Brownsville residents say the city is moving in the right direction, but they also want leaders to continue focusing on basic community needs such as roads, drainage, housing, traffic, public safety and responsible growth.
The City of Brownsville recently conducted a resident survey to better understand how people feel about city services, priorities and quality of life.
“I think one of the most important things the city can do is ask the community how they feel about services,” said Interim City Manager Alan Guard, ICMA-CM, CGFO. “We reached out to the community, because we want to understand what their priorities are.”
According to the survey, 54 percent of residents feel substantial progress has been made in Brownsville over the last three years. Residents pointed to progress in economic growth and jobs, parks and trails, public safety, and city-led events and festivals.
The survey also identified areas where residents want continued improvements, including roadways, drainage, housing affordability, nature and wildlife, and managing the city’s growth wisely.
“This is one very important tool, because it’s data-driven,” Guard said. “It’s done with scientific methodology, so there’s a high level of confidence in the findings.”
The City partnered with OnPointe Insights to conduct the resident survey. Nearly 1,000 residents responded.
The results show 61 percent of respondents agree Brownsville is headed in the right direction. The city also received a “refer a friend” score of plus 20, which OnPointe Insights considers a positive rating.
Residents also highlighted what they appreciate about Brownsville, including the local economy, the city’s friendly community, culture and heritage, and its proximity to the beach and Mexico.
At the same time, the community’s to-do list remains clear. In open comments, roads and maintenance were the top concern. Economic development and jobs followed, along with traffic and planning, and public safety and policing.
When asked what City leaders should focus on moving forward, residents identified similar priorities: better roadways, drainage, housing, economic growth and preservation of the city’s history.
“We want to be transparent,” Guard said. “We want to hear from them. We want them to be part of our decision-making process. It is their tax dollars that we’re using.”
Growth was a common theme throughout the survey. Residents want opportunity, but they also want cleaner public spaces, protected natural areas, safer streets and consistent communication from City Hall.
Guard said the feedback is welcome as the City continues managing enhancement projects connected to Brownsville’s master plans, including downtown renaissance, parks, health and wellness, housing, the Gladys Porter Zoo, and the forthcoming Space Commerce plan. Those master plans will align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The takeaway from the survey is that Brownsville residents see momentum, but they also want visible execution on the issues that affect their daily lives.
Source: City of Brownsville
