Community Survey

Community Satisfaction

Overall Ratings of the City

Residents continue to rate De Soto “excellent” or “good” in key areas:

• As a Place to Raise Children: 82%
• As a Place to Live: 81%

Perceptions of the City

The perceptions of the De Soto that had the highest levels of satisfaction:

• Quality of public education: 79% satisfaction
• Feeling of safety in De Soto: 78% satisfaction
• Quality of life: 70% satisfaction
• Quality of services provided by the City: 70% satisfaction

Quality of City Services

De Soto rates significantly above the US and Plains region averages in two-thirds (23/34) of service categories, including Quality of...

• Customer Service: 73% satisfaction | 33% above national average
• Street Maintenance: 70% satisfaction | 29% above national average
• City Communications: 59% satisfaction| 22% above national average

Top Satisfaction Ratings in Each Category

A closer look at top items rated “Very Satisfied” or “Satisfied” for each category:

City Leadership

1. Quality of leadership provided by the City Council: 44% (11% higher than US avg.)
2. Effectiveness of City Administrator & Staff: 43% 43%  (17% higher than US avg.)

Code Enforcement

1. Enforcing exterior maintenance of business property: 43%  (3% lower than US avg.)
2. Enforcing mowing and cutting of weeds on private property: 34% (12% lower than US avg.)

Communication

1. Quality of newsletter (in utility bills): 69%
2. Quality of City’s email newsletter: 63%
3. Availability of information about City programs, services, & events: 62% (16% higher than US avg.)

Community Development & Planning

1. City efforts to promote economic development: 54%
2. Overall quality of new development: 47%

Customer Service

1. Always or usually courteous and polite: 92%
2. Easiness of contacting the staff member resident needs to reach: 83%%

Parks & Recreation

1. Maintenance of City Parks: 86%
2. Condition of park equipment: 77%
3. Number of City Parks: 72%

Street Maintenance

1. Snow removal on City Streets: 80% (22% higher than US avg.)
2. Cleanliness of City streets and other public areas: 74% (21% higher than US avg.)
3. Mowing/trimming City streets: 72% (17% higher than US avg.)

Water & Wastewater

1. How easy bill was to understand: 70%
2. Quality of Water Utility Services: 60% (8% higher than US avg.)
3. How well City keeps residents informed about water issues/disruptions: 54%

Community Priorities: Progress & What’s Next

One of the most important aspects of the survey is identifying which City services the community wants us to prioritize. In 2022, the community pinpointed four key priorities; in 2024, the focus has narrowed to three as communication has moved off the priority list:

1. Planning and Community Development: 

   • 2022 Progress: Engaged the community in capital projects, though ongoing construction impacted satisfaction as expected. This remains our #1 priority moving forward!
   • 2024 What’s next?: Focus on job accessibility (25% satisfaction) and child care availability (16% satisfaction), while ensuring continued strategic growth that aligns with resident needs; this includes the Southwest Growth Area Plan and updating the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Water and Wastewater Utility Services: 

   • 2022 Progress: Satisfaction with communication on water issues improved, and Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants are underway.
   • 2024 What’s Next?: The new treatment plants are expected to improve water/wastewater value (43%) and drinking water quality (45%).

3. Street Maintenance: 

   • 2022 Progress: The Street Department saw satisfaction rise in six out of seven maintenance categories.
   • 2024 What’s Next?: Prioritize pavement/pothole repair (56%) and sidewalk maintenance (56%) in the Capital Improvement Plan.

4. City Communication (no longer a priority in 2024): 

   • 2022 Progress: Investment in new staff and communication platforms has paid off -- residents no longer flag communications as a top priority.
   • 2024 What’s Next: While not on the top priority list, increased usage across all our platforms shows that residents still value and expect a high level of investment in communications. We will continue to maintain - and expand - efforts to sustain engagement and momentum.

Other Findings

Top 3 reasons why people live in De Soto

1. Safety and security
2. Quality of public schools
3. Small-town feel

Top 3 parks and rec programs desired

1. Special events
2. Nature-based education/activities
3. Adult non-sport programs

Top 3 parks and rec amenities desired

1. Walking paths/trails
2. New indoor all-purpose recreation facility
3. Community parks

Retail Priorities for Residents 

1. Restaurants/bars/pubs (70%) 
2. Health and personal care stores (58%)