Temecula releases 2025 resident survey showing high satisfaction but rising concern over traffic and growth

The General Plan Advisory Committee reviewed results of a 2025 resident survey conducted by True North Research that found broad satisfaction with city services but rising concern about traffic and growth. Betsy Lowry, assistant city manager, told the committee True North’s methodology produced a roughly 2.9% margin of error and that 82% of respondents said they were satisfied with the city’s overall performance.

Residents named public safety, cleanliness, good schools and parks among the things they like most about Temecula, Lowry said, and noted that the city’s tourism assets — including wineries and Old Town — help drive an estimated millions of annual visitors. The survey also found that reducing traffic congestion ranked as the top change residents want, while limiting growth and development moved up to second place at 18% compared with 2021.

Lowry said spending priorities selected by respondents placed maintaining streets, parks, public facilities and improving traffic circulation at the top; encouraging development of affordable housing subsidized with taxpayer funds ranked near the bottom of funding priorities. “Residents do want affordable housing, but they don’t want government to pay for it,” Lowry said when committee members asked for clarification.

Committee members used the presentation to probe underlying causes for shifting attitudes, including aging infrastructure and changing demographics. Several members urged exploring a range of housing tools and private-sector approaches — from ADUs to studio units — to increase affordability without relying solely on taxpayer subsidies. The committee will revisit related topics, including land-use changes and state law tools such as density bonuses and SB 9, at upcoming meetings.

The city will post the full True North report and related presentation materials online for GPAC review ahead of the February land-use discussion.