Agenda — Richmond City Council, October 1, 2024 (part 2 of 6)

October 1, 2024

Department

DATE: October 1, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:

LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager – Community
Services
Patrick Seals, Administrative Chief

Subject:

2023 Richmond Community Survey Results
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The $31,525 expenditure was included in the approved fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the City Manager’s Office (01131013-400201). There is no fiscal impact to
receiving this report in FY 2024-25.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:

December 12, 2022

STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:

The City of Richmond recently distributed its ninth
community survey through the Polco/National Research
Center's Citizen Survey program. City staff will present the 2023 survey results, as well as compare key findings to the City’s prior survey results.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

RECEIVE a report on the City of Richmond's 2023
Community Survey results – City Manager’s Office
(Patrick Seals 510- 307-8016/LaShonda White 510-620-
6828).

AGENDA
REPORT
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DISCUSSION:

The City of Richmond has enrolled in the Polco/National Research Center’s (NRC) National Citizen Survey (NCS) biennially since 2007. The NCS is a collaborative effort between the NRC, a public research firm focused on public sector information needs, and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). NRC has a benchmark database that holds hundreds of thousands of resident opinions – making it the largest of its kind in the United States. A few years ago, NRC merged with Polco, an online community engagement polling platform, to give public sector organizations the data they need to make more informed decisions.

The methodology used by the NRC, which is described in detail starting on page 3 in the “Methods” section of the 2023 Richmond Community Survey Report of Results (Report) allows for the survey results to be scientifically valid and representative of the City of Richmond (Attachment 1). Per NRC, the most common measure of statistical validity is a margin of error, which is used to create confidence intervals. These are invoked when you survey with a random sample of residents, which was used for Phase I of Richmond’s Community Survey. There are two key parts to this: the margin of error and the level of confidence.
 The margin of error is dependent on the number of responses you get to your survey; as the number of respondents increases, the margin of error goes down.  The level of confidence indicates how confident you are that the true rating if the whole population were surveyed, would be within your margin of error.

Results from Richmond’s Community Surveys can:
 Assess the quality of community life and services provided to residents;  Track residents’ perceptions of service quality, community amenities, and public safety over time;
 Help make informed decisions about how to allocate resources;  Assess support for local policies;
 Gather information on residents’ use of services; and  Compare results from previous years to measure changes over time.

The results from surveys conducted between 2007 and 2023 can be found on the City’s website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1871/Community-Surveys.

This staff report highlights some of the information found in the Survey Report. The report is also provided online via Tableau and the link is included on the City’s survey website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4718/2023-Community-Survey. 2023 Survey Instrument
The City of Richmond recently distributed its ninth community survey through the NRC Survey program. With survey results every two years, City staff hopes results will help identify resident priorities and concerns, while also providing comparisons to national 189

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benchmarks. Understanding this context is important as City staff review, analyze, and discuss the 2023 Richmond Community Survey results.

The 2023 Community Survey consisted of three types of questions: (1) questions that are standard across all NRC surveys (allows for comparisons between jurisdictions that use NRC’s survey tool), (2) demographic-related questions, and (3) unique policy questions developed by the City of Richmond. The survey instrument starts on page 158 the Report (Attachment 1). The 2023 survey instrument closely resembled the past surveys in format and content which enabled NRC to compare survey results from multiple years. In 2020, NRC refreshed the NCS survey template; however, overall, most of Richmond’s trends will be preserved as the vast majority of survey questions have remained. Some questions have been rearranged/restructured in the new survey instrument. NRC removed items that often did not produce helpful or actionable data which allowed room (both literally and figuratively) for new, more relevant questions on the survey. For example, NRC removed some of the participation-type questions (e.g., conserving water) to enable them to add more questions related to public trust, equity and inclusion, and community livability. They also increased the font size to make the survey more readable, especially for our aging population.

Random Sample Survey – Phase I (Scientifically Valid Survey) NRC mailed surveys to 4,500 randomly selected and geographically dispersed Richmond households. Each household received three mailings (1 initial postcard and 2 letters from the City Manager which included the survey with self-addressed and postage-paid envelopes). These methods provided a reminder for residents and gave them more than one chance to participate in the survey. Approximately 2 percent of the 4,500 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant, or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey. Of the remaining 4,407 households that received the invitations to participate, 430 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 10 percent.

When reading the survey reports, it is important to understand the concept of “margin of error.” The margin of error is a measure of the precision of the results. A larger number of completed surveys yields a smaller (more precise) margin of error, while a smaller number of surveys yields a larger margin of error.

With previous surveys, certain demographic groups, such as renters, low-income residents, young people, people of color, and those who speak English as a second language, are less likely than their counterparts to respond to surveys. To address these issues and provide more opportunities for participation in these neighborhoods, City staff asked NRC to oversample households in mainly central and south Richmond.

While our attempt to increase response rates in some of our neighborhoods that have historically not responded well to the Community Survey was laudable, it was not as successful as staff would have hoped for. In addition, the lower-than-expected level of digital engagement from residents also resulted in a response rate this year that was lower than in previous years. While we still received enough returned surveys to achieve statistical validity, going forward, Polco/NRC will recommend that Richmond 190

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send out paper surveys to all households in future years to increase the response rate and help close the “digital divide” for less digitally connected households.

Survey results were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents was representative of the demographic profile of adults in Richmond. The results for this portion of the Survey are included in the first 75 pages of the report (Attachment 1).

Open Participation Survey – Phase ll (Available to ALL Richmond Residents) In addition to the random, mail-in survey (random sample survey), the City also provided an opportunity for ALL Richmond residents to participate in an “open participation” survey via an identical, opt-in, online survey (web survey). The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on September 25, 2023. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two small updates; it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and a question about where they heard about the survey. The survey remained open for fourteen weeks and there were 430 responses. Results from the open participation survey data begin on page 102 of the Survey report (Attachment 1).

The open participation survey data were not collected through a random sample and therefore, a level of confidence in the representativeness of the sample cannot be estimated. However, to reduce bias where possible, these data were statistically weighted to match the demographic characteristics of the 2010 Census and 2017 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Richmond.

Survey Outreach
To receive the maximum amount of participation from those selected to complete the survey and those who self-selected to complete the survey, the survey was available in English and Spanish.

The City Manager’s Office led community outreach efforts to ensure that as many residents as possible received information about and completed the 2023 Community Survey. Staff ensured that a wide variety of avenues were exhausted and as many stakeholders were engaged to reach as many Richmond residents as possible.

Between July and October 2023, City staff engaged with various stakeholders to gain support in disseminating information about the community survey through the means listed below. Community outreach efforts include, but are not limited to the following:

Digital Outreach:
 City of Richmond email distribution lists
 Community-based Organizations
 Neighborhood Council Listserv
 Boards and Commissions
 Business Association Leaders
 City Manager’s Weekly Report
 KCRT
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 City Website
 City Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, Twitter/X) Hardcopy Distribution (Flyers/Notices):
 City Hall Postings
 Community Centers
 Fire Stations
 Non-Profit Partners
 Local Events
In addition, City staff helped residents over the phone with verbal instructions and additional assistance in both accessing and filling out the survey. Upon the resident's request, staff also mailed out hard copies of the survey.

Understanding the Survey Results
There is an immense amount of information that is included in the survey reports. Any survey question can be analyzed alone but could also be disaggregated by a number of demographic markers or by neighborhood groupings. The results can be looked at just for 2023 or they can be compared to Richmond’s past survey results and/or to other jurisdictions that have participated in NRC’s survey. This agenda report provides a limited analysis of the vast results and highlights some of the findings that staff believes is noteworthy.

Polo/NRC 2023 Survey Results Key Findings
Safety is a focus area for Richmond.

The quality of life experienced in Richmond is likely linked to an overall sense of safety.

About three-quarters of respondents indicated that they plan to live in Richmond for the next five years, while roughly 6 in 10 reported that they would recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks. About 7 in 10 residents reported feeling safe in their neighborhood during the day. However, only 4 in 10 participants felt safe in Richmond’s downtown/commercial area during the day. The community overwhelmingly prioritized reducing crime and disorder as their top concern, with 94 percent considering it essential.

Ratings for public trust are on the rise.

Compared to 2021, several governance items received more favorable reviews in 2023.

About 4 in 10 respondents positively reviewed the City of Richmond treating residents with respect, up from 3 in 10 in the last survey iteration. Additionally, roughly 3 in 10 gave high marks to the Richmond government for treating all residents fairly, being open and transparent to the public, and welcoming resident involvement, which significantly increased since 2021.

Economy is also an area of opportunity for the City.

Residents offered high ratings of importance (89% essential or very important) and relatively low ratings of quality (16% excellent or good) to the overall economic health, 192

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suggesting that the economy is a priority and an opportunity for growth for the community. The City received more favorable marks this year for economic development (21% excellent or good) and Richmond as a place to work (34%).

Trends
NRC provides results from all surveys since 2007 and highlights differences (lower, similar, or higher) in survey results between 2021 and 2023. While it is important to see changes in results from the 2021 survey to the 2023 survey, we should also look at how the City of Richmond’s results have changed from when the 1st survey was conducted in 2007. The data contain the trends over time for the City of Richmond. The tables and charts below highlight a few of the survey results that exemplify the above-mentioned trends.

Increase in ratings between 2007 and 2023:

The percentage of residents who rated the community characteristics listed below in a positive way increased between 2007 to 2023, although we saw a decline in a few areas between 2019 (or earlier) and 2023.

Table: Community Characteristics Comparison (2007 – 2023) Community
Characteristics
(rating service as
either “good” or
“excellent”
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of life 17% 18% 21% 30% 31% 3% 38% 32% 40% Overall image 4% 6% 6% 6% 8% 14% 13% 9% 9%
Place to live 20% 25% 32% 36% 41% 47% 47% 39% 47%
Neighborhood 50% 50% 59% 53% 57% 62% 65% 61% 65%
Place to raise
children 9% 12% 13% 14% 19% 24% 26% 26% 24%
Place to retire 15% 18% 17% 27% 28% 32% 31% 24% 29%
Overall appearance 8% 14% 18% 18% 17% 15% 17% 12% 14%
In 2007, 20 percent of residents gave a positive rating to “Richmond as a place to live,” which is in comparison to a 47 percent rating received in 2023 (table and chart below).

The rating for the “Remaining in Richmond for the Next 5 Years” increased between 2015 and 2023 from 66 percent to 76 percent respectively (chart below). These positive 193

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changes can be attributable, in part, to the hard work and dedication of the Richmond City Council, staff, and the community in working together to improve and create programs, policies, and spaces that have a positive impact on how residents feel about where they live, work, and play.

Additional data points regarding safety reflect longitudinal growth across several other metrics. More specifically, the rating for “Your neighborhood as a place to live” has shown an upward trend of approximately 15 percentage points from 2007 at 50 percent to 2023 at 65 percent. Also, the feeling of safety rating in “Richmond’s downtown/commercial area during the day” has shown marked growth from 25 percent to 43 percent from 2007 to 2023, respectively.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Percent rate excellent or good
Survey Year
Richmond as a place to live
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Percentage rate excellent or good
Survey Year
Remaining in Richmond for the next
5 years
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Percent rate excellent or good
Survey Year
Your neighborhood as a place to
live
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Percent rate excellent or good
Suvey Year
Feel safe in Richmond's
downtown/commercial area during
the day
194

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Furthermore, the environmental ratings, such as “Availability of affordable health care” have shown upward trends from 2007 to the present. The ratings for those surveyed showed an improvement in “Availability of Health Care” which showed a 10 percent jump from 25 percent to 35 percent. Again, this growth identifies laudable metrics and indicates the impact that effective partnerships and efforts produce among Richmond residents.

Top Issues to Address in the Next Two Years
In a policy question created by City staff, residents were asked how important specific issues are for the City to address within the next two (2) years. The majority of the options provided in this question have remained constant since the 2011 survey.

However, staff does add new issues to the list based on topics being discussed by City Council, staff, and/or residents. The list below shows the top areas that residents stated were either “essential” or “very important” for the city to address.

Top Issues 2023
Improving the financial stability of the City 89
Reducing crime and disorder 88
Improving environmental quality 86
Improving street paving conditions 82
Addressing blighted properties 82
Providing quality affordable housing 80
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Percent rate excellent or good
Survey Year
Availability of affordable health
care
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Reducing crime remains one of the top issues for Richmond residents, with improving the City’s financial stability receiving one additional percentage point. Crime reduction strategies are not solely the responsibility of the Richmond Police Department. City staff believes that the collective effort between several City departments - Police, Fire, Community Services (Library, Recreation and Employment and Training), and Office of Neighborhood Safety - play a role in reducing crime and improving public safety. The lowest priorities in 2023 were upgrading existing and developing more athletic fields (53%), expanding community wi-fi (51%), and preserving historic buildings (42%).

Additional Analysis
The 2023 survey results can be further analyzed by disaggregating the data based on demographic and geographic markers and comparing Richmond’s results to other jurisdictions.

Demographic and Geographic Comparisons: For responses based on demographic and geographic subgroups, the margin of error increases because the sample size for the subgroup is smaller. It is harder to extrapolate the survey responses from residents from any given neighborhood to the larger Richmond community due to the large and varying margin of errors for each neighborhood.

However, the staff believes that the findings are still interesting and informative and can provide a starting point for future discussions about resident perceptions.

Benchmark Comparisons: While City staff find the most value in analyzing changes in Richmond’s survey results from year to year, Polco/NRC provides results from other jurisdictions that have also participated in the National Citizen Survey. The City of Richmond’s ratings are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Richmond residents is statistically like or different than the benchmark. Analyzing national benchmark results might provide the City with opportunities to discuss promising practices, programs, and policies with other jurisdictions that have received higher and more favorable ratings from its residents in specific areas.

Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps
The 2023 community survey results contain an immense amount of information that should be explored. Additional analysis can and should be done with the results presented in these reports. To help maximize the use of the survey results, the following next steps can be taken:
 Post survey results, reports, and presentations on the City’s website so that they are readily accessible
 Include specific survey results in annual department performance measures and the City’s Strategic Goals and Objectives
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 Make presentations to senior staff, city departments, neighborhood councils, and outside organizations to discuss results, ways to increase results in 2023, partnerships, etc.
 Include relevant results in the City’s Health in all Policies reports, Racial Equity Action Plan, and Department of Children and Youth Community Needs Assessment reports.
 Conduct further analysis based on geographic and demographic information to help gain a better understanding of how differing populations in Richmond rate City services or answered specific survey questions. This information might help target resources, programming, policies, and information so that the distribution of limited resources is done equitably.
 Research the option to have staff from the National Research Center make a presentation to City Council and/or host a special meeting with City staff and other appropriate stakeholders to delve deeper into the 2023 survey results. This option would be at an added cost to the City but could provide elected officials and others with an opportunity to meet with an NRC representative to facilitate this interactive workshop, delve deeper into how the City of Richmond can use our survey data, and help develop strategy and offer recommendations.

Based on the NRC’s new relationship with Polco, the City has unlimited access to posting questions on the Polco platform as part of the new pricing structure so staff will be able to provide survey results on specific and relevant questions to Council.

Richmond has made many significant changes in policies and programs that have positively impacted the lives of Richmond residents. The City should celebrate its accomplishments, while at the same time continuing to work with residents, community- based organizations, and other agencies to change or create services and systems to better meet the needs of Richmond residents.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 – 2023 Richmond Community Survey Report of Results

197
Richmond, CA
The National Community Survey
Report of Results
2023
Report by:

Visit us online!
www.polco.us
198
About The NCS™
The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the “livability” of Richmond. A livable community is a place that is not simply habitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, but where they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts from National Research Center at Polco.

Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector, community-based organizations and residents, all geographically connected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten central facets of a community:
•Economy
•Mobility
•Community Design
•Utilities
•Safety
•Natural Environment
•Parks and Recreation
•Health and Wellness
•Education, Arts, and Culture
•Inclusivity and Engagement
Howtheresultsarereported
Forthemostpart,thepercentagespresentedinthefollowingtabsrepresentthe“percentpositive.”Mostcommonly, thepercentpositiveisthecombinationofthetoptwomostpositiveresponseoptions(i.e.,excellent/good,very safe/somewhatsafe,etc.).Onmanyofthequestionsinthesurveyrespondentsmayanswer“don’tknow.”The proportionofrespondentsgivingthisreplyisshowninthefullsetofresponsesincludedinthetab“Completedata.” However,theseresponseshavebeenremovedfromtheanalysespresentedinmostofthetabs.Inotherwords,the tablesandgraphsdisplaytheresponsesfromrespondentswhohadanopinionaboutaspecificitem.

Comparisonstobenchmarks
NRC’sdatabaseofcomparativeresidentopinioniscomprisedofresidentperspectivesgatheredinsurveysfrom over500communitieswhoseresidentsevaluatedthesamekindsoftopicsonTheNationalCommunitySurvey.

Thecomparisonevaluationsarefromthemostrecentsurveycompletedineachcommunityinthelastfiveyears.

NRCaddsthelatestresultsquicklyuponsurveycompletion,keepingthebenchmarkdatafreshandrelevant.The communitiesinthedatabaserepresentawidegeographicandpopulationrange.Ineachtab,Richmond'sresults arenotedasbeing“higher”thanthebenchmark,“lower”thanthebenchmark,or“similar”tothebenchmark, meaningthattheaverageratinggivenbyRichmondresidentsisstatisticallysimilartoordifferent(greaterorlesser) thanthebenchmark.Beingratedas“higher”or“lower”thanthebenchmarkmeansthatRichmond'saveragerating foraparticularitemwasmorethan10pointsdifferentthanthebenchmark.Ifaratingwas“muchhigher”or“much lower,”thenRichmond'saverageratingwasmorethan20pointsdifferentwhencomparedtothebenchmark.

ThesurveywasadministeredaftertheCOVID-19pandemic,atimeofchallengeformanylocalgovernments.While weprovidecomparisonstonationalbenchmarks,itisimportanttonotethatmuchofthebenchmarkdatawas collectedpriortoorduringthepandemic.ThismayimpacthowyourCity's2023ratingscomparetoother communities’ratingsfromthepastfiveyears.

Trendsovertime
TrenddataforRichmondrepresentimportantcomparisondataandshouldbeexaminedforimprovementsor declines.¹Deviationsfromstabletrendsovertimerepresentopportunitiesforunderstandinghowlocalpolicies, programs,orpublicinformationmayhaveaffectedresidents'opinions.Changesbetweensurveyyearshavebeen notedwithanarrowandthepercentdifference.Ifthedifferenceisgreaterthansevenpercentagepointsbetween the2021and2023surveys,thechangeisstatisticallysignificant.

1.In2020,TheNCSsurveywasupdatedtoincludenewandrefresheditems.Consequently,someofthetrendsmaybeimpactedduetowording modificationsthatcouldhavepotentiallyalteredthemeaningoftheitemfortherespondent.

Greatcommunities are partnerships ofthe government,private sector,community-based organizations and residents,all
geographically connected.The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten central facets ofa community:
• Economy
• Mobility
• Community Design
• Utilities
• Safety
• Natural Environment
• Parks and Recreation
• Health and Wellness
• Education,Arts,and Culture
• Inclusivity and Engagement
How the results are reported
For the most part, the percentages presented in the following tabs represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data.” However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in most of the tabs. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item.

Comparisons to benchmarks
NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 500 communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey.

The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years.

NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic and population range. In each tab, Richmond's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Richmond residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Richmond's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much lower,” then Richmond's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark.

The survey was administered after the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of challenge for many local governments. While we provide comparisons to national benchmarks, it is important to note that much of the benchmark data was collected prior to or during the pandemic. This may impact how your City's 2023 ratings compare to other communities’ ratings from the past five years.

Trends over time
Trend data for Richmond represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines.¹ Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the percent difference. If the difference is greater than seven percentage points between the 2021 and 2023 surveys, the change is statistically significant.

1.In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent.

The reportprovides the opinions ofa representative sample of430 residents ofthe City ofRichmond collected from August28th,2023 to October16th,2023.The margin oferroraround any reported percentage is 5% forall respondents and the response rate forthe 2023 survey was 10%.Survey results were weighted so thatthe demographic profile ofrespondents was representative ofthe demographic profile ofadults in Richmond. 2 200
Conducting the survey
The 4,500 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on August 28th, 2023 and data collection for the survey remained open for seven weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a cover letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. The final mailing was a reiminder postcard inviting the household one final time to participate in the survey. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online, as well as QR codes to further encourage participation. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the survey to do so, and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.

About 2% of the 4,500 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 4,407 households that received the invitations to participate, 430 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 10%. The response rate was calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #2 for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.² It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinions are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Richmond survey is no greater than plus or minus five percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (430 completed surveys).

In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open-participation survey was publicized by the City of Richmond. The open-participation survey was identical to the random sample survey, with two small updates; it asked a question to confirm the respondent was a resident of Richmond and also a question about where they heard about the survey. The open-participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on September 25th, 2023 The survey remained open for nearly 14 weeks. The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participation survey data, but a tab at the end provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open-participation respondents.

ThesurveydatasetswereanalyzedusingallorsomeofacombinationoftheStatisticalPackagefortheSocial Sciences(SPSS),R,PythonandTableau.Forthemostpart,thepercentagespresentedinthereportsrepresent the“percentpositive.”Thepercentpositiveisthecombinationofthetoptwomostpositiveresponseoptions(i.e., excellent/good,verysafe/somewhatsafe,essential/veryimportant,etc.),or,inthecaseofresident behaviors/participation,thepercentpositiverepresentstheproportionofrespondentsindicating“yes”or participatinginanactivityatleastonceamonth.

Onmanyofthequestionsinthesurveyrespondentsmayanswer“don’tknow.”Theproportionofrespondents givingthisreplyisshowninthefullsetofresponsesincludedinthetab“Completedata”.However,these responseshavebeenremovedfromtheanalysespresentedinthereports.Inotherwords,thetablesandgraphs displaytheresponsesfromrespondentswhohadanopinionaboutaspecificitem.

Contact
TheCityofRichmondfundedthisresearch.PleasecontacttheCityofRichmondifyouhaveanyquestionsabout thesurvey.

StudyLimitations
Allpublicopinionresearchissubjecttounmeasurederror.Whilethemethodologiesemployedforthissurveywere designedtominimizethiserrorasmuchaspossible,theseothersourcesofpotentialerrorshouldbe acknowledged,andcanincludenon-responseerror,coverageerror,recallbiasandsocialdesirabilitybias.

Non-responseerrorariseswhenthosewhowereselectedtoparticipateinthesurveydidnotdoso,andmayhave differentopinionsorexperiencesthatsurveyresponders.Forgeneralresidentsurveys,wheretheresultsaremeant tobegeneralizedtotheentireadultpopulationlivinginhouseholds,themailinglistsbasedontheDelivery SequenceFilefromtheUnitedStatesPostOfficemayexcludecertaintypesofhousingunits,suchasthosein multi-familybuildingswheremailisaddressedtoanamedresidentattheaddressratherthantoaspecificunitor whereresidentsonlyreceivetheirmailatapostofficeboxandthegeographiclocationofaresidencecannotbe determined,theremaybeacoverageerror,althoughformostlocations,thisisminimal.Respondentsmaynot perfectlyremembertheirexperiencesinthepastyear(suchasparticipationinsocialorcivicevents),andforsome surveyitemstheymayanswerinwaystheythinkcasttheirresponsesinamorefavorablelight(recallbiasand socialdesirabilitybias).

SurveyValidity
SeethePolcoKnowledgeBasearticleonsurveyvalidityat https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali..

Unweighted Weighted Target⁴
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Area District1
District2
District3
District4
District5
District6
Hispanic
origin
No,notofHispanic,Latino/a/x,orSpanishor..

Yes,IconsidermyselftobeofHispanic,Lati..

Housing
tenure
Own
Rent
Housingtype Attached
Detached
Race&
Hispanic
origin
Notwhitealone
Whitealone,notHispanicorLatino
Sex Man
Woman
Sex/age
Man18-34
Man35-54
Man55+
Woman18-34
Woman35-54
Woman55+
Analyzingthedata
Responsesfrommailedsurveyswereenteredintoanelectronicdatasetusinga“keyandverify”method,whereall responsesareenteredtwiceandcomparedtoeachother.Anydiscrepancieswereresolvedincomparisontothe originalsurveyform.Rangechecksaswellasotherformsofqualitycontrolwerealsoperformed.Responsesfrom surveyscompletedonPolcoweredownloadedandmergedwiththemailedsurveyresponses.

Thedemographicsofthesurveyrespondentswerecomparedtothosefoundinthe2020Censusand2022 AmericanCommunitySurveyestimatesforadultsintheCityofRichmond.Theprimaryobjectiveofweighting surveydataistomakethesurveyrespondentsreflectiveofthelargerpopulationofthecommunity.The characteristicsusedforweightingwereage,sex,race,Hispanicorigin,housingtype,housingtenure,andarea.No adjustmentsweremadefordesigneffects.Weightswerecalculatedusinganiterative,multiplicativerakingmodel knownastheANESWeightingAlgorithm. ³Theresultsoftheweightingschemefortheprobabilitysampleare presentedinthefollowingtable.

NRCalignsdemographiclabelswiththoseusedbytheU.S.Censusforreportingpurposes,whenpossible.Some categories(e.g.,age,race/Hispanicorigin,housingtype,andlengthofresidency)arecombinedintosmaller subgroups.

Methods
Selecting survey recipients
All households within the City of Richmond were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codes serving Richmond was purchased from Polco's mailing vendor, Go-Dog Direct, based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Richmond households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file. Addresses located outside of the City of Richmond boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.

Each address identified as being within city boundaries was further identified as being within one of six districts.

From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a unit number) sampled at a rate of 5:3 compared to single family housing units.

An individual within each household was randomly selected using the "birthday method". The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person who most recently had a birthday” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the introduction of the survey. 3 201
Conductingthesurvey
The4,500randomlyselectedhouseholdsreceivedmailingsbeginningonAugust28th,2023anddatacollectionfor thesurveyremainedopenforsevenweeks.Thefirstmailingwasapostcardinvitingthehouseholdtoparticipatein thesurvey.Thenextmailingcontainedacoverletterwithinstructions,thesurveyquestionnaire,andapostage-paid returnenvelope.Thefinalmailingwasareiminderpostcardinvitingthehouseholdonefinaltimetoparticipateinthe survey.Allmailingsincludedaweblinktogiveresidentstheopportunitytorespondtothesurveyonline,aswellas QRcodestofurtherencourageparticipation.Allfollow-upmailingsaskedthosewhohadnotcompletedthesurvey todoso,andthosewhohadalreadydonesotorefrainfromcompletingthesurveyagain.

About2%ofthe4,500mailedinvitationsorsurveyswerereturnedbecausethehouseholdaddresswasvacantor thepostalservicewasunabletodeliverthesurveyasaddressed.Oftheremaining4,407householdsthatreceived theinvitationstoparticipate,430completedthesurvey,providinganoverallresponserateof10%.Theresponse ratewascalculatedusingAAPOR’sresponserate#2formailedsurveysofunnamedpersons.² Itiscustomarytodescribetheprecisionofestimatesmadefromsurveysbya“levelofconfidence”and accompanying“confidenceinterval”(ormarginoferror).Atraditionallevelofconfidence,andtheoneusedhere,is 95%.The95%confidenceintervalcanbeanysizeandquantifiesthesamplingerrororimprecisionofthesurvey resultsbecausesomeresidents’opinionsarereliedontoestimateallresidents’opinions.Themarginoferrorfor theCityofRichmondsurveyisnogreaterthanplusorminusfivepercentagepointsaroundanygivenpercent reportedforallrespondents(430completedsurveys).

Inadditiontotherandomlyselected“probabilitysample”ofhouseholds,alinktoanonlineopen-participationsurvey waspublicizedbytheCityofRichmond.Theopen-participationsurveywasidenticaltotherandomsamplesurvey, withtwosmallupdates;itaskedaquestiontoconfirmtherespondentwasaresidentofRichmondandalsoa questionaboutwheretheyheardaboutthesurvey.Theopen-participationsurveywasopentoallcityresidentsand becameavailableonSeptember25th,2023Thesurveyremainedopenfornearly14weeks.Thedatapresentedin thefollowingtabsexcludetheopenparticipationsurveydata,butatabattheendprovidesthecompletefrequency ofresponsestoquestionsbytheopen-participationrespondents.

Contact
TheCityofRichmondfundedthisresearch.PleasecontacttheCityofRichmondifyouhaveanyquestionsabout thesurvey.

SurveyValidity
SeethePolcoKnowledgeBasearticleonsurveyvalidityat https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali..

Unweighted Weighted Target ⁴
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Area District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
Hispanic
origin
No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish or..

Yes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic, Lati..

Housing
tenure
Own
Rent
Housing type Attached
Detached
Race &
Hispanic
origin
Not white alone
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
Sex Man
Woman
Sex/age
Man 18-34
Man 35-54
Man55+
Woman18-34
Woman35-54
Woman55+
32%
35%
32%
36%
39%
25%
64%
30%
5%
16%
21%
17%
15%
18%
14%
18%
21%
17%
14%
17%
13%
22%
27%
16%
11%
19%
5%
40%
60%
40%
60%
19%
81%
48%
52%
48%
52%
20%
80%
60%
40%
60%
40%
65%
35%
20%
80%
20%
80%
46%
54%
52%
48%
57%
43%
60%
40%
18%
18%
16%
15%
17%
16%
19%
20%
18%
16%
19%
7%
37%
18%
4%
26%
13%
1%
Analyzing the data
Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.

The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2020 Census and 2022 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Richmond. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.³ The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the following table.

NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups.

Methods
Selectingsurveyrecipients
AllhouseholdswithintheCityofRichmondwereeligibletoparticipateinthesurvey.Alistofallhouseholdswithin thezipcodesservingRichmondwaspurchasedfromPolco'smailingvendor,Go-DogDirect,basedonupdated listingsfromtheUnitedStatesPostalService.SincesomeofthezipcodesthatservetheCityofRichmond householdsmayalsoserveaddressesthatlieoutsideofthecommunity,theexactgeographiclocationofeach housingunitwascomparedtocommunityboundariesusingthemostcurrentmunicipalboundaryfile.Addresses locatedoutsideoftheCityofRichmondboundarieswereremovedfromthelistofpotentialhouseholdstosurvey.

Eachaddressidentifiedasbeingwithincityboundarieswasfurtheridentifiedasbeingwithinoneofsixdistricts.

Fromthatlist,addresseswererandomlyselectedassurveyrecipients,withmulti-familyhousingunits(definedas thosewithaunitnumber)sampledatarateof5:3comparedtosinglefamilyhousingunits.

Anindividualwithineachhouseholdwasrandomlyselectedusingthe"birthdaymethod".Thebirthdaymethod selectsapersonwithinthehouseholdbyaskingthe“personwhomostrecentlyhadabirthday”tocompletethe questionnaire.Theunderlyingassumptioninthismethodisthatdayofbirthhasnorelationshiptothewaypeople respondtosurveys.Thisinstructionwascontainedintheintroductionofthesurvey. 4 202
Conductingthesurvey
The4,500randomlyselectedhouseholdsreceivedmailingsbeginningonAugust28th,2023anddatacollectionfor thesurveyremainedopenforsevenweeks.Thefirstmailingwasapostcardinvitingthehouseholdtoparticipatein thesurvey.Thenextmailingcontainedacoverletterwithinstructions,thesurveyquestionnaire,andapostage-paid returnenvelope.Thefinalmailingwasareiminderpostcardinvitingthehouseholdonefinaltimetoparticipateinthe survey.Allmailingsincludedaweblinktogiveresidentstheopportunitytorespondtothesurveyonline,aswellas QRcodestofurtherencourageparticipation.Allfollow-upmailingsaskedthosewhohadnotcompletedthesurvey todoso,andthosewhohadalreadydonesotorefrainfromcompletingthesurveyagain.

About2%ofthe4,500mailedinvitationsorsurveyswerereturnedbecausethehouseholdaddresswasvacantor thepostalservicewasunabletodeliverthesurveyasaddressed.Oftheremaining4,407householdsthatreceived theinvitationstoparticipate,430completedthesurvey,providinganoverallresponserateof10%.Theresponse ratewascalculatedusingAAPOR’sresponserate#2formailedsurveysofunnamedpersons.² Itiscustomarytodescribetheprecisionofestimatesmadefromsurveysbya“levelofconfidence”and accompanying“confidenceinterval”(ormarginoferror).Atraditionallevelofconfidence,andtheoneusedhere,is 95%.The95%confidenceintervalcanbeanysizeandquantifiesthesamplingerrororimprecisionofthesurvey resultsbecausesomeresidents’opinionsarereliedontoestimateallresidents’opinions.Themarginoferrorfor theCityofRichmondsurveyisnogreaterthanplusorminusfivepercentagepointsaroundanygivenpercent reportedforallrespondents(430completedsurveys).

Inadditiontotherandomlyselected“probabilitysample”ofhouseholds,alinktoanonlineopen-participationsurvey waspublicizedbytheCityofRichmond.Theopen-participationsurveywasidenticaltotherandomsamplesurvey, withtwosmallupdates;itaskedaquestiontoconfirmtherespondentwasaresidentofRichmondandalsoa questionaboutwheretheyheardaboutthesurvey.Theopen-participationsurveywasopentoallcityresidentsand becameavailableonSeptember25th,2023Thesurveyremainedopenfornearly14weeks.Thedatapresentedin thefollowingtabsexcludetheopenparticipationsurveydata,butatabattheendprovidesthecompletefrequency ofresponsestoquestionsbytheopen-participationrespondents.

The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month.

On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item.

Contact
The City of Richmond funded this research. Please contact the City of Richmond if you have any questions about the survey.

Study Limitations
All public opinion research is subject to unmeasured error. While the methodologies employed for this survey were designed to minimize this error as much as possible, these other sources of potential error should be acknowledged, and can include non-response error, coverage error, recall bias and social desirability bias.

Non-response error arises when those who were selected to participate in the survey did not do so, and may have different opinions or experiences that survey responders. For general resident surveys, where the results are meant to be generalized to the entire adult population living in households, the mailing lists based on the Delivery Sequence File from the United States Post Office may exclude certain types of housing units, such as those in multi-family buildings where mail is addressed to a named resident at the address rather than to a specific unit or where residents only receive their mail at a post office box and the geographic location of a residence cannot be determined, there may be a coverage error, although for most locations, this is minimal. Respondents may not perfectly remember their experiences in the past year (such as participation in social or civic events), and for some survey items they may answer in ways they think cast their responses in a more favorable light (recall bias and social desirability bias).

Survey Validity
See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali..

Unweighted Weighted Target⁴
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Area District1
District2
District3
District4
District5
District6
Hispanic
origin
No,notofHispanic,Latino/a/x,orSpanishor..

Yes,IconsidermyselftobeofHispanic,Lati..

Housing
tenure
Own
Rent
Housingtype Attached
Detached
Race&
Hispanic
origin
Notwhitealone
Whitealone,notHispanicorLatino
Sex Man
Woman
Sex/age
Man18-34
Man 55+
Woman 18-34
Woman 35-54
Woman 55+
18%
18%
16%
15%
19%
20%
18%
16%
37%
18%
4%
26%
Analyzingthedata
Responsesfrommailedsurveyswereenteredintoanelectronicdatasetusinga“keyandverify”method,whereall responsesareenteredtwiceandcomparedtoeachother.Anydiscrepancieswereresolvedincomparisontothe originalsurveyform.Rangechecksaswellasotherformsofqualitycontrolwerealsoperformed.Responsesfrom surveyscompletedonPolcoweredownloadedandmergedwiththemailedsurveyresponses.

NRCalignsdemographiclabelswiththoseusedbytheU.S.Censusforreportingpurposes,whenpossible.Some categories(e.g.,age,race/Hispanicorigin,housingtype,andlengthofresidency)arecombinedintosmaller subgroups.

Methods
Selectingsurveyrecipients
AllhouseholdswithintheCityofRichmondwereeligibletoparticipateinthesurvey.Alistofallhouseholdswithin thezipcodesservingRichmondwaspurchasedfromPolco'smailingvendor,Go-DogDirect,basedonupdated listingsfromtheUnitedStatesPostalService.SincesomeofthezipcodesthatservetheCityofRichmond householdsmayalsoserveaddressesthatlieoutsideofthecommunity,theexactgeographiclocationofeach housingunitwascomparedtocommunityboundariesusingthemostcurrentmunicipalboundaryfile.Addresses locatedoutsideoftheCityofRichmondboundarieswereremovedfromthelistofpotentialhouseholdstosurvey.

Eachaddressidentifiedasbeingwithincityboundarieswasfurtheridentifiedasbeingwithinoneofsixdistricts.

Fromthatlist,addresseswererandomlyselectedassurveyrecipients,withmulti-familyhousingunits(definedas thosewithaunitnumber)sampledatarateof5:3comparedtosinglefamilyhousingunits.

Richmond as a place to live received excellent or good reviews from about half of residents, marking a significant increase since 2021 survey results. Ratings for the overall quality of life in the city also trended upward, from 32% in 2021 to 40% in 2023. About three-quarters of respondents indicated that they plan to live in Richmond for the next five years, while roughly 6 in 10 reported that they would recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks, both of which held steady since 2021.

The quality of life experienced in Richmond is likely linked to an overall sense of safety. About 7 in 10 residents reported feeling safe in their neighborhood during the day. However, only 4 in 10 participants felt safe in Richmond’s downtown/commercial area during the day. While many ratings related to safety remained stable from 2021, a few experienced significant decreases, indicating an opportunity for renewed focus. Fewer residents indicated that they felt safe from property crime in 2023 compared to 2021. In terms of safety services, police/sheriff services fell from 46% excellent or good in 2021 to 27% in 2023. In a unique question posed by the City of Richmond, respondents were asked to evaluate the importance of addressing certain issues in the next two years.

The community overwhelmingly prioritized reducing crime and disorder as their top concern, with 94% considering it essential or very important.

Ratings for public trust are on the rise.

Compared to 2021, several governance items received more favorable reviews in 2023. About 4 in 10 respondents positively reviewed the City of Richmond treating residents with respect, up from 3 in 10 in the last survey iteration.

Additionally, roughly 3 in 10 gave high marks to Richmond government treating all residents fairly, being open and transparent to the public, and welcoming resident involvement, all of which significantly increased since 2021.

While the economic outlook is improving, Richmond’s economy continues to be a focus area.

Residents offered high ratings of importance (89% essential or very important) and relatively low ratings of quality (16% excellent or good) to the overall economic health, suggesting that the economy is a priority and opportunity for growth for the community. However, all economy-related evaluations either remained stable or increased from 2021 results indicating positive trajectory. The City received more favorable marks this year for economic development (21% excellent or good) and Richmond as a place to work (34%). Also on the rise was the overall quality of business and service establishments in Richmond, which earned positive reviews from one-third of respondents. When residents were asked about affordability, 28% of residents offered high marks to the cost of living in Richmond, compared to 21% in 2021. The availability of affordable quality health care and quality food were favorably reviewed by nearly 4 in 10, on par with prior survey results. Evaluations for the availability of affordable quality mental health care (23%) and quality childcare/preschool (24%) were also consistent with 2021 results.
6 204
Facets of Livability
Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address.

Quality-Importance Matrix
To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of facets were compared to their ratings of the quality of these facets. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all facets were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some facets were in the top half of both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some facets were in the bottom half of both lists. 29% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and those with ratings lower than 29% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they were rated as essential or very important by 80% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they received a rating of less than 80%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in half.

5.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs.benchmark⁵
7 205
FacetsofLivability
Everyjurisdictionmustbalancelimitedresourceswhilemeetingresidentneedsandstrivingtooptimizecommunity livability.Tothisend,itishelpfultoknowwhataspectsofthecommunityaremostimportanttoresidentsandwhich theyperceiveasbeingofhigherorlowerquality.Itisespeciallyhelpfultoknowwhenafacetoflivabilityis consideredofhighimportancebutratedaslowerquality,asthisshouldbeatopprioritytoaddress.

Quality-ImportanceMatrix
TohelpguideCitystaffandofficialswithdecisionsonfutureresourceallocation,residentratingsofthe importance offacetswerecomparedtotheirratingsofthe qualityofthesefacets.Toidentifytheservicesperceivedby residentstohaverelativelylowerqualityatthesametimeasrelativelyhigherimportance,allfacetswereranked fromhighestperceivedqualitytolowestperceivedqualityandfromhighestperceivedimportancetolowest perceivedimportance.Somefacetswereinthetophalfofbothlists(higherqualityandhigherimportance);some wereinthetophalfofonelistbutthebottomhalfoftheother(higherqualityandlowerimportanceorlowerquality andhigherimportance);andsomefacetswereinthebottomhalfofbothlists. 29%ormoreofrespondentswereconsideredof“higherquality”andthosewithratingslowerthan29%were consideredtobeof“lowerquality.”Serviceswereclassifiedas“moreimportant”iftheywereratedasessentialor veryimportantby80%ormoreofrespondents.Serviceswereratedas“lessimportant”iftheyreceivedaratingof lessthan80%.Thisclassificationusesthemedianratingsforqualityandimportancetodividetheservicesinhalf.

Thequadrantsinthefigurebelowshowwhichcommunityfacetsweregivenhigherorlowerimportanceratings (right-left)andwhichhadhigherorlowerqualityratings(up-down).Facetsoflivabilityfallingclosertoadiagonal linefromthelowerlefttotheupperrightarethosewhereperformanceratingsaremorecommensuratewith residentpriorities.Facetsscoringclosesttothelowerrighthandcornerofthematrix(higherinimportanceand lowerinquality)arethosethatmaywarrantfurtherinvestigationtoseeifchangestotheirdeliveryarenecessaryto improvetheirperformance.Thisisthekeypartofthischartonwhichtofocus.Facetsfallinginthetoplefthand cornerofthechart(lowerinimportancebuthigherinquality)areareaswhereperformancemayoutscoreresident priorities,andmaybeaconsiderationforlowerresourceallocation. 2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and
commercial areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the
arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
16% 14%
16%
Much16% 14%
16%
Much
39% 39%
Similar
39% 39%
Similar
26%
34% 30%
Lower26%
34% 30%
Lower
47% 39%
Lower
47% 39%
Lower
19%
24%
14%
Much
lower
19%
24%
14%
Much
lower
38%
34%
38%
Much
lower
38%
34%
38%
Much
lower
34% 42%
Much
lower
34% 42%
Much
lower
28%
33% 27%
Much
lower
28%
33% 27%
Much
lower
26%
19%
27%
Much
lower
26%
19%
27%
Much
lower
23%
27%
Much
lower
23%
27%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
Quality and Importance by the Numbers
The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and the priority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher than communities across the country (the national benchmark).

5.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. llo ow we er rvs. benchmark⁶
8 206
FacetsofLivability
Everyjurisdictionmustbalancelimitedresourceswhilemeetingresidentneedsandstrivingtooptimizecommunity livability.Tothisend,itishelpfultoknowwhataspectsofthecommunityaremostimportanttoresidentsandwhich theyperceiveasbeingofhigherorlowerquality.Itisespeciallyhelpfultoknowwhenafacetoflivabilityis consideredofhighimportancebutratedaslowerquality,asthisshouldbeatopprioritytoaddress.

Quality-ImportanceMatrix
TohelpguideCitystaffandofficialswithdecisionsonfutureresourceallocation,residentratingsofthe importance offacetswerecomparedtotheirratingsofthe qualityofthesefacets.Toidentifytheservicesperceivedby residentstohaverelativelylowerqualityatthesametimeasrelativelyhigherimportance,allfacetswereranked fromhighestperceivedqualitytolowestperceivedqualityandfromhighestperceivedimportancetolowest perceivedimportance.Somefacetswereinthetophalfofbothlists(higherqualityandhigherimportance);some wereinthetophalfofonelistbutthebottomhalfoftheother(higherqualityandlowerimportanceorlowerquality andhigherimportance);andsomefacetswereinthebottomhalfofbothlists. 29%ormoreofrespondentswereconsideredof“higherquality”andthosewithratingslowerthan29%were consideredtobeof“lowerquality.”Serviceswereclassifiedas“moreimportant”iftheywereratedasessentialor veryimportantby80%ormoreofrespondents.Serviceswereratedas“lessimportant”iftheyreceivedaratingof lessthan80%.Thisclassificationusesthemedianratingsforqualityandimportancetodividetheservicesinhalf.

Overalleconomichealth
Overallqualityofthetransportationsystem
Overalldesignorlayoutofresidentialand
commercialareas
Overallqualityoftheutilityinfrastructure
Overallfeelingofsafety
Overallqualityofnaturalenvironment
Overallqualityofparksandrecreationopportunities
Overallhealthandwellnessopportunities
Overallopportunitiesforeducation,culture,andthe
arts
Residents'connectionandengagementwiththeir
community
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)
QualityandImportancebytheNumbers
Thechartsbelowshowtheproportionofresidentswhoratedthecommunityfacetspositivelyforqualityandthe priority(importance)placedoneach.Alsodisplayediswhetherlocalratingswerelower,similar,orhigherthan communitiesacrossthecountry(thenationalbenchmark).
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and
commercial areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the
arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
88% 89%
Similar
88% 89%
Similar
73% 77%
Similar73% 77%
Similar
71% 69%
Similar71% 69%
Similar
80% 87%
Similar
80% 87%
Similar
94% 97%
Similar
94% 97%
Similar
81% 81%
Similar
81% 81%
Similar
73% 79%
Similar73% 79%
Similar
79% 83%
Similar
79% 83%
Similar
74% 79%
Similar74% 79%
Similar
69% 73%
Similar69% 73%
Similar
Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Richmond community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years.
(% essential or very important)

5.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark⁵
9 207
Excellent
2%
Good
37%
Poor
18%
Fair
43%
The overall quality of life in Richmond, 2023
Quality of Life
Measuring community livability starts with
assessing the quality of life of those who live there,
and ensuring that the community is attractive,
accessible, and welcoming to all.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Richmond as a place to live
The overall quality of life
47%
39%
47%
Much
lower
47%
39%
47%
Much
lower
38%
32%
40%
Much
lower
38%
32%
40%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Recommend living in Richmond to someone who
asks
Remain in Richmond for the next five years
62% 63%
61%
Much
lower
62% 63%
61%
Much
lower
77% 75% 76%
Similar
77% 75% 76%
Similar
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. (% very or somewhat likely)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall image or reputation 9%
13% 9%
Much
lower
9%
13% 9%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)

6.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. benchmark⁶
10 208
Excellent
4% Good
17%
Fair
38%
Poor
41%
Overall confidence in Richmond government,
2023
Governance
Strong local governments produce results that
meet the needs of residents while making the best
use of available resources, and are responsive to
the present and future needs of the community as
a whole.

7.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. 2017 2019 2021 2023
The value of services for the taxes paid to Richmond
The overall direction that Richmond is taking
The job Richmond government does at welcoming
resident involvement
Overall confidence in Richmond government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Beinghonest
Beingopenandtransparenttothepublic
Informingresidentsaboutissuesfacingthe
community
Treatingallresidentsfairly
Treatingresidentswithrespect
15%
24% 17%
Much
lower
15%
24% 17%
Much
lower
25%
37% 30%
Lower25%
37% 30%
Lower
37%
23%
33%
Lower
37%
23%
33%
Lower
23%
13%
21%
Much
lower
23%
13%
21%
Much
lower
29%
23%
28%
Lower29%
23%
28%
Lower
Please rate the following categories of Richmond government performance. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Public information services
Overall customer service by Richmond employees
35%
43%
30%
Lower35%
43%
30%
Lower
44%
37%
41%
Much
lower
44%
37%
41%
Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
TheCityofRichmond
TheFederalGovernment
Overall,howwouldyouratethequalityoftheservicesprovidedbyeachofthefollowing? (%excellentorgood)
vs. benchmark⁷
11 209
OverallconfidenceinRichmondgovernment,
2023
Governance
Stronglocalgovernmentsproduceresultsthat
meettheneedsofresidentswhilemakingthebest
useofavailableresources,andareresponsiveto
thepresentandfutureneedsofthecommunityas
awhole.

7.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.

ThevalueofservicesforthetaxespaidtoRichmond
TheoveralldirectionthatRichmondistaking
ThejobRichmondgovernmentdoesatwelcoming
residentinvolvement
OverallconfidenceinRichmondgovernment
Generallyactinginthebestinterestofthecommunity
Being honest
Being open and transparent to the public
Informing residents about issues facing the
community
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
28%
19%
24%
Lower
28%
19%
24%
Lower
20%
27%
Lower20%
27%
Lower
24% 22%
Lower24% 22%
Lower
30%
25%
32%
Lower30%
25%
32%
Lower
32% 40%
Lower32% 40%
Lower
PleaseratethefollowingcategoriesofRichmondgovernmentperformance. (%excellentorgood)
Publicinformationservices
OverallcustomerservicebyRichmondemployees
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
The City of Richmond
The Federal Government
30%
36% 28%
Much
lower
30%
36% 28%
Much
lower
20%
32% 24%
Similar20%
32% 24%
Similar
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? (% excellent or good)
vs.benchmark⁷
12 210
Excellent
3%
Good
13%
Fair
44%
Poor
40%
Overall economic health of Richmond, 2023
Economy
Local governments work together with private and
nonprofit businesses, and with the community at large, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote a
thriving local economy.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Richmond as a place to work
Richmond as a place to visit
36%
25%
34%
Much
lower
36%
25%
34%
Much
lower
30%27% 32%
Much
lower
30%27% 32%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of business and service
establishments
Varietyofbusinessandserviceestablishments
Vibrancyofdowntown/commercialarea
Employmentopportunities
Shoppingopportunities
Costofliving
26%
34%
Much
lower
227 7%%26%
34%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Economic development
21%
12%
21%
Much
lower
21%
12%
21%
Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
Whatimpact,ifany,doyouthinktheeconomywill
haveonyourfamilyincomeinthenext6months?Do
youthinktheimpactwillbe:

Whatimpact,ifany,doyouthinktheeconomywillhaveonyourfamilyincomeinthenext6 months?Doyouthinktheimpactwillbe:
(%veryorsomewhatpositive)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall economic health
16%
14%
16%
Much
lower
16%
14%
16%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)

8.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs. benchmark⁸
13 211
OveralleconomichealthofRichmond,2023
Economy
Localgovernmentsworktogetherwithprivateand
nonprofitbusinesses,andwiththecommunityatlarge,to
fostersustainablegrowth,createjobs,andpromotea
thrivinglocaleconomy.

Richmondasaplacetowork
Richmondasaplacetovisit
PleaserateeachofthefollowingaspectsofqualityoflifeinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
Variety of business and service establishments
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
Cost of living
34%34%
31% 32%
Lower
31% 32%
Lower
12%10%
16%
Much
lower
12%10%
16%
Much
lower
21%
15%
18%
Much
lower
21%
15%
18%
Much
lower
17%
17% 17%
Much
lower
17%
17% 17%
Much
lower
26%
21%
28%
Similar26%
21%
28%
Similar
PleaserateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity.
(%excellentorgood)
Economicdevelopment
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will
have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do
you think the impact will be:
26%25%
30%
Similar26%25%
30%
Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
(% very or somewhat positive)
Overalleconomichealth
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)

8.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark⁸
14 212
Excellent
6%
Good
32%
Fair
40%
Poor
22%
Overall quality of the transportation system in
Richmond, 2023
Mobility
The ease with which residents can move about
their communities, whether for commuting,
leisure, or recreation, plays a major role in the
quality of life for all who live, work, and play in
the community.

9.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. 2017 2019 2021 2023
Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car
Ease of travel by public transportation
Ease of travel by bicycle
Ease of walking
40%
43% 36%
Similar
40%
43% 36%
Similar
55% 58% 48%
Similar
55% 58% 48%
Similar
61% 64% 59%
Similar
61% 64% 59%
Similar
38%
47%
35%
Similar38%
47%
35%
Similar
37%
44% 32%
Lower37%
44% 32%
Lower
32%
39% 31%
Much
lower
32%
39% 31%
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
Usedpublictransportationinsteadofdriving
Carpooledwithotheradultsorchildreninsteadof
drivingalone
Walkedorbikedinsteadofdriving
Pleaseindicatewhetherornotyouhavedoneeachofthefollowinginthelast12months. (%yes)
Trafficenforcement
Trafficsignaltiming
Streetrepair
Streetcleaning
Streetlighting
Snowremoval
Sidewalkmaintenance
Busortransitservices
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of the transportation system
39% 39%
Similar
39% 39%
Similar
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
vs. benchmark⁹
15 213
Overallqualityofthetransportationsystemin
Richmond,2023
Mobility
Theeasewithwhichresidentscanmoveabout
theircommunities,whetherforcommuting,
leisure,orrecreation,playsamajorroleinthe
qualityoflifeforallwholive,work,andplayin
thecommunity.

9.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.

Trafficflowonmajorstreets
Easeofpublicparking
Easeoftravelbycar
Easeoftravelbypublictransportation
Easeoftravelbybicycle
Easeofwalking
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Used public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of
driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
66%
41%
55%
Much
higher
66%
41%
55%
Much
higher
45%
43%
49%
Similar45%
43%
49%
Similar
55%
57% 51%
Similar55%
57% 51%
Similar
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Traffic enforcement
Traffic signal timing
Street repair
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Bus or transit services
24%29%
17%
Much
lower
24%29%
17%
Much
lower
38%39% 33%
Lower
38%39% 33%
Lower
17%17%
11%
Much
lower
17%17%
11%
Much
lower
25%
30%
20%
Much
lower
25%
30%
20%
Much
lower
33%
44% 30%
Much
lower
33%
44% 30%
Much
lower
52% 61%
Similar52% 61%
Similar
18%21%
18%
Much
lower
18%21%
18%
Much
lower
40%
42% 36%
Similar
40%
42% 36%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
Overallqualityofthetransportationsystem
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)
vs.benchmark⁹

9.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 16 214
Excellent
3% Good
26%
Fair
44%
Poor
26%
Overall design or layout of Richmond's residential
and commercial areas, 2023
Community Design
A well-designed community enhances the
quality of life for its residents by
encouraging smart land use and zoning,
ensuring that affordable housing is
accessible to all, and providing access to
parks and other green spaces.

10.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. 2017 2019 2021 2023
Well-planned residential growth
Well-planned commercial growth
Well-designed neighborhoods
Preservationofthehistoricalorculturalcharacterof
thecommunity
Publicplaceswherepeoplewanttospendtime
Varietyofhousingoptions
Availabilityofaffordablequalityhousing
Overallqualityofnewdevelopment
Overallappearance
18%
25%
Lower18%
25%
Lower
17%
23%
Lower17%
23%
Lower
22%
22%
Much
lower
22%
22%
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Your neighborhood as a place to live
65%
61%
65%
Lower
65%
61%
65%
Lower
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
Landuse,planningandzoning
Codeenforcement
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall design or layout of residential and
commercial areas
26%
34% 30%
Lower26%
34% 30%
Lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
vs. benchmark¹⁰
17 215
OveralldesignorlayoutofRichmond'sresidential
andcommercialareas,2023
CommunityDesign
Awell-designedcommunityenhancesthe
qualityoflifeforitsresidentsby
encouragingsmartlanduseandzoning,
ensuringthataffordablehousingis
accessibletoall,andprovidingaccessto
parksandothergreenspaces.

10.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.

Well-plannedresidentialgrowth
Well-plannedcommercialgrowth
Well-designedneighborhoods
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Overall quality of new development
Overall appearance
22%
Much
lower
22%
Much
lower
32% 35%
Lower
32% 35%
Lower
25%
22%
26%
Much
lower
25%
22%
26%
Much
lower
26%
26%
27%
Lower26%
26%
27%
Lower
18%
23% 16%
Lower18%
23% 16%
Lower
24%
30% 23%
Lower24%
30% 23%
Lower
12%
17%
14%
Much
lower
12%
17%
14%
Much
lower
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)
Yourneighborhoodasaplacetolive
PleaserateeachofthefollowingaspectsofqualityoflifeinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement
23%
18%
23%
Lower
23%
18%
23%
Lower
12%
14%
13%
Much
lower
12%
14%
13%
Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
Overalldesignorlayoutofresidentialand
commercialareas
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)
vs.benchmark¹⁰
18 216
Excellent
5%
Good
34%
Fair
45%
Poor
16%
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in
Richmond, 2023
Utilities
Services such as water, gas, electricity, and
internet access play a vital role in ensuring the
physical and economic health and well-being
of the communities they serve.

11.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. 2017 2019 2021 2023
Affordable high-speed internet access
Garbage collection
Drinking water
Sewer services
Storm water management
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
33% 32%
Lower33% 32%
Lower
67%
54%
62%
Lower
67%
54%
62%
Lower
67% 70%
Similar
67% 70%
Similar
55% 66% 59%
Lower55% 66% 59%
Lower
43%
53% 44%
Lower43%
53% 44%
Lower
54%
51%
54%
Lower54%
51%
54%
Lower
40%
47% 37%
Lower40%
47% 37%
Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
47% 39%
Lower
47% 39%
Lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
vs. benchmark¹¹

11.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 19217
Excellent
0% Good
13%
Fair
51%
Poor
35%
Overall feeling of safety in Richmond, 2023
Safety
Public safety is often the most important task
facing local governments. All residents should
feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods
and in the greater community, and providing
robust safety-related services is essential to
residents' quality of life.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall feeling of safety 19%
24% 14%
Much19%
24% 14%
Much
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
In your neighborhood during the day
In Richmond's downtown/commercial area during the
day
From property crime
From violent crime
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster
73%74% 69%
Lower73%74% 69%
Lower
43%
46%
43%
Much
lower
43%
46%
43%
Much
lower
35%
28%
Much
lower
35%
28%
Much
lower
35%
34%
Much
lower
35%
34%
Much
lower
63% 64%
Lower
63% 64%
Lower
Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:
(% very or somewhat safe)
Police/Sheriffservices
Crimeprevention
Animalcontrol
Ambulanceoremergencymedicalservices
Fireservices
Firepreventionandeducation
Emergencypreparedness
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)

12.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. llo ow we er rvs. benchmark¹¹
20 218
OverallfeelingofsafetyinRichmond,2023
Safety
Publicsafetyisoftenthemostimportanttask
facinglocalgovernments.Allresidentsshould
feelsafeandsecureintheirneighborhoods
andinthegreatercommunity,andproviding
robustsafety-relatedservicesisessentialto
residents'qualityoflife.

Overallfeelingofsafety
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)
Inyourneighborhoodduringtheday
InRichmond'sdowntown/commercialareaduringthe
day
Frompropertycrime
Fromviolentcrime
Fromfire,flood,orothernaturaldisaster
Pleaseratehowsafeorunsafeyoufeel:
(%veryorsomewhatsafe)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Police/Sheriff services
Crime prevention
Animal control
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Fire services
Fire prevention and education
Emergency preparedness
46%50% 27%
Much
lower
46%50% 27%
Much
lower
20%33%
20%
Much
lower
20%33%
20%
Much
lower
26%
34% 29%
Much
lower
26%
34% 29%
Much
lower
59%
73% 55%
Lower59%
73% 55%
Lower
68%
80% 68%
Lower68%
80% 68%
Lower
42%
55% 44%
Much
lower
42%
55% 44%
Much
lower
32%
42%
37%
Much
lower
32%
42%
37%
Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)

12.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark¹²
21 219
Excellent
5%
Good
32%
Fair
34%
Poor
28%
Overall quality of natural environment in
Richmond, 2023
Natural Environment
The natural environment plays a vital role in the health and well-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residents live and experience their communities has a
direct and profound effect on quality of life.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Cleanliness
Water resources
Air quality
13% 9%
12%
Much
lower
13% 9%
12%
Much
lower
35% 40%
Lower
35% 40%
Lower
30%
28%
30%
Much
lower
30%
28%
30%
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Preservation of natural areas
Richmondopenspace
Recycling
Yardwastepick-up
42%
49% 44%
Lower42%
49% 44%
Lower
49% 43%
Lower
49% 43%
Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of natural environment
38%
34%
38%
Much
38%
34%
38%
Much
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)

13.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs. benchmark¹¹llo ow we er r
22 220
Overallqualityofnaturalenvironmentin
Richmond,2023
NaturalEnvironment
Thenaturalenvironmentplaysavitalroleinthehealth
andwell-beingofresidents.Thenaturalspacesinwhich
residentsliveandexperiencetheircommunitieshasa
directandprofoundeffectonqualityoflife.

Cleanliness
Waterresources
Airquality
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)
Preservationofnaturalareas
Richmond open space
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up
49%
34%
43%
Lower
49%
34%
43%
Lower
58%
64% 53%
Lower58%
64% 53%
Lower
51%
64% 58%
Similar51%
64% 58%
Similar
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
Overallqualityofnaturalenvironment
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)

13.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark¹³
23 221
Excellent
10%
Good
32%
Fair
39%
Poor
19%
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities, 2023
Parks and Recreation
"There are no communities that pride themselves on
their quality of life, promote themselves as a
desirable location for businesses to relocate, or
maintain that they are environmental stewards of
their natural resources, without such communities
having a robust, active system of parks and
recreation programs for public use and enjoyment."
-National Recreation and Park Association
2017 2019 2021 2023
Availability of paths and walking trails
Fitness opportunities
Recreational opportunities
41% 42% 38%
Lower
41% 42% 38%
Lower
42% 43% 36%
Much
42% 43% 36%
Much
llo ow we err
39%
30%
35%
Much
lower
39%
30%
35%
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
City parks
Recreationprogramsorclasses
Recreationcentersorfacilities
40%
50% 42%
Much
lower
40%
50% 42%
Much
lower
40% Much
lower
40% Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
34%
42%
Much34%
42%
Much
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)

14.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. llo ow we er r
vs. benchmark¹¹
24 222
Overallqualityofparksandrecreation
opportunities,2023
ParksandRecreation
"Therearenocommunitiesthatpridethemselveson
theirqualityoflife,promotethemselvesasa
desirablelocationforbusinessestorelocate,or
maintainthattheyareenvironmentalstewardsof
theirnaturalresources,withoutsuchcommunities
havingarobust,activesystemofparksand
recreationprogramsforpublicuseandenjoyment."
-NationalRecreationandParkAssociation
Availabilityofpathsandwalkingtrails
Fitnessopportunities
Recreationalopportunities
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)
Cityparks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
33%
40% Much
lower33%
40%
334 4%%
Much
lower
31%
40% 29%
Much
lower
31%
40% 29%
Much
lower
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
Overallqualityofparksandrecreationopportunities
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)

14.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark¹⁴
25 223
Excellent
6%
Good
20%
Fair
44%
Poor
29%
Overall health and wellness opportunities in
Richmond, 2023
Health and Wellness
The characteristics of and amenities available
in the communities in which people live has a
direct impact on the health and wellness of
residents, and thus, on their quality of life
overall.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care
36%
31%
36%
Lower
36%
31%
36%
Lower
36% 39% 35%
Lower
36% 39% 35%
Lower
37% 41% 32%
Lower
37% 41% 32%
Lower
20%
26% 23%
Lower20%
26% 23%
Lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
Healthservices
PleaseratethequalityofeachofthefollowingservicesinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
Pleaserateyouroverallhealth.

Pleaserateyouroverallhealth.
(%excellentorverygood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall health and wellness opportunities 28%
33% 27%
Much28%
33% 27%
Much
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)

15.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs. benchmark¹¹llo ow we er r
26 224
Overallhealthandwellnessopportunitiesin
Richmond,2023
HealthandWellness
Thecharacteristicsofandamenitiesavailable
inthecommunitiesinwhichpeoplelivehasa
directimpactonthehealthandwellnessof
residents,andthus,ontheirqualityoflife
overall.

Availabilityofaffordablequalityfood
Availabilityofaffordablequalityhealthcare
Availabilityofpreventivehealthservices
Availabilityofaffordablequalitymentalhealthcare
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Health services
39%34% 40%
Lower39%34% 40%
Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Please rate your overall health.
47%48% 46%
Lower47%48% 46%
Lower
Please rate your overall health.
(% excellent or very good)
Overallhealthandwellnessopportunities
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)

15.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark¹⁵
27 225
Excellent
3%
Good
24%
Fair
37%
Poor
36%
Overall opportunities for education,
culture and the arts, 2023
Education, Arts, and Culture
Participation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and in cultural activities is linked to increased civic
engagement, greater social tolerance, and enhanced
enjoyment of the local community. 2017 2019 2021 2023
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Community support for the arts
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals
17%
33% 23%
Much
lower17%
33% 23%
Much
lower
22%
28%
Much
lower22%
28%
Much
lower
21%
18%
24%
Lower21%
18%
24%
Lower
21%
17%
23%
Much
lower
21%
17%
23%
Much
lower
34%34% 29%
Lower
34%34% 29%
Lower
18%
46% 31%
Much
lower18%
46% 31%
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Publiclibraryservices 50%
Lower
50%
559 9%%
Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and
the arts
26%
19%
27%
Much
lower
26%
19%
27%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
10 .Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs. benchmark¹⁶
Public library services
5 54 4% %
5 50 0% % L Lo ow we er r

10.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 28 226
Excellent
4% Good
23%
Fair
37%
Poor
36%
Residents' connection and engagement with
their community, 2023
Inclusivity and Engagement
Inclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental
feeling of belonging; residents who feel invited to
participate within their communities feel more
included, involved, and engaged than those who do
not.
2017 2019 2021 2023
Richmond as a place to raise children
Richmond as a place to retire
Sense of community
26%
26% 24%
Much
lower
26%
26% 24%
Much
lower
31%
24%
29%
Much
lower
31%
24%
29%
Much
lower
34%
32%
38%
Lower
34%
32%
38%
Lower
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Residents' connection and engagement with
their community
23% 27%
Much
lower
23% 27%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole. (% excellent or good)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Making all residents feel welcome
Attractingpeoplefromdiversebackgrounds
Valuing/respectingresidentsfromdiverse
backgrounds
Takingcareofvulnerableresidents
40% 40%
Lower40% 40%
Lower
SimilarSimilar
Please rate the job you feel the Richmond community does at each of the following. (% excellent or good)
Senseofcivic/communitypride
Neighborlinessofresidents
Opportunitiestoparticipateinsocialeventsand
activities
Opportunitiestovolunteer
Opportunitiestoparticipateincommunitymatters
Opennessandacceptanceofthecommunitytoward
peopleofdiversebackgrounds
PleasealsorateeachofthefollowingintheRichmondcommunity. (%excellentorgood)

17.Comparisontothenationalbenchmarkisshown.Ifnocomparisonisavailable,thisisleftblank. vs. benchmark¹⁷
29 227
Residents'connectionandengagementwith
theircommunity,2023
InclusivityandEngagement
Inclusivityreferstoaculturalandenvironmental
feelingofbelonging;residentswhofeelinvitedto
participatewithintheircommunitiesfeelmore
included,involved,andengagedthanthosewhodo
not.

Richmondasaplacetoraisechildren
Richmondasaplacetoretire
Senseofcommunity
PleaserateeachofthefollowingaspectsofqualityoflifeinRichmond. (%excellentorgood)
Residents'connectionandengagementwith
theircommunity
PleaserateeachofthefollowingcharacteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmondasawhole. (%excellentorgood)
Makingallresidentsfeelwelcome
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse
backgrounds
Taking care of vulnerable residents
SimilarSimilar
50% 48%
Similar50% 48%
Similar
23% 24%
Lower23% 24%
Lower
PleaseratethejobyoufeeltheRichmondcommunitydoesateachofthefollowing. (%excellentorgood)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Sense of civic/community pride
Neighborliness of residents
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities
Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward
people of diverse backgrounds
26%
30%
Much
lower
26%
30%
Much
lower
40%
42% 34%
Lower40%
42% 34%
Lower
31%
24%
28%
Much
lower
31%
24%
28%
Much
lower
45%
55% 41%
Lower45%
55% 41%
Lower
32%
48% 35%
Lower32%
48% 35%
Lower
47%
56% 50%
Similar47%
56% 50%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community. (% excellent or good)

17.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs.benchmark¹⁷
552 2%% 5 59 9% %
30 228
Residents' Participation Levels
2017 2019 2021 2023
Attended a local public meeting
Watched a local public meeting
Campaigned or advocated for a local
issue, cause, or candidate
23%
38%
20%
Similar23%
38%
20%
Similar
34% 35% 22%
Similar
34% 35% 22%
Similar
22%
39%
11%
Similar
22%
39%
11%
Similar
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes)
2017 2019 2021 2023
Access the internet from your home
Access the internet from your cell phone
Visit social media sites
Use or check email
Share your opinions online
Shop online
95% 91%
Similar
95% 91%
Similar
93% 94%
Similar
93% 94%
Similar
80% 79%
Similar
80% 79%
Similar
96% 95%
Similar
96% 95%
Similar
33% 31%
Similar33% 31%
Similar
49% 49%
Similar49% 49%
Similar
In general, how many times do you:
(% a few times a week or more)

18.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. benchmark¹⁸
31 229
How important,
if at all, are the
following issues
for the City to
address within
the next two
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
retail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Parks Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Recreation programs Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Police Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Fire Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Street quality Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Library services Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Affordable and quality
housing
Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Traffic safety Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Blight abatement Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
In the last year, how
often, if at all, did you
worry about you,
someone in your family
or any other person of
your same race, ethnicity
or nationality
experiencing unfair
treatment because of yo..

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
9%
32%
30%
29%
5%
16%
30%
49%
1%
17%
49%
32%
11%
40%
34%
14%
25%
46%
27%
Custom Questions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
32 230
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
retail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
3%
9%
28%
32%
31%
5%
34%
36%
24%
13%
31%
37%
19%
3%
20%
47%
30%
4%
19%
39%
39%
39%
35%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
33 231
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
retail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
5%
21%
0%
6%
27%
67%
6%
37%
32%
26%
14%
30%
28%
28%
5%
23%
35%
38%
0%
17%
41%
42%
42%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
34 232
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
opportunities for
Richmond residents Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
3%
17%
38%
12%
30%
35%
22%
7%
23%
48%
21%
4%
13%
46%
37%
9%
19%
39%
33%
3%
15%
49%
33%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
35 233
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
r
etail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Ver
y important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Please rate the
impact of the
following City
services on
your health and
well-being:

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
8%
24%
33%
1%
1%
17%
35%
46%
1%
0%
43%
32%
23%
5%
10%
19%
28%
38%
0%
3%
19%
30%
47%
33%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
Essential 34%
36 234
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
retail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Parks Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Recreation programs Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Police Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Fire Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Street quality Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Library services Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Affordable and quality
housing
Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Traffic safety Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Blight abatement
Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
In the last year, how
often, if at all, did you
worry about you,
someone in your family
or any other person of
your same race, ethnicity
or nationality
experiencing unfair
treatment because of yo..

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
5%
12%
11%
39%
33%
1%
4%
25%
38%
32%
6%
10%
21%
24%
39%
4%
8%
16%
29%
43%
15%
28%
26%
29%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
37 235
Howimportant,
ifatall,arethe
followingissues
fortheCityto
addresswithin
thenexttwo
years?
Expanding community
wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality
affordable housing
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and
pedestrian safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic
buildings
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks
and open space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community
centers and expanding
programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and
developing more athletic
fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and
pedestrian lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted
properties
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and
disorder
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation
options (i.e. car/bike
share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown
Richmond
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving
conditions
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental
quality
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive
services to previously
incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation
of revenue to support
City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial
stability of the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to
support the homeless
population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic
development activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local
retail and shopping
opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Pleaseratethe
impactofthe
followingCity
serviceson
yourhealthand
well-being:

Parks Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Recreation programs Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Police Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Fire Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Street quality Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Library services Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Affordable and quality
housing
Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Traffic safety Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Blight abatement Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Very negative impact
In the last year, how
often, if at all, did you
worry about you,
someone in your family
or any other person of
your same race, ethnicity
or nationality
experiencing unfair
treatment because of yo..

Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year
ago, how would you rate
your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year
ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year
ago
3%
23%
26%
35%
15%
4%
28%
54%
14%
CustomQuestions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.

Include "don't know"
No
38 236
% positive
Rank
Number of
communities
Percentile
Quality of LifePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond.

Richmond as a place to live Much
lower
The overall quality of life Much
lower
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you
are to do each of the following.

Recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks Much
lower
Remain in Richmond for the next five years Similar
Please rate each of the following in the
Richmond community. Overall image or reputation Much
lower
Governance Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Public information services Lower
Overall customer service by Richmond employees Much
lower
Please rate the following categories of
Richmond government performance.

The value of services for the taxes paid to Richmond Much lower
The overall direction that Richmond is taking Lower
The job Richmond government does at welcoming resident
involvement
Lower
Overall confidence in Richmond government Much
lower
Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower Being honest Lower
Being open and transparent to the public Lower
Informing residents about issues facing the community Lower Treating all residents fairly Lower
Treating residents with respect Lower
The City of Richmond Much
lower
135835547%
037537440%
431230061%
1631026076%
03523529%
031431330%
035435141%
035935817%
433832430%
533531533%
030730521%
231130428%
230229424%
425424427%
125925722%
830828432%
725123440%
National Benchmark Tables
This table contains the comparisons of Richmond's results to those from other communities. The first column shows the comparison of Richmond's rating to the benchmark. Richmond's results are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Richmond residents is statistically similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is Richmond's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to Richmond's rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for Richmond's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a lower rating than Richmond. 39 237
Governance
Pleaseratethefollowingcategoriesof
Richmond government performance. Treating residents with respect Lower Overall, how would you rate the quality of
the services provided by each of the
following?
The City of Richmond Much
lower
The Federal Government Similar
Economy Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Richmond.

Richmond as a place to work Much
lower
Richmond as a place to visit Much
lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall economic health Much
lower
Please rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Overall quality of business and service establishments Much lower
Variety of business and service establishments Lower
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Much
lower
Employment opportunities Much
lower
Shopping opportunities Much
lower
Cost of living Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond. Economic development Much lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall economic health Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Similar
Mobility
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Traffic flow on major streets Similar
Ease of public parking Similar
Ease of travel by car Similar
Ease of travel by public transportation Similar
Ease of travel by bicycle Lower
Ease of walking Much
lower
Please indicate whether or not you have
done each of the following in the last 12
months.

Used public transportation instead of driving Much
higher
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Similar
035435228%
2329422724%
335334334%
331730832%
031231116%
131330834%
724923232%
129328916%
432431118%
631629817%
1930424728%
130830421%
4228816589%
782966530%
2725618639%
2632724236%
2729321248%
2732223359%
6029611935%
2032125732%
332531431%
952791455%
40 238
Mobility Please indicate whether or not you have
done each of the following in the last 12
months.

Used public transportation instead of driving
Much
higher
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Similar
Walked or biked instead of driving Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Traffic enforcement Much
lower
Traffic signal timing Lower
Street repair Much
lower
Street cleaning Much
lower
Street lighting Much
lower
Snow removal Similar
Sidewalk maintenance Much
lower
Bus or transit services Similar
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Community
Design
Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Richmond. Your neighborhood as a place to live Lower Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Lower Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Well-planned residential growth Lower
Well-planned commercial growth Lower
Well-designed neighborhoods Much
lower
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community
Lower
Public places where people want to spend time Much
lower
Variety of housing options Lower
Availability of affordable quality housing Lower
Overall quality of new development Lower
Overall appearance Much
lower
Land use, planning and zoning Lower
752967349%
3329820051%
034734717%
530529033%
234634011%
031431320%
133533130%
5826411161%
031531318%
4428515936%
3924715177%
132031565%
030430330%
1425021625%
625023523%
124824622%
124724435%
129929526%
1131127627%
1833227316%
532230523%
033133114%
41 239
Community
Design
Pleasealsorateeachofthefollowinginthe
Richmond community. Overall appearance
Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Land use, planning and zoning Lower
Code enforcement Much
lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar Utilities
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Affordable high-speed internet access Lower
Garbage collection Lower
Drinking water Similar
Sewer services Lower
Storm water management Lower
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Lower
Utility billing Lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Safety
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall feeling of safety Much
lower
Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: In your neighborhood during the day Lower In Richmond's downtown/commercial area during the day Much lower
From property crime Much
lower
From violent crime Much
lower
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Police/Sheriff services Much
lower
Crime prevention Much
lower
Animal control Much
lower
Ambulance or emergency medical services Lower
Fire services Lower
731629323%
133933513%
1728823969%
624723239%
724422632%
632530562%
3931218970%
231030259%
432130944%
327026154%
228928337%
1624720887%
034734614%
032832669%
031831743%
025725628%
125725534%
1024822464%
036936927%
034534520%
032232129%
031631555%
42 240
Safety Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Ambulance or emergency medical services Lower
Fire services Lower
Fire prevention and education Much
lower
Emergency preparedness Much
lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall feeling of safety Similar
Natural
environment
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall quality of natural environment Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Cleanliness Much
lower
Water resources Lower
Air quality Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Preservation of natural areas Lower
Richmond open space Lower
Recycling Lower
Yard waste pick-up Similar
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall quality of natural environment Similar
Parks and
Recreation
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Much lower
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Availability of paths and walking trails Lower
Fitness opportunities Much
lower
Recreational opportunities Much
lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

City parks Much
lower
Recreation programs or classes Much
lower
Recreation centers or facilities Much
lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Health and
wellness
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall health and wellness opportunities Much
lower
Availability of affordable quality food Lower
133633368%
030930944%
031130937%
952881497%
031331238%
032832812%
1723019040%
130029630%
1129926544%
929727043%
1932926653%
2229222758%
2528821681%
125325042%
932429538%
330129136%
531830335%
132532242%
131931434%
330729629%
2624818479%
030630627%
43 241
Health and
wellness
Pleaserateeachofthefollowing
characteristicsastheyrelatetoRichmond
as a whole. Overall health and wellness opportunities
Much
lower
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Health services Lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Please rate your overall health. Lower
Education,
Arts and
Culture
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Much lower
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Much lower
Community support for the arts Much
lower
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Lower K-12 education Much
lower
Adult educational opportunities Lower
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Much lower
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Richmond.

Public library services Lower
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar Inclusivity
and
Engagement
Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Richmond.

Richmond as a place to raise children Much
lower
Richmond as a place to retire Much
lower
Sense of community Lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Richmond
as a whole.

Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Much
lower
Please rate the job you feel the Richmond
community does at each of the following.

Making all residents feel welcome Lower
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Similar
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Similar 529828336%
930527635%
729227132%
1529625123%
1128625340%
822885183%
229428946%
130930427%
631429423%
724722928%
1230727024%
030930823%
1430025829%
030330231%
232231459%
852884279%
036136124%
135835329%
332731838%
225024427%
125425040%
5125112359%
44 242
Inclusivity
and
Engagement
Please rate the job you feel the Richmond
community does at each of the following.

Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Similar
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Similar Taking care of vulnerable residents Lower
Please also rate each of the following in the
Richmond community.

Sense of civic/community pride Much
lower
Neighborliness of residents Lower
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Much lower
Opportunities to volunteer Lower
Opportunities to participate in community matters Lower Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds Similar
Please rate how important, if at all, you
think it is for the Richmond community to
focus on each of the following in the comi..

Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Similar
Participation Please indicate whether or not you have
done each of the following in the last 12
months.

Contacted the City of Richmond for help or information Similar Contacted Richmond elected officials to express your
opinion
Similar
Attended a local public meeting Similar
Watched a local public meeting Similar
Volunteered your time to some group/activity Similar
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or
candidate
Similar
Voted in your most recent local election Similar
In general, how many times do you: Access the internet from your home Similar Access the internet from your cell phone Similar
Visit social media sites Similar
Use or check email Similar
Share your opinions online Similar
Shop online Similar
1825220748%
624823424%
224824230%
130029834%
030930828%
230429741%
030530435%
3032322750%
732887673%
1932726339%
3929818214%
5430113720%
4029017322%
3730419128%
1229425711%
3124717071%
2324618891%
4624813394%
4724713079%
2124819595%
682487831%
2524718549%
45 243
% positive
Rank
Number of
communities
Percentile
Quality of
Life
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to live Much lower
The overall quality of life Much lower
Please indicate how likely or
unlikely you are to do each of the
following.

Recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks Much lower Remain in Richmond for the next five years Similar
Please rate each of the following in
the Richmond community. Overall image or reputation Much lower Governance Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Public information services Lower
Overall customer service by Richmond employees Much lower Please rate the following categories
of Richmond government
performance.

The value of services for the taxes paid to Richmond Much lower The overall direction that Richmond is taking Lower
The job Richmond government does at welcoming resident
involvement
Lower
Overall confidence in Richmond government Much lower
Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower Being honest Lower
6171547%
5181740%
7151461%
14151376%
617169%
7141430%
5181741%
6171617%
13171430%
12161533%
7141421%
14141328%
Custom Benchmark Tables
This table contains the comparisons of Richmond's results to communities with both a population between 95,000 and 135,000 and median household income between $70,000 and $100,000.The first column shows the comparison of Richmond's rating to the benchmark. Richmond's results are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Richmond residents is statistically similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is Richmond's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to Richmond's rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for Richmond's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a lower rating than Richmond. 46 244
Governance Please rate the following categories
of Richmond government
performance.

Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower Being honest Lower
Being open and transparent to the public Lower
Informing residents about issues facing the community Lower Treating all residents fairly Lower
Treating residents with respect Lower
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Richmond Much lower
The Federal Government Similar
Economy Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to work Much lower
Richmond as a place to visit Much lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall economic health Much lower
Please rate each of the following in
the Richmond community.

Economic development Much lower
7131324%
7131327%
9111122%
14141332%
8121240%
5171728%
5313724%
12171534%
14141332%
7131316%
6151534%
7131332%
7131316%
11171618%
6151517%
35141028%
47 245
Economy
Please rate each of the following in
the Richmond community. Cost of living Similar
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Economic development Much lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall economic health Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Similar
Mobility
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Traffic flow on major streets Similar
Ease of public parking Similar
Ease of travel by car Similar
Ease of travel by public transportation Similar
Ease of travel by bicycle Similar
Ease of walking Lower
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Used public transportation instead of driving Much
higher
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Similar
Walked or biked instead of driving Similar
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Traffic enforcement Much lower
Traffic signal timing Lower
Street repair Much lower
Street cleaning Much lower
7141421%
3813989%
6913530%
4112839%
4215936%
3312948%
40151059%
6913535%
26151232%
13151431%
9112255%
6113649%
4613851%
6161517%
14141333%
11171611%
48 246
Mobility Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Street repair Much lower
Street cleaning Much lower
Street lighting Much lower
Snow removal Similar
Sidewalk maintenance Much lower
Bus or transit services Similar
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Community
Design
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Your neighborhood as a place to live Much lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Lower Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Well-planned residential growth Lower
Well-planned commercial growth Lower
Well-designed neighborhoods Much lower
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community
Lower
Public places where people want to spend time Much lower Variety of housing options Lower
Availability of affordable quality housing Similar
Overall quality of new development Lower
Overall appearance Much lower
6151520%
14151330%
6913561%
7141418%
5714736%
16121177%
6151565%
15131230%
25121025%
8121223%
7131322%
8121235%
7131326%
30131027%
33151116%
14141323%
49 247
Community
Design
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Overall quality of new development Lower
Overall appearance Much lower
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Land use, planning and zoning Lower
Code enforcement Much lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar Utilities
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Lower
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Affordable high-speed internet access Lower
Garbage collection Lower
Drinking water Similar
Sewer services Lower
Storm water management Lower
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Lower
Utility billing Lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Safety
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall feeling of safety Much lower
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:

In your neighborhood during the day Much lower
In Richmond's downtown/commercial area during the day Much lower From property crime Much lower
6161614%
13151423%
12171513%
30131069%
25121039%
25121032%
13151462%
5015870%
6151559%
7151444%
16121154%
14151337%
3312987%
6151514%
6171569%
7161443%
50 248
Safety Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:

In Richmond's downtown/commercial area during the day Much lower From property crime Much lower
From violent crime Much lower
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Lower
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Police/Sheriff services Much lower
Crime prevention Much lower
Animal control Much lower
Ambulance or emergency medical services Lower
Fire services Lower
Fire prevention and education Much lower
Emergency preparedness Much lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall feeling of safety Similar
Natural
environment
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of natural environment Much lower
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Cleanliness Much lower
Water resources Lower
Air quality Much lower
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Preservation of natural areas Lower
Richmond open space Lower
7131328%
7131334%
25121064%
5171727%
7151420%
6171629%
6181655%
5181768%
7151444%
7141437%
8413397%
7141438%
6161612%
3010840%
6151530%
14141344%
51 249
Natural
environment
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Preservation of natural areas Lower
Richmond open space Lower
Recycling Lower
Yard waste pick-up Similar
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of natural environment Similar
Parks and
Recreation
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Much lower Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Availability of paths and walking trails Much lower
Fitness opportunities Much lower
Recreational opportunities Much lower
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

City parks Much lower
Recreation programs or classes Much lower
Recreation centers or facilities Much lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar Health and
wellness
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall health and wellness opportunities Much lower
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Availability of affordable quality food Lower
Availability of affordable quality health care Lower
Availability of preventive health services Lower
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar 15131243%
17171553%
30131058%
23131181%
7131342%
13161438%
15131236%
14151335%
15131242%
6151534%
6161629%
25121079%
7131327%
7131336%
21141235%
15131232%
52 250
Health and
wellness
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Availability of preventive health services Lower
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Health services Lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Much lower Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Much lower Community support for the arts Much lower
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Similar K-12 education Much lower
Adult educational opportunities Lower
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Much lower Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in
Richmond.

Public library services Lower
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar Inclusivity
and
Engagement
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to raise children Much lower
Richmond as a place to retire Much lower
Sense of community Lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Much lower
30131023%
16121140%
6913583%
7131346%
7131327%
14141323%
16121128%
28141124%
7141423%
7131329%
7141431%
6171659%
7613479%
6181624%
6181629%
6151538%
53 251
Inclusivity
and
Engagement
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Sense of community Lower
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Residents' connection and engagement with their
community Much lower
Please rate the job you feel the
Richmond community does at each
of the following.

Making all residents feel welcome Lower
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Similar
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Similar Taking care of vulnerable residents Lower
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Sense of civic/community pride Much lower
Neighborliness of residents Lower
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Much lower Opportunities to volunteer Lower
Opportunities to participate in community matters Lower Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds Similar
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Similar
Participation Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Watched a local public meeting Similar
Volunteered your time to some group/activity Similar
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or
candidate
Similar
Voted in your most recent local election Similar
In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your home Similar Access the internet from your cell phone Similar
Visit social media sites Similar
Use or check email Similar
Share your opinions online Similar
Shop online Similar
5313728%
30131011%
2711971%
18111091%
4511794%
5812679%
16121195%
7211431%
2711949%
55 253
Custom Benchmark List
Schaumburg, Illinois
Elgin, Illinois
Allegan, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Rochester, Minnesota
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Buckeye, Arizona
Goodyear, Arizona
Washington County, Rhode Island
Lancaster County, South Carolina
Round Rock, Texas
Nevada County, California
Clovis, California
Vallejo, California
Boulder, Colorado
Longmont, Colorado
Westminster, Colorado
56 254
2007
2011
2013
2015
2017
2019
2021
2023
Quality of Life Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to live
The overall quality of life
Please indicate how likely or
unlikely you are to do each of the
following.

Recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks
Remain in Richmond for the next five years
Please rate each of the following in
the Richmond community. Overall image or reputation
Governance Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Public information services
Overall customer service by Richmond employees
Please rate the following categories
of Richmond government
performance.

It is important to note that in 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. 57 255
Governance Please rate the following categories
of Richmond government
performance.

Informing residents about issues facing the community
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Richmond
The Federal Government
Economy Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to work
Richmond as a place to visit
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall economic health
Please rate each of the following in
the Richmond community.

Overall quality of business and service establishments
Variety of business and service establishments
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
Cost of living
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond. Economic development Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall economic health
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Mobility
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of the transportation system
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
40%
32%
32%
25%30%33%31%
24%
28%
32%
30%
20%
36%
28%
35%
29%
34%
29%
34%
29%
29%
17%
17%
32%
34%
30%
25%
27%
36%
29%
38%
26%
34%22%23%24%
16%14%16%16%14%
28%
17%
18%
16%
32%
34%
21%
17%
15%
12%
31%
27%
26%
17%
21%
10%
26%
30%
19%
20%
10%
26%
30%
27%
16%
12%
26%
30%
9%
23%
28%
10%
24%
19%
10%
21%12%21%21%19%21%15%13%
89%88%92%95%
30%26%25%24%48%22%18%16%
39%39%
36%43%40%43%49%34%36%47%
58 256
Mobility Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car
Ease of travel by public transportation
Ease of travel by bicycle
Ease of walking
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Used public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Traffic enforcement
Traffic signal timing
Street repair
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Bus or transit services
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of the transportation system
Community
Design
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Your neighborhood as a place to live
Please rate each of the following
characteristicsastheyrelateto
Richmondasawhole.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas 31%
32%
35%
59%
48%
32%
37%
47%
64%
58%
39%
44%
38%
61%
55%
35%
46%
39%
62%
54%
41%
37%
48%
73%
69%
30%
32%
44%
58%
24%
32%
47%
48%
20%
28%
49%
41%
51%
49%
55%
55%
43%
41%
57%
45%
66%
54%
44%
59%
60%
46%
63%
36%
18%
61%
30%
20%
11%
33%
17%
42%
18%
52%
33%
25%
17%
38%
24%
40%
21%
44%
30%
17%
39%
29%
44%
25%
34%
25%
10%
40%
30%
42%
27%
34%
36%
13%
35%
44%
42%
31%
36%
43%
15%
40%
38%
42%
20%
25%
31%
15%
37%
34%
48%
14%
20%
20%
9%
36%
34%
77%73%
65%61%65%62%57%53%59%50%
59 257
Community
Design
Pleaserateeachofthefollowing
aspectsofqualityoflifein
Richmond. Your neighborhood as a place to live
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Utilities
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Affordable high-speed internet access
Garbage collection
Drinking water
Sewer services
Storm water management
30%34%26%28%35%
14%
23%
16%
27%
26%
35%
22%
23%
25%
12%
24%
18%
26%
22%
32%
22%
17%
18%
17%
30%
23%
26%
25%
15%
30%
23%
23%
20%
17%
28%
25%
23%
25%
18%
23%
34%
28%
18%
31%
31%
31%
8%
25%
19%
13%
23%
12%
18%
14%
23%
15%
26%
22%
22%
15%
24%
19%
21%
9%
13%
69%71%78%73%
39%47%
59%
70%
62%
32%
66%
67%
54%
33%
55%
67%
57%
68%
52%
72%
51%
67%
46%
69%
41%
52%
70%
60 258
Utilities Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Sewer services
Storm water management
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Safety
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall feeling of safety
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:

In your neighborhood during the day
In Richmond's downtown/commercial area during the day
From property crime
From violent crime
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Police/Sheriff services
Crime prevention
Animal control
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Fire services
Fire prevention and education
Emergency preparedness
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall feeling of safety
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of natural environment
37%
54%
44%
40%
51%
53%
47%
54%
43%
52%
57%
44%
52%
63%
53%51%
56%
41%31%
87%80%
14%19%24%22%21%
64%
34%
28%
43%
69%
63%
35%
35%
43%
73%
46%
74%
43%
73%
48%
74%
20%
14%
37%
70%
15%
11%
34%
70%
13%
9%
25%
64%
37%
44%
68%
55%
29%
20%
27%
32%
42%
68%
59%
34%
20%
46%
42%
55%
80%
73%
26%
33%
50%
31%
54%
80%
68%
27%
29%
54%
32%
59%
79%
72%
30%
36%
59%
37%
46%
69%
25%
27%
57%
28%
39%
71%
71%
30%
22%
51%
41%
70%
66%
31%
11%
38%
97%94%93%95%
61 259
Safety
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years. Overall feeling of safety Natural
environment
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of natural environment
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Cleanliness
Water resources
Air quality
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Preservation of natural areas
Richmond open space
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of natural environment
Parks and
Recreation
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Availability of paths and walking trails
Fitness opportunities
Recreational opportunities
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Health and
wellness
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall health and wellness opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
38%34%38%42%39%23%25%
30%
40%
12%
30%
35%
9%
28%
13%
28%
13%
29%
15%
24%
16%
24%
15%
20%
58%
53%
43%
44%
51%
58%
34%
42%
64%
64%
49%
49%
60%
66%
48%
42%
70%
70%
39%
39%
70%
35%
59%
68%
30%
61%
71%
81%81%84%78%
42%34%
35%
36%
38%
30%
43%
42%
39%
42%
41%
33%
34%
44%
34%
36%
38%
28%
36%
25%
33%
20%
29%
34%
42%
31%
33%
40%
40%
40%
50%
36%
39%
47%
37%
39%
45%
42%
44%
46%
34%
37%
43%
23%
24%
30%
79%73%
27%28%33%25%34%
62 260
Health and
wellness
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole. Overall health and wellness opportunities Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Health services
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall health and wellness opportunities
Please rate your overall health.

Education, Arts
and Culture
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Community support for the arts
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Richmond.

Public library services
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Inclusivity and
Engagement
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to raise children
Richmond as a place to retire
Sense of community
23%
32%
35%
36%
26%
41%
39%
31%
20%
37%
36%
36%
21%
30%
33%
31%
19%
31%
31%
30%
34%
27%
36%
27%
27%
29%
25%
32%
40%39%34%35%34%31%28%31%
83%79%83%87%
46%47%48%48%50%
27%19%26%21%21%
31%
29%
23%
24%
28%
23%
18%
34%
21%
18%
22%
17%
46%
34%
17%
21%
33%
42%
37%
23%
25%
30%
31%
33%
22%
20%
29%
20%
25%
22%
20%
26%
29%
14%
23%
22%
59%50%54%56%61%52%48%35%
79%74%83%89%
29%
24%
24%
26%
31%
26%
32%
24%
28%
19%
27%
14%
17%
13%
15%
9%
63 261
Inclusivity and
Engagement
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to retire
Sense of community
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Richmond as a whole.

Residents' connection and engagement with their community Please rate the job you feel the
Richmond community does at each
of the following.

Making all residents feel welcome
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds
Taking care of vulnerable residents
Please also rate each of the
following in the Richmond
community.

Sense of civic/community pride
Neighborliness of residents
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Richmond
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.

Residents' connection and engagement with their community Participation Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Contacted the City of Richmond for help or information
Contacted Richmond elected officials to express your opinion Attended a local public meeting
Watched a local public meeting
Volunteered your time to some group/activity
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or
candidate
38%32%34%30%22%27%27%17%
27%23%
24%
48%
59%
40%
23%
50%
52%
40%
50%
35%
41%
28%
34%
30%
47%
32%
45%
24%
40%
26%
56%
48%
55%
31%
42%
53%
48%
48%
31%
42%
44%
38%
43%
29%
29%
47%
43%
54%
24%
42%
42%
43%
26%
37%
73%69%82%79%
28%
22%
20%
14%
39%
28%
35%
23%
25%
49%
41%
34%
38%
30%
50%
36%
43%
38%
31%
50%
27%
28%
25%
22%
42%
29%
37%
32%
35%
34%
47%
31%
43%
35%
60%
36%
48%
64 262
Participation Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Volunteered your time to some group/activity
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or
candidate
Voted in your most recent local election
In general, how many times do you:

Access the internet from your home
Access the internet from your cell phone
Visit social media sites
Use or check email
Share your opinions online
Shop online
71%
11%
77%
22%39%39%26%
68%70%73%
49%
31%
95%
79%
94%
91%
49%
33%
96%
80%
93%
95%
65 263
Please rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Your neighborhood as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to raise children Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to work Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to visit Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to retire Excellent
Good
Fair
12%
N=50
42%
N=178
42%
N=179
4%
N=18
16%
N=68
20%
N=84
48%
N=204
16%
N=70
33%
N=124
43%
N=160
22%
N=82
2%
N=7
29%
N=95
38%
N=123
29%
N=95
4%
N=14
35%
N=137
34%
N=132
30%
N=116
2%
N=7
35%
N=114
23%
N=74
6%
N=18
Complete Set of Frequencies
This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the survey. By default, "don't know" responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. In some tables, the percentages may not sum to 100%; this is either because the question permitted the respondent to "choose all that apply", or for a question that asked the respondent to select one answer, it is due to the customary practice of rounding values to the nearest whole number. 66 264
Please rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to retire
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall quality of life Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of community Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as a
whole.

Overall economic health Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the transportation
system
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall design or layout of residential
and commercial areas
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure
Excellent
Good
Fair
37%
N=120
35%
N=114
18%
N=76
43%
N=177
37%
N=154
2%
N=8
23%
N=89
40%
N=155
34%
N=133
3%
N=13
40%
N=157
44%
N=175
13%
N=52
3%
N=11
22%
N=85
40%
N=152
32%
N=123
6%
N=23
26%
N=108
44%
N=179
26%
N=107
3%
N=13
45%
N=183
34%
N=140
5%
N=20
67 265
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as a
whole.

Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall feeling of safety Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of natural environmentExcellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall health and wellness
opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall opportunities for education,
culture, and the arts
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Residents' connection and
engagement with their community
Excellent
Good
Fair
16%
N=68
45%
N=183
35%
N=147
51%
N=215
13%
N=56
0%
N=1
28%
N=115
34%
N=139
32%
N=130
5%
N=22
19%
N=75
39%
N=152
32%
N=124
10%
N=38
29%
N=101
44%
N=152
20%
N=70
6%
N=20
36%
N=131
37%
N=138
24%
N=89
3%
N=10
37%
N=132
23%
N=81
4%
N=15
68 266
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as a
whole.

Residents' connection and
engagement with their community
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate how
likely or unlikely you
are to do each of the
following.

Recommend living in Richmond to
someone who asks
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Remain in Richmond for the next five
years
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Please rate how safe or
unsafe you feel:

In your neighborhood during the day Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
In Richmond's downtown/commercial
area during the day
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From property crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
36%
N=127
37%
N=132
18%
N=74
21%
N=84
50%
N=205
11%
N=43
9%
N=36
15%
N=57
36%
N=137
40%
N=154
6%
N=26
8%
N=35
16%
N=69
37%
N=155
33%
N=138
12%
N=45
17%
N=65
28%
N=107
34%
N=129
9%
N=36
19%
N=73
28%
N=111
25%
N=98
24%
N=95
4%
N=16
69 267
Please rate how safe or
unsafe you feel:

From property crime
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From violent crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From fire, flood, or other natural
disaster
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
Please rate the job you
feel the Richmond
community does at
each of the following.

Making all residents feel welcome Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Valuing/respecting residents from
diverse backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Taking care of vulnerable residents Excellent
Good
19%
N=73
12%
N=47
27%
N=109
27%
N=109
28%
N=114
5%
N=21
4%
N=15
9%
N=35
23%
N=90
47%
N=184
18%
N=70
20%
N=75
40%
N=147
29%
N=108
11%
N=40
17%
N=62
24%
N=91
40%
N=149
19%
N=72
15%
N=54
37%
N=135
34%
N=122
14%
N=51
16%
N=52
8%
N=25
70 268
Please rate the job you
feel the Richmond
community does at
each of the following.

Taking care of vulnerable residents
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the
following in the
Richmond community.

Overall quality of business and
service establishments
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of business and service
establishments
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial
area
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Employment opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Shopping opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cost of living Excellent
Good
33%
N=107
44%
N=143
16%
N=52
25%
N=99
42%
N=167
29%
N=114
5%
N=20
29%
N=119
40%
N=161
24%
N=99
7%
N=28
46%
N=163
38%
N=135
13%
N=47
2%
N=7
43%
N=125
39%
N=111
17%
N=50
1%
N=3
48%
N=191
36%
N=143
14%
N=56
3%
N=11
24%
N=97
3%
N=13
71 269
Please rate each of the
following in the
Richmond community.

Cost of living
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall image or reputation Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Traffic flow on major streets Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of public parking Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by car Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by public
transportation
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent
Good
37%
N=150
35%
N=143
24%
N=97
48%
N=190
43%
N=173
8%
N=31
1%
N=5
23%
N=92
40%
N=160
31%
N=122
6%
N=22
22%
N=88
30%
N=120
35%
N=138
13%
N=51
7%
N=30
34%
N=138
45%
N=185
13%
N=54
19%
N=64
46%
N=150
30%
N=98
5%
N=17
25%
N=65
7%
N=17
72 270
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Ease of travel by bicycle
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of walking Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned residential growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned commercial growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-designed neighborhoods Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of the historical or
cultural character of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public places where people want to
spend time
Excellent
Good
25%
N=65
43%
N=111
25%
N=65
26%
N=97
43%
N=161
28%
N=105
2%
N=9
33%
N=89
42%
N=112
22%
N=59
3%
N=8
42%
N=109
35%
N=91
20%
N=52
3%
N=7
28%
N=98
50%
N=173
19%
N=67
3%
N=9
28%
N=91
37%
N=119
26%
N=83
9%
N=29
21%
N=82
5%
N=18
73 271
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Public places where people want to
spend time
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of housing options Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
housing
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of new development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall appearance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cleanliness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Water resources Excellent
Good
37%
N=145
37%
N=142
21%
N=82
42%
N=148
31%
N=111
24%
N=85
3%
N=11
55%
N=175
29%
N=92
13%
N=41
3%
N=11
32%
N=93
46%
N=134
19%
N=54
4%
N=13
35%
N=141
51%
N=205
12%
N=47
2%
N=8
49%
N=202
40%
N=164
10%
N=40
2%
N=7
31%
N=113
9%
N=32
74 272
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Water resources
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Air quality Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of paths and walking
trails
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fitness opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality food Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
health care
Excellent
Good
21%
N=77
38%
N=138
31%
N=113
30%
N=122
39%
N=158
24%
N=98
6%
N=24
13%
N=49
49%
N=188
31%
N=118
7%
N=26
19%
N=69
44%
N=157
32%
N=113
5%
N=16
20%
N=68
45%
N=157
31%
N=110
4%
N=15
24%
N=93
40%
N=151
28%
N=108
8%
N=29
30%
N=103
5%
N=16
75 273
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Availability of affordable quality
health care
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of preventive health
services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
mental health care
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend
cultural/arts/music activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Community support for the arts Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
childcare/preschool
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
K-12 education Excellent
Good
25%
N=85
41%
N=141
30%
N=103
24%
N=80
45%
N=151
26%
N=89
5%
N=17
40%
N=107
38%
N=101
18%
N=48
5%
N=13
31%
N=111
46%
N=163
19%
N=68
3%
N=11
33%
N=95
40%
N=115
23%
N=66
5%
N=14
41%
N=88
35%
N=76
16%
N=34
9%
N=19
14%
N=42
8%
N=24
76 274
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

K-12 education
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Adult educational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of civic/community pride Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Neighborliness of residents Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend special
events and festivals
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to volunteer Excellent
Good
51%
N=148
26%
N=75
14%
N=42
26%
N=72
45%
N=126
21%
N=59
8%
N=21
30%
N=108
40%
N=143
25%
N=89
5%
N=17
23%
N=87
43%
N=159
29%
N=108
5%
N=17
26%
N=87
46%
N=157
26%
N=88
2%
N=6
29%
N=99
41%
N=139
26%
N=90
4%
N=13
32%
N=86
9%
N=23
77 275
Please also rate each of
the following in the
Richmond community.

Opportunities to volunteer
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in
community matters
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate whether
or not you have done
each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Contacted the City of Richmond for
help or information
No
Yes
Contacted Richmond elected officials
to express your opinion
No
Yes
Attended a local public meeting No
Yes
Watched a local public meeting No
Yes
Volunteered your time to some
group/activity
No
Yes
Campaigned or advocated for a local
issue, cause, or candidate
No
Yes
Voted in your most recent local
election
No
Yes
17%
N=44
42%
N=113
32%
N=86
22%
N=65
43%
N=127
31%
N=92
4%
N=12
16%
N=54
34%
N=115
32%
N=110
18%
N=60
40%
N=163
60%
N=249
14%
N=57
86%
N=355
20%
N=80
80%
N=329
22%
N=91
78%
N=323
28%
N=114
72%
N=300
11%
N=47
89%
N=368
71%
N=292
29%
N=119
78 276
Please indicate whether
or not you have done
each of the following in
the last 12 months.

Voted in your most recent local
election
No
Yes
Used public transportation instead of
driving
No
Yes
Carpooled with other adults or
children instead of driving alone
No
Yes
Walked or biked instead of driving No
Yes
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Public information services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Economic development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic signal timing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street repair Excellent
Good
71%
N=292
55%
N=228
45%
N=189
49%
N=204
51%
N=212
51%
N=213
49%
N=203
18%
N=56
51%
N=155
28%
N=84
3%
N=9
38%
N=110
41%
N=120
18%
N=54
2%
N=7
45%
N=156
38%
N=131
15%
N=50
3%
N=9
25%
N=95
42%
N=159
28%
N=108
5%
N=19
9%
N=37
2%
N=8
79 277
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Street repair
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street cleaning Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street lighting Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Snow removal Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sidewalk maintenance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bus or transit services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Land use, planning and zoning Excellent
Good
59%
N=239
29%
N=118
9%
N=37
42%
N=168
38%
N=152
17%
N=68
3%
N=13
28%
N=108
43%
N=165
27%
N=106
2%
N=8
19%
N=9
21%
N=10
17%
N=8
43%
N=21
46%
N=170
37%
N=136
15%
N=55
2%
N=9
14%
N=47
50%
N=161
28%
N=89
8%
N=26
19%
N=44
4%
N=8
80 278
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Land use, planning and zoning
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Code enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Affordable high-speed internet
access
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Garbage collection Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Drinking water Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sewer services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Storm water management Excellent
Good
37%
N=86
40%
N=92
19%
N=44
57%
N=164
30%
N=86
10%
N=27
3%
N=10
31%
N=101
37%
N=122
28%
N=91
5%
N=15
13%
N=53
25%
N=100
44%
N=174
18%
N=73
6%
N=23
24%
N=88
49%
N=179
21%
N=79
16%
N=58
25%
N=89
47%
N=167
12%
N=41
36%
N=119
8%
N=26
81 279
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Storm water management
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Utility billing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Police/Sheriff services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Crime prevention Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Animal control Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ambulance or emergency medical
services
Excellent
Good
24%
N=78
32%
N=105
36%
N=119
13%
N=51
33%
N=132
45%
N=177
9%
N=36
18%
N=70
45%
N=173
30%
N=117
7%
N=27
35%
N=122
37%
N=130
23%
N=79
5%
N=19
50%
N=173
30%
N=103
17%
N=59
3%
N=11
31%
N=88
40%
N=115
24%
N=69
6%
N=16
40%
N=98
15%
N=37
82 280
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Ambulance or emergency medical
services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire prevention and education Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Emergency preparedness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of natural areas Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond open space Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recycling Excellent
Good
5%
N=13
39%
N=97
40%
N=98
4%
N=12
27%
N=76
45%
N=128
23%
N=65
26%
N=70
30%
N=81
33%
N=91
11%
N=31
35%
N=98
28%
N=77
29%
N=81
8%
N=22
21%
N=60
34%
N=97
31%
N=88
13%
N=37
17%
N=53
40%
N=122
35%
N=108
9%
N=26
41%
N=155
12%
N=45
83 281
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Recycling
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Yard waste pick-up Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
City parks Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation programs or classes Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation centers or facilities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public library services Excellent
Good
15%
N=56
33%
N=124
41%
N=155
15%
N=46
28%
N=85
40%
N=124
17%
N=52
18%
N=67
40%
N=148
34%
N=127
8%
N=28
25%
N=65
41%
N=103
27%
N=69
7%
N=17
24%
N=65
46%
N=122
23%
N=61
7%
N=19
16%
N=47
45%
N=135
29%
N=88
11%
N=32
40%
N=131
19%
N=61
84 282
Please rate the quality
of each of the following
services in Richmond.

Public library services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall customer service by
Richmond employees
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate the
following categories of
Richmond government
performance.

The value of services for the taxes
paid to Richmond
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall direction that Richmond
is taking
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The job Richmond government does
at welcoming resident involvement
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall confidence in Richmond
government
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Generally acting in the best interest
of the community
Excellent
Good
12%
N=38
29%
N=94
40%
N=131
18%
N=53
40%
N=119
32%
N=93
10%
N=28
47%
N=155
36%
N=117
15%
N=49
2%
N=8
32%
N=101
38%
N=119
26%
N=82
3%
N=10
34%
N=95
33%
N=94
26%
N=72
7%
N=20
41%
N=136
38%
N=124
17%
N=57
4%
N=12
23%
N=74
5%
N=16
85 283
Please rate the
following categories of
Richmond government
performance.

Generally acting in the best interest
of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being honest Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being open and transparent to the
public
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Informing residents about issues
facing the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating all residents fairly Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating residents with respect Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall, how would you
rate the quality of the
services provided by
eachofthefollowing?
The City of Richmond Excellent
Good
36%
N=112
36%
N=113
23%
N=74
30%
N=81
46%
N=127
19%
N=52
5%
N=14
34%
N=95
39%
N=110
23%
N=64
4%
N=10
38%
N=122
39%
N=126
18%
N=56
5%
N=15
27%
N=75
41%
N=112
24%
N=66
7%
N=19
19%
N=52
42%
N=114
31%
N=86
8%
N=22
23%
N=87
5%
N=19
86 284
Overall, how would you
rate the quality of the
services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Richmond
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The Federal Government Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of the
following in the coming
two years.

Overall economic health Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the transportation
system
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall design or layout of residential
and commercial areas
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall feeling of safety Essential
Very important
23%
N=88
49%
N=188
23%
N=87
24%
N=90
51%
N=189
18%
N=68
6%
N=21
2%
N=9
9%
N=36
43%
N=177
47%
N=194
4%
N=16
19%
N=78
55%
N=223
23%
N=92
5%
N=19
26%
N=109
45%
N=187
25%
N=105
1%
N=6
12%
N=48
47%
N=196
40%
N=164
31%
N=130
66%
N=276
87 285
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of the
following in the coming
two years.

Overall feeling of safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of natural environmentEssential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall health and wellness
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall opportunities for education,
culture, and the arts
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Residents' connection and
engagement with their community
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
How important, if at all,
are the following issues
for the City to address
withinthenexttwo
years?
Expanding community wi-fi Essential
Very important
0%
N=1
3%
N=10
31%
N=130
2%
N=9
17%
N=71
47%
N=199
34%
N=141
4%
N=16
17%
N=71
51%
N=214
28%
N=116
2%
N=6
16%
N=66
46%
N=191
37%
N=152
2%
N=9
19%
N=77
40%
N=167
39%
N=164
3%
N=11
25%
N=103
44%
N=186
29%
N=119
30%
N=120
29%
N=116
88 286
How important, if at all,
are the following issues
for the City to address
within the next two
years?
Expanding community wi-fi
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality affordable housing Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and pedestrian
safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic buildings Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park conditions Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more parks and open
space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community centers and
expanding programming
Essential
Very important
9%
N=38
32%
N=129
30%
N=120
5%
N=21
16%
N=64
30%
N=122
49%
N=202
1%
N=6
17%
N=72
49%
N=205
32%
N=132
11%
N=47
40%
N=164
34%
N=139
14%
N=59
3%
N=12
25%
N=101
46%
N=187
27%
N=110
9%
N=37
28%
N=114
32%
N=133
31%
N=127
36%
N=146
24%
N=100
89 287
How important, if at all,
are the following issues
for the City to address
within the next two
years?
Renovating community centers and
expanding programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and developing
more athletic fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and pedestrian
lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training opportunities Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted properties Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and disorder Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing transportation options (i.e.
car/bike share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
5%
N=22
34%
N=141
36%
N=146
13%
N=54
31%
N=127
37%
N=152
19%
N=77
3%
N=11
20%
N=81
47%
N=196
30%
N=125
4%
N=14
19%
N=77
39%
N=160
39%
N=158
5%
N=21
21%
N=85
39%
N=161
35%
N=142
0%
N=1
6%
N=23
27%
N=111
67%
N=276
32%
N=133
26%
N=105
90 288
How important, if at all,
are the following issues
for the City to address
within the next two
years?
Increasing transportation options (i.e.
car/bike share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the City Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown Richmond Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving conditions Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental quality Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive services to
previously incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation of revenue
to support City services
Essential
Very important
6%
N=23
37%
N=151
32%
N=133
14%
N=58
30%
N=121
28%
N=113
28%
N=116
5%
N=19
23%
N=95
35%
N=144
38%
N=156
0%
N=
17%
N=69
41%
N=169
42%
N=170
3%
N=10
17%
N=71
38%
N=157
42%
N=170
12%
N=48
30%
N=123
35%
N=143
22%
N=90
48%
N=196
21%
N=87
91 289
How important, if at all,
are the following issues
for the City to address
within the next two
years?
Increasing the generation of revenue
to support City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving the financial stability of the
City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to support the
homeless population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic development
activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local retail and
shopping opportunities for Richmond
residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your health
and well-being:

Street lighting Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Very positive impact
7%
N=30
23%
N=94
48%
N=196
4%
N=16
13%
N=54
46%
N=189
37%
N=150
9%
N=38
19%
N=78
39%
N=160
33%
N=139
3%
N=14
15%
N=61
49%
N=200
33%
N=136
8%
N=34
24%
N=101
33%
N=138
34%
N=140
4%
N=18
7%
N=29
14%
N=59
38%
N=157
36%
N=148
92 290
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your health
and well-being:

Street lighting Very negative impact
Parks Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Recreation programs Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Police Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Fire Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Street quality Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
1%
N=2
1%
N=6
17%
N=70
35%
N=140
46%
N=183
1%
N=5
0%
N=2
43%
N=178
32%
N=130
23%
N=96
5%
N=18
10%
N=42
19%
N=78
28%
N=115
38%
N=152
0%
N=2
3%
N=14
19%
N=76
30%
N=120
47%
N=192
5%
N=21
12%
N=49
11%
N=44
39%
N=163
33%
N=135
93 291
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your health
and well-being:

Street quality
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Library services Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Affordable and quality housing Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Traffic safety Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Blight abatement Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
In the last year, how often, if at all, did
you worry about you, someone in
your family or any other person of
your same race, ethnicity or
nationality experiencing unfair
treatment because of your race,
ethnicity, or color?
Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
5%
N=21
1%
N=3
4%
N=16
25%
N=105
38%
N=159
32%
N=133
6%
N=26
10%
N=41
21%
N=88
24%
N=100
39%
N=162
4%
N=15
8%
N=34
16%
N=65
29%
N=118
43%
N=178
3%
N=11
15%
N=60
28%
N=116
26%
N=107
29%
N=118
23%
N=94
26%
N=107
35%
N=140
15%
N=63
94 292
Inthelastyear,howoften,ifatall,did
youworryaboutyou,someonein
yourfamilyoranyotherpersonof
yoursamerace,ethnicityor
nationality experiencing unfair
treatment because of your race,
ethnicity, or color?
Rarely
Never
Compared to one year ago, how
would you rate your health in general
now?
Much better now than one year ago
Somewhat better now than one year ago
Somewhat worse now than one year ago
Much worse now than one year ago
In general, how many
times do you:

Access the internet from your home Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Access the internet from your cell
phone
Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Visit social media sites Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Use or check email Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
23%
N=94
4%
N=15
28%
N=112
54%
N=219
14%
N=58
7%
N=28
2%
N=7
5%
N=22
13%
N=52
73%
N=298
5%
N=21
1%
N=3
6%
N=26
13%
N=51
75%
N=302
18%
N=71
3%
N=14
8%
N=32
20%
N=80
51%
N=204
4%
N=14
2%
N=7
4%
N=17
15%
N=62
76%
N=310
95 293
In general, how many
times do you:

Use or check email
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Share your opinions online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Shop online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Please rate your overall health. Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
What impact, if any, do you think the
economy will have on your family
income in the next 6 months? Do you
think the impact will be:

Very positive
Somewhat positive
Neutral
Somewhat negative
Very negative
How many years have you lived in
Richmond?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
4%
N=14
52%
N=204
17%
N=66
17%
N=65
2%
N=9
12%
N=47
16%
N=64
35%
N=140
29%
N=114
5%
N=22
15%
N=59
4%
N=18
13%
N=56
37%
N=152
29%
N=121
16%
N=67
5%
N=21
24%
N=101
41%
N=173
21%
N=89
9%
N=37
21%
N=87
15%
N=61
18%
N=75
10%
N=42
96 294
How many years have you lived in
Richmond?
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
Which best describes the building
you live in?
Single-family detached home
Townhouse or duplex (may share walls
but no units above or below you)
Condominium or apartment (have units
above or below you)
Other
Do you rent or own your home? Rent
Own
About how much is your monthly
housing cost for the place you live
(including rent, mortgage payment,
property tax, property insurance and
homeowners' association (HOA)
fees)?
Less than $300
$300 to $599
$600 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $2,499
$2,500 to $3,999
$4,000 to $6,999
$7,000 to $9,999
$10,000 or more
Do any children 17 or under live in
your household?
No
Yes
Are you or any other members of
your household aged 65 or older?
No
Yes
How much do you anticipate your
household's total income before
taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income
money from all sources for all
persons living in your household.)
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
37%
N=156
21%
N=87
2%
N=7
23%
N=99
16%
N=69
59%
N=248
52%
N=214
48%
N=199
1%
N=6
3%
N=12
8%
N=34
21%
N=87
32%
N=134
17%
N=72
9%
N=39
4%
N=18
3%
N=13
29%
N=121
71%
N=292
36%
N=150
64%
N=268
12%
N=50
14%
N=55
17%
N=68
16%
N=64
97 295
How much do you anticipate your
household's total income before
taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income
money from all sources for all
persons living in your household.)
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $299,999
$300,000 or more
Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or
Spanish origin?
No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish
origin
Yes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic,
Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin
What is your race? (Mark one or more
races to indicate what race you
consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White
A race not listed
In which category is your age? 18-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
75 years or older
What is your gender? Woman
Man
Identify in another way
If you identify in another way, how
would you describe your gender?
Non-binary
Identify in another way
6%
N=23
4%
N=17
17%
N=70
14%
N=58
12%
N=50
40%
N=165
60%
N=249
26%
N=105
36%
N=145
3%
N=10
21%
N=83
21%
N=82
9%
N=34
11%
N=48
15%
N=61
10%
N=41
19%
N=80
20%
N=84
24%
N=101
1%
N=5
0%
N=
43%
N=180
57%
N=241
24%
N=
76%
N=
98 296
If you identify in another way, how
would you describe your gender?
Non-binary
Identify in another way 24%
N=
99 297
Methods (Open Participation)
As part of its participation in The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™), the City of Richmond conducted a survey of 430 residents. Survey invitations were mailed to randomly selected households and data were collected from August 28th, 2023 to October 16th, 2023. The results from this main survey effort represent the most robust estimate of your residents’ opinions.

After the above data collection period was underway, a link to an online open participation survey was publicized by the City of Richmond. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with two small updates; it included a map at the beginning asking where the respondent lives and also a question about where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all Richmond residents and became available on September 25th, 2023. The survey remained open for nearly 14 weeks and there were 148 responses.

The open participation survey data were not collected through a random sample and it is unknown who in the community was aware of the survey; therefore, a level of confidence in the representativeness of the sample cannot be estimated. However, to reduce bias where possible, these data were statistically weighted to match the demographic characteristics of the 2020 Census and 2022 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Richmond. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, housing tenure, and area. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.¹⁸ The results of the weighting scheme for the open participation survey are presented in the following table.

Unweighted Weighted Target¹⁹
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Area District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
Hispanic
No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish
origin
Yes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic,
Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin
Housing type Attached
Detached
Race/ethnic.. Not white alone
Whitealone,notHispanicorLatino
Sex
Man
Woman
Sex/age
Man18-34
Man35-54
Man55+
Woman18-34
Woman35-54
Woman55+
Tenure
Own
Rent
32%
35%
32%
32%
35%
32%
40%
45%
15%
16%
21%
17%
15%
18%
14%
16%
21%
17%
15%
18%
14%
29%
13%
17%
13%
17%
11%
40%
60%
40%
60%
31%
69%
60%
40%
60%
40%
75%
25%
20%
80%
20%
80%
41%
59%

18.Pasek,J.(2014).ANESWeightingAlgorithm. Retrievedfrom https://surveyinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Full-anesrake-paper.pdf

19.Targetscomefromthe2020Censusand2022AmericanCommunitySurvey. 100
298
Methods(OpenParticipation)
AspartofitsparticipationinTheNationalCommunitySurvey™(TheNCS™),theCityofRichmondconducteda surveyof430residents.Surveyinvitationsweremailedtorandomlyselectedhouseholdsanddatawerecollected fromAugust28th,2023toOctober16th,2023.Theresultsfromthismainsurveyeffortrepresentthemostrobust estimateofyourresidents’opinions.

Aftertheabovedatacollectionperiodwasunderway,alinktoanonlineopenparticipationsurveywaspublicizedby theCityofRichmond.Theopenparticipationsurveywasidenticaltotheprobabilitysamplesurveywithtwosmall updates;itincludedamapatthebeginningaskingwheretherespondentlivesandalsoaquestionaboutwhere theyheardaboutthesurvey.TheopenparticipationsurveywasopentoallRichmondresidentsandbecame availableonSeptember25th,2023.Thesurveyremainedopenfornearly14weeksandtherewere148responses.

Theopenparticipationsurveydatawerenotcollectedthrougharandomsampleanditisunknownwhointhe communitywasawareofthesurvey;therefore,alevelofconfidenceintherepresentativenessofthesample cannotbeestimated.However,toreducebiaswherepossible,thesedatawerestatisticallyweightedtomatchthe demographiccharacteristicsofthe2020Censusand2022AmericanCommunitySurveyestimatesforadultsinthe CityofRichmond.Thecharacteristicsusedforweightingwereage,sex,race,Hispanicorigin,housingtype, housingtenure,andarea.Noadjustmentsweremadefordesigneffects.Weightswerecalculatedusingan iterative,multiplicativerakingmodelknownastheANESWeightingAlgorithm.¹⁸Theresultsoftheweighting schemefortheopenparticipationsurveyarepresentedinthefollowingtable.

Unweighted Weighted Target¹⁹
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Area District1
District2
District3
District4
District5
District6
Hispanic
No,notofHispanic,Latino/a/x,orSpanish
origin
Yes,IconsidermyselftobeofHispanic,
Latino/a/x,orSpanishorigin
Housingtype Attached
Detached
Race/ethnic.. Notwhitealone
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
Sex
Man
Woman
Sex/age
Man 18-34
Man 35-54
Man 55+
Woman 18-34
Woman 35-54
Woman 55+
Tenure
Own
Rent
20%
80%
20%
80%
41%
59%
52%
48%
52%
48%
67%
33%
18%
18%
16%
15%
17%
16%
18%
18%
16%
15%
17%
16%
25%
32%
11%
15%
13%
4%
48%
52%
48%
52%
24%
76%

18.Pasek, J. (2014). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from https://surveyinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Full-anesrake-paper.pdf

19.Targets come from the 2020 Census and 2022 American Community Survey. 101
299
Please rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Your neighborhood as a place to
live
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to raise
children
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
16%
N=23
48%
N=69
30%
N=43
6%
N=8
12%
N=16
25%
N=35
45%
N=63
19%
N=26
31%
N=40
15%
N=20
5%
N=7
Open Participation Survey Results
This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the open participation survey. By default, "don't know" responses are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. In some tables, the percentages may not sum to 100%; this is either because the question permitted the respondent to "choose all that apply", or for a question that asked the respondent to select one answer, it is due to the customary practice of rounding values to the nearest whole number.
102
300
Please rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in
Richmond.

Richmond as a place to raise
children
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to work Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to visit Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond as a place to retire Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall quality of life Excellent
Good
48%
N=63
40%
N=46
46%
N=52
8%
N=9
6%
N=7
43%
N=60
35%
N=49
15%
N=21
6%
N=9
57%
N=71
27%
N=34
13%
N=16
3%
N=4
4%
N=6
103
301
Please rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in
Richmond.

The overall quality of life
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of community Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as
a whole.

Overall economic health Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the transportation
system
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
31%
N=42
39%
N=53
26%
N=35
31%
N=45
35%
N=51
21%
N=31
13%
N=19
56%
N=79
32%
N=45
11%
N=16
27%
N=37
50%
N=69
19%
N=25
4%
N=5
104
302
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as
a whole.

Overall quality of the transportation
system Poor
Overall design or layout of
residential and commercial areas
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall feeling of safety Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of natural
environment
Excellent
Good
Fair
32%
N=46
52%
N=75
15%
N=22
0%
N=
33%
N=47
41%
N=58
22%
N=31
3%
N=4
47%
N=67
29%
N=41
20%
N=29
4%
N=5
23%
N=33
5%
N=7
105
303
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as
a whole.

Overall quality of natural
environment
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall health and wellness
opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall opportunities for education,
culture, and the arts
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
27%
N=39
45%
N=66
28%
N=38
39%
N=53
26%
N=35
8%
N=11
39%
N=52
47%
N=64
13%
N=18
1%
N=1
35%
N=50
42%
N=60
21%
N=30
3%
N=4
106
304
Please rate each of the
following
characteristics as they
relate to Richmond as
a whole.

Overall opportunities for education,
culture, and the arts Poor
Residents' connection and
engagement with their community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate how
likely or unlikely you
are to do each of the
following.

Recommend living in Richmond to
someone who asks
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Remain in Richmond for the next
five years
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Please rate how safe
or unsafe you feel:

In your neighborhood during the day Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
35%
N=49
34%
N=47
29%
N=41
1%
N=2
33%
N=47
25%
N=35
27%
N=37
15%
N=21
25%
N=35
18%
N=25
23%
N=32
34%
N=47
37%
N=54
31%
N=46
107
305
Please rate how safe
or unsafe you feel:

In your neighborhood during the day
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
In Richmond's
downtown/commercial area during
the day
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From property crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From violent crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
10%
N=14
11%
N=16
11%
N=16
24%
N=34
23%
N=32
14%
N=19
27%
N=39
12%
N=16
19%
N=28
38%
N=56
11%
N=16
19%
N=28
13%
N=19
12%
N=17
108
306
Please rate how safe
or unsafe you feel:

From violent crime
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From fire, flood, or other natural
disaster
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
Please rate the job you
feel the Richmond
community does at
each of the following.

Making all residents feel welcome Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
20%
N=29
24%
N=33
21%
N=30
22%
N=31
5%
N=8
17%
N=24
31%
N=44
32%
N=46
15%
N=21
31%
N=40
32%
N=42
21%
N=27
15%
N=20
17%
N=23
109
307
Please rate the job you
feel the Richmond
community does at
each of the following.

Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Valuing/respecting residents from
diverse backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Taking care of vulnerable residents Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the
following in the
Richmond community.

Overall quality of business and
service establishments
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
17%
N=23
39%
N=54
26%
N=36
22%
N=31
33%
N=45
29%
N=40
16%
N=23
43%
N=54
37%
N=47
18%
N=22
3%
N=3
52%
N=77
15%
N=22
2%
N=3
110
308
Please rate each of the
following in the
Richmond community.

Overall quality of business and
service establishments
Fair
Poor
Variety of business and service
establishments
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial
area
Good
Fair
Poor
Employment opportunities Good
Fair
Poor
Shopping opportunities Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
31%
N=45
34%
N=49
43%
N=61
17%
N=24
6%
N=9
62%
N=86
28%
N=39
10%
N=13
59%
N=65
28%
N=31
13%
N=14
63%
N=88
25%
N=35
11%
N=16
111
309
Please rate each of the
following in the
Richmond community.

Shopping opportunities Poor
Cost of living Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall image or reputation Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Traffic flow on major streets Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of public parking Excellent
Good
Fair
40%
N=58
45%
N=64
15%
N=21
0%
N=
60%
N=88
23%
N=33
17%
N=25
0%
N=
31%
N=46
46%
N=67
22%
N=33
1%
N=1
36%
N=48
7%
N=10
112
310
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Ease of public parking
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by car Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by public
transportation
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
19%
N=26
38%
N=51
13%
N=18
35%
N=48
48%
N=65
4%
N=6
27%
N=32
44%
N=52
25%
N=29
4%
N=5
24%
N=27
31%
N=35
39%
N=44
5%
N=6
113
311
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Ease of travel by bicycle Poor
Ease of walking Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned residential growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned commercial growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-designed neighborhoods Good
Fair
Poor
30%
N=40
46%
N=63
19%
N=26
5%
N=7
55%
N=60
36%
N=39
7%
N=7
3%
N=3
67%
N=68
28%
N=28
5%
N=5
0%
N=
45%
N=53
18%
N=21
114
312
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Well-designed neighborhoods
Fair
Poor
Preservation of the historical or
cultural character of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public places where people want to
spend time
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of housing options Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
housing
Excellent
Good
37%
N=43
35%
N=46
31%
N=41
31%
N=39
3%
N=3
43%
N=63
40%
N=59
12%
N=18
4%
N=6
45%
N=60
41%
N=55
13%
N=17
0%
N=
4%
N=6
115
313
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Availability of affordable quality
housing
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of new development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall appearance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cleanliness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
50%
N=63
34%
N=42
12%
N=14
39%
N=43
48%
N=53
3%
N=3
9%
N=10
48%
N=70
41%
N=60
8%
N=11
3%
N=4
30%
N=43
11%
N=16
1%
N=2
116
314
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Cleanliness
Fair
Poor
Water resources Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Air quality Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of paths and walking
trails
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fitness opportunities Excellent
Good
58%
N=85
21%
N=28
45%
N=60
23%
N=30
11%
N=15
45%
N=60
26%
N=35
24%
N=32
5%
N=6
18%
N=24
52%
N=69
21%
N=28
9%
N=11
9%
N=10
117
315
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Fitness opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality food Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
health care
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
23%
N=27
52%
N=62
17%
N=21
25%
N=33
46%
N=61
17%
N=22
12%
N=17
45%
N=62
30%
N=42
23%
N=32
2%
N=2
31%
N=40
14%
N=17
2%
N=3
118
316
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Availability of affordable quality
health care
Fair
Poor
Availability of preventive health
services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
mental health care
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend
cultural/arts/music activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Community support for the arts Excellent
Good
53%
N=67
50%
N=58
34%
N=39
16%
N=19
1%
N=1
75%
N=74
17%
N=17
8%
N=8
0%
N=
34%
N=46
40%
N=54
17%
N=23
9%
N=11
11%
N=14
119
317
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Community support for the arts
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
childcare/preschool
Good
Fair
Poor
K-12 education Good
Fair
Poor
Adult educational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of civic/community pride Excellent
Good
27%
N=34
40%
N=51
22%
N=28
59%
N=37
27%
N=17
14%
N=9
49%
N=51
38%
N=39
13%
N=14
30%
N=28
35%
N=34
34%
N=33
0%
N=
9%
N=12
120
318
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Sense of civic/community pride
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Neighborliness of residents Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend special
events and festivals
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
42%
N=57
27%
N=36
22%
N=30
31%
N=43
34%
N=48
31%
N=43
5%
N=7
21%
N=26
41%
N=51
34%
N=43
4%
N=5
42%
N=54
27%
N=35
9%
N=12
121
319
Please also rate each
of the following in the
Richmond community.

Opportunities to attend special
events and festivals
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to volunteer Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in
community matters
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
followinginthelast12
months.

Contacted the City of Richmond for
help or information
No
Yes
21%
N=27
17%
N=22
38%
N=48
37%
N=46
8%
N=10
20%
N=25
41%
N=53
32%
N=42
7%
N=9
26%
N=33
28%
N=35
22%
N=28
23%
N=29
32%
N=46
Please indicate
whether or not you
have done each of the
following in the last 12
months.
122
320
Please indicate
whether or not you
have done each of the
following in the last 12
months.

Contacted the City of Richmond for
help or information
No
Yes
Contacted Richmond elected
officials to express your opinion
No
Yes
Attended a local public meeting No
Yes
Watched a local public meeting No
Yes
Volunteered your time to some
group/activity
No
Yes
Campaigned or advocated for a
local issue, cause, or candidate
No
Yes
Voted in your most recent local
election
No
Yes
Used public transportation instead
of driving
No
Yes
68%
N=99
53%
N=76
47%
N=69
52%
N=76
48%
N=70
63%
N=92
37%
N=54
60%
N=88
40%
N=58
44%
N=64
56%
N=82
79%
N=116
21%
N=30
41%
N=59
123
321
Please indicate
whether or not you
have done each of the
following in the last 12
months.

Used public transportation instead
of driving
No
Yes
Carpooled with other adults or
children instead of driving alone
No
Yes
Walked or biked instead of driving No
Yes
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Public information services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Economic development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic enforcement Excellent
Good
59%
N=87
47%
N=68
53%
N=78
65%
N=95
35%
N=51
26%
N=34
43%
N=56
30%
N=39
2%
N=2
58%
N=66
35%
N=41
4%
N=5
3%
N=3
8%
N=10
124
322
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Traffic enforcement
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic signal timing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street repair Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street cleaning Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
54%
N=72
34%
N=45
4%
N=5
27%
N=38
44%
N=62
22%
N=31
8%
N=11
60%
N=87
22%
N=32
10%
N=15
7%
N=10
21%
N=28
22%
N=29
4%
N=5
125
323
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Street cleaning
Fair
Poor
Street lighting Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sidewalk maintenance Good
Fair
Poor
Bus or transit services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Land use, planning and zoning Excellent
Good
Fair
54%
N=72
27%
N=38
43%
N=60
28%
N=39
1%
N=2
54%
N=69
31%
N=40
16%
N=20
23%
N=28
46%
N=55
26%
N=32
4%
N=5
18%
N=20
2%
N=2
126
324
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Land use, planning and zoning
Good
Fair
Poor
Code enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Affordable high-speed internet
access
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Garbage collection Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
41%
N=45
39%
N=42
65%
N=79
21%
N=25
14%
N=17
0%
N=
34%
N=41
44%
N=53
18%
N=21
5%
N=6
5%
N=7
30%
N=42
50%
N=69
14%
N=20
127
325
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Garbage collection Poor
Drinking water Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sewer services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Storm water management Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent
Good
Fair
10%
N=14
27%
N=38
42%
N=58
20%
N=28
10%
N=13
36%
N=44
40%
N=48
14%
N=17
21%
N=25
41%
N=49
36%
N=44
2%
N=3
38%
N=53
5%
N=7
128
326
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Good
Fair
Poor
Utility billing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Police/Sheriff services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Crime prevention Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
19%
N=27
38%
N=53
30%
N=41
38%
N=51
28%
N=38
4%
N=5
38%
N=51
38%
N=50
15%
N=19
9%
N=12
56%
N=71
25%
N=32
18%
N=23
2%
N=2
129
327
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Crime prevention Poor
Animal control Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ambulance or emergency medical
services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire prevention and education Excellent
Good
Fair
44%
N=44
33%
N=33
19%
N=19
4%
N=4
13%
N=13
46%
N=46
38%
N=38
4%
N=4
7%
N=8
24%
N=27
51%
N=56
17%
N=19
31%
N=33
15%
N=15
130
328
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Fire prevention and education
Good
Fair
Poor
Emergency preparedness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of natural areas Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Richmond open space Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
23%
N=24
31%
N=33
26%
N=25
34%
N=33
33%
N=31
7%
N=6
21%
N=22
39%
N=40
34%
N=36
6%
N=6
26%
N=33
35%
N=44
27%
N=34
12%
N=15
131
329
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Richmond open space Poor
Recycling Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Yard waste pick-up Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
City parks Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation programs or classes Excellent
Good
Fair
12%
N=15
41%
N=51
36%
N=45
12%
N=15
9%
N=10
39%
N=45
42%
N=49
10%
N=12
25%
N=34
39%
N=53
30%
N=42
6%
N=8
39%
N=38
0%
N=
132
330
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Recreation programs or classes
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation centers or facilities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public library services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
27%
N=26
34%
N=34
27%
N=28
34%
N=35
39%
N=41
0%
N=
31%
N=31
40%
N=40
29%
N=29
0%
N=
8%
N=11
47%
N=63
32%
N=43
13%
N=18
133
331
Please rate the quality
of each of the
following services in
Richmond.

Public library services Poor
Overall customer service by
Richmond employees
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate the
following categories
of Richmond
government
performance.

The value of services for the taxes
paid to Richmond
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall direction that Richmond
is taking
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The job Richmond government does
at welcoming resident involvement
Excellent
Good
Fair
19%
N=25
52%
N=68
19%
N=25
9%
N=12
49%
N=58
28%
N=33
20%
N=23
3%
N=4
50%
N=64
27%
N=34
13%
N=16
10%
N=12
14%
N=19
12%
N=15
134
332
Please rate the
following categories
of Richmond
government
performance.

The job Richmond government does
at welcoming resident involvement
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall confidence in Richmond
government
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Generally acting in the best interest
of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being honest Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
41%
N=53
33%
N=43
58%
N=74
15%
N=19
20%
N=26
7%
N=10
45%
N=59
20%
N=27
28%
N=37
7%
N=9
44%
N=55
27%
N=34
18%
N=22
11%
N=14
135
333
Please rate the
following categories
of Richmond
government
performance.

Being honest Poor
Being open and transparent to the
public
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Informing residents about issues
facing the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating all residents fairly Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating residents with respect Excellent
Good
Fair
47%
N=56
22%
N=27
22%
N=27
8%
N=10
46%
N=60
24%
N=30
24%
N=32
6%
N=7
56%
N=71
13%
N=17
26%
N=33
5%
N=7
25%
N=30
15%
N=19
136
334
Please rate the
following categories
of Richmond
government
performance.

Treating residents with respect
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall, how would
you rate the quality of
the services provided
by each of the
following?
The City of Richmond Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The Federal Government Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of
the following in the
coming two years.

Overall economic health Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Essential
34%
N=42
26%
N=32
37%
N=53
36%
N=52
21%
N=30
5%
N=8
45%
N=64
34%
N=48
18%
N=26
2%
N=4
1%
N=1
14%
N=20
36%
N=52
50%
N=73
137
335
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of
the following in the
coming two years.

Overall economic health Not at all important
Overall quality of the transportation
system
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall design or layout of
residential and commercial areas
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall feeling of safety Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
3%
N=4
23%
N=33
52%
N=77
22%
N=33
5%
N=7
25%
N=37
54%
N=79
16%
N=23
0%
N=
19%
N=26
31%
N=45
50%
N=71
33%
N=49
58%
N=85
138
336
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of
the following in the
coming two years.

Overall feeling of safety
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of natural
environment
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall health and wellness
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Essential
2%
N=3
6%
N=9
0%
N=
18%
N=25
47%
N=66
36%
N=50
0%
N=
24%
N=36
52%
N=77
23%
N=34
1%
N=1
24%
N=35
43%
N=62
32%
N=47
139
337
Please rate how
important, if at all, you
think it is for the
Richmond community
to focus on each of
the following in the
coming two years.

Overallhealthandwellness
opportunities Not at all important
Overall opportunities for education,
culture, and the arts
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Residents' connection and
engagement with their community
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Expanding community wi-fi Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing quality affordable housing Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
1%
N=1
28%
N=41
44%
N=65
27%
N=39
2%
N=3
35%
N=51
39%
N=57
24%
N=34
21%
N=31
28%
N=40
36%
N=52
15%
N=22
40%
N=59
40%
N=59
140
338
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Providing quality affordable housing
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving traffic flow and pedestrian
safety
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Preserving historic buildings Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving park conditions Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Essential
7%
N=11
12%
N=18
0%
N=
21%
N=31
42%
N=61
37%
N=54
10%
N=15
47%
N=69
35%
N=51
7%
N=11
3%
N=4
24%
N=34
53%
N=77
21%
N=30
141
339
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Improving park conditions Not at all important
Providing more parks and open
space
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Renovating community centers and
expanding programming
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Upgrading existing and developing
more athletic fields
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street and pedestrian
lighting
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
10%
N=15
32%
N=47
35%
N=52
22%
N=33
10%
N=15
33%
N=48
35%
N=50
22%
N=33
11%
N=15
36%
N=52
41%
N=59
12%
N=18
49%
N=71
30%
N=44
142
340
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Improving street and pedestrian
lighting
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Developing job training
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Addressing blighted properties Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Reducing crime and disorder Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Essential
1%
N=1
20%
N=29
8%
N=12
30%
N=44
32%
N=47
29%
N=43
3%
N=4
15%
N=22
50%
N=73
32%
N=47
2%
N=3
10%
N=14
18%
N=26
70%
N=100
143
341
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Reducing crime and disorder Not at all important
Increasing transportation options
(i.e. car/bike share, shuttles)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Positively marketing the City Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving downtown Richmond Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving street paving conditions Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
7%
N=10
35%
N=52
40%
N=59
18%
N=26
19%
N=28
29%
N=42
30%
N=44
21%
N=31
3%
N=5
26%
N=39
44%
N=65
26%
N=38
49%
N=70
33%
N=47
144
342
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Improving street paving conditions
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Improving environmental quality Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing supportive services to
previously incarcerated persons
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing the generation of
revenue to support City services
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Essential
0%
N=
18%
N=26
1%
N=1
14%
N=20
32%
N=47
54%
N=79
12%
N=17
32%
N=47
31%
N=45
25%
N=36
20%
N=29
25%
N=37
33%
N=48
22%
N=31
145
343
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Increasingthegenerationof
revenue to support City services Not at all important
Improving the financial stability of
the City
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing services to support the
homeless population
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Increasing economic development
activities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Providing more local retail and
shopping opportunities for
Richmond residents
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
0%
N=
11%
N=16
41%
N=60
48%
N=70
9%
N=13
20%
N=30
36%
N=53
35%
N=51
4%
N=5
28%
N=41
32%
N=47
36%
N=52
42%
N=61
32%
N=47
146
344
How important, if at
all, are the following
issues for the City to
address within the
next two years?
Providing more local retail and
shopping opportunities for
Richmond residents
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your
health and well-being:

Street lighting Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Parks Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Recreation programs Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
4%
N=5
22%
N=33
5%
N=8
13%
N=18
18%
N=26
34%
N=49
30%
N=44
1%
N=1
1%
N=2
18%
N=27
33%
N=48
46%
N=68
30%
N=44
20%
N=29
147
345
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your
health and well-being:

Recreation programs
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Police Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Fire Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Street quality Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
1%
N=2
1%
N=2
47%
N=69
10%
N=15
10%
N=15
14%
N=20
33%
N=48
33%
N=49
1%
N=2
1%
N=1
16%
N=22
34%
N=49
48%
N=69
32%
N=46
148
346
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your
health and well-being:

Street quality
Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Library services Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Affordable and quality housing Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Very positive impact
9%
N=13
19%
N=28
8%
N=11
32%
N=47
2%
N=3
1%
N=1
22%
N=33
43%
N=63
32%
N=47
8%
N=12
6%
N=8
20%
N=30
26%
N=39
40%
N=58
149
347
Please rate the impact
of the following City
services on your
health and well-being:

Affordable and quality housing Very negative impact
Traffic safety Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
Blight abatement Very positive impact
Moderate positive impact
No impact
Moderate negative impact
Very negative impact
In the last year, how often, if at all,
did you worry about you, someone
in your family or any other person of
your same race, ethnicity or
nationality experiencing unfair
treatment because of your race,
ethnicity, or color?
Most of the time
Some of the time
Rarely
Never
Much better now than one year ago
12%
N=17
10%
N=15
10%
N=15
24%
N=35
44%
N=64
6%
N=9
13%
N=19
22%
N=32
25%
N=37
34%
N=50
21%
N=31
22%
N=32
34%
N=49
23%
N=33
150
348
Inthelastyear,howoften,ifatall,
didyouworryaboutyou,someone
inyourfamilyoranyotherpersonof
yoursamerace,ethnicityor
nationalityexperiencingunfair
treatmentbecauseofyourrace,
ethnicity, or color? Never
Compared to one year ago, how
would you rate your health in
general now?
Much better now than one year ago
Somewhat better now than one
year ago
Somewhat worse now than one
year ago
Much worse now than one year ago
In general, how many
times do you:

Access the internet from your home Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Access the internet from your cell
phone
Several times a day
Once a day
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Use or check email Several times a day
Once a day
5%
N=8
35%
N=50
47%
N=67
13%
N=19
1%
N=2
2%
N=2
6%
N=8
14%
N=20
78%
N=114
1%
N=2
0%
N=
18%
N=27
80%
N=116
77%
N=113
151
349
In general, how many
times do you:

Use or check email
Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Share your opinions online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Shop online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Please rate your overall health. Excellent
Very good
2%
N=3
5%
N=8
16%
N=24
30%
N=42
14%
N=19
24%
N=33
12%
N=17
20%
N=28
18%
N=25
24%
N=34
42%
N=59
6%
N=8
10%
N=14
15%
N=21
152
350
Please rate your overall health.

Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
What impact, if any, do you think the
economy will have on your family
income in the next 6 months? Do
you think the impact will be:

Very positive
Somewhat positive
Neutral
Somewhat negative
Very negative
How many years have you lived in
Richmond?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
Single-family detached home
1%
N=2
15%
N=22
41%
N=59
28%
N=41
7%
N=10
26%
N=37
35%
N=50
27%
N=38
6%
N=8
30%
N=44
29%
N=42
16%
N=23
14%
N=21
10%
N=15
153
351
How many years have you lived in
Richmond? More than 20 years
Which best describes the building
you live in?
Single-family detached home
Townhouse or duplex (may share
walls but no units above or below
you)
Condominium or apartment (have
units above or below you)
Other
Do you rent or own your home? Rent
Own
About how much is your monthly
housing cost for the place you live
(including rent, mortgage payment,
property tax, property insurance and
homeowners' association (HOA)
fees)?
Less than $300
$300 to $599
$600 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $2,499
$2,500 to $3,999
$4,000 to $6,999
$10,000 or more
No
3%
N=4
24%
N=34
16%
N=23
58%
N=84
52%
N=75
48%
N=70
2%
N=4
10%
N=15
28%
N=40
30%
N=44
10%
N=15
6%
N=9
9%
N=14
4%
N=5
154
352
Abouthowmuchisyourmonthly
housingcostfortheplaceyoulive
(includingrent,mortgagepayment,
propertytax,propertyinsuranceand
homeowners'association(HOA)
fees)? $10,000 or more
Do any children 17 or under live in
your household?
No
Yes
Are you or any other members of
your household aged 65 or older?
No
Yes
How much do you anticipate your
household's total income before
taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income
money from all sources for all
persons living in your household.)
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $299,999
$300,000 or more
Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or
Spanish origin?
No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or
Spanish origin
Yes, I consider myself to be of
Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish
origin
American Indian or Alaska Native
31%
N=45
69%
N=99
34%
N=48
66%
N=96
8%
N=12
11%
N=15
6%
N=9
13%
N=19
18%
N=26
18%
N=26
7%
N=9
18%
N=26
40%
N=57
60%
N=86
155
353
Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or
Spanish origin?
Yes, I consider myself to be of
Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish
origin
What is your race? (Mark one or
more races to indicate what race
you consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific
Islander
White
A race not listed
In which category is your age? 18-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
75 years or older
What is your gender? Woman
Man
36%
N=53
35%
N=51
2%
N=3
10%
N=15
19%
N=28
8%
N=12
3%
N=5
15%
N=21
13%
N=19
11%
N=17
25%
N=36
21%
N=30
12%
N=18
49%
N=72
156
354
What is your gender?
Woman
Man
Identify in another way
If you identify in another way, how
would you describe your gender? Non-binary
4%
N=6
46%
N=67
100%
N=6
157
355
Please complete this survey if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday (the year of birth does not matter). Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.

1. P lease r ate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Richmond.

Ex cellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Richmond as a place to live ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to raise children ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to work .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to visit ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to retire ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Richmond .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of community ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5

2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Richmond as a whole.

Ex cellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall economic health of Richmond ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Richmond ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall design or layout of R ichmond’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Richmond (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Richmond .. ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Richmond .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of par ks and recreation opportunities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Richmond ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall opportunities for education, culture, an d the arts..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .......................... 1 2 3 4 5

3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following.

Ve ry Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely li kely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Richmond to someone who asks ....................1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Richmond for the next five years ..........................................1 2 3 4 5

4. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:

Ve ry Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t
sa fe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know
In your neighborhood during the day ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 In Richmond’s downtown/commercial area
during the day ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From property crime .. ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From violent crime ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From fire, flood, or o ther natural disaster ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6

5. Please rate the job you feel the Richmond community does at each of the following.

Ex cellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds .. .................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) ........... 1 2 3 4 5

6. Please rate each of the following in the Richmond community.

Ex cellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Richmond .............. 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Richmond ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 Vibrancy of do wntown/commercial area ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities .. ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cost of living in Richmond ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Richmond .. ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 158
356

7. Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond community.

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Traffic flow on major streets ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of public parking ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by car in Richmond .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Richmond .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Richmond ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Richmond .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Well-p lanned residential growth ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-planned commercial growth .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-de signed neighborhoods ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community ............ 1 2 3 4 5 Public places where people want to spend time ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Richmond .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Richmond ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Richmond ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Water resources (beaches, lakes, ponds, riverways, etc.) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Air quality .................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) ... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality food ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality health care ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of preventive health services ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Community support for the ar ts ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 K-12 e ducation .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Adult educational opportunities ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of civic/community pride ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Neighborliness of residents in Richmond ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities .................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend special events and festivals ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to volunteer .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
o
f diverse backgrounds ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

8. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.

No Yes
Contacted the City of Richmond (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information .......................... 1 2 Contacted Richmond elected officials (in-person, phone, email, or web) to express your opinion .............. 1 2 Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like C ity Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) ............................................ 1 2 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting ............................................................................................... 1 2 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Richmond ....................................................................................... 1 2 Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate .................................................................................. 1 2 Voted in your most recent local election ................................................................................................................................ 1 2 Used bus, rail, subway, or other public transportation instead of driving ............................................................... 1 2 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone .............................................................................. 1 2 Walked or biked instead of driving ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2 159
357

9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond.

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Public information services ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Economic development ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic signal timing ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Street r epair ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Snow removal ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Bus or transit services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning, a nd zoning ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable high-s peed internet access ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Garbage collection ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sewer services ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Power (electric and/or gas) utility ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utility billing .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Police/Sheriff services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention ................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Animal control ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ambulance or emergency medica l services ............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Fire services ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas (o pen space, farmlands, and greenbelts) ..... 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond open space ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Recycling .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Yard waste pick-up.............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 City p arks ................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Health services ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public library services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall customer service by Richmond employees
(police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

10. P lease rate the following categories of Richmond government performance.

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The value of services for the taxes paid to Richmond .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Richmond is taking ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The job Richmond g overnment does at welcoming resident involvement ...... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Richmond government ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Generally acting in the best interest of the community ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being honest ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being open and transparent to the public ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Informing residents about issues facing the community ................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Treating all residents fairly ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Treating residents with respect .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

11. O verall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The City of Richmond ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 160
358

12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Richmond community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years.

Very Somewhat Not at all
E ssential important important important
Overall economic health of Richmond ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Richmond ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall design or layout of Richmond’ s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Richmond (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) .................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Richmond ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Richmond ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Ov erall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Richmond .................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall opportunities for education, culture, an d the arts ............................................... 1 2 3 4 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community ..................................... 1 2 3 4

13. H ow important, if at all, are the following issues for the City to address within the next two years? V ery Somewhat Not at all
Essential important important important
Expanding community wi-fi .................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Providing quality affordable housing ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Preserving historic buildings ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving park conditions .................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Providing more parks and open space ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Renovating community centers and expanding programming ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Upgrading existing and developing more athletic fields .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Improving street and pedestrian lighting ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Developing job training opportunities ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Addressing blighted properties ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Reducing crime and disorder ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing transportation options (i.e. car/bike share, shuttles) ........................................ 1 2 3 4 Positively marketing the City ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving downtown Richmond ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving street paving conditions .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Improving environmental quality ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Providing supportive services to previously incarcerated persons .................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing the generation of revenue to support City services ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Improving the financial stability of the City ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing services to support the homeless population......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing economic development activities ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Providing more local retail and shopping opportunities for Richmond residents .............. 1 2 3 4

14. P lease rate the impact of the following City services on your health and well -being:

V ery positive Moderate No Moderate Very negative impact positive impact impact negative impact impact Parks .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Police ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Fire .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Street quality .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Library services ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable and quality housing.......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic safety ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Blight abatement ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

15. I n the last year, how often, if at all, did you worry about you, someone in your family or any other person of your same race, ethnicity or nationality experiencing unfair treatment because of your race, ethnicity, or color?  M ost of the time  Some of the time  Rarely  Never 161
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16. Compared to one year ago, how would you rate your health in general now?  Much better now than one year ago  Somewhat worse now than one year ago  Somewhat better now than one year ago  Much worse now than one year ago Our last questions are about you and your household. Responses are confidential . No identifying information will be shared.

D1. In general, how many times do you: S everal Once A few times Every Less often Don’t times a day a day a week few weeks or never know
Access the internet from your home using
a computer, laptop, or tablet computer ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Access the internet from your cell phone ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Visit social media sites such as Facebook,
Tw
itter, Nextdoor, etc. ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Use or check email ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 Share your opinions online ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 Shop online ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 D2. Please rate your overall health.
 E
xcellent  Very good  Good  Fair  Poor
D3. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
 Very positive  Somewhat positive  Neutral  Somewhat negative  Very negative D4. How many years have you lived in
Richmond?
 Less than 2 years
 2-5 years
 6-10 years
 11-20 years
 More than 20 years
D5. Which best describes the building you live
in?
 Single-family detached home
 Townhouse or duplex (may share walls but
no units above or below you)
 Condominium or apartment (have units
above or below you)
 Mobile home
 Other
D6. Do you rent or own your home?
 Rent
 Own
D7. About how much is your monthly housing
cost for the place you live (including rent,
mortgage payment, property tax, property
insurance, and homeowners’ association
(HOA) fees)?
 Less than $300  $2,500 to $3,999
 $300 to $599  $4,000 to $6,999
 $600 to $999  $7,000 to $9,999
 $1,000 to $1,499  $10,000 or more
 $1,500 to $2,499
D8. Do any children 17 or under live in your
household?
 No  Yes
D9. Are you or any other members of your
household aged 65 or older?
 No  Yes
D10. Ho
w much do you anticipate your household’s total
income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)
 Less than $25,000  $100,000 to $149,999
 $25,000 to $49,999  $150,000 to $199,999
 $50,000 to $74,999  $200,000 to $299,999
 $75,000 to $99,999  $300,000 or more
D11. Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin?  No  Yes
D12. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)
 American Indian or Alaskan Native
 Asian
 Black or African American
 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
 White
 A race not listed
D13. In
which category is your age?
 18-24 years  55-64 years
 25-34 years  65-74 years
 35-44 years  75 years or older
 45-54 years
D14. What is your gender?
 Woman
 Man
 Identify in another way  go to D14a
D14a. If you identify in another way, how would you
describe your gender?
 Agender/I don’t identify with any gender
 Genderqueer/gender fluid
 Non-binary
 Transgender man
 Transgender woman
 Two-spirit
 Identify in another way
Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to:

Na tional Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 162
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Richmond City CouncilOctober 1, 2024

Richmond City Council
October 1, 2024