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UMVRDC CEDS Public Survey

The Upper MN Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) updates its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS every five years. The CEDS is our region’s economic development plan that contributes to and shapes the economic vision for the region by identifying locally-grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in our region. The CEDS is required of all federally designated Economic Development Districts, such as the UMVRDC.

As we kick off our five-year update, we want to hear from you – the residents, businesses, organizations, elected officials and our partners. We want to understand how you feel about different aspects of our region. Your feedback will help us identify and reaffirm areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest opinion. (Estimated time to complete this survey: 10-15 minutes)

Thank you for taking the time to share your input!
Identifying Regional Strengths and Weaknesses
Please rate how our region is doing in the following areas. If you are unsure or don't know, please select "N/A".
1.Overall cost of living (compared to other parts of the state/country)
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
2.Sense of pride / community involvement
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
3.Easy commutes/low traffic
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
4.Public safety
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
5.Recreational/leisure opportunities
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
6.Arts/culture/community events
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
7.Retail/dining
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
8.Childcare availability
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
9.Childcare affordability
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
10.Housing availability
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
11.Housing affordability
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
12.New housing construction
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
13.Condition of housing stock
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
14.Middle housing availability (2-4 unit housing, i.e., duplexes, tri-, and four-plexes)
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
15.The educational attainment of the region's workforce's matching the jobs available/offered.
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
16.Youth engagement
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
17.Available funding for local governments (i.e., revenues, assistance, grants, etc.)
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
18.Philanthropy (local foundations, charitable giving)
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
19.Entrepreneurial opportunities
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
20.Availability of economic development staff for local needs
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
21.For those representing a local business or business owners, how would you describe the local support for your business? (Both by local residents and by local government/Chamber/EDA, etc. If you are not associated with a local business, please select 'N/A'.)
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
22.Public transit
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
23.Broadband
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
24.Quality water and sewer systems
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
25.Healthcare
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
26.K-12 Education
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
27.Post secondary education
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
28.Natural amenities
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
29.Agricultural production/quality farmland
Very poorly
Poorly
Doing OK
Good
Very good
N/A
30.What is your favorite thing about living in this region?
31.What is one thing you would change about living in this region?