The Philadelphia City Controller’s Office launched the “Have Your Say City Services Survey” in February to gather residents’ feedback on how well, or not, the city was executing city services that affect every Philadelphian's quality of life. The city says it aims to use these findings to identify priorities and areas for improvement. Here are five takeaways from the survey:
🚒 Philly Loves the Fire Department
This city department received the highest satisfaction rating, with a 4.3 score out of 5.0. Their approval was consistent across all age groups, just slightly dipping amongst adults ages 30 to 44. (The Department of Licenses and Inspections received the poorest rating.)
👎 Residents Are Concerned With Crime
Public safety topped the list of respondent issues, and was especially a concern for people living in Lower Northeast and Frankford. Respondents between the ages of 45 and 59 reported they felt the least safe. Gun violence, car thefts, youth crime, and open-air drug activity were cited as growing concerns. In the open-ended feedback, respondents wrote of the need for community-based policing.
🗑️ Philadelphians Want Cleaner Streets
Street cleanliness was one of the most frequently cited concerns, especially for residents in Center City, South Philly, and Overbrook. Respondents blamed trash buildup, illegal dumping, and a lack of public trash cans for making Philly feel dirty, saying better sanitation is key to improving neighborhood pride and quality of life. The Sanitation Division of Streets was rated a 3.3 out of 5, and received the most dissatisfaction among residents earning $100,000 and more.
🏠 Everyone Is Concerned About Housing
Respondents across all income levels shared concerns over rising rents, gentrification, and the risk of displacement. Some shared experiences of eviction or losing valued neighborhood spaces. Respondents asked that the city develop a robust affordable housing plan, adopt a “housing first” model that protects tenants, create homeownership opportunities, and invest in “deeply affordable rental units.”
🎒 Varied Responses on School Transportation
Although respondents reported generally positive satisfaction with education in the city, their feelings were mixed on commute time. Families with higher incomes reported more transportation options. Parents earning less than $50,000 reported that SEPTA or walking was their child’s main form of transportation. Only respondents who currently or have had a child enrolled in school were able to answer these questions.
