Dallas, Texas – Dallas has a fresh set of numbers to carry into its next round of planning, and they came directly from the people who live there.
The City of Dallas, working with ETC Institute, has completed the 2026 Community Survey, a broad review of how residents view city services, daily life and the priorities they believe should guide local government. Conducted from February through May, the survey used standardized methods designed to produce statistically valid results with a 95% confidence level.
In all, 2,319 households took part. Each of Dallas’ 14 City Council districts contributed at least 150 responses, giving the survey a wide geographic reach. City officials said the demographics of respondents closely match the city’s overall population, helping ensure the findings reflect a balanced picture of how Dallas residents feel.
The survey is more than a yearly report card. For city leaders, it is one of the tools used to track public opinion over time, measure progress and help shape decisions during the annual budget process. This year’s findings will also support work on the upcoming biennial budget, especially by pointing to areas where satisfaction has improved and areas where residents still want to see stronger results.
The latest results show Dallas continuing to move in a positive direction. Satisfaction increased across most major categories, marking the third straight year of improvement. The city also reported that resident satisfaction with overall city services is higher in Dallas than in other large U.S. cities, a sign officials say reflects gains in service delivery and community engagement.
“Dallas residents continue to set a high standard for civic engagement, and this year’s survey reaffirms that the work we are doing is making a real difference. The steady rise in satisfaction reflects our commitment to delivering quality services, listening to our community, and advancing the priorities residents value most,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
The full report, including the complete questionnaire and detailed trend analysis, is available on the City’s Financial Transparency website. The findings are scheduled to be presented to the Dallas City Council on June 17, giving elected officials a clearer view of what residents value now and what they expect next.
