City Council
Regular MeetingPortland, ME · March 23, 2026
Agenda
MARK DION (MAYOR) SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1)
PIOUS ALI (A/L) WESLEY PELLETIER (2)
APRIL FOURNIER (A/L) REGINA L. PHILLIPS (3)
BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L) ANNA BULLETT (4)
KATE SYKES (5)
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Community Survey Presentation
March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM via Zoom
REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
The City Council will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom pursuant to the Remote Meeting Policy adopted
by the Portland City Council. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting
experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in
the Agenda Center following the meeting.
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/87104113444?pwd=AHwTkyXpxLwie4WD1ChNJrerubadlW.1
AGENDA ITEMS:
Presentation of Community Survey Results (Ryan Murray, ETC Institute)
ADJOURNMENT:
1
Packet
MARK DION (MAYOR) SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1)
PIOUS ALI (A/L) WESLEY PELLETIER (2)
APRIL FOURNIER (A/L) REGINA L. PHILLIPS (3)
BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L) ANNA BULLETT (4)
KATE SYKES (5)
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Community Survey Presentation
March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM via Zoom
REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
The City Council will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom pursuant to the Remote Meeting Policy adopted
by the Portland City Council. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting
experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in
the Agenda Center following the meeting.
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/87104113444?pwd=AHwTkyXpxLwie4WD1ChNJrerubadlW.1
AGENDA ITEMS:
Presentation of Community Survey Results (Ryan Murray, ETC Institute)
ADJOURNMENT:
1
Page 1
City of Portland | Executive Office
Danielle West, City Manager
To: Mayor Mark Dion and Portland City Council
From: Dena Libner, Assistant City Manager
Greg Jordan, Assistant City Manager
CC: Danielle West, City Manager
Date: March 20, 2026
Re: Community Survey Next Steps
In October 2025, the Portland City Council met with City staff to discuss the development of a
community survey funded in the FY26 budget. The resulting survey questions reflected feedback
received during those meetings, as well as the expertise of ETC Institute, a nationally recognized
provider of market research for local governments. ETC Institute administered the survey in
fall/winter 2025.
Staff and ETC Institute now look forward to reviewing and discussing the community survey in
more detail. ETC Institute will provide a high-level overview of the methodology, participant
responses, and results at the March 23 Council workshop. Survey results are available at
portlandmaine.gov/communitysurvey
Now that the results are available, one question many may ask is: What happens next? As discussed
during the FY26 budget process and subsequent conversations with councilors, the goal of this
effort is to support an approach to decision-making that reflects residents’ collective input,
helping ensure that future investments reflect community needs and priorities.
City staff and the Council will likely draw on these results in different ways, consistent with their
respective roles and responsibilities:
City Manager & Staff
The survey results will help inform the development of future budget recommendations,
including the FY27 and FY28 recommended operating and capital budgets. These results may
also serve as a useful reference point in day-to-day operational decision-making. As the City
Manager’s Office continues developing performance management tools to track program
effectiveness, staff will also look for opportunities to align those efforts with areas identified by
residents as community priorities.
City Council
Given its general authority to set City policy, the Council may find the survey results helpful when
considering policy initiatives and priorities. For example, the results could inform Finance
Page 2
Committee and Council discussions of the FY27 recommended operating and capital budgets, as
well as future Council deliberations regarding annual Council Common Goals. At the request of
Mayor Dion, a side-by-side comparison of the 2026 Council Common Goals and the community
priorities identified through the survey is included below.
More broadly, these results provide not only a snapshot of current community perspectives, but
also a benchmark. By conducting similar surveys every two or three years, the City staff, the
Council, and residents alike—can evaluate progress over time and identify areas where
adjustments may be needed.
2
Page 3
2025 City of Portland
Community Survey
Findings Report
Presented to the City of
Portland, Maine
March 2026
Page 4
Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................... i
Section 1: Charts and Graphs ................................................. 1
Section 2: Benchmarking Analysis ..................................... 33
Section 3: Importance-Satisfaction Analysis ................. 44
Section 4: Tabular Data.......................................................... 51
Section 5: Survey Instrument..............................................113
Page 5
2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Executive Summary
ETC Institute (2026) Page i
Page 6
2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
Purpose
ETC Institute administered a survey to residents of the City of Portland between December 2025 and
January 2026. The purpose of this survey was to gather input from residents in order to shape City
programs, services, and long-term investments so they better reflect the needs and priorities of the
community. This is the first community survey ETC Institute has administered for the City of Portland.
Methodology
The six-page survey, cover letter, and postage-paid return envelope were mailed to a random sample of
households in the City of Portland. The cover letter explained the purpose of the survey and encouraged
residents to either return their survey by mail or complete the survey online.
Approximately ten days after the surveys were mailed, ETC Institute sent follow-up messages to the
households that received the survey to encourage participation. The messages contained a link to the
online version of the survey to make it easy for residents to complete. To prevent people who were not
residents of the City from participating, everyone who completed the survey online was required to
enter their home address prior to submitting the survey. ETC Institute then matched the addresses that
were entered online with the addresses that were originally selected for the random sample. If the
address from a survey completed online did not match one of the addresses selected for the sample, the
online survey was not counted.
The goal was to obtain a total of 1,100 completed surveys from residents of the City of Portland. This
goal was met, with a total of 1,112 residents completing the survey. The overall residents for the sample
of 1,112 households have a
precision of at least +/‐
2.9% at the 95% level of
confidence.
Location of Respondents.
To better understand how
well services are being
delivered in different parts
of the City, the home
address of survey respond
ents was geocoded. The
map to the right shows the
physical distribution of
respondents to the survey
based on the location of
their home.
ETC Institute (2026) Page ii
Page 7
2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
The percentage of “don’t know” responses has been excluded from many of the graphs shown in this
report to facilitate valid comparisons of the results from the City of Portland with the results from
other communities in ETC Institute’s DirectionFinder® database. Since the number of “don’t know”
responses often reflects the utilization and awareness of city services, the percentage of “don’t know”
responses has been provided in the tabular data section of this report. When the “don’t know”
responses have been excluded, the text of this report will indicate that the responses have been
excluded with the phrase “who had an opinion.”
This report contains:
• an executive summary of the survey methodology and major findings
• charts showing the overall results for most questions on the survey
• benchmarking analysis showing how the City of Portland compares to other communities regionally
and nationally
• Importance-Satisfaction analysis that outlines priorities for investment
• tabular data showing the overall results of the survey
• a copy of the cover letter and survey instrument
Overall Perceptions of the City
More than three-fourths (77%) of the residents surveyed, who had an opinion, were “very satisfied”
or “satisfied” with shopping and dining opportunities in Portland; 75% were satisfied with the
quality of life in their neighborhood; 74% were satisfied with the overall quality/variety of shopping
and dining opportunities, and 66% were satisfied with Portland as a place to live.
Overall Satisfaction with City Services
The categories of City services that had the highest levels of satisfaction, based upon the combined
percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents who had an opinion,
were: the quality of the Portland Jetport (81%), the quality of public safety services (72%), the
quality of solid waste services (71%), the quality of customer service from City employees (67%),
and the quality of winter snow plowing and removal (63%).
Based on the sum of their top three choices, the City services that respondents indicated should
receive the most emphasis over the next two years were: 1) maintenance of city streets,
sidewalks, and infrastructure, 2) flow of traffic/ease of getting around within the City, and
3) quality of social services provided by the City.
ETC Institute (2026) Page iii
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
Satisfaction with Specific City Services
Public Safety. The highest levels of satisfaction with public safety services, based upon the
combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents who had an
opinion, were: professionalism of fire/EMS first responders (88%), how quickly fire services
responds to emergencies (86%), how quickly EMS services responds to emergencies (83%), the
quality of fire protection (83%), and the quality of emergency medical/ambulance services (81%).
Based on the sum of their top three choices, the public safety services that respondents indicated
should receive the most emphasis over the next two years were: 1) the City’s efforts to prevent
crime, 2) the enforcement of local traffic laws, and 3) the quality of police community programs
and outreach. Additionally, 71% of residents indicated their level of trust in Portland’s Police
Department is “high” (27%) or “somewhat high” (44%).
Perceptions of Safety in Various Situations. The highest levels of satisfaction with perceptions of
safety in Portland, based upon the combined percentage of “very safe” and “safe” responses
among residents who had an opinion, were: in neighborhoods during the day (87%), in
neighborhoods at night (67%), and in commercial and retail areas (65%).
Trash and Recycling Services. The highest levels of satisfaction with trash and recycling services,
based upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents
who had an opinion, were: curbside recycling services (80%), overall quality of trash collection
services (77%), holiday tree collection services (72%), and the quality of composting drop-off
locations (62%).
Maintenance and Public Works. The highest levels of satisfaction with maintenance and public
works, based upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among
residents who had an opinion, were: snow removal on major City streets (66%), the condition of
public buildings and facilities (61%), the condition of street signs and traffic signals (55%), tree
trimming along streets and public areas (53%), and snow removal on neighborhood streets (52%).
Based on the sum of their top three choices, the maintenance and public works services that
respondents indicated should receive the most emphasis over the next two years were: 1)
cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, and public spaces, 2) condition of sidewalks, and 3) condition of
major City streets.
Transportation and Mobility. The highest levels of satisfaction with transportation and mobility,
based upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents
who had an opinion, were: ease of using the Portland Jetport (84%), facilities and amenities at the
Jetport (72%), ease of getting around the City by walking (65%), availability of neighborhood
sidewalks (65%), and availability of sidewalks throughout the City (58%).
ETC Institute (2026) Page iv
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
Based on the sum of their top three choices, the transportation and mobility services that
respondents indicated should receive the most emphasis over the next two years were: 1)
availability of public parking, 2) ease of getting around the City by public transportation, and 3)
accessibility of streets and sidewalks for people with disabilities.
Parks and Recreation. The highest levels of satisfaction with parks and recreation services, based
upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents who
had an opinion, were: the quality of Merrill Auditorium (83%), the quality of multi-use trails (75%),
the quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium (70%), connectivity of local trails and parks (67%), condition of
outdoor athletic fields (62%), and condition of public playgrounds (60%).
Based on the sum of their top three choices, the parks and recreation services that respondents
indicated should receive the most emphasis over the next two years were: 1) the quality of major
City parks, 2) the quality of community and neighborhood parks, and 3) connectivity of local trails
and parks.
Economic Development. The highest levels of satisfaction with economic development, based
upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents who
had an opinion, were: availability of places to shop, dine, or get services in neighborhoods (67%),
how active and inviting businesses are (61%), and variety of local businesses in the area (60%).
Communication and Transparency. The highest levels of satisfaction with City Communication,
based upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses among residents
who had an opinion, were: availability of information in an understandable language (79%), the
City’s use of digital tools (54%), availability of information about City news, programs and services
(53%), and usefulness of information on the City’s website (48%).
Customer Service. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of respondents indicated they had interacted with
the City during the past year. Of those, 81% who had an opinion were “very satisfied” or “satisfied”
with the level of courtesy they received from City employees, and 77% who had an opinion were
“very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the technical competence and knowledge of City employees.
ETC Institute (2026) Page v
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
Other Findings
Forty percent (40%) of respondents, who had an opinion, indicated their level of trust in the City of
Portland’s local government is “high” or “somewhat high;” 34% indicated it is “somewhat low,”
and 26% indicated their trust in the City’s local government is “low.”
Thirty-five percent (35%) of respondents, who had an opinion, strongly agreed or agreed with the
statement, “My household’s overall quality of life is improving;” 48% disagreed, and 17% strongly
disagreed with this statement.
More than half of the respondents surveyed (58%) indicated the City’s website is their primary
source of information about City issues, services, and events; 46% indicated it is the newspaper,
and 36% indicated the local TV news is their primary source of information.
Based on the sum of respondents’ top three choices, the most preferred methods of receiving
information about the City were: 1) the City’s website, 2) newspaper, and 3) the weekly
eNewsletter.
Respondents were asked to indicate what issues they think will be the most significant over the
next five years. Based on the sum of their top three choices, the most significant issues were: 1)
homelessness, 2) housing, and 3) property tax rate and budget.
ETC Institute (2026) Page vi
Page 11
2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
How the City of Portland Compares to Other Communities Nationally
The City of Portland rated above the National Average in 32 of the 54 areas that were assessed. The City
rated significantly higher than the National Average (5% or more above) in 27 of these areas. The table
below shows how the City of Portland compares to the National Average:
Service Portland U.S. Difference Category
Quality of customer service from City employees 66.8% 38.0% 28.8% City Services
Curbside recycling services 80.3% 52.6% 27.7% Trash and Recycling Services
Quality of solid waste services 70.6% 50.1% 20.5% City Services
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 83.2% 63.6% 19.6% Public Safety Services
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 85.8% 66.4% 19.4% Public Safety Services
City's recognition of diversity in the community 64.0% 47.6% 16.4% Perceptions of the Community
Overall quality of trash collection services 76.6% 60.8% 15.8% Trash and Recycling Services
Quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 80.6% 65.2% 15.4% Public Safety Services
Recycling drop-off services 59.8% 44.7% 15.1% Trash and Recycling Services
Quality of fire protection 82.9% 68.0% 14.9% Public Safety Services
In your neighborhood during the day 87.0% 72.3% 14.7% Perceptions of Safety
Quality of public parks 62.8% 48.3% 14.5% City Services
Snow removal on major City streets 65.7% 51.9% 13.8% Maintenance and Public Works
Quality of public safety services 72.0% 58.8% 13.2% City Services
Quality of local police services 60.6% 49.0% 11.6% Public Safety Services
As a place to live 65.9% 54.7% 11.2% Perceptions of the Community
Communication by the City with the community 48.2% 37.2% 11.0% City Services
In your neighborhood at night 67.0% 56.2% 10.8% Perceptions of Safety
Fall/Spring leaf & yard waste collection services 58.7% 48.5% 10.2% Trash and Recycling Services
How quickly police respond to requests for services 61.7% 51.7% 10.0% Public Safety Services
Condition of public buildings and facilities 61.4% 51.5% 9.9% Maintenance and Public Works
Quality of stormwater management/flood control 57.6% 48.5% 9.1% City Services
Availability of information about City news, programs and services 52.6% 44.1% 8.5% Communication and Transparency
In commercial and retail areas 65.4% 57.2% 8.2% Perceptions of Safety
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 52.0% 44.2% 7.8% Maintenance and Public Works
Quality of public transportation within the city 44.3% 38.6% 5.7% City Services
Usefulness of information on the City's website 48.1% 42.4% 5.7% Communication and Transparency
Quality of services provided by the City 47.1% 42.9% 4.2% Perceptions of the Community
Quality of police community programs and outreach 45.9% 42.1% 3.8% Public Safety Services
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 46.9% 43.2% 3.7% Maintenance and Public Works
Efforts to keep you informed about local issues 45.4% 42.0% 3.4% Communication and Transparency
Condition of street signs and traffic signals 54.6% 54.4% 0.2% Maintenance and Public Works
Overall feeling of safety in the City 57.0% 57.3% -0.3% Perceptions of Safety
The City's use of social media 41.1% 42.0% -0.9% Communication and Transparency
Adequacy of street lighting 51.1% 52.4% -1.3% Maintenance and Public Works
Local-access television station 38.0% 41.1% -3.1% Communication and Transparency
Timeliness of information provided by the City 38.9% 42.3% -3.4% Communication and Transparency
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 36.1% 40.2% -4.1% Maintenance and Public Works
Level of public involvement in local decision making 27.8% 34.7% -6.9% Communication and Transparency
In the city's downtown area 43.4% 51.0% -7.6% Perceptions of Safety
As a place to retire 38.6% 47.3% -8.7% Perceptions of the Community
As a place to raise a family 47.8% 56.7% -8.9% Perceptions of the Community
Flow of traffic/ease of getting around within City 34.1% 43.2% -9.1% City Services
Condition of major City streets 33.7% 43.5% -9.8% Maintenance and Public Works
Ease of getting around the city by public transportation 28.8% 38.6% -9.8% Transportation and Mobility
Enforcement of local traffic laws 36.4% 46.6% -10.2% Public Safety Services
In city parks 41.7% 52.4% -10.7% Perceptions of Safety
Condition of pavement markings on streets 34.2% 45.7% -11.5% Maintenance and Public Works
Maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure 25.4% 37.5% -12.1% City Services
Value received for City taxes and fees 20.5% 32.7% -12.2% Perceptions of the Community
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 33.8% 49.2% -15.4% Maintenance and Public Works
Condition of sidewalks 25.2% 42.8% -17.6% Maintenance and Public Works
The City's efforts to prevent crime 26.0% 46.0% -20.0% Public Safety Services
Accessibility of streets and sidewalks for people with disabilities 21.5% 46.2% -24.7% Transportation and Mobility
ETC Institute (2026) Page vii
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
How the City of Portland Compares to Other Communities in the Region
The City of Portland rated above the Northeast Regional Average in 33 of the 54 areas that were assessed.
The City rated significantly higher than the Northeast Regional Average (5% or more above) in 22 of these
areas. The table below shows how the City of Portland compares to the Northeast Regional Average:
Northeast
Service Portland Region Difference Category
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 83.2% 52.5% 30.7% Public Safety Services
Quality of customer service from City employees 66.8% 36.9% 29.9% City Services
Quality of solid waste services 70.6% 45.5% 25.1% City Services
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 85.8% 60.9% 24.9% Public Safety Services
Curbside recycling services 80.3% 56.6% 23.7% Trash and Recycling Services
Quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 80.6% 58.4% 22.2% Public Safety Services
Quality of fire protection 82.9% 66.2% 16.7% Public Safety Services
Quality of public parks 62.8% 46.2% 16.6% City Services
In your neighborhood during the day 87.0% 71.5% 15.5% Perceptions of Safety
Overall quality of trash collection services 76.6% 61.5% 15.1% Trash and Recycling Services
As a place to live 65.9% 51.9% 14.0% Perceptions of the Community
Quality of public safety services 72.0% 58.2% 13.8% City Services
Quality of local police services 60.6% 48.1% 12.5% Public Safety Services
City's recognition of diversity in the community 64.0% 51.9% 12.1% Perceptions of the Community
Quality of stormwater management/flood control 57.6% 45.9% 11.7% City Services
Communication by the City with the community 48.2% 36.8% 11.4% City Services
How quickly police respond to requests for services 61.7% 51.4% 10.3% Public Safety Services
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 46.9% 37.1% 9.8% Maintenance and Public Works
Snow removal on major City streets 65.7% 56.4% 9.3% Maintenance and Public Works
Condition of public buildings and facilities 61.4% 53.3% 8.1% Maintenance and Public Works
In your neighborhood at night 67.0% 59.4% 7.6% Perceptions of Safety
Fall/Spring leaf & yard waste collection services 58.7% 51.7% 7.0% Trash and Recycling Services
Availability of information about City news, programs and services 52.6% 47.8% 4.8% Communication and Transparency
Quality of police community programs and outreach 45.9% 42.0% 3.9% Public Safety Services
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 52.0% 48.2% 3.8% Maintenance and Public Works
Recycling drop-off services 59.8% 56.1% 3.7% Trash and Recycling Services
Quality of services provided by the City 47.1% 43.8% 3.3% Perceptions of the Community
Usefulness of information on the City's website 48.1% 45.3% 2.8% Communication and Transparency
In commercial and retail areas 65.4% 63.3% 2.1% Perceptions of Safety
Adequacy of street lighting 51.1% 49.0% 2.1% Maintenance and Public Works
Quality of public transportation within the city 44.3% 42.3% 2.0% City Services
Condition of street signs and traffic signals 54.6% 52.9% 1.7% Maintenance and Public Works
Efforts to keep you informed about local issues 45.4% 45.3% 0.1% Communication and Transparency
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 36.1% 37.5% -1.4% Maintenance and Public Works
Timeliness of information provided by the City 38.9% 41.3% -2.4% Communication and Transparency
Enforcement of local traffic laws 36.4% 39.8% -3.4% Public Safety Services
The City's use of social media 41.1% 45.7% -4.6% Communication and Transparency
As a place to retire 38.6% 43.9% -5.3% Perceptions of the Community
Overall feeling of safety in the City 57.0% 62.7% -5.7% Perceptions of Safety
Condition of major City streets 33.7% 41.0% -7.3% Maintenance and Public Works
Value received for City taxes and fees 20.5% 29.0% -8.5% Perceptions of the Community
Maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure 25.4% 33.9% -8.5% City Services
As a place to raise a family 47.8% 57.1% -9.3% Perceptions of the Community
Flow of traffic/ease of getting around within City 34.1% 43.6% -9.5% City Services
Condition of pavement markings on streets 34.2% 43.9% -9.7% Maintenance and Public Works
Local-access television station 38.0% 49.7% -11.7% Communication and Transparency
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 33.8% 45.8% -12.0% Maintenance and Public Works
In city parks 41.7% 53.8% -12.1% Perceptions of Safety
In the city's downtown area 43.4% 55.6% -12.2% Perceptions of Safety
Ease of getting around the city by public transportation 28.8% 42.3% -13.5% Transportation and Mobility
Condition of sidewalks 25.2% 39.4% -14.2% Maintenance and Public Works
Level of public involvement in local decision making 27.8% 42.1% -14.3% Communication and Transparency
The City's efforts to prevent crime 26.0% 43.0% -17.0% Public Safety Services
Accessibility of streets and sidewalks for people with disabilities 21.5% 44.5% -23.0% Transportation and Mobility
ETC Institute (2026) Page viii
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2025 City of Portland Community Survey
Executive Summary
Investment Priorities
To ensure the City continues to deliver a high quality of services to residents, ETC Institute recommends the
City emphasize the following areas.
• Major Categories of City Services. The chart below shows the Importance-Satisfaction Analysis for the
thirteen City services analyzed. Based on the results of this analysis, four services that are
recommended as the top priorities for investment over the next two years in order to raise the City’s
overall satisfaction rating are:
Overall maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure
Overall flow of traffic and ease of getting around within the city
Overall quality of social services provided by the City
Overall quality of public transportation within the city
ETC Institute (2026) Page ix
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
1 Charts and Graphs
ETC Institute (2026) Page 1
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q1. Overall Satisfaction With City Services
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Quality of the Portland Jetport 32% 49% 15% 3%
Quality of public safety services 23% 49% 19% 9%
Quality of solid waste services 22% 49% 15% 15%
Quality of customer service from City employees 21% 46% 24% 10%
Quality of winter snow plowing and removal 18% 46% 16% 21%
Quality of public parks 15% 48% 16% 21%
Quality of stormwater management/flood control 13% 45% 31% 11%
Communication by the City with the community 8% 40% 34% 18%
Quality of public transportation within the city 10% 34% 28% 28%
Flow of traffic/ease of getting around within City 3% 31% 25% 41%
Quality of social services provided by the City 8% 22% 40% 31%
Quality of community engagement by City officials 3% 25% 40% 31%
Maintenance of city of
Maintenance streets, sidewalks,
city streets, and and
infrastructure
sidewalks, infras 3% 23% 24% 50%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 2
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q2. City Services That Should Receive the Most Emphasis
Over the Next Two Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
Maintenance
Maintenance of city of city streets,
streets, sidewalks,
sidewalks, and and infras
infrastructure 59%
Flow of traffic/ease of getting around within City 43%
Quality of social services provided by the City 30%
Quality of public transportation within the city 29%
Quality of public parks 25%
Communication by the City with the community 19%
Quality of community engagement by City officials 19%
Quality of public safety services 18%
Quality of winter snow plowing and removal 18%
Quality of solid waste services 10%
Quality of customer service from City employees 6%
Quality of stormwater management/flood control 5%
Quality of the Portland Jetport 2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 3
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q3. Satisfaction With Items That Influence Perceptions
of Portland as a Community
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Shopping & dining opportunities in Portland 34% 43% 15% 8%
Quality of life in your neighborhood 31% 45% 13% 12%
Quality/variety of shopping & dining opportunities 31% 44% 16% 10%
Portland as a place to live 25% 41% 17% 17%
Portland as a welcoming community 21% 44% 24% 11%
City's recognition of diversity in the community 21% 43% 27% 9%
Quality of life in the city 16% 46% 21% 18%
Portland as a place to raise a family 18% 29% 26% 26%
Quality of services provided by the City 7% 40% 33% 20%
Portland as a place to retire 15% 24% 24% 37%
How easy it is to access City programs and service 6% 32% 44% 19%
Overall direction in which the city is moving 4% 19% 28% 49%
Value received for City taxes and fees 3% 17% 26% 54%
How fairly City resources are allocated 2% 13% 37% 49%
Availability of affordable housing options 3% 6% 15% 75%
Affordability of living in Portland 2% 6% 16% 76%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 4
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q4. Trust in the City of Portland’s Local Government
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
35%
5%
34%
26%
High Somewhat high Somewhat low Low
ETC Institute (2026) Page 5
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q5. To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
“My household’s overall quality of life is improving.”
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
32%
3%
48% 17%
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree
ETC Institute (2026) Page 6
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q6. Perceptions of Safety in the Following Situations
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
In your neighborhood during the day 48% 40% 9% 4%
In your neighborhood at night 26% 41% 18% 15%
In commercial and retail areas 19% 46% 20% 14%
Overall feeling of safety in the city 14% 43% 20% 23%
In Portland's downtown area 11% 33% 22% 34%
In city parks 10% 32% 23% 35%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Safe (5) Safe (4) Neutral (3) Unsafe (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 7
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q7. Satisfaction With Public Safety Services
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 44% 44% 11% 1%
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 37% 49% 13% 1%
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 36% 48% 16% 1%
Quality of fire protection 33% 50% 16% 2%
Quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 32% 49% 18% 2%
Quality of of
Quality service when
service calling
when 911911
calling with an an
with emergency
emerge 32% 41% 22% 5%
Professionalism of police officers 30% 40% 18% 11%
How quickly police respond to requests for service 21% 40% 26% 13%
Quality of local police services 21% 40% 26% 14%
Quality of police community programs and outreach 18% 28% 36% 18%
Enforcement of local traffic laws 7% 30% 23% 40%
The City's efforts to prevent crime 5% 21% 32% 43%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 8
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q8. Public Safety Services That Should Receive the Most
Emphasis Over the Next Two Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
The City's efforts to prevent crime 63%
Enforcement of local traffic laws 46%
Quality of police community programs and outreach 37%
Quality of local police services 26%
How quickly police respond to requests for service 17%
Professionalism of police officers 16%
Quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 12%
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 9%
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 6%
Quality of fire protection 6%
Quality of service
Quality when
of service calling
when 911911
calling with an an
with emergency
emerge 6%
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 2%
0% 20% 40% 60%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 9
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q9. Trust in Portland’s Police Department
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
27%
44%
11%
18%
High Somewhat high Somewhat low Low
ETC Institute (2026) Page 10
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q10. Satisfaction With Trash and Recycling
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Curbside recycling services 34% 46% 12% 8%
Overall quality of trash collection services 31% 46% 14% 10%
Holiday tree collection services 25% 47% 25% 3%
Quality of composting drop-off locations 24% 38% 29% 9%
Riverside Recycling drop-off services 22% 38% 26% 15%
Fall/Spring leaf & yard waste collection services 20% 39% 28% 13%
Purple/City trash bag program 14% 25% 19% 43%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 11
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q11. Satisfaction With Maintenance and Public Works
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Snow removal on major City streets 15% 51% 20% 14%
Condition of public buildings and facilities 8% 54% 31% 8%
Condition of street signs and traffic signals 7% 47% 27% 18%
Tree trimming along streets and public areas 9% 45% 31% 16%
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 11% 42% 22% 26%
Adequacy of street lighting 7% 45% 20% 29%
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 7% 40% 22% 31%
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 6% 30% 28% 36%
Condition of pavement markings on streets 4% 31% 33% 33%
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 4% 30% 21% 45%
Condition of major City streets 3% 31% 27% 39%
Snow removal on sidewalks 6% 25% 25% 44%
Condition of sidewalks 2% 23% 24% 51%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 12
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q12. Maintenance and Public Works Services That Should
Receive the Most Emphasis Over the Next Two Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 44%
Condition of sidewalks 39%
Condition of major City streets 31%
Snow removal on sidewalks 29%
Adequacy of street lighting 26%
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 25%
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 18%
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 18%
Condition of pavement markings on streets 12%
Condition of street signs and traffic signals 9%
Snow removal on major City streets 8%
Tree trimming along streets and public areas 7%
Condition of public buildings and facilities 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 13
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q13. Satisfaction With Transportation and Mobility
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Ease of using the Portland Jetport 40% 45% 12% 4%
Facilities and amenities at the Jetport 26% 46% 23% 5%
Ease of getting around the city by walking 15% 50% 19% 16%
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 17% 47% 15% 20%
Availability of sidewalks throughout the city 10% 47% 22% 20%
Ease of getting around the city by car 10% 44% 27% 20%
Accessibility
Accessibility of public of public for
buildings buildings
peoplefor people
with with 7%
disabilities 34% 44% 16%
Availability of effective way finding and signage 6% 34% 40% 19%
Ease of getting around the city by bicycle 6% 26% 32% 37%
Ease of getting
Ease around
of getting the city
around thebycity
public transportation
by public transpor 5% 24% 30% 41%
Availability of public parking 6% 16% 21% 57%
Accessibility
Accessibility of streets and of streets for
sidewalks andpeople
sidewalks
withfor people 4%
disabilities 18% 31% 48%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 14
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q14. Transportation and Mobility Services That Should
Receive the Most Emphasis Over the Next Two Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
Availability of public parking 47%
Ease of getting
Ease around
of getting the city
around thebycity
public transportation
by public transpor 40%
Accessibility of Accessibility
streets and sidewalks
of streetsfor
andpeople withfor
sidewalks disabilities
people 35%
Ease of getting around the city by bicycle 30%
Ease of getting around the city by walking 28%
Ease of getting around the city by car 21%
Availability of sidewalks throughout the city 19%
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 12%
Availability of effective way finding and signage 11%
Accessibility
Accessibility of public of public for
buildings buildings
peoplefor people
with with
disabilities 10%
Facilities and amenities at the Jetport 5%
Ease of using the Portland Jetport 5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 15
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q15. Satisfaction with Parks and Recreation
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 32% 51% 15% 2%
Quality of multi-use trails 24% 51% 14% 11%
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 18% 52% 25% 6%
Connectivity of local trails and parks 17% 50% 21% 12%
Condition of outdoor athletic fields 9% 53% 29% 9%
Condition of public playgrounds 11% 50% 28% 12%
Quality of community and neighborhood parks 10% 49% 22% 19%
Quality of major City parks 14% 45% 16% 26%
Quality of City special events 12% 45% 34% 9%
Adult Sports Leagues/Adult recreation programs 13% 43% 38% 7%
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 11% 42% 42% 6%
Quality of the James
Quality A. Banks,
of the Sr.Banks,
James A. Portland ExpositionExposi
Sr. Portland Bldg. 10% 43% 37% 11%
Tennis amenities and condition
Tennis amenities of tennis &ofpickleball
and condition courts
tennis and pickl 12% 41% 42% 6%
Youth recreation programs 9% 34% 50% 7%
After-school childcare program 12% 26% 51% 12%
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community centers
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/commun 6% 31% 49% 15%
Aquatic programs 7% 23% 42% 29%
Senior programs 7% 20% 55% 18%
Condition of aquatic facilities 5% 14% 41% 41%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 16
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q16. Parks and Recreation Services That Should Receive
the Most Emphasis Over the Next Two Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
Quality of major City parks 35%
Quality of community and neighborhood parks 30%
Connectivity of local trails and parks 28%
Quality of multi-use trails 20%
After-school childcare program 20%
Condition of public playgrounds 18%
Condition of aquatic facilities 14%
Youth recreation programs 11%
Senior programs 11%
Aquatic programs 10%
Condition Condition
of indoor recreational facilities/community
of indoor recreational centers
facilities/commun 10%
Quality of City special events 8%
Condition of outdoor athletic fields 6%
Adult Sports Leagues/Adult recreation programs 5%
Tennis amenities
Tennis and condition
amenities and of tennis &
condition pickleball
of tennis andcourts
pickl 3%
Quality ofQuality
the James A.James
of the Banks,A.Sr.Banks,
Portland Exposition
Sr. Portland Bldg.
Exposi 3%
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 2%
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 2%
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 17
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q17. Satisfaction With Economic Development
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Availability of places to shop, dine, or get services
Availability of places to shop, dine,
in your or get servi
neighborhood 23% 44% 19% 14%
How active and inviting businesses are 14% 46% 27% 13%
Variety of local businesses in your area 17% 42% 22% 19%
Condition and appearance of local shopping and
Condition and appearance of local shopping and
business bus
areas 11% 45% 24% 20%
Overall strength of the local economy 5% 27% 33% 36%
Availability of good jobs in Portland 3% 22% 35% 40%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 18
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q18. Satisfaction With Communication and Transparency
by percentage of respondents (excluding “don't know”)
Availability of information
Availability in a language
of information I understand
in a language I unders 45% 35% 19% 2%
The City's use of digital tools 12% 42% 33% 13%
Availability of information about City news, programs
Availability of information about City and
news, progr
services 10% 42% 30% 18%
Usefulness of information on the City's website 6% 42% 34% 18%
Efforts to keep you informed about local issues 9% 36% 28% 27%
The City's use of social media 8% 34% 46% 13%
Timeliness of information provided by the City 6% 33% 36% 25%
Local-access television station 8% 30% 49% 14%
Level
Level of of public
public involvement
involvement in in local
local decision
decision maki 4%
making 24% 31% 41%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 19
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q19. Primary Sources of Information About City Issues,
Services, and Events
by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)
City's website 58%
Newspaper 46%
Local TV news 36%
Weekly eNewsletter 28%
Facebook 26%
Radio 20%
Instagram 19%
NextDoor 15%
Local Access Cable 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 20
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q20. Most Preferred Methods of Receiving Information
About the City
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
City's website 56%
Newspaper 39%
Weekly eNewsletter 35%
Local TV news 29%
Facebook 21%
Instagram 19%
Radio 18%
NextDoor 7%
Local Access Cable 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 21
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q21. Have you interacted with the City during the past year?
by percentage of respondents
67%
33%
Yes No
ETC Institute (2026) Page 22
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q21a. Satisfaction with Quality of Customer Service
from City Employees
by percentage of respondents who interacted with the City during the past year (excluding “don't know”)
Level of courtesy you received 42% 39% 13% 6%
Technical
Technical competence
competence and
and knowledge
knowledge ofof Cityemployees
City employe 40% 37% 15% 8%
Overall
Overall satisfaction
satisfaction with
with customer
customer service
service experie
experience 38% 38% 14% 10%
How easy the department was to contact 28% 47% 14% 11%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very Satisfied (5) Satisfied (4) Neutral (3) Dissatisfied (2/1)
ETC Institute (2026) Page 23
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q22. Issues That Residents Think Will be the Most
Significant Over the Next 5 Years
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices
Homelessness 63%
Housing 57%
Property Tax Rate & Budget 40%
Substance Use & Mental Health 31%
Public Safety & Crime 23%
Jobs & Economic Opportunity 23%
Transportation & Mobility 13%
Climate Change 12%
Immigrant Support & Equity 11%
Trust/Transparency in Local Government 8%
Public Parks & Recreation Facilities 6%
Public Health 5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
ETC Institute (2026) Page 24
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q23. Demographics: Approximately how many years
have you lived in Portland?
by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)
20%
19%
15%
46%
Less than 5 years 5 to 10 years 11 to 20 years More than 20 years
ETC Institute (2026) Page 25
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q24. Demographics: Ages of Household Members
by percentage of persons in the household
37%
12%
5%
6%
10%
30%
Ages 5 and under Ages 6 to 19 Ages 20 to 44
Ages 45 to 64 Ages 65 to 74 Ages 75+
ETC Institute (2026) Page 26
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q25. Demographics: Do you own or rent your
current residence?
by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)
56%
44%
Own Rent
0.5% selected “other”
ETC Institute (2026) Page 27
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q26. Demographics: Age of Respondent
by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)
21%
20% 19%
20% 20%
Under 35 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65+
ETC Institute (2026) Page 28
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q27. Demographics: Race/Ethnicity
by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)
White 80%
Black or African American 9%
Asian or Asian Indian 3%
Hispanic or Latino 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0.4%
0%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.1%
0%
Other 1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 29
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q28. Demographics: Gender
by percentage of respondents (excluding “prefer not to answer”)
49%
1%
50%
Male Female Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming
0.2% self-identified as transgender man
0.1% self-identified as transgender woman
0.1% self-identified as other
ETC Institute (2026) Page 30
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q29. Demographics: Total Household Income
by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)
21%
24% 12%
25%
18%
Under $30,000 $30K-$59,999 $60K-$99,999 $100K-$129,999 $130K+
ETC Institute (2026) Page 31
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q30. Demographics: Current Employment Status
by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)
60%
4%
11%
1%
25%
Employed outside home Employed in the home/have a home-based business Student
Retired Not currently employed outside home
ETC Institute (2026) Page 32
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
2 Benchmarking
Analysis
ETC Institute (2026) Page 33
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Benchmarking Analysis
Overview
ETC Institute's DirectionFinder® program was originally developed in 1999 to help community leaders
across the United States use statistically valid community survey data as a tool for making better
decisions. Since November 1999, the survey has been administered in more than 1,000 cities and
counties in 49 states.
This report contains benchmarking data from two sources. The first source is from a national survey that
was administered by ETC Institute during the summer of 2025 to a random sample of residents in the
continental United States. The second source is from a regional survey administered to a random sample
of residents in the Northeast Region of the United States during the summer of 2025. The states that
make up the Northeast Region are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
The “U.S. Average” shown in the charts reflects the overall results of ETC Institute’s national survey of
residents; the “Northeast Regional Average” shown in the charts reflects the results of the regional
survey of residents in the Northeast Region.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 34
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
National Benchmarks
Note: The benchmarking data contained in this report is protected
intellectual property. Any reproduction of the benchmarking
information in this report by persons or organizations not directly
affiliated with Portland, Maine is not authorized without written
consent from ETC Institute.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 35
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With City Services
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding “don't know”)
72.0%
Quality of public safety services 58.2%
58.8%
70.6%
Quality of solid waste services 45.5%
50.1%
66.8%
Quality of customer service from City employees 36.9%
38.0%
62.8%
Quality of public parks 46.2%
48.3%
57.6%
Quality of stormwater management/flood control 45.9%
48.5%
48.2%
Communication by the City with the community 36.8%
37.2%
44.3%
Quality of public transportation within the city 42.3%
38.6%
34.1%
Flow of traffic/ease of getting around within City 43.6%
43.2%
25.4%
Maintenance of city streets,
Maintenance sidewalks,
of city streets, and infrastructure
sidewalks, and infras 33.9%
37.5%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 36
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Items That Influence Perceptions
of the Community
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding “don't know”)
65.9%
As a place to live 51.9%
54.7%
64.0%
City's recognition of diversity in the community 51.9%
47.6%
47.8%
As a place to raise a family 57.1%
56.7%
47.1%
Quality of services provided by the City 43.8%
42.9%
38.6%
As a place to retire 43.9%
47.3%
20.5%
Value received for City taxes and fees 29.0%
32.7%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 37
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Perceptions of Safety in the Following Situatiobns
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very safe" and 1 was "very unsafe" (excluding don't knows)
87.0%
In your neighborhood during the day 71.5%
72.3%
67.0%
In your neighborhood at night 59.4%
56.2%
65.4%
In commercial and retail areas 63.3%
57.2%
57.0%
Overall feeling of safety in the City 62.7%
57.3%
43.4%
In the city's downtown area 55.6%
51.0%
41.7%
In city parks 53.8%
52.4%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 38
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Public Safety Services
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding “don't know”)
85.8%
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 60.9%
66.4%
83.2%
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 52.5%
63.6%
82.9%
Quality of fire protection 66.2%
68.0%
80.6%
Quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 58.4%
65.2%
61.7%
How quickly police respond to requests for service 51.4%
51.7%
60.6%
Quality of local police services 48.1%
49.0%
45.9%
Quality of police community programs and outreach 42.0%
42.1%
36.4%
Enforcement of local traffic laws 39.8%
46.6%
26.0%
The City's efforts to prevent crime 43.0%
46.0%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 39
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Trash and Recycling Services
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding don't knows)
80.3%
Curbside recycling services 56.6%
52.6%
76.6%
Overall quality of trash collection services 61.5%
60.8%
59.8%
Recycling drop-off services 56.1%
44.7%
58.7%
Fall/Spring leaf & yard waste collection services 51.7%
48.5%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 40
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Maintenance and Public Works
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding don't knows)
65.7%
Snow removal on major City streets 56.4%
51.9%
61.4%
Condition of public buildings and facilities 53.3%
51.5%
54.6%
Condition of street signs and traffic signals 52.9%
54.4%
52.0%
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 48.2%
44.2%
51.1%
Adequacy of street lighting 49.0%
52.4%
46.9%
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 37.1%
43.2%
36.1%
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 37.5%
40.2%
34.2%
Condition of pavement markings on streets 43.9%
45.7%
33.8%
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 45.8%
49.2%
33.7%
Condition of major City streets 41.0%
43.5%
25.2%
Condition of sidewalks 39.4%
42.8%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 41
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Transportation and Mobility
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding don't knows)
28.8%
Ease of getting
Ease around
of getting the city
around theby public
city transportation
by public transpor 42.3%
38.6%
21.5%
Accessibility of
Accessibility ofstreets
streetsand
andsidewalks
sidewalksfor
forpeople
people 44.5%
with disabilities
46.2%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 42
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Satisfaction With Communication and Transparency
Portland vs. Northeast Region vs. the U.S.
by percentage of respondents who rated the item 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
where 5 was "very satisfied" and 1 was "very dissatisfied" (excluding don't knows)
Availability of information about City news, programs 52.6%
Availability of information about City news, progr
and services 47.8%
44.1%
48.1%
Usefulness of information on the City's website 45.3%
42.4%
45.4%
Efforts to keep you informed about local issues 45.3%
42.0%
41.1%
The City's use of social media 45.7%
42.0%
38.9%
Timeliness of information provided by the City 41.3%
42.3%
38.0%
Local-access television station 49.7%
41.1%
27.8%
Level ofof
Level public involvement
public inin
involvement local decision
local decisionmaking
maki 42.1%
34.7%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
Portland Northeast Region U.S.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 43
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
3 Importance-Satisfaction
Analysis
ETC Institute (2026) Page 44
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Analysis
Importance-Satisfaction Matrix Analysis
The Importance-Satisfaction rating is based on the concept that public agencies will maximize overall
customer satisfaction by emphasizing improvements in those areas where the level of satisfaction is
relatively low, and the perceived importance of the service is relatively high. ETC Institute developed an
Importance-Satisfaction Matrix to display the perceived importance of major services that were assessed
on the survey against the perceived quality of service delivery. The two axes on the matrix represent
Satisfaction (vertical) and relative Importance (horizontal).
The I-S (Importance-Satisfaction) matrix should be interpreted as follows.
Continued Emphasis (above average importance and above average satisfaction). This area
shows where the City is meeting customer expectations. Items in this area have a significant
impact on the customer’s overall level of satisfaction. The City should maintain (or slightly
increase) emphasis on items in this area.
Exceeding Expectations (below average importance and above average satisfaction). This area
shows where the City is performing significantly better than customers expect the City to
perform. Items in this area do not significantly affect the overall level of satisfaction that
residents have with City services. The City should maintain (or slightly decrease) emphasis on
items in this area.
Opportunities for Improvement (above average importance and below average satisfaction).
This area shows where the City is not performing as well as residents expect the City to perform.
This area has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, and the City should DEFINITELY
increase emphasis on items in this area.
Less Important (below average importance and below average satisfaction). This area shows
where the City is not performing well relative to its performance in other areas; however, this
area is generally considered to be less important to residents. This area does not significantly
affect overall satisfaction with City services because the items are less important to residents.
The agency should maintain current levels of emphasis on items in this area.
Matrix charts showing the results for the City of Portland are provided on the following pages.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 45
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Assessment Matrix
-Major Categories of City Services-
Exceeded Expectations Overall quality of the Portland Continued Emphasis
,
lower importance/higher Satisfaction Jetport higher importance/higher Satisfaction
Overall quality of public safety services
Overall quality of solid waste services, ,
Overall quality of customer service you receive from City employees
,
Overall quality of winter snow plowing and removal , ,Overall quality of public parks
Very Satisfied
,
Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control
Overall communication by the City with the community ,
, Overall quality of public transportation within the city
Overall flow of traffic and ease of getting around within the City
,
Overall quality of community engagement by City officials , , Overall quality of social services provided by the City
Overall maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, and
Less Important infrastructure ,
Opportunities for Improvement
lower importance/lower Satisfaction higher importance/lower Satisfaction
Very Important
ETC Institute (2026) Page 46
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Assessment Matrix
-Public Safety-
Exceeded Expectations Continued Emphasis
lower importance/higher Satisfaction higher importance/higher Satisfaction
How quickly EMS
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders, ,
services responds
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies to emergencies
, ,
Overall quality of fire protection
Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services ,
Very Satisfied
Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency
,
Professionalism of police officers ,
How quickly police respond to requests for services , ,Overall quality of local police services
Quality of police community programs and outreach
,
, Enforcement of local traffic laws
The City's efforts to prevent crime ,
Less Important Opportunities for Improvement
lower importance/lower Satisfaction higher importance/lower Satisfaction
Very Important
ETC Institute (2026) Page 47
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Assessment Matrix
-Maintenance and Public Works-
Exceeded Expectations Continued Emphasis
lower importance/higher Satisfaction higher importance/higher Satisfaction
Snow removal on major City streets ,
Condition of public buildings and facilities ,
Very Satisfied
Condition of street signs and traffic signals
Tree trimming along streets and public areas ,,
Snow removal on neighborhood streets , ,Adequacy of street lighting
Condition of streets in your neighborhood ,
Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage
, , Condition of major City streets
Condition of pavement markings on streets , , Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, and
,
Snow removal on sidewalks
public spaces
, Condition of sidewalks
Less Important Opportunities for Improvement
lower importance/lower Satisfaction higher importance/lower Satisfaction
Very Important
ETC Institute (2026) Page 48
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Assessment Matrix
-Transportation and Mobility-
Exceeded Expectations Continued Emphasis
lower importance/higher Satisfaction higher importance/higher Satisfaction
Ease of using the Portland Jetport ,
Facilities and amenities at the Jetport ,
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood , ,Ease of getting around the city by walking
Very Satisfied
Availability of sidewalks throughout the city ,
,Ease of getting around the city by car
Availability of effective way finding and signage ,,
Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities
,Ease of getting around the city by bicycle
, Ease of getting around the city by public
transportation
,Availability
,Accessibility of streets of public parking
and sidewalks for people
with disabilities
Less Important Opportunities for Improvement
lower importance/lower Satisfaction higher importance/lower Satisfaction
Very Important
ETC Institute (2026) Page 49
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Importance-Satisfaction Assessment Matrix
-Parks and Recreation-
Exceeded Expectations Continued Emphasis
lower importance/higher Satisfaction higher importance/higher Satisfaction
Quality of Merrill Auditorium ,
,Quality of multi-use trails
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium ,
,Connectivity of local trails and parks
Very Satisfied
,
Condition of outdoor athletic fields
,
Quality of community and neighborhood parks
Quality of City special events , ,
Quality of major City parks
, ,
Condition of public playgrounds
Adult Sports Leagues/Adult recreation programs
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena
,,,
Quality of James A. Banks, Sr. Tennis
Portland Exposition Building amenities
Youth recreation programs ,
,
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community centers , After-school childcare program
Aquatic programs ,
Senior programs ,
, Condition of aquatic facilities
Less Important Opportunities for Improvement
lower importance/lower Satisfaction higher importance/lower Satisfaction
Very Important
ETC Institute (2026) Page 50
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
4 Tabular Data
ETC Institute (2026) Page 51
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q1. Overall Satisfaction with City Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q1-1. Overall communication
by City with the community 7.6% 39.1% 33.1% 12.6% 4.5% 3.1%
Q1-2. Overall flow of traffic &
ease of getting around within
City 3.2% 30.6% 24.5% 29.9% 11.2% 0.6%
Q1-3. Overall maintenance of
City streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 2.8% 22.6% 24.1% 35.8% 14.5% 0.3%
Q1-4. Overall quality of
community engagement by
City officials 3.1% 23.0% 36.7% 19.3% 9.3% 8.5%
Q1-5. Overall quality of
customer service you receive
from City employees 19.1% 41.6% 21.4% 6.5% 2.3% 9.1%
Q1-6. Overall quality of
public parks 14.2% 47.1% 15.8% 13.9% 6.6% 2.3%
Q1-7. Overall quality of
public safety services (police,
fire, EMS) 20.7% 45.1% 17.3% 6.1% 2.2% 8.5%
Q1-8. Overall quality of
public transportation within
City (bus, rail, ferry) 8.3% 28.7% 23.3% 16.2% 7.0% 16.5%
Q1-9. Overall quality of
social services provided by
City 5.3% 15.2% 28.2% 12.9% 8.5% 29.9%
Q1-10. Overall quality of
solid waste services (trash,
recycling, yard waste) 20.4% 46.7% 13.8% 10.9% 3.1% 5.0%
Q1-11. Overall quality of
stormwater management/
flood control 11.2% 38.1% 26.6% 6.6% 3.1% 14.3%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 52
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q1. Overall Satisfaction with City Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q1-12. Overall quality of
Portland Jetport 29.9% 45.9% 14.2% 2.4% 0.7% 6.8%
Q1-13. Overall quality of
winter snow plowing & removal 17.4% 45.0% 15.4% 15.6% 5.3% 1.4%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 53
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q1. Overall Satisfaction with City Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q1-1. Overall
communication by City
with the community 7.8% 40.4% 34.2% 13.0% 4.6%
Q1-2. Overall flow of
traffic & ease of getting
around within City 3.3% 30.8% 24.6% 30.0% 11.3%
Q1-3. Overall
maintenance of City
streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 2.8% 22.6% 24.2% 35.9% 14.5%
Q1-4. Overall quality of
community engagement
by City officials 3.4% 25.2% 40.1% 21.1% 10.1%
Q1-5. Overall quality of
customer service you
receive from City
employees 21.0% 45.8% 23.5% 7.1% 2.6%
Q1-6. Overall quality of
public parks 14.5% 48.3% 16.2% 14.3% 6.7%
Q1-7. Overall quality of
public safety services
(police, fire, EMS) 22.6% 49.4% 18.9% 6.7% 2.5%
Q1-8. Overall quality of
public transportation
within City (bus, rail, ferry) 9.9% 34.4% 27.9% 19.4% 8.4%
Q1-9. Overall quality of
social services provided
by City 7.6% 21.7% 40.3% 18.3% 12.2%
Q1-10. Overall quality of
solid waste services (trash,
recycling, yard waste) 21.5% 49.1% 14.6% 11.5% 3.3%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 54
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q1. Overall Satisfaction with City Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q1-11. Overall quality of
stormwater management/
flood control 13.1% 44.5% 31.1% 7.7% 3.7%
Q1-12. Overall quality of
Portland Jetport 32.1% 49.2% 15.3% 2.6% 0.8%
Q1-13. Overall quality of
winter snow plowing &
removal 17.6% 45.6% 15.6% 15.8% 5.4%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 55
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q2. Top choice Number Percent
Overall communication by City with the community 60 5.4 %
Overall flow of traffic & ease of getting around within City 207 18.6 %
Overall maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 291 26.2 %
Overall quality of community engagement by City
officials 52 4.7 %
Overall quality of customer service you receive from
City employees 8 0.7 %
Overall quality of public parks 75 6.7 %
Overall quality of public safety services (police, fire,
EMS) 48 4.3 %
Overall quality of public transportation within City (bus,
rail, ferry) 125 11.2 %
Overall quality of social services provided by City 129 11.6 %
Overall quality of solid waste services (trash, recycling,
yard waste) 30 2.7 %
Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control 6 0.5 %
Overall quality of Portland Jetport 5 0.4 %
Overall quality of winter snow plowing & removal 47 4.2 %
None chosen 29 2.6 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 56
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q2. 2nd choice Number Percent
Overall communication by City with the community 67 6.0 %
Overall flow of traffic & ease of getting around within City 155 13.9 %
Overall maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 225 20.2 %
Overall quality of community engagement by City
officials 62 5.6 %
Overall quality of customer service you receive from
City employees 23 2.1 %
Overall quality of public parks 99 8.9 %
Overall quality of public safety services (police, fire,
EMS) 78 7.0 %
Overall quality of public transportation within City (bus,
rail, ferry) 116 10.4 %
Overall quality of social services provided by City 91 8.2 %
Overall quality of solid waste services (trash, recycling,
yard waste) 39 3.5 %
Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control 19 1.7 %
Overall quality of Portland Jetport 13 1.2 %
Overall quality of winter snow plowing & removal 66 5.9 %
None chosen 59 5.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 57
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q2. 3rd choice Number Percent
Overall communication by City with the community 81 7.3 %
Overall flow of traffic & ease of getting around within City 117 10.5 %
Overall maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 143 12.9 %
Overall quality of community engagement by City
officials 91 8.2 %
Overall quality of customer service you receive from
City employees 34 3.1 %
Overall quality of public parks 109 9.8 %
Overall quality of public safety services (police, fire,
EMS) 76 6.8 %
Overall quality of public transportation within City (bus,
rail, ferry) 87 7.8 %
Overall quality of social services provided by City 110 9.9 %
Overall quality of solid waste services (trash, recycling,
yard waste) 44 4.0 %
Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control 28 2.5 %
Overall quality of Portland Jetport 8 0.7 %
Overall quality of winter snow plowing & removal 83 7.5 %
None chosen 101 9.1 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 58
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years? (top 3)
Q2. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
Overall communication by City with the community 208 18.7 %
Overall flow of traffic & ease of getting around within City 479 43.1 %
Overall maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, &
infrastructure 659 59.3 %
Overall quality of community engagement by City
officials 205 18.4 %
Overall quality of customer service you receive from
City employees 65 5.8 %
Overall quality of public parks 283 25.4 %
Overall quality of public safety services (police, fire,
EMS) 202 18.2 %
Overall quality of public transportation within City (bus,
rail, ferry) 328 29.5 %
Overall quality of social services provided by City 330 29.7 %
Overall quality of solid waste services (trash, recycling,
yard waste) 113 10.2 %
Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control 53 4.8 %
Overall quality of Portland Jetport 26 2.3 %
Overall quality of winter snow plowing & removal 196 17.6 %
None chosen 29 2.6 %
Total 3176
ETC Institute (2026) Page 59
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q3. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following items that may influence your perception of
Portland as a community using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very
Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q3-1. Availability of
affordable housing options 3.1% 5.6% 14.2% 31.1% 38.9% 7.1%
Q3-2. How easy it is to
access City programs &
services 4.5% 24.8% 34.5% 11.5% 3.1% 21.6%
Q3-3. How fairly City
resources are allocated 1.7% 9.4% 27.3% 21.1% 15.4% 25.0%
Q3-4. Overall affordability of
living in Portland 2.0% 5.9% 15.9% 35.3% 39.6% 1.3%
Q3-5. Overall quality & variety
of shopping & dining
opportunities 30.4% 43.1% 15.6% 7.2% 2.4% 1.3%
Q3-6. Overall quality of life in
City 15.6% 45.1% 20.2% 12.9% 4.9% 1.3%
Q3-7. Overall quality of life in
your neighborhood 30.4% 44.2% 13.0% 8.5% 2.9% 0.9%
Q3-8. Overall quality of
services provided by City of
Portland 6.5% 37.9% 31.2% 14.2% 4.3% 5.9%
Q3-9. Overall value you
receive for City of Portland
taxes & fees 3.1% 16.0% 23.9% 26.8% 23.7% 6.5%
Q3-10. Shopping & dining
opportunities in Portland 33.3% 42.7% 14.6% 5.9% 2.0% 1.5%
Q3-11. City of Portland as a
place to live 24.6% 40.2% 16.7% 12.1% 4.7% 1.6%
Q3-12. City of Portland as a
place to raise a family 15.6% 24.9% 22.1% 14.7% 7.5% 15.3%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 60
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q3. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following items that may influence your perception of
Portland as a community using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very
Dissatisfied."
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q3-13. City of Portland as a
place to retire 12.4% 19.3% 19.8% 16.5% 14.2% 17.8%
Q3-14. City of Portland as a
welcoming community 20.6% 42.9% 22.7% 6.2% 4.2% 3.4%
Q3-15. City's recognition of
diversity in my community 19.7% 39.5% 24.7% 5.0% 3.5% 7.6%
Q3-16. Overall direction in
which City is moving 4.1% 17.7% 26.4% 26.9% 19.9% 4.9%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 61
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q3. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following items that may influence your perception of
Portland as a community using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very
Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q3-1. Availability of
affordable housing options 3.3% 6.0% 15.3% 33.5% 41.9%
Q3-2. How easy it is to
access City programs &
services 5.7% 31.7% 44.0% 14.7% 3.9%
Q3-3. How fairly City
resources are allocated 2.3% 12.6% 36.5% 28.2% 20.5%
Q3-4. Overall affordability
of living in Portland 2.0% 6.0% 16.1% 35.7% 40.1%
Q3-5. Overall quality &
variety of shopping & dining
opportunities 30.8% 43.6% 15.8% 7.3% 2.5%
Q3-6. Overall quality of
life in City 15.8% 45.6% 20.5% 13.1% 5.0%
Q3-7. Overall quality of
life in your neighborhood 30.7% 44.6% 13.2% 8.6% 2.9%
Q3-8. Overall quality of
services provided by City
of Portland 6.9% 40.2% 33.2% 15.1% 4.6%
Q3-9. Overall value you
receive for City of
Portland taxes & fees 3.4% 17.1% 25.6% 28.7% 25.3%
Q3-10. Shopping & dining
opportunities in Portland 33.8% 43.4% 14.8% 6.0% 2.0%
Q3-11. City of Portland as
a place to live 25.0% 40.9% 17.0% 12.3% 4.8%
Q3-12. City of Portland as
a place to raise a family 18.4% 29.4% 26.1% 17.3% 8.8%
Q3-13. City of Portland as
a place to retire 15.1% 23.5% 24.1% 20.0% 17.3%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 62
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q3. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following items that may influence your perception of
Portland as a community using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very
Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q3-14. City of Portland as
a welcoming community 21.3% 44.4% 23.5% 6.4% 4.4%
Q3-15. City's recognition
of diversity in my
community 21.3% 42.7% 26.8% 5.4% 3.8%
Q3-16. Overall direction in
which City is moving 4.4% 18.6% 27.8% 28.3% 20.9%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 63
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q4. Would you say your trust in the City of Portland's Local Government is...
Q4. Level of your trust in Portland's local
government Number Percent
High 53 4.8 %
Somewhat high 361 32.5 %
Somewhat low 345 31.0 %
Low 271 24.4 %
Don't know 82 7.4 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q4. Would you say your trust in the City of Portland's Local Government is... (without "don't know")
Q4. Level of your trust in Portland's local
government Number Percent
High 53 5.1 %
Somewhat high 361 35.0 %
Somewhat low 345 33.5 %
Low 271 26.3 %
Total 1030 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 64
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q5. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "My household's overall quality of life is
improving?"
Q5. My household's overall quality of life is
improving Number Percent
Strongly agree 33 3.0 %
Agree 328 29.5 %
Disagree 481 43.3 %
Strongly disagree 167 15.0 %
Don't know 103 9.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q5. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "My household's overall quality of life is
improving?" (without "don't know")
Q5. My household's overall quality of life is
improving Number Percent
Strongly agree 33 3.3 %
Agree 328 32.5 %
Disagree 481 47.7 %
Strongly disagree 167 16.6 %
Total 1009 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 65
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q6. Safety. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Safe" and 1 means "Very Unsafe," please rate how
safe you feel in the following situations.
(N=1112)
Very safe Safe Neutral Unsafe Very unsafe Don't know
Q6-1. Overall feeling of
safety in City 13.7% 43.1% 19.6% 18.3% 4.9% 0.4%
Q6-2. In City parks 9.5% 31.0% 22.8% 21.9% 11.9% 2.9%
Q6-3. In commercial & retail
areas 19.0% 46.0% 20.1% 11.4% 2.8% 0.6%
Q6-4. In Portland's
Downtown area 10.7% 32.4% 22.0% 23.6% 10.6% 0.7%
Q6-5. In your neighborhood
at night 25.7% 41.1% 17.8% 10.7% 4.3% 0.4%
Q6-6. In your neighborhood
during the day 47.3% 39.3% 8.9% 3.2% 0.8% 0.4%
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q6. Safety. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Safe" and 1 means "Very Unsafe," please rate how
safe you feel in the following situations. (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very safe Safe Neutral Unsafe Very unsafe
Q6-1. Overall feeling of safety in City 13.7% 43.3% 19.7% 18.4% 4.9%
Q6-2. In City parks 9.8% 31.9% 23.4% 22.6% 12.2%
Q6-3. In commercial & retail areas 19.1% 46.3% 20.3% 11.5% 2.8%
Q6-4. In Portland's Downtown area 10.8% 32.6% 22.2% 23.7% 10.7%
Q6-5. In your neighborhood at night 25.8% 41.2% 17.9% 10.7% 4.3%
Q6-6. In your neighborhood during the
day 47.5% 39.5% 8.9% 3.3% 0.8%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 66
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q7. Public Safety Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q7-1. Enforcement of local
traffic laws 6.4% 27.3% 21.5% 20.9% 16.5% 7.5%
Q7-2. How quickly EMS
services responds to
emergencies 23.1% 31.0% 10.1% 0.7% 0.1% 35.0%
Q7-3. How quickly fire
services responds to
emergencies 24.8% 32.6% 8.5% 0.8% 0.1% 33.2%
Q7-4. How quickly police
respond to requests for
services 14.6% 27.6% 17.4% 5.9% 2.7% 31.7%
Q7-5. Overall quality of
emergency medical/
ambulance services 20.6% 31.1% 11.4% 0.8% 0.3% 35.8%
Q7-6. Overall quality of fire
protection 23.2% 35.1% 10.9% 0.7% 0.4% 29.7%
Q7-7. Overall quality of local
police services 16.3% 30.7% 20.0% 6.5% 4.0% 22.6%
Q7-8. Professionalism of fire/
EMS first responders 30.8% 31.4% 7.8% 0.9% 0.0% 29.0%
Q7-9. Professionalism of
police officers 23.5% 31.2% 14.2% 5.4% 3.3% 22.4%
Q7-10. Quality of police
community programs &
outreach 10.7% 16.2% 21.1% 7.0% 3.6% 41.4%
Q7-11. Quality of service
when calling 911 with an
emergency 18.5% 23.8% 12.8% 2.1% 0.8% 42.0%
Q7-12. City's efforts to
prevent crime 3.9% 17.6% 26.1% 21.0% 14.4% 17.1%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 67
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q7. Public Safety Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q7-1. Enforcement of
local traffic laws 6.9% 29.5% 23.2% 22.5% 17.8%
Q7-2. How quickly EMS
services responds to
emergencies 35.5% 47.7% 15.5% 1.1% 0.1%
Q7-3. How quickly fire
services responds to
emergencies 37.1% 48.7% 12.8% 1.2% 0.1%
Q7-4. How quickly police
respond to requests for
services 21.3% 40.4% 25.6% 8.7% 4.0%
Q7-5. Overall quality of
emergency medical/
ambulance services 32.1% 48.5% 17.8% 1.3% 0.4%
Q7-6. Overall quality of
fire protection 33.0% 49.9% 15.5% 1.0% 0.6%
Q7-7. Overall quality of
local police services 21.0% 39.6% 25.8% 8.4% 5.2%
Q7-8. Professionalism of
fire/EMS first responders 43.5% 44.2% 11.0% 1.3% 0.0%
Q7-9. Professionalism of
police officers 30.2% 40.2% 18.3% 7.0% 4.3%
Q7-10. Quality of police
community programs &
outreach 18.3% 27.6% 36.0% 12.0% 6.1%
Q7-11. Quality of service
when calling 911 with an
emergency 31.9% 41.1% 22.0% 3.6% 1.4%
Q7-12. City's efforts to
prevent crime 4.7% 21.3% 31.5% 25.3% 17.4%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 68
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q8. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 7 above do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q8. Top choice Number Percent
Enforcement of local traffic laws 283 25.4 %
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 36 3.2 %
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 10 0.9 %
How quickly police respond to requests for services 33 3.0 %
Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 36 3.2 %
Overall quality of fire protection 7 0.6 %
Overall quality of local police services 57 5.1 %
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 3 0.3 %
Professionalism of police officers 40 3.6 %
Quality of police community programs & outreach 82 7.4 %
Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency 14 1.3 %
City's efforts to prevent crime 418 37.6 %
None chosen 93 8.4 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q8. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 7 above do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q8. 2nd choice Number Percent
Enforcement of local traffic laws 165 14.8 %
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 32 2.9 %
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 30 2.7 %
How quickly police respond to requests for services 77 6.9 %
Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 41 3.7 %
Overall quality of fire protection 29 2.6 %
Overall quality of local police services 117 10.5 %
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 8 0.7 %
Professionalism of police officers 68 6.1 %
Quality of police community programs & outreach 150 13.5 %
Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency 22 2.0 %
City's efforts to prevent crime 179 16.1 %
None chosen 194 17.4 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 69
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q8. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 7 above do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q8. 3rd choice Number Percent
Enforcement of local traffic laws 67 6.0 %
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 32 2.9 %
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 30 2.7 %
How quickly police respond to requests for services 75 6.7 %
Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 55 4.9 %
Overall quality of fire protection 33 3.0 %
Overall quality of local police services 120 10.8 %
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 9 0.8 %
Professionalism of police officers 69 6.2 %
Quality of police community programs & outreach 176 15.8 %
Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency 28 2.5 %
City's efforts to prevent crime 103 9.3 %
None chosen 315 28.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q8. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 7 above do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years? (top 3)
Q8. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
Enforcement of local traffic laws 515 46.3 %
How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 100 9.0 %
How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 70 6.3 %
How quickly police respond to requests for services 185 16.6 %
Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 132 11.9 %
Overall quality of fire protection 69 6.2 %
Overall quality of local police services 294 26.4 %
Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 20 1.8 %
Professionalism of police officers 177 15.9 %
Quality of police community programs & outreach 408 36.7 %
Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency 64 5.8 %
City's efforts to prevent crime 700 62.9 %
None chosen 93 8.4 %
Total 2827
ETC Institute (2026) Page 70
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q9. Would you say your trust in Portland's Police Department is...
Q9. Level of your trust in Portland's Police
Department Number Percent
High 255 22.9 %
Somewhat high 425 38.2 %
Somewhat low 172 15.5 %
Low 104 9.4 %
Don't know 156 14.0 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q9. Would you say your trust in Portland's Police Department is... (without "don't know")
Q9. Level of your trust in Portland's Police
Department Number Percent
High 255 26.7 %
Somewhat high 425 44.5 %
Somewhat low 172 18.0 %
Low 104 10.9 %
Total 956 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 71
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q10. Trash and Recycling. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q10-1. Overall quality of
trash collection services 29.0% 43.1% 12.8% 6.8% 2.4% 5.9%
Q10-2. Curbside recycling
services 31.8% 42.9% 11.3% 5.4% 1.6% 6.9%
Q10-3. Purple/City trash bag
program 12.4% 23.0% 17.0% 19.7% 19.2% 8.6%
Q10-4. Riverside Recycling
drop-off services 16.6% 28.0% 19.2% 7.9% 2.9% 25.4%
Q10-5. Fall/Spring leaf & yard
waste collection services 14.9% 29.1% 21.0% 8.0% 2.0% 25.0%
Q10-6. Holiday tree
collection services 17.0% 31.1% 16.6% 1.3% 0.8% 33.1%
Q10-7. Quality of composting
drop-off locations 14.6% 23.6% 18.1% 3.7% 1.6% 38.5%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 72
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q10. Trash and Recycling. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q10-1. Overall quality of
trash collection services 30.8% 45.8% 13.6% 7.3% 2.6%
Q10-2. Curbside recycling
services 34.2% 46.1% 12.2% 5.8% 1.7%
Q10-3. Purple/City trash
bag program 13.6% 25.2% 18.6% 21.6% 21.1%
Q10-4. Riverside
Recycling drop-off
services 22.3% 37.5% 25.7% 10.6% 3.9%
Q10-5. Fall/Spring leaf &
yard waste collection
services 19.9% 38.8% 27.9% 10.7% 2.6%
Q10-6. Holiday tree
collection services 25.4% 46.5% 24.9% 2.0% 1.2%
Q10-7. Quality of
composting drop-off
locations 23.7% 38.3% 29.4% 6.0% 2.6%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 73
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q11. Maintenance and Public Works. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q11-1. Adequacy of street
lighting 6.5% 43.6% 19.2% 21.1% 7.6% 2.0%
Q11-2. Cleanliness of streets,
sidewalks, & public spaces 4.1% 29.2% 20.7% 33.4% 11.4% 1.2%
Q11-3. Condition of major
City streets 2.9% 30.3% 27.0% 27.3% 10.9% 1.6%
Q11-4. Condition of streets in
your neighborhood 6.9% 39.4% 22.1% 22.0% 8.4% 1.2%
Q11-5. Condition of
pavement markings on streets 3.3% 29.4% 31.3% 23.1% 8.6% 4.2%
Q11-6. Condition of sidewalks 2.3% 22.4% 23.8% 34.1% 15.6% 1.8%
Q11-7. Condition of street
signs & traffic signals 7.1% 46.6% 26.9% 13.3% 4.3% 1.8%
Q11-8. Condition of public
buildings & facilities 7.3% 50.6% 29.0% 5.6% 1.9% 5.7%
Q11-9. Tree trimming along
streets & public areas 7.9% 41.2% 28.2% 11.3% 3.5% 7.8%
Q11-10. Condition of bike
lanes, paths & signage 5.2% 26.9% 25.1% 20.7% 11.2% 10.9%
Q11-11. Snow removal on
major City streets 14.1% 49.9% 19.8% 10.4% 3.1% 2.6%
Q11-12. Snow removal on
neighborhood streets 10.1% 39.9% 20.9% 18.3% 7.0% 3.8%
Q11-13. Snow removal on
sidewalks 5.7% 23.2% 23.8% 25.3% 16.9% 5.1%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 74
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q11. Maintenance and Public Works. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q11-1. Adequacy of
street lighting 6.6% 44.5% 19.5% 21.6% 7.8%
Q11-2. Cleanliness of
streets, sidewalks, & public
spaces 4.2% 29.6% 20.9% 33.8% 11.6%
Q11-3. Condition of major
City streets 2.9% 30.8% 27.4% 27.8% 11.1%
Q11-4. Condition of
streets in your
neighborhood 7.0% 39.9% 22.4% 22.3% 8.5%
Q11-5. Condition of
pavement markings on
streets 3.5% 30.7% 32.7% 24.1% 9.0%
Q11-6. Condition of
sidewalks 2.4% 22.8% 24.3% 34.7% 15.8%
Q11-7. Condition of street
signs & traffic signals 7.2% 47.4% 27.4% 13.6% 4.4%
Q11-8. Condition of public
buildings & facilities 7.7% 53.7% 30.7% 5.9% 2.0%
Q11-9. Tree trimming
along streets & public areas 8.6% 44.7% 30.6% 12.3% 3.8%
Q11-10. Condition of bike
lanes, paths & signage 5.9% 30.2% 28.2% 23.2% 12.6%
Q11-11. Snow removal on
major City streets 14.5% 51.2% 20.3% 10.7% 3.2%
Q11-12. Snow removal on
neighborhood streets 10.5% 41.5% 21.7% 19.1% 7.3%
Q11-13. Snow removal on
sidewalks 6.0% 24.5% 25.1% 26.6% 17.8%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 75
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q12. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 11 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q12. Top choice Number Percent
Adequacy of street lighting 137 12.3 %
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 253 22.8 %
Condition of major City streets 153 13.8 %
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 66 5.9 %
Condition of pavement markings on streets 25 2.2 %
Condition of sidewalks 123 11.1 %
Condition of street signs & traffic signals 20 1.8 %
Condition of public buildings & facilities 9 0.8 %
Tree trimming along streets & public areas 14 1.3 %
Condition of bike lanes, paths & signage 105 9.4 %
Snow removal on major City streets 12 1.1 %
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 45 4.0 %
Snow removal on sidewalks 101 9.1 %
None chosen 49 4.4 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q12. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 11 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q12. 2nd choice Number Percent
Adequacy of street lighting 82 7.4 %
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 129 11.6 %
Condition of major City streets 113 10.2 %
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 81 7.3 %
Condition of pavement markings on streets 48 4.3 %
Condition of sidewalks 176 15.8 %
Condition of street signs & traffic signals 31 2.8 %
Condition of public buildings & facilities 23 2.1 %
Tree trimming along streets & public areas 33 3.0 %
Condition of bike lanes, paths & signage 84 7.6 %
Snow removal on major City streets 36 3.2 %
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 71 6.4 %
Snow removal on sidewalks 111 10.0 %
None chosen 94 8.5 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 76
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q12. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 11 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q12. 3rd choice Number Percent
Adequacy of street lighting 75 6.7 %
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 102 9.2 %
Condition of major City streets 80 7.2 %
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 58 5.2 %
Condition of pavement markings on streets 56 5.0 %
Condition of sidewalks 130 11.7 %
Condition of street signs & traffic signals 51 4.6 %
Condition of public buildings & facilities 46 4.1 %
Tree trimming along streets & public areas 33 3.0 %
Condition of bike lanes, paths & signage 87 7.8 %
Snow removal on major City streets 44 4.0 %
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 79 7.1 %
Snow removal on sidewalks 110 9.9 %
None chosen 161 14.5 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q12. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 11 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years? (top 3)
Q12. Top choice Number Percent
Adequacy of street lighting 294 26.4 %
Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, & public spaces 484 43.5 %
Condition of major City streets 346 31.1 %
Condition of streets in your neighborhood 205 18.4 %
Condition of pavement markings on streets 129 11.6 %
Condition of sidewalks 429 38.6 %
Condition of street signs & traffic signals 102 9.2 %
Condition of public buildings & facilities 78 7.0 %
Tree trimming along streets & public areas 80 7.2 %
Condition of bike lanes, paths & signage 276 24.8 %
Snow removal on major City streets 92 8.3 %
Snow removal on neighborhood streets 195 17.5 %
Snow removal on sidewalks 322 29.0 %
None chosen 49 4.4 %
Total 3081
ETC Institute (2026) Page 77
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q13. Transportation and Mobility. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5
to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q13-1. Accessibility of
streets & sidewalks for people
with disabilities 2.4% 12.6% 21.6% 22.5% 10.8% 30.1%
Q13-2. Accessibility of public
buildings for people with
disabilities 4.2% 19.3% 25.1% 7.0% 1.9% 42.4%
Q13-3. Ease of getting
around City by car 9.3% 42.3% 26.3% 15.3% 3.9% 3.0%
Q13-4. Ease of getting
around City by public
transportation 3.2% 16.5% 20.6% 19.1% 9.3% 31.3%
Q13-5. Ease of getting
around City by bicycle 4.0% 18.1% 22.8% 18.7% 7.1% 29.3%
Q13-6. Ease of getting
around City by walking 14.7% 48.5% 18.5% 12.5% 2.6% 3.2%
Q13-7. Ease of using
Portland Jetport 36.1% 40.5% 10.4% 2.9% 0.8% 9.4%
Q13-8. Availability of
sidewalks throughout City 10.1% 45.8% 21.2% 16.2% 3.4% 3.3%
Q13-9. Availability of
sidewalks in my neighborhood 16.9% 46.0% 14.6% 13.8% 5.8% 2.9%
Q13-10. Availability of public
parking 6.1% 15.3% 19.9% 28.1% 26.1% 4.6%
Q13-11. Availability of
effective way finding & signage 5.7% 30.7% 35.7% 12.8% 4.6% 10.6%
Q13-12. Facilities & amenities
at Jetport 22.8% 40.3% 20.1% 3.6% 0.5% 12.8%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 78
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q13. Transportation and Mobility. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5
to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q13-1. Accessibility of
streets & sidewalks for
people with disabilities 3.5% 18.0% 30.9% 32.2% 15.4%
Q13-2. Accessibility of
public buildings for people
with disabilities 7.3% 33.6% 43.6% 12.2% 3.3%
Q13-3. Ease of getting
around City by car 9.5% 43.6% 27.2% 15.8% 4.0%
Q13-4. Ease of getting
around City by public
transportation 4.7% 24.1% 30.0% 27.7% 13.5%
Q13-5. Ease of getting
around City by bicycle 5.7% 25.6% 32.2% 26.5% 10.1%
Q13-6. Ease of getting
around City by walking 15.1% 50.1% 19.1% 12.9% 2.7%
Q13-7. Ease of using
Portland Jetport 39.8% 44.6% 11.5% 3.2% 0.9%
Q13-8. Availability of
sidewalks throughout City 10.4% 47.3% 22.0% 16.7% 3.5%
Q13-9. Availability of
sidewalks in my
neighborhood 17.4% 47.3% 15.0% 14.3% 6.0%
Q13-10. Availability of
public parking 6.4% 16.0% 20.8% 29.4% 27.3%
Q13-11. Availability of
effective way finding &
signage 6.3% 34.3% 39.9% 14.3% 5.1%
Q13-12. Facilities &
amenities at Jetport 26.1% 46.2% 23.0% 4.1% 0.6%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 79
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q14. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 13 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q14. Top choice Number Percent
Accessibility of streets & sidewalks for people with
disabilities 182 16.4 %
Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities 13 1.2 %
Ease of getting around City by car 92 8.3 %
Ease of getting around City by public transportation 173 15.6 %
Ease of getting around City by bicycle 116 10.4 %
Ease of getting around City by walking 79 7.1 %
Ease of using Portland Jetport 18 1.6 %
Availability of sidewalks throughout City 46 4.1 %
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 31 2.8 %
Availability of public parking 265 23.8 %
Availability of effective way finding & signage 15 1.3 %
Facilities & amenities at Jetport 12 1.1 %
None chosen 70 6.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q14. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 13 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q14. 2nd choice Number Percent
Accessibility of streets & sidewalks for people with
disabilities 97 8.7 %
Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities 62 5.6 %
Ease of getting around City by car 85 7.6 %
Ease of getting around City by public transportation 147 13.2 %
Ease of getting around City by bicycle 134 12.1 %
Ease of getting around City by walking 107 9.6 %
Ease of using Portland Jetport 18 1.6 %
Availability of sidewalks throughout City 76 6.8 %
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 51 4.6 %
Availability of public parking 147 13.2 %
Availability of effective way finding & signage 38 3.4 %
Facilities & amenities at Jetport 16 1.4 %
None chosen 134 12.1 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 80
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q14. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 13 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q14. 3rd choice Number Percent
Accessibility of streets & sidewalks for people with
disabilities 105 9.4 %
Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities 40 3.6 %
Ease of getting around City by car 57 5.1 %
Ease of getting around City by public transportation 126 11.3 %
Ease of getting around City by bicycle 82 7.4 %
Ease of getting around City by walking 124 11.2 %
Ease of using Portland Jetport 15 1.3 %
Availability of sidewalks throughout City 89 8.0 %
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 53 4.8 %
Availability of public parking 115 10.3 %
Availability of effective way finding & signage 73 6.6 %
Facilities & amenities at Jetport 29 2.6 %
None chosen 204 18.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q14. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 13 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years? (top 3)
Q14. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
Accessibility of streets & sidewalks for people with
disabilities 384 34.5 %
Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities 115 10.3 %
Ease of getting around City by car 234 21.0 %
Ease of getting around City by public transportation 446 40.1 %
Ease of getting around City by bicycle 332 29.9 %
Ease of getting around City by walking 310 27.9 %
Ease of using Portland Jetport 51 4.6 %
Availability of sidewalks throughout City 211 19.0 %
Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 135 12.1 %
Availability of public parking 527 47.4 %
Availability of effective way finding & signage 126 11.3 %
Facilities & amenities at Jetport 57 5.1 %
None chosen 70 6.3 %
Total 2998
ETC Institute (2026) Page 81
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q15. Parks and Recreation Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following. Using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with
each of the services/programs listed below.
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q15-1. Adult Sports Leagues/
adult recreation programs 6.6% 21.4% 18.9% 2.8% 0.4% 49.9%
Q15-2. After-school
childcare program 4.2% 9.4% 18.9% 2.8% 1.4% 63.2%
Q15-3. Aquatic programs 3.1% 10.3% 18.9% 8.6% 4.6% 54.5%
Q15-4. Condition of aquatic
facilities 2.1% 6.4% 19.0% 11.4% 7.3% 53.9%
Q15-5. Condition of indoor
recreational facilities/
community centers 2.6% 14.6% 23.3% 6.2% 1.2% 52.2%
Q15-6. Condition of outdoor
athletic fields (baseball,
basketball, soccer) 5.9% 33.3% 18.5% 4.1% 1.2% 37.0%
Q15-7. Condition of public
playgrounds 7.5% 35.2% 19.6% 5.8% 2.5% 29.4%
Q15-8. Connectivity of local
trails & parks 15.2% 43.6% 18.4% 7.6% 2.8% 12.3%
Q15-9. Quality of City special
events (e.g., parades, 4th of
July, festival) 9.3% 36.2% 27.1% 5.1% 2.2% 20.2%
Q15-10. Quality of
community & neighborhood
parks 9.2% 44.7% 19.5% 12.1% 5.1% 9.4%
Q15-11. Quality of Fitzpatrick
Stadium 11.7% 33.9% 16.1% 2.5% 1.2% 34.6%
Q15-12. Quality of major City
parks (Deering Oaks Park,
Payson Park, Eastern Prom) 12.7% 41.8% 15.3% 15.9% 8.2% 6.1%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 82
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q15. Parks and Recreation Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following. Using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with
each of the services/programs listed below.
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q15-13. Quality of Merrill
Auditorium 26.7% 42.8% 12.2% 1.5% 0.4% 16.4%
Q15-14. Quality of multi-use
trails (Back Cove Trail,
Eastern Prom Trail, Fore
River Parkway Trail, Bayside
Trail) 21.5% 46.5% 12.9% 6.7% 2.9% 9.5%
Q15-15. Quality of James A.
Banks, Sr. Portland
Exposition Building (also
called Portland Expo) 5.8% 25.6% 22.3% 5.0% 1.3% 40.0%
Q15-16. Quality of Troubh
Ice Arena 5.4% 20.0% 19.9% 2.2% 0.4% 52.2%
Q15-17. Senior programs 2.5% 6.7% 18.5% 3.7% 2.3% 66.2%
Q15-18. Tennis amenities &
condition of tennis & pickleball
courts 5.7% 19.7% 20.2% 2.1% 0.8% 51.5%
Q15-19. Youth recreation
programs 3.6% 12.9% 19.1% 2.0% 0.5% 61.9%
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WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q15. Parks and Recreation Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following. Using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with
each of the services/programs listed below. (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q15-1. Adult Sports
Leagues/adult recreation
programs 13.1% 42.7% 37.7% 5.6% 0.9%
Q15-2. After-school
childcare program 11.5% 25.7% 51.3% 7.6% 3.9%
Q15-3. Aquatic programs 6.9% 22.5% 41.5% 19.0% 10.1%
Q15-4. Condition of
aquatic facilities 4.5% 13.8% 41.1% 24.8% 15.8%
Q15-5. Condition of indoor
recreational facilities/
community centers 5.5% 30.5% 48.7% 13.0% 2.4%
Q15-6. Condition of
outdoor athletic fields
(baseball, basketball,
soccer) 9.4% 52.8% 29.4% 6.6% 1.9%
Q15-7. Condition of public
playgrounds 10.6% 49.8% 27.8% 8.3% 3.6%
Q15-8. Connectivity of
local trails & parks 17.3% 49.7% 21.0% 8.7% 3.2%
Q15-9. Quality of City
special events (e.g.,
parades, 4th of July,
festival) 11.6% 45.3% 33.9% 6.4% 2.7%
Q15-10. Quality of
community & neighborhood
parks 10.1% 49.3% 21.5% 13.4% 5.7%
Q15-11. Quality of
Fitzpatrick Stadium 17.9% 51.9% 24.6% 3.9% 1.8%
ETC Institute (2026) Page 84
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q15. Parks and Recreation Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following. Using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with
each of the services/programs listed below. (without "don't know")
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q15-12. Quality of major
City parks (Deering Oaks
Park, Payson Park,
Eastern Prom) 13.5% 44.5% 16.3% 17.0% 8.7%
Q15-13. Quality of Merrill
Auditorium 31.9% 51.2% 14.6% 1.8% 0.4%
Q15-14. Quality of multi-
use trails (Back Cove
Trail, Eastern Prom Trail,
Fore River Parkway Trail,
Bayside Trail) 23.8% 51.4% 14.2% 7.5% 3.2%
Q15-15. Quality of James
A. Banks, Sr. Portland
Exposition Building (also
called Portland Expo) 9.6% 42.7% 37.2% 8.4% 2.1%
Q15-16. Quality of Troubh
Ice Arena 11.3% 41.7% 41.5% 4.7% 0.8%
Q15-17. Senior programs 7.4% 19.9% 54.8% 10.9% 6.9%
Q15-18. Tennis amenities &
condition of tennis &
pickleball courts 11.7% 40.6% 41.7% 4.3% 1.7%
Q15-19. Youth recreation
programs 9.4% 34.0% 50.0% 5.2% 1.4%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q16. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 15 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q16. Top choice Number Percent
Adult Sports Leagues/adult recreation programs 21 1.9 %
After-school childcare program 125 11.2 %
Aquatic programs 42 3.8 %
Condition of aquatic facilities 94 8.5 %
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community
centers 30 2.7 %
Condition of outdoor athletic fields (baseball, basketball,
soccer) 18 1.6 %
Condition of public playgrounds 63 5.7 %
Connectivity of local trails & parks 121 10.9 %
Quality of City special events (e.g., parades, 4th of July,
festival) 23 2.1 %
Quality of community & neighborhood parks 74 6.7 %
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 10 0.9 %
Quality of major City parks (Deering Oaks Park, Payson
Park, Eastern Prom) 159 14.3 %
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 7 0.6 %
Quality of multi-use trails (Back Cove Trail, Eastern
Prom Trail, Fore River Parkway Trail, Bayside Trail) 63 5.7 %
Quality of James A. Banks, Sr. Portland Exposition
Building (also called Portland Expo) 12 1.1 %
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 7 0.6 %
Senior programs 35 3.1 %
Tennis amenities & condition of tennis & pickleball courts 11 1.0 %
Youth recreation programs 24 2.2 %
None chosen 173 15.6 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 86
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q16. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 15 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q16. 2nd choice Number Percent
Adult Sports Leagues/adult recreation programs 15 1.3 %
After-school childcare program 55 4.9 %
Aquatic programs 46 4.1 %
Condition of aquatic facilities 49 4.4 %
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community
centers 37 3.3 %
Condition of outdoor athletic fields (baseball, basketball,
soccer) 20 1.8 %
Condition of public playgrounds 63 5.7 %
Connectivity of local trails & parks 93 8.4 %
Quality of City special events (e.g., parades, 4th of July,
festival) 28 2.5 %
Quality of community & neighborhood parks 139 12.5 %
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 8 0.7 %
Quality of major City parks (Deering Oaks Park, Payson
Park, Eastern Prom) 126 11.3 %
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 9 0.8 %
Quality of multi-use trails (Back Cove Trail, Eastern
Prom Trail, Fore River Parkway Trail, Bayside Trail) 85 7.6 %
Quality of James A. Banks, Sr. Portland Exposition
Building (also called Portland Expo) 6 0.5 %
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 2 0.2 %
Senior programs 36 3.2 %
Tennis amenities & condition of tennis & pickleball courts 11 1.0 %
Youth recreation programs 50 4.5 %
None chosen 234 21.0 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q16. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 15 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years?
Q16. 3rd choice Number Percent
Adult Sports Leagues/adult recreation programs 16 1.4 %
After-school childcare program 47 4.2 %
Aquatic programs 23 2.1 %
Condition of aquatic facilities 16 1.4 %
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community
centers 44 4.0 %
Condition of outdoor athletic fields (baseball, basketball,
soccer) 26 2.3 %
Condition of public playgrounds 71 6.4 %
Connectivity of local trails & parks 91 8.2 %
Quality of City special events (e.g., parades, 4th of July,
festival) 35 3.1 %
Quality of community & neighborhood parks 121 10.9 %
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 8 0.7 %
Quality of major City parks (Deering Oaks Park, Payson
Park, Eastern Prom) 100 9.0 %
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 7 0.6 %
Quality of multi-use trails (Back Cove Trail, Eastern
Prom Trail, Fore River Parkway Trail, Bayside Trail) 79 7.1 %
Quality of James A. Banks, Sr. Portland Exposition
Building (also called Portland Expo) 12 1.1 %
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 6 0.5 %
Senior programs 47 4.2 %
Tennis amenities & condition of tennis & pickleball courts 15 1.3 %
Youth recreation programs 49 4.4 %
None chosen 299 26.9 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
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SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q16. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 15 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS from
City leaders over the next TWO years? (top 3)
Q16. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
Adult Sports Leagues/adult recreation programs 52 4.7 %
After-school childcare program 227 20.4 %
Aquatic programs 111 10.0 %
Condition of aquatic facilities 159 14.3 %
Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community
centers 111 10.0 %
Condition of outdoor athletic fields (baseball, basketball,
soccer) 64 5.8 %
Condition of public playgrounds 197 17.7 %
Connectivity of local trails & parks 305 27.4 %
Quality of City special events (e.g., parades, 4th of July,
festival) 86 7.7 %
Quality of community & neighborhood parks 334 30.0 %
Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 26 2.3 %
Quality of major City parks (Deering Oaks Park, Payson
Park, Eastern Prom) 385 34.6 %
Quality of Merrill Auditorium 23 2.1 %
Quality of multi-use trails (Back Cove Trail, Eastern
Prom Trail, Fore River Parkway Trail, Bayside Trail) 227 20.4 %
Quality of James A. Banks, Sr. Portland Exposition
Building (also called Portland Expo) 30 2.7 %
Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 15 1.3 %
Senior programs 118 10.6 %
Tennis amenities & condition of tennis & pickleball courts 37 3.3 %
Youth recreation programs 123 11.1 %
None chosen 173 15.6 %
Total 2803
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q17. Economic Development. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q17-1. Availability of good
jobs in Portland 2.9% 18.5% 30.1% 24.1% 10.5% 13.8%
Q17-2. Availability of places
to shop, dine, or get services
in your neighborhood 22.8% 42.7% 18.6% 11.4% 2.7% 1.7%
Q17-3. Condition &
appearance of local shopping &
business areas 11.1% 43.9% 23.0% 15.0% 4.9% 2.2%
Q17-4. How active & inviting
businesses are (lighting,
cleanliness, events, etc.) 13.8% 44.7% 25.8% 9.2% 2.9% 3.6%
Q17-5. Overall strength of
local economy (business
openings, jobs, etc.) 4.7% 24.6% 30.1% 23.7% 9.4% 7.5%
Q17-6. Variety of local
businesses (restaurants, shops,
& services) in your area 17.0% 41.6% 21.1% 15.6% 3.0% 1.6%
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WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q17. Economic Development. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to 1,
where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied." (without "don't know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q17-1. Availability of
good jobs in Portland 3.3% 21.5% 35.0% 28.0% 12.2%
Q17-2. Availability of
places to shop, dine, or get
services in your
neighborhood 23.2% 43.5% 18.9% 11.6% 2.7%
Q17-3. Condition &
appearance of local
shopping & business areas 11.3% 44.9% 23.5% 15.3% 5.0%
Q17-4. How active &
inviting businesses are
(lighting, cleanliness,
events, etc.) 14.4% 46.4% 26.8% 9.5% 3.0%
Q17-5. Overall strength of
local economy (business
openings, jobs, etc.) 5.1% 26.5% 32.6% 25.7% 10.2%
Q17-6. Variety of local
businesses (restaurants,
shops, & services) in your
area 17.3% 42.3% 21.5% 15.9% 3.0%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q18. Communication & Transparency. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means
"Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with each of the services listed below.
(N=1112)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q18-1. Availability of
information about City news,
programs & services 9.6% 39.7% 28.0% 13.5% 3.0% 6.3%
Q18-2. City efforts to keep
you informed about local
issues 8.5% 34.1% 26.4% 20.1% 4.8% 6.1%
Q18-3. Level of public
involvement in local decision
making 3.7% 21.3% 28.0% 24.8% 12.2% 10.0%
Q18-4. Timeliness of
information provided by City 5.0% 29.9% 32.6% 16.9% 5.4% 10.2%
Q18-5. Usefulness of
information on City's website 5.7% 36.7% 29.6% 12.8% 3.3% 12.0%
Q18-6. Local-access
television station (Portland
Media Center) 3.5% 12.6% 20.6% 3.8% 2.0% 57.6%
Q18-7. City's use of social
media 4.8% 21.3% 29.1% 5.9% 2.2% 36.6%
Q18-8. City's use of digital
tools (e.g., 311/See Click Fix,
live-streaming meetings,
online forms, text/email alerts) 9.2% 32.7% 25.5% 7.4% 2.6% 22.6%
Q18-9. Availability of
information in a language I
understand 36.4% 28.3% 15.6% 1.0% 0.4% 18.3%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q18. Communication & Transparency. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means
"Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with each of the services listed below. (without "don't
know")
(N=1112)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q18-1. Availability of
information about City
news, programs & services 10.3% 42.3% 29.8% 14.4% 3.2%
Q18-2. City efforts to
keep you informed about
local issues 9.1% 36.3% 28.2% 21.4% 5.1%
Q18-3. Level of public
involvement in local
decision making 4.1% 23.7% 31.1% 27.6% 13.6%
Q18-4. Timeliness of
information provided by
City 5.6% 33.3% 36.2% 18.8% 6.0%
Q18-5. Usefulness of
information on City's
website 6.4% 41.7% 33.6% 14.5% 3.8%
Q18-6. Local-access
television station (Portland
Media Center) 8.3% 29.7% 48.5% 8.9% 4.7%
Q18-7. City's use of social
media 7.5% 33.6% 46.0% 9.4% 3.5%
Q18-8. City's use of digital
tools (e.g., 311/See Click
Fix, live-streaming
meetings, online forms,
text/email alerts) 11.8% 42.3% 33.0% 9.5% 3.4%
Q18-9. Availability of
information in a language I
understand 44.6% 34.7% 19.1% 1.2% 0.4%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q19. Which of the following are your primary sources of information about City issues, services, and events?
Q19. Your primary sources of information about
City issues, services, & events Number Percent
City's website 648 58.3 %
Weekly eNewsletter 306 27.5 %
Local Access Cable 46 4.1 %
Instagram 210 18.9 %
Facebook 286 25.7 %
NextDoor 164 14.7 %
Local TV news 398 35.8 %
Radio 226 20.3 %
Newspaper 509 45.8 %
Other 101 9.1 %
Total 2894
Q19-10. Other
• by word-of-mouth--this is the only way I find out
• Citizen run social media. Newspaper has lost its way
• City alerts
• City email.
• City notices for which I am registered
• Email alert
• Email alerts
• emails
• emails from people who are paying better attention. City councilors social media.
• emails from recreation department
• Family
• Former mayor Cheryl Leeman distributes regular newsletters with Council updates. It's very well done, and often the
best way for me to stay informed.
• Friday texts
• Friends and family
• Friends, colleagues
• I get the info from the online news 13
• In person
• Information from friends and family
• Internet
• LinkedIn
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q19-10. Other
• listservs
• Local blogs and other news sources
• mail
• mail
• Mailer from city
• mail
• Neighborhood association emails
• Neighborhood association emails
• Neighborhood association in west end
• Neighborhood Association. More city officials should attend these meetings.
• Neighbors
• Neighbors
• Neighbors
• Neighbors
• neighbors and friends
• Neighbors and word of mouth; local email lists.
• Non-profits
• Portland Reddit Group, West End News, Bollard etc.
• Portland me subreddit
• press releases
• r/Portland me (reddit)
• r/Portland me, r/maine, r/maine2
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit
• Reddit/Twitter/Facebook
• Reddit, neighbors/community
• Reddit, other social media
• Reposting city info on Reddit
• Social media posts by city council members
• Special alerts signed up for on city's website.
• targeted opt-in email alerts from various departments
• Texts
• Texts
• Texts
• Texts
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q19-10. Other
• Texts
• Texts
• Text alerts
• Text alerts
• Text alerts
• Text Blasts
• Text messages
• Text messages
• Text messages from the City
• text updates
• text updates
• Texts
• Texts
• Texts
• Texts
• Texts
• The Bollard
• The cities use of digital tools
• The city needs to restore RSS feeds for alerts and not rely on social media entirely.
• TikTok
• Twitter
• Weekly text
• Weekly text newsletter updates
• West End Neighborhood Association (WENA)
• When the city send pamphlet to doors
• Wherever it makes sense at the time
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Word of mouth
• Work in downtown and bayside area.
ETC Institute (2026) Page 96
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q20. Which THREE sources of information listed in Question 19 are your most PREFERRED methods of
receiving information about the City?
Q20. Top choice Number Percent
City's website 276 24.8 %
Weekly eNewsletter 233 21.0 %
Local Access Cable 11 1.0 %
Instagram 73 6.6 %
Facebook 71 6.4 %
NextDoor 13 1.2 %
Local TV news 113 10.2 %
Radio 42 3.8 %
Newspaper 145 13.0 %
None chosen 135 12.1 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q20. Which THREE sources of information listed in Question 19 are your most PREFERRED methods of
receiving information about the City?
Q20. 2nd choice Number Percent
City's website 196 17.6 %
Weekly eNewsletter 108 9.7 %
Local Access Cable 16 1.4 %
Instagram 88 7.9 %
Facebook 82 7.4 %
NextDoor 26 2.3 %
Local TV news 118 10.6 %
Radio 79 7.1 %
Newspaper 163 14.7 %
None chosen 236 21.2 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 97
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q20. Which THREE sources of information listed in Question 19 are your most PREFERRED methods of
receiving information about the City?
Q20. 3rd choice Number Percent
City's website 146 13.1 %
Weekly eNewsletter 49 4.4 %
Local Access Cable 15 1.3 %
Instagram 52 4.7 %
Facebook 81 7.3 %
NextDoor 33 3.0 %
Local TV news 91 8.2 %
Radio 75 6.7 %
Newspaper 128 11.5 %
None chosen 442 39.7 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q20. Which THREE sources of information listed in Question 19 are your most PREFERRED methods of
receiving information about the City? (top 3)
Q20. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
City's website 618 55.6 %
Weekly eNewsletter 390 35.1 %
Local Access Cable 42 3.8 %
Instagram 213 19.2 %
Facebook 234 21.0 %
NextDoor 72 6.5 %
Local TV news 322 29.0 %
Radio 196 17.6 %
Newspaper 436 39.2 %
None chosen 135 12.1 %
Total 2658
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q21. Customer Service. Have you interacted with (by phone, on-line, or by visiting) the City during the past
year?
Q21. Have you interacted with City during past
year Number Percent
Yes 746 67.1 %
No 366 32.9 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q21a. Several factors that may influence your perception of the quality of customer service you receive
from City employees are listed below. Please rate your satisfaction with each item.
(N=746)
Very
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied dissatisfied Don't know
Q21a-1. How easy the
department was to contact 27.6% 46.2% 14.1% 6.6% 3.9% 1.6%
Q21a-2. Level of courtesy
you received 41.4% 38.3% 12.9% 3.5% 1.9% 2.0%
Q21a-3. Technical
competence & knowledge of
City employees who assisted
you 38.9% 36.5% 14.7% 5.4% 2.0% 2.5%
Q21a-4. Overall satisfaction
with your customer service
experience 37.3% 37.9% 14.2% 6.7% 2.9% 0.9%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
WITHOUT “DON’T KNOW”
Q21a. Several factors that may influence your perception of the quality of customer service you receive
from City employees are listed below. Please rate your satisfaction with each item. (without "don't know")
(N=746)
Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Q21a-1. How easy the
department was to contact 28.1% 47.0% 14.3% 6.7% 4.0%
Q21a-2. Level of courtesy
you received 42.3% 39.1% 13.1% 3.6% 1.9%
Q21a-3. Technical
competence & knowledge
of City employees who
assisted you 39.9% 37.4% 15.1% 5.5% 2.1%
Q21a-4. Overall
satisfaction with your
customer service
experience 37.6% 38.3% 14.3% 6.8% 3.0%
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q22. Listed below are several issues the City of Portland may face over the next 5 years. Which THREE of the
issues listed below do you think will be MOST SIGNIFICANT over the next 5 years?
Q22. Top choice Number Percent
Housing 398 35.8 %
Homelessness 278 25.0 %
Public Safety & Crime 53 4.8 %
Substance Use & Mental Health 47 4.2 %
Transportation & Mobility 20 1.8 %
Climate Change 22 2.0 %
Jobs & Economic Opportunity 37 3.3 %
Public Parks & Recreation Facilities 9 0.8 %
Immigrant Support & Equity 13 1.2 %
Public Health 6 0.5 %
Property Tax Rate & Budget 194 17.4 %
Trust/Transparency in Local Government 12 1.1 %
Other 4 0.4 %
None chosen 19 1.7 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
Q22. Listed below are several issues the City of Portland may face over the next 5 years. Which THREE of the
issues listed below do you think will be MOST SIGNIFICANT over the next 5 years?
Q22. 2nd choice Number Percent
Housing 159 14.3 %
Homelessness 295 26.5 %
Public Safety & Crime 117 10.5 %
Substance Use & Mental Health 129 11.6 %
Transportation & Mobility 47 4.2 %
Climate Change 46 4.1 %
Jobs & Economic Opportunity 86 7.7 %
Public Parks & Recreation Facilities 21 1.9 %
Immigrant Support & Equity 36 3.2 %
Public Health 13 1.2 %
Property Tax Rate & Budget 96 8.6 %
Trust/Transparency in Local Government 42 3.8 %
Other 2 0.2 %
None chosen 23 2.1 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 101
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q22. Listed below are several issues the City of Portland may face over the next 5 years. Which THREE of the
issues listed below do you think will be MOST SIGNIFICANT over the next 5 years?
Q22. 3rd choice Number Percent
Housing 79 7.1 %
Homelessness 125 11.2 %
Public Safety & Crime 89 8.0 %
Substance Use & Mental Health 173 15.6 %
Transportation & Mobility 72 6.5 %
Climate Change 62 5.6 %
Jobs & Economic Opportunity 133 12.0 %
Public Parks & Recreation Facilities 34 3.1 %
Immigrant Support & Equity 73 6.6 %
Public Health 35 3.1 %
Property Tax Rate & Budget 151 13.6 %
Trust/Transparency in Local Government 39 3.5 %
Other 10 0.9 %
None chosen 37 3.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
SUM OF TOP 3 CHOICES
Q22. Listed below are several issues the City of Portland may face over the next 5 years. Which THREE of the
issues listed below do you think will be MOST SIGNIFICANT over the next 5 years? (top 3)
Q22. Sum of top 3 choices Number Percent
Housing 636 57.2 %
Homelessness 698 62.8 %
Public Safety & Crime 259 23.3 %
Substance Use & Mental Health 349 31.4 %
Transportation & Mobility 139 12.5 %
Climate Change 130 11.7 %
Jobs & Economic Opportunity 256 23.0 %
Public Parks & Recreation Facilities 64 5.8 %
Immigrant Support & Equity 122 11.0 %
Public Health 54 4.9 %
Property Tax Rate & Budget 441 39.7 %
Trust/Transparency in Local Government 93 8.4 %
Other 16 1.4 %
None chosen 19 1.7 %
Total 3276
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Q22-13. Other
• Crime. In the past two weeks I have: Been attacked by a transient while walking to Hanaford's; stopped an attack of a
transient against a transient on Prebble street; witnessed a transient overdose on illegal drugs; witnessed a transient
drop her pants and defecate on the grass, in broad daylight, in Deering Park; been unable to use the back cove trail
because it was overrun with transients; witnessed dozens of transients using illegal narcotics in Preble Street. Spouse
fears to go outside alone because of rampant crime daily in our neighborhood. City Council apparently does not
understand the lesson behind the Tragedy of the Commons.
• Education
• Focus on growing business in spite of the crazy minimum wage, stupid rent control measures, and the insane focus on
increasing social services
• Get rid of trash bag purple program
• Housing market in Portland. Portland is becoming extremely unaffordable to live in. There is no reason a studio apartment
should be almost $2500
• needle exchange, stop providing unlimited needles
• Only provide city services to established residents. People who have established residency, not transients.
• Overdevelopment, fewer skyscrapers in historic areas.
• Parking in Portland is horrible . Too expensive and hard to find.
• Parking!
• Public parking and/or residential parking
• Quality of life
• RAMPANT CRIME
• Remove illegal immigrants and work with ICE
• The city needs a cleaner way to collect trash. The purple bags get left out in the open for animals to pick apart and trash
gets all over the place making our city look dirty. We also need a parking lot at the sports complex!
• There is absolutely nothing more important to me than getting our street lighted. I have lived all over the world. I have
never lived in a city as dark as Portland, Maine. Lighted streets are safe streets. Lighted streets keep businesses open later
at night and keep passersby enjoying the community and restaurants. Please light our streets.
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q23. Approximately how many years have you lived in Portland?
Q23. How many years have you lived in Portland Number Percent
Less than 5 years 166 14.9 %
5-10 years 221 19.9 %
11-20 years 209 18.8 %
20+ years 503 45.2 %
Not provided 13 1.2 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “NOT PROVIDED”
Q23. Approximately how many years have you lived in Portland? (without "not provided")
Q23. How many years have you lived in Portland Number Percent
Less than 5 years 166 15.1 %
5-10 years 221 20.1 %
11-20 years 209 19.0 %
20+ years 503 45.8 %
Total 1099 100.0 %
Q24. Including yourself, how many people from each age group are currently living in your household?
Mean Sum
number 2.3 2495
5 & under 0.1 126
6-19 0.3 293
20-44 0.8 913
45-64 0.7 744
65-74 0.2 259
75 & older 0.1 160
ETC Institute (2026) Page 104
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q25. Do you own or rent your current residence?
Q25. Do you own or rent your current residence Number Percent
Own 619 55.7 %
Rent 483 43.4 %
Other 5 0.4 %
Not provided 5 0.4 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “NOT PROVIDED”
Q25. Do you own or rent your current residence? (without "not provided")
Q25. Do you own or rent your current residence Number Percent
Own 619 55.9 %
Rent 483 43.6 %
Other 5 0.5 %
Total 1107 100.0 %
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q26. What is your age?
Q26. Your age Number Percent
18-34 213 19.2 %
35-44 225 20.2 %
45-54 223 20.1 %
55-64 221 19.9 %
65+ 215 19.3 %
Not provided 15 1.3 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “NOT PROVIDED”
Q26. What is your age? (without "not provided")
Q26. Your age Number Percent
18-34 213 19.4 %
35-44 225 20.5 %
45-54 223 20.3 %
55-64 221 20.1 %
65+ 215 19.6 %
Total 1097 100.0 %
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q27. Which of the following best describes your race/ethnicity?
Q27. Your race/ethnicity Number Percent
Asian or Asian Indian 34 3.1 %
Black or African American 104 9.4 %
American Indian or Alaska Native 5 0.4 %
White 894 80.4 %
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 1 0.1 %
Hispanic or Latino 35 3.1 %
Other 7 0.6 %
Total 1080
Q27-7. Self-describe your race/ethnicity:
Q27-7. Self-describe your race/ethnicity Number Percent
Mixed 3 42.9 %
Lebanese 1 14.3 %
Irish 1 14.3 %
European 1 14.3 %
Cajun 1 14.3 %
Total 7 100.0 %
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q28. Your gender:
Q28. Your gender Number Percent
Male 516 46.4 %
Female 522 46.9 %
Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming 15 1.3 %
Transgender Man 2 0.2 %
Transgender Woman 1 0.1 %
Other 1 0.1 %
Prefer not to answer 55 4.9 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “PREFER NOT TO ANSWER”
Q28. Your gender: (without "prefer not to answer")
Q28. Your gender Number Percent
Male 516 48.8 %
Female 522 49.4 %
Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming 15 1.4 %
Transgender Man 2 0.2 %
Transgender Woman 1 0.1 %
Other 1 0.1 %
Total 1057 100.0 %
Q28-7. Self-describe your gender:
Q27-7. Self-describe your gender Number Percent
Fluid 1 100.0 %
Total 1 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 108
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q29. Would you say your total household income is...
Q29. Your total household income Number Percent
Under $30K 120 10.8 %
$30K to $59,999 213 19.2 %
$60K to $99,999 236 21.2 %
$100K to $129,999 185 16.6 %
$130K+ 247 22.2 %
Not provided 111 10.0 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “NOT PROVIDED”
Q29. Would you say your total household income is... (without "not provided")
Q29. Your total household income Number Percent
Under $30K 120 12.0 %
$30K to $59,999 213 21.3 %
$60K to $99,999 236 23.6 %
$100K to $129,999 185 18.5 %
$130K+ 247 24.7 %
Total 1001 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 109
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q30. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
Q30. Your current employment status Number Percent
Employed outside home 645 58.0 %
Employed in the home/have a home-based business 117 10.5 %
Student 8 0.7 %
Retired 272 24.5 %
Not currently employed outside home 39 3.5 %
Not provided 31 2.8 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
WITHOUT “NOT PROVIDED”
Q30. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (without "not provided")
Q30. Your current employment status Number Percent
Employed outside home 645 59.7 %
Employed in the home/have a home-based business 117 10.8 %
Student 8 0.7 %
Retired 272 25.2 %
Not currently employed outside home 39 3.6 %
Total 1081 100.0 %
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q30-1. What is the zip code where you work?
Q30-1. Zip code of your workplace Number Percent
4101 246 40.7 %
4103 104 17.2 %
4102 92 15.2 %
4106 28 4.6 %
4092 20 3.3 %
4074 14 2.3 %
4105 8 1.3 %
4011 7 1.2 %
4330 7 1.2 %
4240 7 1.2 %
4104 6 1.0 %
4096 5 0.8 %
4005 5 0.8 %
4062 5 0.8 %
4107 4 0.7 %
4122 4 0.7 %
4038 3 0.5 %
4043 2 0.3 %
4210 2 0.3 %
3904 2 0.3 %
3909 2 0.3 %
4032 2 0.3 %
4039 2 0.3 %
30309 1 0.2 %
36849 1 0.2 %
2169 1 0.2 %
4544 1 0.2 %
3907 1 0.2 %
4174 1 0.2 %
4108 1 0.2 %
20005 1 0.2 %
1403 1 0.2 %
4347 1 0.2 %
4072 1 0.2 %
4902 1 0.2 %
4090 1 0.2 %
4193 1 0.2 %
4006 1 0.2 %
4110 1 0.2 %
2114 1 0.2 %
2115 1 0.2 %
3038 1 0.2 %
12203 1 0.2 %
4073 1 0.2 %
4033 1 0.2 %
2459 1 0.2 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 111
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
Q30-1. What is the zip code where you work?
Q30-1. Zip code of your workplace Number Percent
2108 1 0.2 %
2142 1 0.2 %
4841 1 0.2 %
4260 1 0.2 %
3079 1 0.2 %
Total 605 100.0 %
Council District:
Council District Number Percent
1 233 21.0 %
2 201 18.1 %
3 242 21.8 %
4 215 19.3 %
5 221 19.9 %
Total 1112 100.0 %
ETC Institute (2026) Page 112
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey: Findings Report
5 Survey Instrument
ETC Institute (2026) Page 113
Page 127
December 2025
Dear Portland Resident,
The City of Portland is conducting a community survey to hear directly from residents. Your input
could help shape City programs, services, and long-term investments so they better reflect the
needs and priorities of our community.
You can complete the survey online at PortlandCommunitySurvey.org, or by filling out the
enclosed paper survey and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided. Either way, as a
thank you for completing this survey, you will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to
win one (1) of five (5) $100 prepaid Visa gift cards for fully completing your survey.
The City has partnered with ETC Institute, one of the nation’s leading local government research
firms, to ensure the survey is conducted independently and professionally. ETC will compile and
analyze the results, present them to the City Council, and make the findings publicly available on
the City’s website. Because ETC administers these surveys nationwide, Portland’s results will
also be compared regionally and nationally.
By completing the survey, you are helping shape the future of Portland—making sure the City
government reflects the voices of the people who live here. For additional information about the
Portland Community Survey, please visit portlandmaine.gov/communitysurvey. We greatly
appreciate your participation.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Ryan Murray, Assistant Director of
Community Research at ETC Institute, at (913) 254-4598 or ryan.murray@etcinstitute.com.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and help make Portland an even better
place to live, work, and play.
Sincerely,
Mark Dion, Mayor Danielle West, City Manager
Si desea completar esta encuesta en línea en español, visite PortlandCommunitySurvey.org o llámenos gratis al
844-811-0411. ¡Gracias!
Si vous souhaitez répondre à ce sondage en ligne en espagnol, veuillez consulter le site
PortlandCommunitySurvey.org ou nous appeler gratuitement au 844-393-4437. Merci!
Se você deseja responder a esta pesquisa online em espanhol, visite PortlandCommunitySurvey.org ou ligue
gratuitamente para 844-247-8189. Obrigado!
Haddii aad jeclaan lahayd inaad ku buuxiso sahankan khadka tooska ah ee Isbaanishka fadlan booqo
PortlandCommunitySurvey.org ama naga soo wac telefoon bilaash ah 866-991-5215. Mahadsanid!
ﯾُرﺟﻰ زﯾﺎرة، إذا ﻛﻧت ﺗرﻏب ﻓﻲ إﻛﻣﺎل ھذا اﻻﺳﺗﺑﯾﺎن ﻋﺑر اﻹﻧﺗرﻧت ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﺳﺑﺎﻧﯾﺔPortlandCommunitySurvey.org أو اﻻﺗﺻﺎل ﺑﻧﺎ
ﺷﻛرً ا ﻟك.0918-742- 448ً !ﻣﺟﺎﻧﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟرﻗ
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2025 City of Portland Community Survey
The City of Portland is committed to building a strong community. Your open and honest
feedback on this survey will inform City leaders about your level of satisfaction with the
state of the City and municipal services. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Alternatively, you
may complete the survey online, at PortlandCommunitySurvey.org.
For additional information about the Portland Community Survey, please visit portlandmaine.gov/communitysurvey.
1. Overall Satisfaction with City Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following
using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
01. Overall communication by the City with the community 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. Overall flow of traffic and ease of getting around within the City 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. Overall maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. Overall quality of community engagement by City officials 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Overall quality of customer service you receive from City employees 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Overall quality of public parks 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Overall quality of public safety services (police, fire, EMS) 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Overall quality of public transportation within the city (bus, rail, ferry) 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Overall quality of social services provided by the City 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Overall quality of solid waste services (trash, recycling, yard waste) 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Overall quality of stormwater management/flood control 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. Overall quality of the Portland Jetport 5 4 3 2 1 9
13. Overall quality of winter snow plowing and removal 5 4 3 2 1 9
2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years? [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the
list in Question 1.]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
3. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following items that may influence your perception
of Portland as a community using a 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very
Dissatisfied."
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
01. Availability of affordable housing options 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. How easy it is to access City programs and services 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. How fairly City resources are allocated 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. Overall affordability of living in Portland 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Overall quality and variety of shopping and dining opportunities 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Overall quality of life in the city 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Overall quality of life in your neighborhood 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Overall quality of services provided by the City of Portland 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Overall value you receive for City of Portland taxes and fees 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Shopping and dining opportunities in Portland 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Portland as a place to live 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. Portland as a place to raise a family 5 4 3 2 1 9
13. Portland as a place to retire 5 4 3 2 1 9
14. Portland as a welcoming community 5 4 3 2 1 9
15. The city's recognition of diversity in my community 5 4 3 2 1 9
16. The overall direction in which the city is moving 5 4 3 2 1 9
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4. Would you say your trust in the City of Portland's Local Government is...
____(4) High ____(3) Somewhat high ____(2) Somewhat low ____(1) Low ____(9) Don't know
5. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "My household's overall quality of life
is improving?"
____(4) Strongly agree ____(3) Agree ____(2) Disagree ____(1) Strongly disagree ____(9) Don't know
6. Safety. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Safe" and 1 means "Very Unsafe," please rate
how safe you feel in the following situations.
How safe do you feel... Very Safe Safe Neutral Unsafe Very Unsafe Don't Know
1. Overall feeling of safety in the city 5 4 3 2 1 9
2. In City parks 5 4 3 2 1 9
3. In commercial and retail areas 5 4 3 2 1 9
4. In Portland's downtown area 5 4 3 2 1 9
5. In your neighborhood at night 5 4 3 2 1 9
6. In your neighborhood during the day 5 4 3 2 1 9
7. Public Safety Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5
to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Don't Know
Satisfied Dissatisfied
01. Enforcement of local traffic laws 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. How quickly EMS services responds to emergencies 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. How quickly fire services responds to emergencies 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. How quickly police respond to requests for services 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Overall quality of emergency medical/ambulance services 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Overall quality of fire protection 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Overall quality of local police services 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Professionalism of fire/EMS first responders 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Professionalism of police officers 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Quality of police community programs and outreach 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Quality of service when calling 911 with an emergency 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. The City's efforts to prevent crime 5 4 3 2 1 9
8. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 7 above do you think should receive the MOST
EMPHASIS from City leaders over the next TWO years? [Write in your answers below using the
numbers from the list in Question 7.]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
9. Would you say your trust in Portland's Police Department is...
____(4) High ____(3) Somewhat high ____(2) Somewhat low ____(1) Low ____(9) Don't know
10. Trash and Recycling. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of 5 to
1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
1. Overall quality of trash collection services 5 4 3 2 1 9
2. Curbside recycling services 5 4 3 2 1 9
3. Purple/City trash bag program 5 4 3 2 1 9
4. Riverside Recycling drop-off services 5 4 3 2 1 9
5. Fall/Spring leaf and yard waste collection services 5 4 3 2 1 9
6. Holiday tree collection services 5 4 3 2 1 9
7. Quality of composting drop-off locations 5 4 3 2 1 9
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11. Maintenance and Public Works. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Don't Know
Satisfied Dissatisfied
01. Adequacy of street lighting 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. Cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, and public spaces 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. Condition of major City streets 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. Condition of streets in your neighborhood 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Condition of pavement markings on streets 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Condition of sidewalks 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Condition of street signs and traffic signals 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Condition of public buildings and facilities 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Tree trimming along streets and public areas 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Condition of bike lanes, paths and signage 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Snow removal on major City streets 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. Snow removal on neighborhood streets 5 4 3 2 1 9
13. Snow removal on sidewalks 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 11 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years? [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the
list in Question 11.]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
13. Transportation and Mobility. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale
of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
01. Accessibility of streets and sidewalks for people with disabilities 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. Accessibility of public buildings for people with disabilities 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. Ease of getting around the city by car 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. Ease of getting around the city by public transportation 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Ease of getting around the city by bicycle 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Ease of getting around the city by walking 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Ease of using the Portland Jetport 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Availability of sidewalks throughout the city 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Availability of sidewalks in my neighborhood 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Availability of public parking 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Availability of effective way finding and signage 5 4 3 2 1 9
12. Facilities and amenities at the Jetport 5 4 3 2 1 9
14. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 13 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years? [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the
list in Question 13.]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
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15. Parks and Recreation Services. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following. Using a
scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your
satisfaction with each of the services/programs listed below.
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
01. Adult Sports Leagues/Adult recreation programs 5 4 3 2 1 9
02. After-school childcare program 5 4 3 2 1 9
03. Aquatic programs 5 4 3 2 1 9
04. Condition of aquatic facilities 5 4 3 2 1 9
05. Condition of indoor recreational facilities/community centers 5 4 3 2 1 9
06. Condition of outdoor athletic fields (baseball, basketball, soccer) 5 4 3 2 1 9
07. Condition of public playgrounds 5 4 3 2 1 9
08. Connectivity of local trails and parks 5 4 3 2 1 9
09. Quality of City special events (e.g., parades, 4th of July, festival) 5 4 3 2 1 9
10. Quality of community and neighborhood parks 5 4 3 2 1 9
11. Quality of Fitzpatrick Stadium 5 4 3 2 1 9
Quality of major City parks (Deering Oaks Park, Payson Park,
12. 5 4 3 2 1 9
Eastern Prom)
13. Quality of Merrill Auditorium 5 4 3 2 1 9
Quality of multi-use trails (Back Cove Trail, Eastern Prom Trail,
14. 5 4 3 2 1 9
Fore River Parkway Trail, Bayside Trail)
Quality of the James A. Banks, Sr. Portland Exposition Building
15. 5 4 3 2 1 9
(also called the Portland Expo)
16. Quality of Troubh Ice Arena 5 4 3 2 1 9
17. Senior programs 5 4 3 2 1 9
18. Tennis amenities and condition of tennis and pickleball courts 5 4 3 2 1 9
19. Youth recreation programs 5 4 3 2 1 9
16. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 15 do you think should receive the MOST EMPHASIS
from City leaders over the next TWO years? [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the
list in Question 15.]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
17. Economic Development. Please rate your satisfaction with each of the following using a scale of
5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1 means "Very Dissatisfied."
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
1. Availability of good jobs in Portland 5 4 3 2 1 9
Availability of places to shop, dine, or get services in your
2. 5 4 3 2 1 9
neighborhood
3. Condition and appearance of local shopping and business areas 5 4 3 2 1 9
How active and inviting businesses are (lighting, cleanliness, events,
4. 5 4 3 2 1 9
etc.)
5. Overall strength of the local economy (business openings, jobs, etc.) 5 4 3 2 1 9
Variety of local businesses (restaurants, shops, and services) in your
6. 5 4 3 2 1 9
area
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18. Communication & Transparency. Using a scale of 5 to 1, where 5 means "Very Satisfied" and 1
means "Very Dissatisfied," please rate your satisfaction with each of the services listed below.
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
1. Availability of information about City news, programs and services 5 4 3 2 1 9
2. City efforts to keep you informed about local issues 5 4 3 2 1 9
3. Level of public involvement in local decision making 5 4 3 2 1 9
4. Timeliness of information provided by the City 5 4 3 2 1 9
5. Usefulness of information on the City's website 5 4 3 2 1 9
6. Local-access television station (Portland Media Center) 5 4 3 2 1 9
7. The City's use of social media 5 4 3 2 1 9
The City's use of digital tools (e.g., 311/See Click Fix, live-streaming
8. 5 4 3 2 1 9
meetings, online forms, text/email alerts)
9. Availability of information in a language I understand 5 4 3 2 1 9
19. Which of the following are your primary sources of information about City issues, services, and
events? [Check all that apply.]
____(01) City's website ____(05) Facebook ____(09) Newspaper
____(02) Weekly E-Newsletter ____(06) NextDoor ____(10) Other: _________________________
____(03) Local Access Cable ____(07) Local TV News
____(04) Instagram ____(08) Radio
20. Which THREE sources of information listed in Question 19 are your most PREFERRED methods
of receiving information about the City? [Write in your answers below using the numbers from the list
in Question 19 or circle "NONE."]
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____ NONE
21. Customer Service. Have you interacted with (by phone, on-line, or by visiting) the City during the
past year?
____(1) Yes [Answer Q21a.] ____(2) No [Skip to Q22.]
21a. Several factors that may influence your perception of the quality of customer service you
receive from City employees are listed below. Please rate your satisfaction with each item.
Very Very Don't
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Satisfied Dissatisfied Know
1. How easy the department was to contact 5 4 3 2 1 9
2. Level of courtesy you received 5 4 3 2 1 9
Technical competence and knowledge of City employees
3. 5 4 3 2 1 9
who assisted you
4. Overall satisfaction with your customer service experience 5 4 3 2 1 9
22. Listed below are several issues the City of Portland may face over the next 5 years. Which THREE
of the issues listed below do you think will be MOST SIGNIFICANT over the next 5 years? [Write
in your answers using the numbers from the list below.]
1. Housing 8. Public Parks and Recreation Facilities
2. Homelessness 9. Immigrant support and equity
3. Public Safety and Crime 10. Public Health
4. Substance Use and Mental Health 11. Property Tax Rate and Budget
5. Transportation and Mobility 12. Trust/Transparency in Local Government
6. Climate Change 13. Other: _________________________________________
7. Jobs and Economic Opportunity
1st: ____ 2nd: ____ 3rd: ____
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Demographics
23. Approximately how many years have you lived in Portland?
____(1) Less than 5 years ____(2) 5-10 years ____(3) 11-20 years ____(4) More than 20 years
24. Including yourself, how many people from each age group are currently living in your household?
5 and under: ____ 6 to 19: ____ 20 to 44: ____ 45 to 64: ____ 65 to 74: ____ 75 and over: ____
25. Do you own or rent your current residence? ____(1) Own ____(2) Rent ____(3) Other
26. What is your age? ______ years
27. Which of the following best describes your race/ethnicity?
____(01) Asian or Asian Indian ____(05) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
____(02) Black or African American ____(06) Hispanic or Latino
____(03) American Indian or Alaska Native ____(99) Other: ____________________________________________
____(04) White
28. Your gender:
____(1) Male ____(5) Transgender woman
____(2) Female ____(6) Prefer not to answer
____(3) Non-binary/Gender non-conforming ____(7) Other: _____________________________________________
____(4) Transgender man
29. Would you say your total household income is...
____(1) Under $30,000 ____(3) $60,000 to $99,999 ____(5) $130,000 or more
____(2) $30,000 to $59,999 ____(4) $100,000 to $129,999
30. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
____(1) Employed outside the home - (What is the zip code where you work? _____________)
____(2) Employed in the home/have a home-based business
____(3) Student
____(4) Retired
____(5) Not currently employed outside the home
31. As a way to say thank you for your time, we will randomly select five survey respondents to
receive a $100 Visa gift card. Would you be interested in entering the drawing? (Limited to one
per household. Sent via email.)
____(1) Yes [Answer Q31a.] ____(2) No
31a. Please provide your contact information.
Name: Phone Number:
Email Address:
32. [OPTIONAL] If you would be interested in subscribing to the City's weekly e-Newsletter that is
sent out each Friday, please provide your email address. You can also sign up by visiting
portlandmaine.gov/stayconnected.
Email:
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This concludes the survey. Thank you for your time!
Please return your completed survey in the enclosed postage paid envelope addressed to:
ETC Institute, 725 W. Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061
©2025 ETC Institute Page 7
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