2023-2026 strategic plan progress

Our strategic plan is our community's shared vision for the future of Kitchener. We're building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us - and each other.

On this page, you'll find information on key indicators and actions for each of our five strategic goals. Actions are intended to directly impact key indicators by either increasing or decreasing the metrics they measure. For the first time, we're aligning actions to specific indicators in an attempt to demonstrate how we are moving our strategic goals forward.

On this page:

What are key indicators?
What are actions?
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Progress updates
Our 2023-2026 strategic goals
Building a connected city together
Cultivating a green city together
Creating an economically-thriving city together
Fostering a caring city together
Stewarding a better city together

What are key indicators?

The strategic plan indicators are a new feature of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, intended to objectively measure our performance on each strategic goal.

What are actions?

Some actions in the strategic plan are multi-year projects divided into several phases, with annual deliverables. The completion dates listed in the tables below represent the end dates for the current phase of the project. Learn more in the April 2024 strategic plan update.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Each of our 2023-2026 strategic goals has been linked to associated UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – these are depicted in the coloured icons with numbers 1 through 17. Visit the UN website to learn about the SDGs.

Progress updates

Download a detailed update from the list below. We'll continue to update this page with progress updates on our 2023-2026 strategic plan.

Our 2023-2026 strategic goals

Building a connected city together

Cultivating a green city together

Creating an economically-thriving city together

Fostering a caring city together

Stewarding a better city together

Visit our strategic plan page

Building a connected city together

We live in all kinds of neighbourhoods and types of housing. We work together to ensure that we each have secure and affordable homes. We get around easily, sustainably and safely to the places and spaces that matter most to us.

Key indicators

In March 2023, Kitchener city council unanimously approved a housing pledge that will support the building of 35,000 additional homes in Kitchener by 2031. The pledge is a commitment to advance progress on a variety of strategies and actions that will support the building of new homes.

As a part of the provincial Building Faster Fund, the following housing construction statistics have been reported:

Indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Provincial annual housing target for Kitchener (based on housing starts) Definition: How many new homes the Province expects Kitchener to build each year to meet Ontario’s overall housing goals.	2,567 (2023) 2,917 (2024)	3,500 (2025)* Source	N/A
Housing starts (measured by housing units under construction) Definition: The number of new homes where construction has officially begun — counted once the foundation is poured.	3,579 (2023) 3,067 (2024)	3,005 (2025) Source	N/A
% Provincial annual housing target achieved Definition: How much progress Kitchener has made toward meeting the Province’s annual housing target.	139% (2023) 105.1% (2024)	85.8% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener (calculation)	N/A
Council approved dwelling units to-date since signing Provincial housing pledge Definition: The total number of dwelling units City Council has approved through an OPA or ZBA Planning application that Council has approved. This is the first step, so it is an earlier indicator.	2023: 11,457 (32.7% of housing pledge target) 2024: 15,248 (43.6% of housing pledge target)	2025: 16,150 (46.1% of pledge target) Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports	35,000 homes by 2031
Site Plan Approved dwelling units since signing Provincial housing pledge (to-date) Definition: The total number of dwelling units approved through the site plan approval process and proceeding to the permit application process. This does not include any development with 10 dwelling units or less, as they do not require site plan approval.	2023: 3,410 (9.7% of housing pledge target) 2024: 5,034 (14.4% of housing pledge target)	2025: 5,467 (15.6% of housing pledge target) Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports	35,000 homes by 2031
Dwelling units issued a Building Permit since signing Provincial housing pledge (to-date) Definition: The total number of dwelling units that have been issued a building permit - the most accurate count of dwelling units that could be built.	2023: 2,681 (7.7% of housing pledge target) 2024: 5,042 (14.4% of housing pledge target)	2025: 8,088 (23.1% of housing pledge target) Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports	35,000 homes by 2031
Residential permits issued to start construction Definition: The number of permits the City approves that allow homeowners or builders to begin construction on new or renovated homes.	3,945 (2023) 2,558 (2024)	3,046 (2025) Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports

Indicator

Most recent

Target

Provincial annual housing target for Kitchener (based on housing starts)

Definition: How many new homes the Province expects Kitchener to build each year to meet Ontario’s overall housing goals.

2,567 (2023)

2,917 (2024)

3,500 (2025)*

Source

N/A

Housing starts (measured by housing units under construction)

Definition: The number of new homes where construction has officially begun — counted once the foundation is poured.

3,579 (2023)

3,067 (2024)

3,005 (2025)

Source

N/A

% Provincial annual housing target achieved

Definition: How much progress Kitchener has made toward meeting the Province’s annual housing target.

139% (2023)

105.1% (2024)

85.8% (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener (calculation)

N/A

Council approved dwelling units to-date since signing Provincial housing pledge

Definition: The total number of dwelling units City Council has approved through an OPA or ZBA Planning application that Council has approved. This is the first step, so it is an earlier indicator.

2023: 11,457 (32.7% of housing pledge target)

2024: 15,248 (43.6% of housing pledge target)

2025: 16,150 (46.1% of pledge target)

Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports

35,000 homes by 2031

Site Plan Approved dwelling units since signing Provincial housing pledge (to-date)

Definition: The total number of dwelling units approved through the site plan approval process and proceeding to the permit application process. This does not include any development with 10 dwelling units or less, as they do not require site plan approval.

2023: 3,410 (9.7% of housing pledge target)

2024: 5,034 (14.4% of housing pledge target)

2025: 5,467 (15.6% of housing pledge target)

Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports

35,000 homes by 2031

Dwelling units issued a Building Permit since signing Provincial housing pledge (to-date)

Definition: The total number of dwelling units that have been issued a building permit - the most accurate count of dwelling units that could be built.

2023: 2,681 (7.7% of housing pledge target)

2024: 5,042 (14.4% of housing pledge target)

2025: 8,088 (23.1% of housing pledge target)

Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports

35,000 homes by 2031

Residential permits issued to start construction

Definition: The number of permits the City approves that allow homeowners or builders to begin construction on new or renovated homes.

3,945 (2023)

2,558 (2024)

3,046 (2025)

Source: Development Review - Internal Tracking Sheets (Council and Site Plan approvals) and Building Monthly Reports

* There may be a delay in reporting on the Ministry's website

Indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Rental vacancies - Kitchener Definition: The percentage of rental units that are currently empty and available — a sign of how tight or flexible the rental market is. This is an average of Kitchener Central, East, and West zones.	1.1% (2022) 2% (2023) 3.9% (2024)	4.7% (Oct. 2025) Source	3-5%
Households below suitability standard - Kitchener Definition: The number of households living in homes without enough bedrooms for the size and makeup of their family. This is an average of Kitchener Central, East, and West zones.	27.70% (2016) 19.1% (2021)	Not available - reported every 5 years Source*	0%
Households in core housing need Definition: A household is in "core housing need" if its current dwelling falls below at least one of three housing standards—affordability, adequacy, or suitability—and the household does not have enough income to afford alternative acceptable housing in their community.	13.5% (2016) 10.2% (2021)	Collected every 5 years Source	0%
Transportation deaths Definition: The number of people who lose their lives in traffic‑related incidents on Kitchener roads.	3 (2022) 0 (2023) 0 (2024)	2 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo	0
Transportation serious injury Definition: The number of people seriously hurt in traffic‑related incidents.	9 (2022) 3 (2023) 12 (2024)	5 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo	0
Transportation minor injury Definition: The number of people with minor injuries from traffic‑related incidents.	93 (2022) 59 (2023) 113 (2024)	110 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo	Developing
% Completion of Cycling and Trails Build from the Master Plan Definition: How much of the City’s long‑term cycling and trail network has been built so far.	20.9% (2022) 27.0% (2023) 29.1% (2024)	27.4% (2025) Source: Digital (GIS) records from City of Kitchener	100%
Total connected kilometers of all ages and abilities cycling route Definition: The length of high‑quality, all‑ages‑and‑abilities cycling routes that are connected into a usable network.	21.2km (2022) data unavailable (2023) 26.3km (2024)	45.9 km (2025) Source: Digital (GIS) records from City of Kitchener	Year over year increase
# Users of downtown cycling grid: daily average Definition: The average number of people using the downtown cycling network each day.	77 (2022) 274 (2023) 386 (2024)	495 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener bike lane counters	Year over year increase
# Users of downtown cycling grid: annual total Definition: The total number of trips taken on the downtown cycling network each year.	11,706 (2022) 99,984 (2023) 141,257 (2024)	180,843 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener bike lane counters	Year over year increase
# Users of Ironhorse trail (near Queen Street): daily average Definition: The average number of people using this section of the Iron Horse Trail each day.	only partial data recorded - automatic counters installed mid-year (2022) 226 cyclists, 609 pedestrians (2023) 376 cyclists, 531 pedestrians (2024)	375 cyclists, 423 pedestrians (2025) Source: City of Kitchener trail counters	Year over year increase
# Users of Ironhorse trail (near Queen Street): annual total Definition: The total number of trips taken on this section of the Iron Horse Trail each year.	only partial data recorded - automatic counters installed mid-year (2022) 82,405 cyclists, 222,267 pedestrians (2023) 116,525 cyclists, 165,017 pedestrians (2024)	136,786 cyclists, 154,557 pedestrians (2025) Source: City of Kitchener trail counters	Year over year increase

Indicator

Most recent

Target

Rental vacancies - Kitchener

Definition: The percentage of rental units that are currently empty and available — a sign of how tight or flexible the rental market is. This is an average of Kitchener Central, East, and West zones.

1.1% (2022)

2% (2023)

3.9% (2024)

4.7% (Oct. 2025)

Source

3-5%

Households below suitability standard - Kitchener

Definition: The number of households living in homes without enough bedrooms for the size and makeup of their family. This is an average of Kitchener Central, East, and West zones.

27.70% (2016)

19.1% (2021)

Not available - reported every 5 years

Source*

Households in core housing need

Definition: A household is in "core housing need" if its current dwelling falls below at least one of three housing standards—affordability, adequacy, or suitability—and the household does not have enough income to afford alternative acceptable housing in their community.

13.5% (2016)

10.2% (2021)

Collected every 5 years

Source

Transportation deaths

Definition: The number of people who lose their lives in traffic‑related incidents on Kitchener roads.

3 (2022)

0 (2023)

0 (2024)

2 (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo

Transportation serious injury

Definition: The number of people seriously hurt in traffic‑related incidents.

9 (2022)

3 (2023)

12 (2024)

5 (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo

Transportation minor injury

Definition: The number of people with minor injuries from traffic‑related incidents.

93 (2022)

59 (2023)

113 (2024)

110 (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener Collision Database (TES) Collisions provided by WRPS via the Region of Waterloo

Developing

% Completion of Cycling and Trails Build from the Master Plan

Definition: How much of the City’s long‑term cycling and trail network has been built so far.

20.9% (2022)

27.0% (2023)

29.1% (2024)

27.4% (2025)

Source: Digital (GIS) records from City of Kitchener

100%

Total connected kilometers of all ages and abilities cycling route

Definition: The length of high‑quality, all‑ages‑and‑abilities cycling routes that are connected into a usable network.

21.2km (2022)

data unavailable (2023)

26.3km (2024)

45.9 km (2025)

Source: Digital (GIS) records from City of Kitchener

Year over year increase

# Users of downtown cycling grid: daily average

Definition: The average number of people using the downtown cycling network each day.

77 (2022)

274 (2023)

386 (2024)

495 (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener bike lane counters

Year over year increase

# Users of downtown cycling grid: annual total

Definition: The total number of trips taken on the downtown cycling network each year.

11,706 (2022)

99,984 (2023)

141,257 (2024)

180,843 (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener bike lane counters

Year over year increase

# Users of Ironhorse trail (near Queen Street): daily average

Definition: The average number of people using this section of the Iron Horse Trail each day.

only partial data recorded - automatic counters installed mid-year (2022)

226 cyclists, 609 pedestrians (2023)

376 cyclists, 531 pedestrians (2024)

375 cyclists, 423 pedestrians (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener trail counters

Year over year increase

# Users of Ironhorse trail (near Queen Street): annual total

Definition: The total number of trips taken on this section of the Iron Horse Trail each year.

only partial data recorded - automatic counters installed mid-year (2022)

82,405 cyclists, 222,267 pedestrians (2023)

116,525 cyclists, 165,017 pedestrians (2024)

136,786 cyclists, 154,557 pedestrians (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener trail counters

Year over year increase

* This is an average of Kitchener Central, East, and West zones

Actions

Action	Expected completion	Status
Housing for All implementation Learn more on our Housing for All page.	2025	✓ Complete
Localized transportation safety improvement	2025	✓ Complete
City-wide active transportation routes Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	✓ Complete
Official Plan comprehensive update Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	On track

Cultivating a green city together

We follow a sustainable path to a greener, healthier city. We work together to enhance and protect our parks and natural environment while transitioning to a low-carbon future. We support businesses and residents to make more climate-positive choices.

Key indicators

Indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Corporate GHG emissions, from 2016 baseline Definition: How much greenhouse gas pollution the City’s own operations produce compared to 2016 levels.	+0.9% (2022) -4% (2023) -6% (2024)	+1% (2025)* Source	-8% by 2026 Net-Zero by 2050
City tree canopy coverage Definition: The percentage of the city covered by trees	24.8% (2014) 27.2% (2019)	26.0% (2025)** Source	33% citywide by 2070
Local park area per person Definition: This measure shows how much park space each resident has by dividing the city’s total parkland by Kitchener’s population.	9.8 sq.m. per person (2022) 8.8 sq.m per person (2024)	8.9 sq. m. per person (2025)*** Source	10 sq.m. per person
Average age of playgrounds in city parks (years) Definition: The typical age of playground equipment across the city — an indicator of safety, accessibility, and renewal needs.	13.54 (2023) 14.54 (2024)	18.2 (2025)** Source:** City of Kitchener - GIS database	Developing

Indicator

Most recent

Target

Corporate GHG emissions, from 2016 baseline

Definition: How much greenhouse gas pollution the City’s own operations produce compared to 2016 levels.

+0.9% (2022)

-4% (2023)

-6% (2024)

+1% (2025)*

Source

-8% by 2026

Net-Zero by 2050

City tree canopy coverage

Definition: The percentage of the city covered by trees

24.8% (2014)

27.2% (2019)

26.0% (2025)**

Source

33% citywide by 2070

Local park area per person

Definition: This measure shows how much park space each resident has by dividing the city’s total parkland by Kitchener’s population.

9.8 sq.m. per person (2022)

8.8 sq.m per person (2024)

8.9 sq. m. per person (2025)***

Source

10 sq.m. per person

Average age of playgrounds in city parks (years)

Definition: The typical age of playground equipment across the city — an indicator of safety, accessibility, and renewal needs.

13.54 (2023)

14.54 (2024)

18.2 (2025)****

Source: City of Kitchener - GIS database

Developing

* Although corporate emissions have generally declined in recent years, they increased in 2025 due to external factors such as a 27% rise in electricity‑grid carbon intensity and higher heating and snow‑clearing demands.

** 1% reduction in canopy over past 5 yr period, which could be caused by things like storms, development pressures, day-day risk mitigation, etc.

*** The calculation methodology was updated in 2025 and applied retroactively to the 2024 results. This metric was not tracked in 2023.

**** Older playgrounds without installation dates were previously recorded as 25 years old. With all dates now confirmed, the average age has increased.

Actions

Action	Expected completion	Status
Pivot: Net Zero Learn more on our corporate sustainability page.	2025	✓ Complete
Clean energy transition strategy Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	On track
District energy business case	2025	✓ Complete
High performance development standards Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	✓ Complete
Implement tree canopy target plan Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	✓ Complete
Implementing actions from Parks Master Plan Learn more on our parks strategic plan page.	2026	✓ Complete
Parkland acquisition strategy	2026	On track
Grand River park strategy	2025	On track

Creating an economically-thriving city together

We use our collective strengths to grow an agile and diverse local economy powered by talented entrepreneurs, workers and artists. We work together to create opportunities for everyone and a resilient future that propels our city forward.

Key indicators

Growth indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Downtown density (residents and jobs per hectare) Definition: Downtown density is a measurement of how many people live and work together in a specific central city area.	218 (2022) 220 (2023) 220 (2024)	221 (2025) Source	225 (by 2031)
New residential units built in existing city areas (not on undeveloped lands) Definition: The total number of residential units built within established neighbourhoods, helping the city grow without expanding outward.	51% (2022) 69% (2023) 57% (2024)	81% (2025) Source	60% annually
Citywide density (people/ sq. km) Definition: How many people live across the city on average per square kilometer — showing how compact or spread out Kitchener is.	1,878.2 (2021) 2,136.7 (2023) 2,145.7 (2024)	2,159 (2025)* Source	3260.95 (2051 planned)
New development density on previously undeveloped lands (residents and jobs per hectare) Definition: How efficiently new neighbourhoods are being built on land that hasn’t been developed before.	Data not available	Data not available	Developing

* This metric was not tracked in 2022.

Economic development indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Business startup and retention activity Definition: An approximation of how many businesses opened in Kitchener.	237 (2022) 483 (2023) 253 (2024)	263 (2025) Source	600
Events visitation rate Definition: How many people attend events in Kitchener.	520,369 (2022) 562,431 (2023) 570,000 (2024)	350,000 (2025) Source: Internal and third-party providers event attendance estimates.	591,874
Employment rate Definition: The percentage of working‑age residents who have a job.	65.8% (2022) 65.1% (2023) 66% (2024)	65% (2025) Source	Developing
Unemployment rate Definition: The percentage of people who are looking for work but don’t currently have a job.	5.3% (2022) 6.6% (2023) 8.2% (2024)	7.7% (2025) Source	Developing
Labour force participation rate Definition: The percentage of residents who are either working or actively looking for work.	69.5% (2022) 69.7% (2023) 70.7% (2024)	70.3% (2025) Source	Developing

Economic development indicator

Most recent

Target

Business startup and retention activity

Definition: An approximation of how many businesses opened in Kitchener.

237 (2022)

483 (2023)

253 (2024)

263 (2025)

Source

600

Events visitation rate

Definition: How many people attend events in Kitchener.

520,369 (2022)

562,431 (2023)

570,000 (2024)

350,000 (2025)

Source: Internal and third-party providers event attendance estimates.

591,874

Employment rate

Definition: The percentage of working‑age residents who have a job.

65.8% (2022)

65.1% (2023)

66% (2024)

65% (2025)

Source

Developing

Unemployment rate

Definition: The percentage of people who are looking for work but don’t currently have a job.

5.3% (2022)

6.6% (2023)

8.2% (2024)

7.7% (2025)

Source

Developing

Labour force participation rate

Definition: The percentage of residents who are either working or actively looking for work.

69.5% (2022)

69.7% (2023)

70.7% (2024)

70.3% (2025)

Source

Developing

Actions

Action	Expected completion	Status
Accelerate commercial business approvals Learn more in the related staff report.	2024	✓ Complete
Implement health/medical technology innovation campus	2025	✓ Complete
Creative industries school	2026	Refer and Revisit
Special events and festivals action plan	2026	On track
Make It Kitchener 2.0 Scoped Refresh – Supporting Economic Resiliency	2026	On track
Implementation of the Downtown Safety & Security Action Plan	2025	On track
Entertainment venue management Learn more in the related media release.	2025	✓ Complete
Implement arts and creative industries action plan	2026	On track

Fostering a caring city together

We welcome residents of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences. We work together on the decisions that matter to us and have a meaningful influence in our community. We’re healthy and thriving as we easily access the diverse and inclusive programs and services we need to succeed.

Indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
Rate of diverse population participation in city-led programs Definition: The percentage of residents participating in City-led programs who were asked and answered that they identify as a member of one or more diverse population groups (Indigenous, Black, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer or refugee, religious minority, disability, low income)	25.8% (2024)	36.6% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - ActiveNet System	Developing
Rate of diverse population participation in neighbourhood association programs Definition: The percentage of residents participating in Neighbourhood Association-led programs who were asked and answered that they identify as a member of one or more diverse population groups (Indigenous, Black, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer or refugee, religious minority, disability, low income)	28.5% (2024)	43% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - ActiveNet System	Developing
# of older adult-focused programming across city neighbourhoods Definition: The number of City-led and Neighbourhood Association programs available that support older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged.	305 (2023) 982 (2024)	1,236 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - ActiveNet System	Developing
# of people who access inclusion support services Definition: How many residents receive support to participate fully in City programs, regardless of ability.	370 participants supported in recreation programs (2024) 155 unique individuals supported in summer camps (2024)	372 participants supported in recreation programs (2025) 139 unique individuals supported in summer camps (2025)	Developing
# of leisure access (LA) users Definition: The number of residents that use the City’s user fee assistance program to access recreation and leisure opportunities. It is an important public metric that tracks how many lower-income individuals and families are being helped to afford healthy, active, and social lifestyles	6,304 (2024)	6,518 (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - Form Builder	Developing

Actions

Action	Expected completion	Status
Advance Truth and Reconciliation	2024	✓ Complete
Municipal newcomers strategy Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	✓ Complete
Enhance city's engagement practices Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	✓ Complete
Community centre operating model	2025	✓ Complete
City-led recreation and leisure program review	2025	Refer and Revisit
Sport and recreation master plan	2026	Refer and Revisit
Community grants review Learn more on Engage Kitchener.	2025	On Track

Stewarding a better city together

We, the City’s employees, are stewards of Kitchener’s present and its future. We’re responsive, innovative, diverse and accountable public servants who work together efficiently to serve residents. We remove barriers and champion residents’ collective vision for a better city and a better world.

Key indicators

Indicator	Previous	Most recent	Target
% Residents that report having meaningful opportunities to provide input to the City Definition: The percentage of residents who feel they have real opportunities to share their ideas and feedback with the City (% residents somewhat and strongly agree).	No previous data available	49% (2026) Source	Developing
% Residents who believe the City listens to their input Definition: The percentage of residents who feel the City listens to what they say (% residents somewhat and strongly agree).	No previous data available	44% (2026) Source	Developing
% Residents who believe the City is transparent in decision-making Definition: The percentage of residents who feel we are open about how decisions were made.	No previous data available	39% (2026) Source	Developing
Satisfaction with city services (extremely and somewhat satisfied) Definition: How satisfied are residents with the services the City provides.	76% (2022) 84% (2023) 81% (2024)	85% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - 2025 Qualtrics survey results	85%
Ease of use of city services Definition: How easy residents find it to access and use City services	78% (2022) 59% (2023) 82% (2024)	86% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener - 2025 Qualtrics survey results	70%
Turnover rate for permanent city staff Definition: How often permanent staff leave their jobs at the City — a sign of workplace stability.	11.5% (2022) 9.7% (2023) 7.5% (2024)	5.9% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener Human Resources Information System (HRIS)	Developing
Turnover rate for permanent city staff in their first year of employment Definition: How many new permanent employees leave within their first year — an indicator of onboarding and job fit.	2.3% (2022) 1.7% (2023) 1.4% (2024)	1% (2025) Source: City of Kitchener Human Resources Information System (HRIS)	Developing
Time to fill vacant full-time permanent positions (calendar days) Definition: How long it takes the City to hire for open full‑time positions.	75 (2022) 79.5 (2023) 71.5 (2024)	73.9 (2025)* Source: Applicant tracking system	Developing
Employee Engagement Index Definition: A measure of how committed, motivated, and connected City employees feel in their work and within their organization.	75.4% (2016) 75.8% (2019) 77.0% (2024)***	No 2025 data - collected every 3-4 years Source: City of Kitchener - Employee Culture Survey	75.0%****

Indicator

Most recent

Target

% Residents that report having meaningful opportunities to provide input to the City

Definition: The percentage of residents who feel they have real opportunities to share their ideas and feedback with the City (% residents somewhat and strongly agree).

No previous data available

49% (2026)

Source

Developing

% Residents who believe the City listens to their input

Definition: The percentage of residents who feel the City listens to what they say (% residents somewhat and strongly agree).

No previous data available

44% (2026)

Source

Developing

% Residents who believe the City is transparent in decision-making

Definition: The percentage of residents who feel we are open about how decisions were made.

No previous data available

39% (2026)

Source

Developing

Satisfaction with city services (extremely and somewhat satisfied)

Definition: How satisfied are residents with the services the City provides.

76% (2022)

84% (2023)

81% (2024)

85% (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener - 2025 Qualtrics survey results

85%

Ease of use of city services

Definition: How easy residents find it to access and use City services

78% (2022)

59% (2023)

82% (2024)

86% (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener - 2025 Qualtrics survey results

70%

Turnover rate for permanent city staff

Definition: How often permanent staff leave their jobs at the City — a sign of workplace stability.

11.5% (2022)

9.7% (2023)

7.5% (2024)

5.9% (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

Developing

Turnover rate for permanent city staff in their first year of employment

Definition: How many new permanent employees leave within their first year — an indicator of onboarding and job fit.

2.3% (2022)

1.7% (2023)

1.4% (2024)

1% (2025)

Source: City of Kitchener Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

Developing

Time to fill vacant full-time permanent positions (calendar days)

Definition: How long it takes the City to hire for open full‑time positions.

75 (2022)

79.5 (2023)

71.5 (2024)

73.9 (2025)*

Source: Applicant tracking system

Developing

Employee Engagement Index

Definition: A measure of how committed, motivated, and connected City employees feel in their work and within their organization.

75.4% (2016)**

75.8% (2019)**

77.0% (2024)***

No 2025 data - collected every 3-4 years

Source: City of Kitchener - Employee Culture Survey

75.0%****

* Data for January-October 2025 - data unavailable for November-December due to system update

** Direct comparators based on an average of 12 factors

*** Based on an average of 4 factors

**** Work Tango benchmark for the public sector in North America (>1000 employees) = 68%

Actions

Action	Expected completion	Status
Implement city-wide data strategy	2026	✓ Complete
Digital Kitchener strategy	2026	✓ Complete
Support a psychologically safe workplace	2025	On track
Strengthen employer identity/value proposition	2026	On track
Procurement innovation	2025	✓ Complete

Land acknowledgement

The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.