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A) About You & Where You Live (6)
1.
Which best describes you?
I live in Sumner County full-time
I live in Sumner County part-time
I work in Sumner County but live elsewhere
I own property in Sumner County
I’m considering moving to Sumner County
2.
What community/area best fits where you live or spend most time?
Caldwell, Conway Springs, South Haven, Wellington
Argonia, Belle Plaine, Milan, Mayfield, Oxford
Mulvane (Sumner County portion)
Rural area (outside city limits)
Other
3.
How long have you been connected to Sumner County?
Less than 1 year
1–5 years
6–10 years
11–20 years
21+ years
Lifelong
4.
Age range (optional):
Under 18
18–24
25–34
35–44
45–54
55–64
65+
5.
Which best describes your current role? (choose all that apply)
Employee
Employer/business owner
Farmer/rancher
Student
Retired
Stay-at-home parent/guardian
Community volunteer/nonprofit leader
Other
6.
Household size:
1
2
3
4
5+
B) Overall Priorities (5)
7.
How would you rate Sumner County’s overall quality of life today?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Not sure
8.
What are the TOP 3 priorities for growth in Sumner County? (pick 3)
More good-paying jobs
More housing options
Stronger downtowns/main streets
Retail/shopping choices
Healthcare access
Child care availability
Roads/bridges/infrastructure
Broadband/internet
Education/workforce training
Recreation/parks/trails
Public safety
Community amenities (arts/events)
Other
9.
How important is it that growth benefits ALL communities (small towns + rural areas + larger towns)?
Very important
Important
Somewhat
Not important
Very important
Important
Somewhat
Not important
10.
What best describes your preference for growth?
Faster growth is a priority
Moderate growth with careful planning
Slow growth / maintain current pace
Unsure
11.
What worries you most about growth (if anything)? (choose up to 2)
Higher taxes
Housing costs rising
Traffic/road strain
Loss of small-town character
Environmental impacts
Lack of infrastructure to support growth
Not enough local jobs
Not enough planning/communication
Nothing worries me
Other
C) Jobs & Business (6)
12.
Do you feel there are enough job opportunities in/near your community?
Yes
Somewhat
No
Not sure
13.
Which industries should Sumner County prioritize recruiting/expanding? (pick up to 4)
Manufacturing
Agriculture/agribusiness
Healthcare
Skilled trades/contractors
Logistics/warehousing
Retail
Restaurants/food service
Tourism/arts/entertainment
Technology/remote work
Energy/utilities
Professional services
Child care/early education
Other
14.
What is the biggest barrier to business growth here? (pick 1)
Workforce availability
Workforce skills/training
Lack of suitable buildings/sites
Infrastructure (roads, utilities)
Broadband/internet
Financing/capital
Permitting/regulations
Housing for workers
Limited local customers
Other
15.
What would help SMALL businesses most? (pick up to 3)
Façade/downtown improvement grants
Startup grants/low-interest loans
Marketing support
Business mentoring/coaching
More events/foot traffic
Better signage/wayfinding
Expanded hours/retail recruitment
Shared retail/market spaces
Child care for working families
Other
16.
Should the county focus more on supporting local entrepreneurs vs. recruiting outside companies?
More on local entrepreneurs
More on recruiting outside companies
Balanced approach
Not sure
17.
If you own/operate a business: What type? (optional)
Retail
Restaurant
Service
Manufacturing
Ag
Home-based
Not a business owner
Other
D) Housing & Community Development (5)
18.
How would you rate housing availability in your area?
Plenty
Some
Limited
Severe shortage
Not sure
19.
What housing types are most needed countywide? (pick up to 3)
Starter homes
Homes for families
Senior housing / assisted living
Rentals (apartments)
Rentals (single-family)
Affordable housing options
Workforce housing
Higher-end/new construction
Housing rehab/repairs
Other
20.
What’s the biggest housing barrier in your area? (pick 1)
Cost to buy
Cost to rent
Not enough homes available
Not enough rentals available
Condition of older housing
Lack of lots/land
Construction costs
Utilities/infrastructure limitations
Other
21.
Would you support incentives to encourage housing development (if done responsibly)?
Yes
Maybe
No
Need more info
22.
What improvements would most strengthen your town/community? (pick up to 3)
Sidewalks/walkability
Street lighting
Beautification/trees
Code enforcement/cleanup
Downtown revitalization
Parks/playgrounds
Trails
Community spaces (library/community center)
More events/activities
Other
E) Infrastructure & Services (5)
23.
How satisfied are you with internet/broadband where you live?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not sure
24.
What infrastructure needs are most urgent? (pick up to 3)
Broadband expansion
Water capacity/quality
Sewer capacity
Roads/bridges
Stormwater/drainage
Industrial sites readiness (utilities)
Cell service coverage
Downtown parking/traffic flow
Other
25.
What services are hardest to access in your area? (pick up to 3)
Primary healthcare
Mental health services
Dental care
Child care
Senior services
Groceries/food access
Banking/financial services
Public transportation/ride options
Workforce training
Other
26.
Child care: How much does availability/affordability affect your household or workforce?
Major issue
Some issue
Not an issue
Not applicable
27.
What would most help working families in Sumner County? (pick up to 3)
More child care slots
Extended child care hours
Better-paying local jobs
More affordable housing
Family activities/youth programming
Safer walking/biking routes
Improved healthcare access
Other
F) Retail, Recreation, and Identity (3)
28.
What types of shopping/dining would you most like to see more of? (pick up to 3)
Sit-down restaurants
Fast-casual restaurants
Coffee shops/bakeries
Grocery options
Hardware/home improvement
Clothing/shoes
Local boutiques/gifts
Entertainment (movies, bowling, etc.)
Other
29.
What amenities would most improve quality of life for residents? (pick up to 3)
Parks/playgrounds
Trails/outdoor recreation
Community events/festivals
Youth sports/activities
Arts/culture (music, theater, etc.)
Tourism attractions
Fitness/wellness options
Other
30.
In one or two sentences, what do you most want Sumner County to become over the next 5–10 years?