AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a presentation and hold discussion regarding the final results of the 2025 National Community Survey concerning the livability of San Marcos.
Body
Meeting date: December 16, 2025
Department: Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $25,900
Account Number: Click or tap here to enter text.
Funds Available: Yes, ARPA funded
Account Name: Click or tap here to enter text.
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Economic Vitality
Mobility & Connectivity
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Choose an item.
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
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Background Information:
In 2022, the City of San Marcos conducted its first Community Survey through the National Community Survey (NCS) to gather statistically valid feedback from residents about the quality of life in San Marcos and satisfaction with City services. The survey provided a snapshot of community priorities and helped guide decision-making and budget planning. The City Council expressed interest in making this a recurring effort. The City’s goal is to survey the community every three years to track trends and identify emerging needs.
The National Community Survey captures resident opinions across ten key facets of livability: economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, parks and recreation, health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and inclusivity and engagement. The 2025 survey will allow the City to evaluate progress since the 2022 survey and ensure future planning and investments align with the evolving priorities of San Marcos residents.
On August 5, 2025, the City Council discussed the upcoming 2025 survey during their regularly scheduled work session meeting. As part of that discussion, the Council elected to include several custom questions to gather more tailored community feedback. These questions focus on:
• How often residents leave San Marcos to visit certain types of businesses
• The types of businesses residents believe the City should actively work to attract
• Levels of agreement or disagreement regarding the potential introduction of paid parking in the downtown area
• How residents prefer to receive information about City government and its activities
• How residents prefer to engage and participate with the City
• The importance of the City addressing the impacts of river recreation on natural resources
A full report of the 2025 survey results is attached. A digital, interactive version of the results is also available at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/polco.nrc/viz/TheNCSReport-SanMarcosTX2025/About
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
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