Why This Measure Matters

If someone reports that they feel like they belong, it is an indicator that they are accepted for who they are, and this has a significant impact on their quality of life. Belonging can impact someone's mental and physical health, education, employment, relationships, and social connectedness.

What’s the Story?

The City has been asking community members to report on belonging in Olympia since 2021.  Two scientifically valid surveys have been conducted; one in 2021 and a second in 2023 with the intent to continue to poll residents every two years. 

In 2021, most residents agreed that Olympia is a welcoming community; overall, 61% agreed with the statement "I feel like a real part of Olympia," 32% agreed that "it is hard for people like me to be accepted in Olympia," and 63% agreed that "People in Olympia respect difference perspectives and backgrounds." 

2023 results showed that while overall Olympia is seen as welcoming and inclusive by most residents, slightly more, 38% of respondents expressed agreement with "it is hard for people like me to be accepted in Olympia." 

The City continues to seek new and better ways to enhance safety, belonging and inclusion for all community members through support for community celebrations and cultural events, City proclamations, City resolutions, information sharing, community relationship-building and collaborative policy development and decision-making with historically under engaged community members. 

Target

The City is tracking this metric over time to understand how it fluctuates. 

Reporting frequency