City auditor and Polco present 2026 community survey: utilities and economy top resident concerns

Rayad Ali, Richmond city auditor, introduced the 2026 National Community Survey results prepared by Polco, which Polco said used a randomized sample of 4,000 households and received 268 completed surveys, producing a reported margin of error of about B16 percentage points.

Polco's representative summarized top findings: residents rated education, arts and culture, parks and the natural environment relatively highly, while utilities, economy and some public-safety perceptions scored lower against national benchmarks. Polco highlighted a "quality-importance gap" for utilities and the economy, meaning those areas were rated as especially important but received lower quality ratings from respondents.

Polco briefed the committee on methodology: the city's sample was weighted to match American Community Survey demographics, mailings included English and Spanish materials and the survey remained open six weeks; Polco noted that response rates of 7—15% are common for this methodology and that the 268 completes yield the stated margin of error.

Councilmembers asked how to use the data to distinguish perception from actual service gaps and how departments should respond. The Polco representative recommended that departments review internal performance metrics and consider whether low ratings reflect service shortfalls or perception problems that could be addressed through communication and targeted initiatives.

Councilmembers asked for a compiled dashboard and departmental context; staff confirmed the administration has received the report and would incorporate findings into budgeting and strategic planning.