Snoqualmie residents overwhelmingly praise their quality of life, safety, and access to nature, according to results from the city’s comprehensive 2025 Community Survey. However, the survey also identified economic development and transportation as areas for additional focus as the city develops its first strategic plan.
The survey, conducted from May 19 to June 30 by independent consultant Polco, Inc., reached 363 households from 3,000 randomly selected invitations. The results carry a 95% confidence interval with a margin of error of plus or minus 5%.
“We’re pleased with the continued praise for the high quality of life we have in Snoqualmie and are committed to regularly surveying our residents to gauge city services and identify areas of improvement,” said Mayor Katherine Ross. “These survey results will also help ensure that our strategic plan and city investments align with our community’s priorities.”
When compared to more than 500 communities nationwide, Snoqualmie received 40 higher ratings, 78 similar ratings, and only 5 lower ratings. Against neighboring cities like Sammamish, Issaquah, and Woodinville, Snoqualmie scored even better with 47 higher ratings, 72 similar ratings, and just 4 lower ratings.
Notable Improvements and Declines
Comparing 2025 results to the city’s previous 2023 survey revealed significant improvements in several areas. Traffic signal timing saw the largest boost at 17%, while snow removal satisfaction increased by 12%. Mental healthcare availability also improved by 8%.
City Administrator Mike Chambless explained the traffic improvement stems from completing major repaving work on Snoqualmie Parkway. “During the 2023 Community Survey, the City was completing a major repaving project on Snoqualmie Parkway,” he noted. “There was a period when traffic signal loops were impacted by the new pavement overlay, which impacted traffic signals on Snoqualmie Parkway.”
For snow removal, enhanced staffing made the difference. “The Public Works Department has made significant progress over the past two years. The team is now fully staffed, and more employees have obtained the Commercial Driver’s Licenses required to operate large snowplows. These improvements have enhanced our ability to provide more effective winter service throughout the city.” Chambless said.
However, some services saw declining satisfaction. Garbage collection dropped 15%. Chambless noted the timing coincided with a new Waste Management contract taking effect on June 1, which brought approximately 39% rate increases. Despite higher costs, he emphasized that Snoqualmie’s service remains competitive. “For example, North Bend residents pay higher rates for less frequent service, receiving compost collection only every other week,” he said.
Strategic Planning Ahead
The survey results are directly shaping Snoqualmie’s first-ever strategic plan, currently being developed with Berk Consulting. City Council completed a workshop on August 15 to address identified priorities, with the final plan expected for adoption in November.
Chambless explained that the city is actively addressing economic concerns identified in the survey. The strategic plan will include a focus on enhancing economic vibrancy, with input being gathered from local business owners, city staff, and the City Council to ensure multiple perspectives are represented.
Transportation and mobility also received attention as areas needing improvement, though specific initiatives await the strategic plan’s completion. “Once adopted, the plan will serve as a roadmap for the City’s priorities and investments over the coming years,” Chambless said.
The comprehensive survey measured multiple aspects of community life, including quality of life, safety, natural environment, health and wellness, inclusivity and engagement, utilities, and the economy, providing city leaders with detailed feedback to guide future decision-making.
