City survey shows strong resident satisfaction; traffic still top complaint

True North Research presented results of the City of Temecula’s 2025 community opinion survey at the Oct. 28 council meeting, reporting that 82% of respondents said they were satisfied with the job the city is doing to provide municipal services.

Tim McLarney, president of True North Research, described the study methodology (stratified random sampling, mixed‑mode contact by email, text and phone) and said the final sample size produced a margin of sampling error of approximately ±2.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey asked open‑ended questions about what residents like most about Temecula (safety and low crime, 21%; cleanliness, 18%; schools and proximity to attractions) and what they would change (traffic congestion was top at roughly one‑in‑four respondents, followed by concerns about growth and road repair).

The survey also asked about 27 specific city service areas. Library services, fire protection/EMS and special events were at the top of satisfaction measures (90%+ in some areas); items scoring lower included managing residential growth, addressing homelessness and promoting job development, which McLarney said often reflect issues the city does not fully control.

On traffic, respondents were asked about recent northbound I‑15 lane work; more than half reported noticing a reduction in congestion attributable to new connector and auxiliary lanes. When asked to prioritize budget spending, residents placed maintaining streets and parks, improving traffic circulation and fire/paramedic services among their top priorities.

McLarney said the study should be viewed as a performance report card and a guide for where the city can focus improvement efforts. Council members asked clarifying questions and accepted the presentation; staff noted the full report contains more detailed cross‑tabs and subgroup analyses.

Provenance: Tim McLarney presentation and Q&A, 10:20–23:00.