Initial Survey Results Good News for City

Results of a city survey from the summer show Yakima residents believe the city's top priorities should be public safety and economic development.

The survey asked residents about a host of city services and plans, and included questions about downtown Yakima. Only 2 of 10 people believe the downtown area is vibrant and most believe it lacks an inviting public gathering place.

Yakima City Manager Tony O'Rourke says, “There seems to be a missing element in the community and that is a place to gather, but also a place where new economic activity can be generated. And a plaza speaks to those issues.”

The rating for the overall direction that Yakima is taking has gone up each of the three years the survey has been conducted -- from 28 percent of respondents saying “excellent/good” in 2012, to 31 percent in 2013 and 38 percent this year.

O'Rourke says the survey also found residents feel like they are getting better value for their taxes and liking the condition of city streets. Another survey is available now, asking you about the current city sign ordinance for local businesses. The survey can be accessed at the city website at yakimawa.gov.