Neighborhood Perception Keeps Getting Better!

Every year, RBAC’s neighborhood engagement workers hit the streets during community activations to conduct surveys—and thanks to this consistent effort, we’ve gathered a wealth of data! Since we switched to iPads in 2021 to streamline our process, we’ve surveyed 1,425 people in Rainier Beach.

We ask community members to weigh in on a few key statements using a simple scale: Strongly agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly disagree. Here are some of the questions we pose:

  • There are positive activities for youth here.

  • There are community events that bring people together.

  • Properties are clean and well maintained.

  • People and groups from the community are working hard to make this a safe place.

So, what have we learned over time?

We’re glad you asked—because the data tells a powerful story: neighborhood perception has improved steadily since 2021 and is trending upward again in 2025!

To create the graph you see here, we assigned numerical values to the responses (Strongly agree = 4, Agree = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly disagree = 1). Then, we calculated the average score for each question, each year.

The results?
Every single area measuring collective efficacy—how people perceive safety, connection, and care in the community—has gone up significantly since 2021. And the momentum continues in 2025!

What’s this mean?
It means the work we’re doing is making a real, visible difference. The neighborhood is not just changing—it’s thriving! And we should all feel proud. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, more connected Rainier Beach.

-Stew Bowerman

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