City Resident Satisfaction Scores Rose in New Survey
The 2026 survey of 2,505 residents shows improved grades for city services compared to 2023.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Live Poll
Do you feel the quality of life in your city is generally improving?
San Francisco residents reported increased satisfaction with local governance and city services in the latest poll released by the Office of the Controller. The survey reflects a notable shift in sentiment regarding city performance since the last assessment in 2023.
Why it matters
The survey results provide a benchmark for how residents perceive the city's trajectory across key areas like safety, transit, and housing. Officials use this feedback to weigh public priorities as housing and cost of living remain top concerns for many neighbors.
The city received a B+ grade for libraries and parks and a B for safety, while homelessness citations dropped from 50 percent in 2023 to 20 percent of respondents this year. The survey results, based on responses from 2,505 residents, remain subject to ongoing analysis of city service impacts.
The players
Office of the Controller
The city office responsible for oversight and the financial analysis of city performance.
InterEthnica
A polling firm that helped conduct the city survey.
EMC Research
A polling firm that helped conduct the city survey.
The details
The Office of the Controller commissioned InterEthnica and EMC Research to conduct the survey of 2,505 residents to gauge public sentiment on city performance. Government and Muni scores improved to a B- grade, while street conditions were rated a C+. Data shows current satisfaction levels are similar to results last seen in 2015.
Timeline
Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Survey results released.
2023: Government received a C grade.
2015: Survey scores were similar to current results.
1996: First survey conducted.
Across the Bay
This year's polling data reflects a return to the sentiment levels recorded in the 2015 city survey. The results show that current public satisfaction marks a departure from the lower grades assigned by residents in 2023.
Residents can monitor whether these improved service grades translate to changes in street conditions or transit reliability on their commute. These survey metrics serve as an indicator of how city agencies may prioritize resources in the coming budget cycle.
The takeaway
The rise in satisfaction scores suggests a shift in public perception, though cost of living and housing remain persistent challenges. Watch how these grades influence upcoming policy discussions at the Board of Supervisors.
Further reading
For more on how the city collects and uses public feedback, visit our page on Civic Engagement.
Live Poll
Do you feel the quality of life in your city is generally improving?
