The City of Tumwater has been working with DHM Research on a community survey effort to learn more about the community’s priorities for city services.  

Now, we have results to share with you. 

• For those of you who would like to jump straight to the full survey report, and interpret the results for yourself, please find it here.  

• For those who would appreciate a video overview on the full survey provided by DHM Research to City Council, please find the video segment here. 

• For those who would like more explanation of the survey effort and purpose, please read on. 

Why did we do this survey? 

The community’s perspective is a vital part of our ongoing strategic planning processes. The survey will be useful to the City Council, Mayor, and city staff as they look to set goals and priorities for years to come. 

Who responded? 

Hundreds of people responded to the survey either by “random selection,” or by responding to our calls to participate made via web announcements, posters, email messaging, walk-about town campaigns, signage, interactions by staff and council, event appearances or social media. We achieved both a statistically valid random survey with respondents similar to the demographic makeup of the city, as well as a survey from a similar sized portion of the community that “self-selected” to participate in the survey.   

What did we learn?

• People like to live in our community. An overwhelming majority of residents rate the quality of life as good or very good and feel safe in the city. 

• That does not mean everything is perfect for everyone. Top issues for respondents include transportation infrastructure, affordable housing and homelessness. For those who responded to the community engagement portion of the survey: crime and public safety as well as how we manage growth and protect the environment also came forward as priorities.

• Based on topics identified, the city has the opportunity to prioritize as we plan for the future: The survey indicates there is a lot going well, but also areas where the city has room to make progress.  

• With regard to city services, we also gained insights on respondents perceptions on homelessness, managing growth and development, and street construction and maintenance, among others.

Growing our city with community priorities in mind.

The City Council will determine priorities, based in part, on the information from the survey. They will wrestle with how roadways and transportation systems can handle more people as the population grows. Additional growth-related items for council’s further consideration include support for protecting green spaces, natural areas, and maintaining high standards of public safety.

Survey respondents noted a desire to attract more economic opportunities, and ensure Tumwater is a welcoming community. Most respondents (roughly nine of ten) expressed support for conservation and protection of the environment. Respondents’ top priorities included construction permitting that will protect the environment and human health, conserving habitat, reducing pollutants, and facilitating recycling, composting and protection of clean air and water.

There is a lot more where that came from. 

As people who work alongside the community and for the community, we learned a lot through this survey effort.   

We know many people in this community share our commitment to building each other up and making things better. 

Whether your interest is in community life, city finances, planning for the future, the health of our natural world, housing, economic stability, health, or livelihoods, you will find insights in the community surveys. We encourage you to have a look for yourselves and come to your own conclusions. Full survey.

More ideas welcome: 

The official survey process for 2025 is concluded, but that does not mean we will ever stop listening.   

• What did you see in the survey results? 

• Did you miss the opportunity to take part, or do you have more to say?  

Please share your thoughts and perspectives on the survey and the ongoing work at City Hall by sending an email to communications@ci.tumwater.wa.us.  

Other resources: 

• Vision, Mission, & Beliefs | City of Tumwater, WA
• Strategic Priorities and Goals | City of Tumwater, WA
• Tumwater Comprehensive Plan | City of Tumwater, WA
• Growth Management Act | City of Tumwater, WA
• Sustainability | City of Tumwater, WA
• Developing Our City | City of Tumwater, WA
• Construction News | City of Tumwater, WA
• City services | City of Tumwater, WA
• Stay connected | City of Tumwater, WA