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Dayton survey finds strong satisfaction with quality of life, concern about growth and taxes
Summary
A 400‑respondent survey presented to Dayton City Council shows high overall satisfaction with quality of life but top concerns about growth and property taxes; the consultant recommended the results be used as a benchmark for future planning.
Peter Leatherman of Morris Leatherman Company presented the results of a citywide quality‑of‑life survey to the Dayton City Council on Oct. 8, saying, “we spoke with 400 randomly selected residents across the city.” The firm conducted interviews in August and reported a margin of error of about ±5 percentage points.
Leatherman told councilors that 95% of respondents rated Dayton’s quality of life favorably and 89% said the city is moving in the right direction. But attitudes showed notable tensions: 20% listed “too much growth” as the most serious issue facing the city, and 57% said their city portion of property taxes is high. At the same time, 84% rated the value received for their property-tax dollars positively when asked to weigh services against tax cost.
The survey also highlighted residents’ priorities. Parks, trails and open space scored highly: park facilities received a 90% favorable rating, and many respondents supported funding park improvements. Drinking water generated the greatest negative response among specific services, with about 38% rating it unfavorably. On public-safety tradeoffs, typical residents indicated they would, on average, support a modest monthly property-tax increase to improve police response time or to build a fire station—roughly $5–$10 per month in early testing, Leatherman said.
Councilmembers asked about methodology and representativeness; Leatherman said the sample matched standard polling practice for a city of Dayton’s size and that the final report would be posted to the city website. Councilmember discussion focused on how to use the findings in upcoming planning and budgeting work. Staff said the complete report and presentation slides will be distributed in the city’s weekly update and posted to the city website for public review.
The council agreed to place a fuller discussion of the survey results on a future agenda so members can identify follow-up actions and communications with residents.
