City Controller Christy Brady has released the outcomes of the "Have Your Say" survey, shining a light on what locals think of the services provided by the city. A total of 551 residents, sampled from a tapestry of economic backgrounds and occupying different corners of the city map, weighed in on various municipal departments. The Fire Department emerged as the clear favorite, flaunting a score of 4.3 out of 5, while the Department of Licenses and Inspections trailed at the rear with a mere 2.7, as highlighted in a report by the City Controller's office.
A significant revelation from the survey was the satisfaction's dependency on where residents hung their hats. Spearheaded by zip codes 19143 (Southwest) and 19115 (Northeast), some neighborhoods lauded the city's services and their sense of security. Others, notably in 19151 (Overbrook) and 19102 (Center City), signaled a frustration, resonating less contentment in those domains. "Feedback from this survey is intended to help city leaders understand respondents’ experiences, assess departmental performance, and identify pressing community priorities," Brady said, with a particular emphasis on bridging the gaps that separate one neighborhood's experience from another's.
Crucial urban life aspects such as public safety, street cleanliness, education, and transportation were among the topics surveyed. It also opened the floor for Philadelphians to voice their opinions on tax policies, housing affordability, and the bedrock of the city: infrastructure. Brady is pushing this initiative as not merely a citywide performance evaluation but as a blueprint for transparency and accountability within local governance. As recounted in the survey report, "The feedback will be shared with city departments, elected officials, and the public to help guide data-driven decisions and ensure that resident voices are at the center of city policy and performance."
The survey extended its reach by employing a variety of channels, aligning with today’s digitally interconnected society, yet grounding itself in the physical by making a presence at 94 community events. Reflecting Philadelphia's medley of cultures, responses were collected in several languages, and a concerted effort was made to loop in those often missed by the broader conversation. This diverse compilation was available from February 19 through May 30, 2025, by heading directly to the City Controller's digital doorstep, social media callouts, or the more traditional yet cherished email outreach.
