Eugene survey: homelessness, housing and downtown safety top concerns; representative sample draws 942 responses

At a Sept. 10 work session, city staff presented results from Eugene’s 2025 community survey, reporting that homelessness, housing affordability and downtown safety were the top concerns raised by respondents.

Jason Dedrick of the city manager’s office presented the survey, saying the representative survey produced 942 completed responses — a 16% response rate — and an opt‑in, public version on Engage Eugene produced 477 responses. Dedrick said the representative sample was weighted to match census demographics and will be the primary focus for reporting.

The survey found most respondents report being satisfied with their lives and neighborhoods, but homelessness was the most frequently written response to the open‑ended question about improving quality of life. Dedrick said, “Homelessness was the dominant response,” and noted homelessness, housing cost and safety showed the largest expectation gaps between how important issues are to residents and how city government is delivering.

Why it matters: Council and staff said they will use the survey to inform the city’s strategic plan and the upcoming budget process. Dedrick framed the survey as part of a recurring cycle that feeds the city’s four‑year strategic plan and annual…