2026 Community Priorities Survey — Results & Summary
In early 2026, the Magnolia Community Council (MCC) invited neighbors to share their perspectives through our Community Priorities Survey. We received 91 responses, providing valuable insight into the issues residents care most about and how MCC can best support the Magnolia community in the year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate. The feedback will help guide MCC’s advocacy, programming, and communication priorities in 2026.
Top Issues Facing Magnolia
When asked to select up to three issues most important to Magnolia right now, respondents most frequently identified:
Transportation & the Magnolia Bridge – 57%
Public safety & emergency preparedness – 56%
Parks, playfields & open space – 41%
Planning, housing & neighborhood change – 37%
Infrastructure & utilities – 30%
Schools, youth & families – 25%
Arts, culture & community events – 22%
Environmental issues – 15%
These results highlight a strong focus on neighborhood access and safety, maintaining community assets, and managing growth thoughtfully.
Community Concerns & Themes
Open-ended responses added important context to the survey results. Common themes included:
Magnolia Bridge safety, replacement planning, and contingency planning
Property crime, police presence, and emergency response
Traffic, speeding, and safe access in and out of Magnolia
Condition of parks, playfields, and youth recreation facilities
Impacts of housing growth, zoning changes, and infrastructure capacity
Support for local businesses and concerns about vacant storefronts
Equity, inclusion, and ensuring Magnolia receives fair City attention and resources
Many respondents emphasized the importance of clear, timely communication about major City projects, construction impacts, and events that affect neighborhood access.
How Residents Want MCC to Help
Respondents shared what would be most helpful from MCC:
Clear information about City projects and decisions – 70%
Advocacy on neighborhood issues – 60%
Opportunities to share community input – 40%
Help understanding City government and how to advocate – 37%
Community connection and events – 29%
These responses reinforce MCC’s role as a connector between neighbors and City decision-makers, and as a trusted source of information.
Staying Connected & Getting Involved
Residents shared how they prefer to stay connected with MCC:
Newsletter – 57%
Social media – 21%
Monthly community meetings – 11%
Website and community events – smaller but meaningful interest
While many respondents prefer to stay informed, others expressed interest in attending meetings occasionally or helping with one-time projects or events, suggesting opportunities for flexible, accessible engagement.
What This Means for 2026
The survey results underscore the community’s desire for:
Strong advocacy around transportation, bridge planning, and public safety
Continued attention to parks, playfields, and youth spaces
Transparent communication about City planning and development
Inclusive outreach that reflects the full diversity of Magnolia
MCC will use this feedback to help shape our 2026 meeting topics, committee work, advocacy priorities, and communications, and we will continue to share updates and opportunities for community input throughout the year.
Have questions or want to get involved?
We invite you to attend an MCC meeting, subscribe to our newsletter, or reach out to learn more about our committees and projects.
