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Laredo survey shows residents rank infrastructure top priority; sample size limits statistical certainty
Summary
City staff presented the results of a budget survey with roughly 288 responses: infrastructure ranked highest, residents expressed dissatisfaction with roads and mixed views on public safety; staff cautioned that the sample was not statistically representative and recommended a larger professional poll.
City staff summarized results of an in‑house budget survey during the March 20 workshop, reporting that infrastructure was the top priority among respondents but that the sample size — about 288 responses against a city population of roughly 261,260 — is too small to be statistically representative.
Jesus Esparza, presenting the survey, said respondents rated infrastructure 8.8 out of 10, followed by public safety at 7.5, parks at 6.6, and health at 6.4. The survey drew about 255–288 responses in the initial reporting period; Esparza said the sample represented about 0.1% of the city population and 0.3–0.31% of households.
Key findings and limitations: Esparza and council members noted the survey was intended as directional input for the budget process rather than a statistically valid public opinion poll. Mayor Pro Tem and others recommended a professionally administered, larger survey in an election year to obtain representative results. Esparza said common comment themes were roads, drainage, water quality, transparency, and concerns about planning and zoning.
Why it matters: Staff said the survey—s directional results align with public comments and the bond referendum results: residents repeatedly cited roads and water infrastructure as priorities. However, staff emphasized that policy action should not rely on the survey alone because of demographic skews and geographic imbalances in respondents.
What happens next: Staff said they will refine the survey approach, coordinate with other outreach (including department surveys), and consider using the charter—s newer polling authority in an election cycle to reach more representative samples.
Ending: Council members urged staff to expand outreach and to present a more robust, recurring public‑engagement program that can better inform multi‑year capital planning.
