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Topic: Houston voter opinions on city leadership and public servicesPublished: 2025 (survey conducted March 29 – April 4, 2025)Source: Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of HoustonSurvey Size: 1,400 registered Houston votersReading Time: About 5–10 minutes per report
Want to know what your neighbors really think about Houston? Researchers at the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs asked 1,400 registered Houston voters exactly that. Surveyed between March 29 and April 4, 2025, residents shared their views on city leadership, public services, neighborhood safety, and more. The results are organized into three easy-to-read reports.
Three reports cover different slices of Houston life. Report One looks at city direction, Mayor John Whitmire's job approval, satisfaction with public services, and the biggest problems residents see. Key findings: 49% of voters rank bad roads as a top problem, 59% approve of the mayor's job performance, and 77% support doubling the city's animal shelter budget. Report Two covers the special election for Texas Congressional District 18 (TX-18), the seat vacated by the late Representative Sylvester Turner. It looks at how Houston voters rate the candidates competing for that seat. Report Three explores parks, local news habits, and excitement about potential new sports teams — including a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise (60% enthusiastic) and a National Hockey League (NHL) team (57% enthusiastic).
Read the reports with your own neighborhood in mind. Notice where your views match the majority — and where they differ. Use the findings to prepare thoughtful questions before attending a city council meeting or community forum. If you live in Congressional District 18, the candidate ratings in Report Two can help you think through who best represents your priorities ahead of the November 4, 2025 special election.
No fixed date
Not location-specific
This survey connects directly to ongoing Houston City Council budget discussions, the TX-18 special election set for November 4, 2025, and broader conversations about public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life across Houston neighborhoods.
Houston is facing a real budget shortfall, and city leaders have to make hard choices soon. This survey gives you a clear picture of where your fellow Houstonians stand on roads, crime, homelessness, animal shelters, and more. When you know what the community thinks, you can better understand the decisions coming out of City Hall — and make your own voice heard.
