Rancho Cordova residents report high satisfaction in 2025 city survey; homelessness cited as the top service concern

Rancho Cordova — City staff presented the results of the 2025 resident satisfaction survey Sept. 3, showing overall high satisfaction levels for life in Rancho Cordova and improved ratings for several municipal services, while residents continued to identify homelessness and code enforcement as primary concerns. Dr. Dennis Detillion, who conducted the survey with city staff, said 350 residents were surveyed by phone in May and the results were broadly consistent with the two prior survey cycles. "Overall, there's a very high level of satisfaction among residents for living in Rancho Cordova," Detillion said, noting that 88% of respondents agreed they could have a good quality of life in the city (90% in 2023, 84% in 2021). Key findings from the presentation included: 75% of respondents rated police services in their neighborhood as "very good" or "good," 82% were satisfied with trash disposal and recycling, and 82% said they were satisfied with the city's website and online services (an increase from 78% in 2023). By contrast, only 31% rated the city's handling of homelessness as "very good" or "good," while 37% rated it "poor" or "very poor." Respondents also said streets/ infrastructure improvements and attracting quality businesses were top reasons the city's image had improved. Staff noted shifts in how residents contact the city: 39% used online services for inquiries in 2025 (up from 33% in 2023), while in-person/telephone contacts fell. Detillion cautioned that some newer questions (for example, rating progress on the city mission/vision) may require revision for clearer measurement in future cycles. Council members used the presentation to identify follow-up areas. Several asked staff about targeted actions to improve residents' sense of safety and whether follow-up survey questions could probe which concrete measures (for example, lighting, police presence, or navigation services) would make respondents feel safer. Staff agreed to consider more granular follow-up questions in future surveys and noted the city has already increased technology and enforcement tools in response to certain crimes. The council did not take action on the survey but asked staff to bring additional detail for items flagged as lower-rated (homelessness response, code enforcement, business attraction and beautification) and to consider whether to increase survey frequency or expand to annual tracking.