Rancho Cordova Council Reviews Positive City Services Survey Results and Safety Concerns

The Rancho Cordova City Council held a special meeting on September 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM, followed by a regular meeting at 5:30 PM. The agenda focused on community feedback regarding city services and public safety, with a particular emphasis on the results of a recent survey conducted in May.

The meeting began with a discussion on the survey findings, which indicated that 90% of respondents believe they can have a good quality of life in Rancho Cordova. Over half of the participants noted improvements in the city's image, attributing this to enhancements in streets, infrastructure, parks, and local businesses. However, concerns were raised regarding the city's handling of homelessness, as this was the only area where satisfaction ratings were notably lower.

City officials highlighted that 75% of residents felt safe in identified venues, and satisfaction with city services was generally high, with over 80% reporting positive experiences when contacting the city. The survey also revealed that communication methods are shifting towards electronic means rather than in-person or phone interactions.

Council members expressed interest in understanding the nuances behind the survey results, particularly regarding feelings of safety. Discussions centered on the need to address the concerns of residents who do not feel safe, with suggestions for potential improvements including increased police presence and better lighting in public areas. The council acknowledged that while some residents may never feel completely safe, efforts could be made to enhance overall perceptions of safety.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to refine future surveys to gather more specific feedback on what measures could improve residents' feelings of safety. The council is considering conducting annual surveys instead of biennial ones to allow for more timely adjustments based on community feedback.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving quality of life and addressing public safety concerns, while also recognizing the challenges posed by homelessness and the need for ongoing community engagement.