NAPA, CA — The City of Napa released the results of its 2024 Community Climate Survey this week, revealing both positive feedback and key concerns from local residents. The survey, conducted in December 2024 by Probolsky Research, gathered insights from a random sample of 300 City of Napa voters through phone and online interviews, conducted in both English and Spanish.
Mayor Scott Sedgley emphasized the importance of this survey in shaping the city’s future decisions. “The feedback from our community helps guide the decisions we make every day,” Sedgley said. “The confidence in our public safety teams and positive feedback about our parks and recreation facilities help reassure us that our investments in core services are making a difference in our residents’ daily lives. We’re committed to addressing concerns raised by residents with the same focus and care.”
Positive Findings
The survey indicated strong community support for key services, particularly in public safety. An overwhelming 92% of residents expressed feeling safe walking in their neighborhoods during the day, while 86% felt safe downtown. The Napa Fire Department received a 90% approval rating, with more than two-thirds of respondents strongly approving of its work. The Napa Police Department also earned solid approval, with 76% of residents rating the department positively.
Napa’s parks and recreation facilities also received favorable reviews. 61% of respondents said they were satisfied with the quality and condition of the city’s parks. Additionally, two-thirds of residents expressed support for adding new amenities to existing parks, signaling a desire for continued investment in recreational spaces.
City communication efforts also received positive feedback, with 61% of residents reporting satisfaction with outreach initiatives, including newsletters and website updates. Furthermore, 60% of residents indicated they had visited the City’s website in the past year, and over half of respondents preferred receiving updates via email.
Areas of Concern
Despite the positive feedback, the survey highlighted several areas in need of attention. Infrastructure maintenance, particularly the condition of local streets and sidewalks, was a significant concern for many residents. Nearly 69% of participants expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of Napa’s streets, while 63% reported concerns about sidewalk conditions.
Housing affordability and homelessness also emerged as key priorities for the City’s leadership. Addressing these issues was noted as crucial for the future of Napa.
“These responses provide valuable insights that help us continue to enhance our services and also confirm those areas that we know need additional attention,” said City Manager Steve Potter. “While we’re pleased to see strong satisfaction in many areas, we know there is more work to do, particularly in areas like infrastructure maintenance and housing. With the additional funding provided by Measure G, we are prepared to take decisive action to improve our roads, upgrade sidewalks, and tackle the challenges our residents have identified as priorities.”
Measure G: A Path to Solutions
In November 2024, Napa voters approved Measure G, a one-cent sales tax expected to generate approximately $30 million annually for the city. A large portion of this funding will be allocated to critical street repairs, sidewalk upgrades, and other infrastructure improvements. Measure G is expected to be a key tool in addressing many of the residents’ concerns about the city’s infrastructure.
The Role of Tourism
Tourism continues to play a significant role in Napa’s economy, and residents largely view it as a positive force. 80% of those surveyed said they viewed downtown tourism positively, acknowledging its importance in supporting the city’s economy. Tourism generates approximately one-third of Napa’s General Fund revenue, which is used to support essential city services and public amenities.
The results of the 2024 Community Climate Survey offer valuable insights into both the strengths and challenges facing Napa. With an approval rating margin of ±5.8%, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of the community’s priorities. Moving forward, city officials are committed to using this feedback to make informed decisions and invest in areas that will most benefit the residents of Napa.