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Bothell releases 2026 community budget survey: roads, trails and emergency services top priorities
Summary
City staff and consultants presented results of a statistically valid 2026 community budget survey of 588 respondents showing infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, trails), emergency services and parks/open space among top investment priorities; staff will deliver the final report in May to inform the budget process.
Bothell city staff and consultants on April 21 presented findings from a statistically valid 2026 community budget survey that city leaders said will help shape the next budget cycle.
Mason Lovera, the city’s communications and engagement manager, introduced researchers from PRR, who said the survey ran Feb. 9–Mar. 1 and returned 588 responses. PRR research associate Bridal Peterson said respondents ranked investments in infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, trails), emergency services (fire and EMS), and parks and open space among their top priorities. "Ninety‑one percent said that they feel safe, and 85% said they feel welcome in Bothell," Peterson said during the presentation.
Consultant Anne Frusier emphasized the project’s analytic approach and said PRR used statistical testing to look for meaningful differences among demographic groups. The presenters noted the proportion of residents saying Bothell is headed in the right direction rose to about 60–62% from 54% in 2024.
Council members pressed PRR on sample size, subgroup analysis and representativeness. Council member McCurdy noted the prior survey collected about 1,100 responses and asked whether demographic correlations were still robust with fewer responses; PRR said the present sample allowed valid subgroup testing for larger groups (for example, renter vs. owner, and BIPOC vs. non‑BIPOC) and that the team will include detailed subgroup tables in the final report. Council member Alcabara expressed concern about self‑selection bias and asked staff to show how the sample compares to census demographics; PRR said the draft report will include a table comparing the survey sample to census estimates.
Several council members asked for the survey results to be presented in ways that help decisionmaking — for example separating statutorily required services from optional programs — and for neighborhood‑level data. PRR said the final deliverable will include demographic and geographic breakdowns and that staff will use the results to inform strategic planning and the capital and operating budget process.
The survey and the final PRR report are intended to inform the city’s budget priorities this year; staff said the final report will be delivered to council in May for use during upcoming budget discussions.
