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1998 Community Survey Results

A community survey was conducted in February of 1998 to gain community input for the development of a shared community vision for our future. 13,000 households were mailed the survey. On January 23, 1998, a community planning and visioning conference called Citizen University was held in which 350 citizens participated. The results of this survey, combined with input gleaned from the Citizen University are listed below.

The number in the right hand column is the number of people who responded with a answer that correlated directly with or closely to stated position listed in the left hand column.

Question # 1.... List three qualities, attributes or characteristics that our community should possess in order to be a healthy, more vital and successful community.

School systems - strong & with state of the art equipment
Job - good paying/opportunities
Beautification of town
Community spirit - strong and caring
Involvement from community
Vision - clear, positive for future
Youth and family activities
unity events, festivals, activities
Religion - opportunities, support, collaboration
Leadership - strong
Willing to make a commitment
Health care systems - organized and affordable
Violence, vandalism, assault, crime- free from
Positive attitude
Collaboration
Progressive attitude & vision
Cultural diversity
Safe town

142
106
79
79
65
53
50
47
43
39
37
34
34
32
31
31
29
26

Question # 2... What are the biggest obstacles or challenges that our community must overcome to become a stronger, healthier and more vital community?

Racial division/conflict
Drugs/violence/crime/alcohol
Negative attitudes
Job opportunities
Apathy - lack of people involvement
Lack of visionary - forward thinking leadership
Lack of Funding
Collaboration/teamwork/unity
Lack of community support - commitment
Streets - better
Safer/better schools
Beautification

108
86
83
82
70
64
63
47
41
41
39
38

Question # 3.... List the three most important projects, problems, concerns or priorities that we as a community should begin acting upon during the next twelve months.

Library
Education - better- technology & buildings
Streets improvement
Drugs & Alcohol abuse/violence
Beautification
Housing - available-affordable-rental
Activities - more in community
Racial ethnic issues/diversity
Improved job base
Crime control
Youth Center
Civic Center
Day care and pre-school - affordable
Parks and recreation
Business recruitment/retention
Senior support
Health care
River front
Downtown redevelopment
Image
Parent support

163
138
114
109
103
61
55
53
41
35
34
27
26
25
21
20
19
18
18
17
17

Question #4... As a community, what is Fort Dodge doing well?

Economic development - bringing in new jobs
Strong retail hub
Health care... hospital and physicians
Education
Coming together to plan for the future - forward thinking
Downtown renovations
Iowa Central Community College
Community - civic activities and events
Blanden Arts Museum
Community Action Network
Police - law enforcement - public safety
Religion - spiritual guidance
New library involvement
Parks
Recreational facilities - activities
Friendly - good people
Youth programs and sports
cultural activities
Construction industry is strong
Attitude improvement

227
85
71
64
47
46
44
41
39
38
32
25
22
18
16
15
13
12
11
10


For More Specific Help Or Information, Contact:

Community Action Network
802 Kenyon Road
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Phone: 515-574-6433

email info@fortdodge.org

Copyright © Community Action Network, All Rights Reserved.

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