The City of Pensacola has released the results of its 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey, conducted by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center. 1,504 city residents completed the online survey. The city continues its effort to gauge satisfaction with various city services and determine residents’ top priorities for their city. This data will be used to identify budget priorities and improvement areas to provide residents with high-quality services.
Mayor D.C. Reeves appreciated resident feedback, saying, “This survey provides valuable insights that will help guide city priorities and decision-making. I have been clear that I appreciate the data surveys like this give us. Hearing directly from our residents allows us to improve public services, and ensures Pensacola remains a great place to live, work, and visit.”
The survey reveals that 70% of respondents believe the city is moving in the right direction, an increase from 67% in 2023.
Pensacola residents continue to value their city’s waterfront access, arts and cultural events, and overall sense of safety. Additional survey highlights include:
- City Initiatives: Residents strongly supported transformational initiatives such as the American Magic sailing program (69% favorable), transforming the Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus (54% favorable), and reimagining Palafox Street (52% favorable).
- Parking & Transportation: 81% of residents indicated they would take advantage of a discounted parking permit for city residents. 88% said they would prefer building a new parking garage through parking revenues instead of going out to bond such a project.
- City Services: Pensacola’s fire services received outstanding customer satisfaction, with 98% favorable rating. Police services followed with a 65% favorable rating.
- Customer Service: Pensacola International Airport’s “favorables” were at 78%. The Port of Pensacola was at 71% and Pensacola Energy, 68%. Sanitation Services had a 63% favorable rating, which is 24 points higher than 2023. 311 was at a 53% favorable in 2024, compared to 42% in 2023 and Public Works jumped 20 points, from 4% in 2023 to 24% in 2024.
- Economic Growth: Residents identified hospitality/tourism (26%) and aviation/aerospace (23%) as key industries for economic expansion.
Areas for Improvement include:
- Affordable Housing: 56% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with affordability efforts, highlighting the need for enhanced strategies.
- Neighborhood Coordination: 39% of respondents felt there was insufficient progress in addressing neighborhood needs.
- Gun Safety: Gun safety remains a top safety concern of 42% of those who responded…but that number has dropped 10 points from 2023
“I thank the residents for their honesty,” Mayor Reeves said. “I also commend the UWF Haas Center for their work in gathering this information and putting it in a clear and concise report. The leadership team here with the City of Pensacola is already using the data to make necessary improvements to make our city even better.”
The 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey was conducted from Dec. 9, 2024, through Jan. 17, 2025.
