paying jobs
Traffic congestion on local streets
and roads
15 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample 16%
22%
15%
25%
11%
19%
11%
16%
18%
25%
17%
33%
18%
32%
17%
27%
30%
29%
43%
24%
38%
31%
27%
28%
36%
23%
19%
14%
32%
15%
40%
28%
7%
5%
5%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
33%
47%
32%
57%
29%
51%
28%
43%
(Ranked by 2026 Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Serious Problems 2023 and 2026; Continued
The visual appearance along major roads
Property crime, like burglaries
and car thefts
Crime in general
^Lack of walkable neighborhoods
16 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. Split Sample 13%
12%
8%
17%
9%
12%
6%
13%
15%
22%
13%
26%
11%
26%
13%
18%
24%
25%
35%
28%
32%
25%
19%
24%
30%
28%
42%
28%
39%
31%
59%
43%
19%
13%
9%
5%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
27%
35%
21%
43%
20%
39%
19%
30%
(Ranked by 2026 Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Serious Problems 2023 and 2026; Continued
Lack of access to public transportation
Lack of public transportation
The visual appearance of neighborhoods
The lack of parks and recreation programs
Lack of entertainment and dining options
17 Q. Next, please consider the following issues that some people suggest are problems facing Cathedral City. For each one, please indicate whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem for residents of Cathedral City. Split Sample 6%
17%
4%
12%
4%
8%
11%
21%
12%
21%
7%
19%
17%
27%
28%
25%
21%
21%
59%
26%
48%
33%
62%
49%
7%
9%
9%
9%
5%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
Extremely Serious Problem Very Serious Problem Somewhat Serious Problem Not Too Serious Problem Don’t Know Total
Extremely/Very
Serious Problem
17%
38%
15%
33%
11%
27%
(Ranked by 2026 Total Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Serious Problems 2023 and 2026; Continued
Lack of bike lanes
Lack of safe bike lanes
The condition of local parks
Too much growth and development
18 Importance and
Satisfaction Service Ratings
19 80%
78%
77%
73%
71%
69%
68%
66%
60%
58%
8%
12%
9%
13%
17%
14%
10%
18%
16%
18%
5%
6%
7%
5%
9%
7%
11%
9%
4%
4%
5%
5%
8%
7%
10%
9%
11%
12%
5%
5%
911 emergency response
Street and local road maintenance
Fire protection and paramedic services
*Storm drain maintenance
*Pick up of trash, bulky items, yard waste
and recyclables
Emergency preparedness
Police protection
Addressing homelessness
*Enforcement of City rules and regulations to keep
neighborhoods safe and quiet
Programs that protect the environment
6-7 (Very Important) 5 (Somewhat Important) 4 (Neutral) 1-3 (Not Too Important/Not at All Important) Don't Know Mean Score
6.4 6.3
6.2 6.1
6.0 6.0
5.8 5.9
5.6 5.6
Q. Next are some more questions about the services provided by Cathedral City’s city government. For each one of the following services mentioned, please indicate how important that service is to you personally. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT and seven means VERY IMPORTANT. *Split Sample 911 emergency response, street and local road maintenance, fire protection and paramedic services; and storm drain maintenance are among the services considered by a high percentage to be very important. (Ranked by 6-7 (Very Important) Service Rating)
20 58%
58%
58%
56%
53%
51%
50%
43%
39%
36%
13%
20%
17%
19%
23%
12%
24%
21%
18%
25%
6%
9%
13%
12%
12%
13%
11%
16%
19%
14%
21%
11%
11%
10%
12%
22%
12%
18%
20%
22%
4%
*Enforcing City rules and regulations requiring owners
to keep their properties well-maintained
*Traffic management
Communication with residents
Programs to retain, expand, and attract
local businesses
Sidewalk maintenance
*Graffiti removal
Park maintenance
Parks and recreation programs
*Cultural and performing arts programs
6-7 (Very Important) 5 (Somewhat Important) 4 (Neutral) 1-3 (Not Too Important/Not at All Important) Don't Know Mean Score
5.3 5.5
5.6 5.6
5.5 5.1
5.3 5.1
4.9 4.8
Q. Next are some more questions about the services provided by Cathedral City’s city government. For each one of the following services mentioned, please indicate how important that service is to you personally. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT and seven means VERY IMPORTANT. *Split Sample (Ranked by 6-7 (Very Important) Service Rating)
Continued
*Special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival,
concerts in the City’s amphitheater and
other community celebrations
21 Q. Next are some more questions about the services provided by Cathedral City’s city government. For each one of the following services mentioned, please indicate how important that service is to you personally. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT and seven means VERY IMPORTANT. *Split Sample: °2023 Wording Differs: ”Special events like holiday celebrations, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, and other community celebrations”
Service Total 6-7 (Very Important)
2023 2026 Difference
*Storm drain maintenance 59% 73% +14%
911 emergency response 71% 80% +9%
Street and local road maintenance 69% 78% +9%
Emergency preparedness 61% 69% +8%
*Enforcing City rules and regulations requiring owners to keep their properties well-maintained 52% 58% +6% Programs that protect the environment 53% 58% +5%
Fire protection and paramedic services 73% 77% +4%
*Pick up of trash, bulky items, yard waste and recyclables 67% 71% +4% *Traffic management 56% 58% +2%
Programs to retain, expand, and attract local businesses 54% 56% +2% Communication with residents 57% 58% +1%
Sidewalk maintenance 52% 53% +1%
Parks and recreation programs 44% 43% -1%
Police protection 69% 68% -1%
Addressing homelessness 67% 66% -1%
Park maintenance 51% 50% -1%
*Graffiti removal 55% 51% -4%
*Enforcement of City rules and regulations to keep neighborhoods safe and quiet 65% 60% -5% *Cultural and performing arts programs 42% 36% -6%
*°Special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival, concerts in the City’s amphitheater and other community celebrations 46% 39% -7%
Change in Very Importance Rating of City Services Between 2023 and 2026 (Ranked by Difference in 6-7 (Very Important) Service Rating) 22 58%
55%
49%
45%
42%
32%
28%
28%
27%
24%
15%
19%
19%
14%
20%
22%
20%
13%
30%
17%
11%
9%
7%
13%
16%
17%
15%
19%
15%
13%
11%
7%
8%
20%
12%
12%
31%
20%
11%
30%
4%
10%
18%
9%
10%
17%
6%
20%
17%
16%
*Pick up of trash, bulky items, yard waste
and recyclables
Fire protection and paramedic services
911 emergency response
Police protection
*Cultural and performing arts programs
Communication with residents
*Graffiti removal
Park maintenance
*Enforcing City rules and regulations requiring owners
to keep their properties well-maintained
6-7 (Very Satisfied) 5 (Somewhat Satisfied) 4 (Neutral) 1-3 (Not Too Satisfied/Not at All Satisfied) Don't Know Mean Score
5.5 5.6
5.6 5.0
5.2 5.0
4.3 4.5
4.9 4.0
Q. Next, here is each service again. This time, please indicate how satisfied you are with the job the City is doing in providing that service. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means you are NOT AT ALL SATISFIED with the service and seven means you are VERY SATISFIED with the service. *Split Sample Trash pick-up/recyclables; fire protection & paramedic services; 911 response; police protection; and special events are among the services which receive a high percentage who are very satisfied. (Ranked by 6-7 (Very Satisfied) Satisfaction Rating)
*Special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival,
concerts in the City’s amphitheater and
other community celebrations
23 24%
22%
22%
19%
16%
15%
12%
11%
9%
8%
24%
21%
19%
17%
18%
21%
19%
15%
15%
11%
18%
17%
15%
19%
21%
23%
16%
20%
14%
20%
16%
29%
19%
37%
16%
34%
52%
23%
50%
49%
19%
10%
26%
8%
30%
6%
31%
13%
12%
Parks and recreation programs
Sidewalk maintenance
Emergency preparedness
*Enforcement of City rules and regulations to keep
neighborhoods safe and quiet
Programs that protect the environment
*Traffic management
Street and local road maintenance
Programs to retain, expand, and attract
local businesses
*Storm drain maintenance
Addressing homelessness
6-7 (Very Satisfied) 5 (Somewhat Satisfied) 4 (Neutral) 1-3 (Not Too Satisfied/Not at All Satisfied) Don't Know Mean Score
4.6 4.2
4.5 3.8
4.3 3.8
3.4 3.9
3.2 3.1
Q. Next, here is each service again. This time, please indicate how satisfied you are with the job the City is doing in providing that service. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means you are NOT AT ALL SATISFIED with the service and seven means you are VERY SATISFIED with the service. *Split Sample (Ranked by 6-7 (Very Satisfied) Satisfaction Rating)
Continued
24 Q. Next, here is each service again. This time, please indicate how satisfied you are with the job the City is doing in providing that service. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means you are NOT AT ALL SATISFIED with the service and seven means you are VERY SATISFIED with the service. *Split Sample: °2023 Wording Differs: ”Special events like holiday celebrations, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, and other community celebrations”
Service Total 6-7 (Very Satisfied)
2023 2026 Difference
*Pick up of trash, bulky items, yard waste and recyclables 45% 58% +13% Fire protection and paramedic services 50% 55% +5%
*Cultural and performing arts programs 27% 32% +5%
911 emergency response 45% 49% +4%
Police protection 43% 45% +2%
*Graffiti removal 27% 28% +1%
*Enforcing City rules and regulations requiring owners to keep their properties well-maintained 25% 24% -1% Communication with residents 29% 28% -1%
*°Special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival, concerts in the City’s amphitheater and other community celebrations 47% 42% -5%
Park maintenance 33% 27% -6%
Parks and recreation programs 30% 24% -6%
Sidewalk maintenance 28% 22% -6%
Emergency preparedness 28% 22% -6%
Programs to retain, expand, and attract local businesses 20% 11% -9% Addressing homelessness 20% 8% -12%
*Enforcement of City rules and regulations to keep neighborhoods safe and quiet 33% 19% -14% *Traffic management 29% 15% -14%
Street and local road maintenance 26% 12% -14%
Programs that protect the environment 30% 16% -14%
*Storm drain maintenance 29% 9% -20%
Change in Very Satisfied Rating of City Services Between 2023 and 2026 (Ranked by Difference in 6-7 (Very Satisfied) Satisfaction Rating) 25 Comparison of Importance of and
Satisfaction With Services/Features
Q. Next are some more questions about the services provided by Cathedral City’s city government. For each one of the following services mentioned, please indicate how important that service is to you personally. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT and seven means VERY IMPORTANT. *Split Sample Q. Next, here is each service again. This time, please indicate how satisfied you are with the job the City is doing in providing that service. We will use a scale of one to seven, where one means you are NOT AT ALL SATISFIED with the service and seven means you are VERY SATISFIED with the service. *Split Sample A
BC
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N O
P
Q
R
S
T
3.0 4.4
5.7 4.7 5.6 6.4
Satisfaction Rating
Importance Rating
A. Police protection
B. 911 emergency response
C. Fire protection and paramedic services
D. Street and local road maintenance
E. Sidewalk maintenance
F. Park maintenance
G. Programs to retain, expand, and attract local businesses H. Emergency preparedness
I. Addressing homelessness
J. Communication with residents
K. Parks and recreation programs
L. Programs that protect the environment
M.
*Special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival,
concerts in the City’s amphitheater and
other community celebrations
N. *Traffic management
O. *Enforcement of City rules and regulations to keep
neighborhoods safe and quiet
P. *Storm drain maintenance
Q. *Cultural and performing arts programs
R. *Pick up of trash, bulky items, yard waste and recyclables S. *Enforcing City rules and regulations requiring owners to keep their properties well-maintained
T. *Graffiti removal
(Based on Average Mean Score for Satisfaction and Importance)
LOW HIGH
HIGHLOW
26 Idea Priorities
27 55%
49%
44%
42%
42%
34%
28%
24%
36%
35%
6%
16%
18%
12%
13%
6%
6%
9%
4%
9%
6%
Improving equipment and technology so the City can
respond during emergencies and natural disasters
^Increasing active enforcement of city codes that
keep streets and neighborhoods clean and
looking good
Replacing and upgrading Fire Department trucks
and equipment
Engaging and maintaining police community
partnerships such as Neighborhood Watch and
Citizens on Patrol
Expanding services and programs for
small businesses
High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Not a Priority Don’t Know Total High/
Medium
Priority
89%
76%
68%
77%
77%
Improving equipment/technology so the City can respond during emergencies/ natural disasters; increasing active enforcement of City codes that keep streets/neighborhoods clean/looking good; and replacing/upgrading fire department trucks and equipment are among the ideas considered to be a high priority.
Q. This next question is about some new ideas that could be considered for some of the City government’s long-term plans. These are ideas that are not part of the City’s planning, but could be worked on over the next few years. Keeping in mind that not every idea can be a high priority, for each one, please indicate how much of a priority that idea is to you personally: a high priority, medium priority, low priority, or not a priority at all. ^Not Part of Split Sample
(Ranked by High Priority Ideas)
28 42%
40%
35%
33%
31%
29%
18%
7%
23%
40%
31%
33%
39%
31%
44%
19%
24%
7%
27%
24%
26%
30%
22%
29%
11%
6%
8%
4%
7%
14%
44%
10%Increasing Gang Unit staffing
Expanding economic development in support of
existing and new businesses
^Beautifying Date Palm Drive
^Beautifying Ramon Road
Beautifying downtown Cathedral City
Expanding historic preservation efforts to recognize
historic sites within the City
Beautifying East Palm Canyon
Replacing City-owned cars and trucks with
electric vehicles
High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Not a Priority Don’t Know Total High/
Medium
Priority
65%
80%
66%
66%
70%
60%
62%
26%
Q. This next question is about some new ideas that could be considered for some of the City government’s long-term plans. These are ideas that are not part of the City’s planning, but could be worked on over the next few years. Keeping in mind that not every idea can be a high priority, for each one, please indicate how much of a priority that idea is to you personally: a high priority, medium priority, low priority, or not a priority at all. ^Not Part of Split Sample
(Ranked by High Priority Ideas)
Continued
29 High Priority Ideas 2023 and 2026
Q. This next question is about some new ideas that could be considered for some of the City government’s long-term plans. These are ideas that are not part of the City’s planning, but could be worked on over the next few years. Keeping in mind that not every idea can be a high priority, for each one, please indicate how much of a priority that idea is to you personally: a high priority, medium priority, low priority, or not a priority at all. Split Sample
(Ranked by 2026 High Priority Ideas)
55%
51%
44%
33%
42%
45%
42%
45%
7%
18%
34%
34%
24%
42%
36%
37%
23%
32%
19%
36%
6%
10%
18%
15%
12%
12%
24%
16%
29%
25%
6%
5%
9%
5%
4%
44%
19%
9%
5%
10%
4%
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
2026
2023
High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Not a Priority Don’t Know Total High/
Medium
Priority
89%
85%
68%
75%
77%
82%
65%
77%
26%
54%
Improving equipment and technology so the
City can respond during emergencies and
natural disasters
Replacing and upgrading Fire Department trucks
and equipment
Engaging and maintaining police community
partnerships such as Neighborhood Watch and
Citizens on Patrol
Increasing Gang Unit staffing
Replacing City-owned cars and trucks with
electric vehicles
30 Housing Needs Assessments
31 57%
52%
52%
51%
51%
42%
39%
36%
35%
23%
21%
15%
18%
14%
35%
27%
41%
40%
4%
4%
5%
11%
4%
9%
17%
23%
29%
26%
23%
19%
31%
22%
16%
Availability of affordable housing
Availability of rental housing at various price points
Availability of apartment, condominium and/or townhouse buildings that include some affordable housing
Availability of affordable rental housing
Availability of housing that is affordable for low-income and middle-income residents
^Availability of single-family housing
Availability of housing units downtown near City Hall and Mary Pickford Theater
Availability of housing in or near commercial uses such as stores or restaurants
Availability of condominium and townhouse buildings
Not Enough Just Right Too Many Don’t Know
Q. Switching topics, here is a list of types of housing options. For each one, please indicate if you feel there are not enough of these places, too many, or just the right amount in the City of Cathedral City. ^Not Part of Split Sample
(Ranked by Not Enough)
At least one-in-two perceive that the City lacks availability of affordable housing; rental housing at various price points; and apartments, condominiums and/or townhouse buildings that include some affordable housing. 32 Information Sources
33 Q. Next, is a list of sources from which people get information about programs, events and issues in Cathedral City. For each, please indicate how often you use it to get information about such issues: frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never. ^Not Part of Split Sample 28%
24%
20%
9%
15%
15%
15%
39%
37%
34%
35%
27%
25%
22%
13%
16%
15%
25%
17%
17%
12%
15%
19%
27%
28%
36%
39%
47%
5%
5%
4%
5%
5%
Local TV news
City mailers sent to your home
The quarterly activity guide sent by the
Desert Recreation District
^The City’s website
The Desert Sun newspaper, online and/or in print
Local radio stations
^The Nextdoor website or app
Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Don’t Know
Total
Frequently/
Occasionally
67%
62%
53%
44%
42%
39%
38%
Local TV news, city mailers, and the Desert Recreation District quarterly activity guide are the most frequently used sources of information about Cathedral City programs, events and issues. (Ranked by Total Frequently/Occasionally)
34 Q. Next, is a list of sources from which people get information about programs, events and issues in Cathedral City. For each, please indicate how often you use it to get information about such issues: frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never. ^Not Part of Split Sample 10%
7%
5%
5%
4%
17%
18%
17%
18%
5%
8%
5%
15%
18%
16%
14%
11%
12%
4%
7%
50%
52%
58%
62%
72%
69%
77%
77%
8%
5%
7%
9%
13%
10%
^The City’s weekly email newsletter
The Discover Cathedral City website
^The City’s official Facebook page
A Cathedral City City Council meeting, in-person or
streaming online
The City’s official Instagram account
Cathedral City’s YouTube channel
^El Informador Del Valle newspaper
The City’s official TikTok account
Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Don’t Know
Total
Frequently/
Occasionally
27%
25%
22%
21%
10%
10%
6%
6%
Continued
(Ranked by Total Frequently/Occasionally)
35 Conclusions
36 Conclusions
Context:
• By more than two-to-one, residents think things in Cathedral City are headed in the right direction.
• By a two-to-one ratio, residents have a favorable to unfavorable opinion of the City government and City Council, favorability is slightly down from 2023.
• Three-in-four rate Cathedral City as an excellent or good place to live, slightly up from 2026 – led by convenient location, quiet and relaxed, and a sense of community pride.
37 Conclusions
Concerns:
• Top of mind concerns include needed road and infrastructure improvements; public safety, especially crime; economy and cost of living; speeding and unsafe driving; and homelessness.
• Leading concerns from a list provided Include:
Local roads flooding
Condition of streets
Homelessness
Cost of living
38 Conclusions; Continued
Services/Programs:
• There is a broad sense that the services offered by the City are considered important, such as public safety, street and storm drain maintenance, trash and recycling pick up.
• Majorities are very satisfied with trash and recycling pick up, as well as fire services; and pluralities are very satisfied with 911 emergency, police protection, and special events.
• Approximately one-in-two are dissatisfied with street and storm drain maintenance, and the City’s efforts in addressing homelessness. 39 Conclusions; Continued
Strategic Plans/Ideas:
• Of the ideas tested for future strategic planning, many are considered high priorities. The top priorities are:
Improving equipment to respond during emergencies and natural disasters Enforcing city codes to keep streets and neighborhoods clean Replacing and upgrading fire department trucks/equipment Ensuring and maintaining community partnerships with Neighborhood Watch and Citizens on Patrol
Expanding services and programs for small businesses
40 Conclusions; Continued
Housing Type Needs Assessment:
• A majority indicate there are not enough different types of affordable housing including apartments, condos and/or townhouses. • A majority also suggest that there is a need for more rental housing at various price points, include affordable rental housing.
Sources of Information:
• A variety of information sources are commonly used, including local TV news, City mailers, and the Desert Recreation District quarterly activity guide.
Richard Bernard, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Adam Sonenshein
[email protected]