In the establishment of their CEDA produced 2018 work plan, the Stewartville, MN Economic Development Authority (EDA) prioritized community engagement efforts.
CEDA team member Joya Stetson who serves the City drafted and distributed an electronic community survey which received an impressive 373 responses. This survey was supplemented with an engagement event with middle school students, a project with the high school senior economics class, and direct outreach to the Center for Active Adults, a local social activity organization for senior citizens.
The EDA also held a community-wide round table input session which was organized by CEDA team member Stephanie Lawson to accumulate even more data on citizen thoughts and aspirations for the future.
Stetson collected and evaluated all survey and focus group responses to generate a comprehensive report which will be utilized by the EDA to ensure that programs and projects are consistent with community priorities.
“This report offers a thorough analysis of resident and business opinions about the community” Stetson noted. “The statistically significant data illustrates marketable assets as well as areas for improvement; ultimately, the results will allow our EDA to continue to make the City of Stewartville an even better place to live, work and do business.”
The final report expresses constructive documentation including but not limited to:
– Quality of life ratings
– Reasons for residing in the community
– Evaluation of individual amenities
– Citizen priorities for development
– Satisfaction with public communication efforts
Stetson will report quarterly on progress related to the aggregated data in order to ensure and communicate progress.