The City of Richland mailed survey invitations in early summer to 1945 residences elected at random from the city’s utility list; 223 completed the survey. Here are selected responses; complete results are available on the city’s website at www.ci.richland.wa.us.
Safety:
- 99% of respondents feel very safe or somewhat safe in their neighborhoods during the daytime
- 95% feel very safe or somewhat safe in their neighborhoods after dark
- 93% feel very safe or somewhat safe in Richland parks
Information:
- 84% of respondents consider themselves informed about the City of Richland programs/services
- 56% feel informed about City Council decisions
- 41% say they are informed about City Council’s long-range plan
Respondents identified
The three most serious challenges facing Richland:
- Traffic flow, street repairs, road conditions
- Code enforcement, neighborhood decay, community appearance of older residential and commercial areas.
- Crimes, drugs, gangs, graffiti
The three most desirable things about living in Richland:
- Parks, trails, riverfront access, recreation opportunities
- Small town, family-friendly atmosphere
- Low crime rate, safety
The three least desirable things about living in Richland:
- Lack of restaurants, cultural facilities, businesses, activities
- Traffic issues, including lack of or synchronization of traffic lights
- Neighborhood decay, poor code enforcement, appearance of Uptown Shopping Center
Note: Although residents cite the low crime rate and safety as a desirable trait, many recognize that illegal drug use, related crimes, gangs and graffiti are increasingly becoming a challenge.