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Menasha Strong Recovery Plan Public Survey


On July 27, 2026, a tornado caused major damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and natural areas across Menasha. As recovery shifts toward rebuilding, the City is creating the Menasha Strong Recovery Plan to guide the future of the affected areas.

The goal is to rebuild in a way that helps residents stay in their neighborhoods, supports local businesses, restores parks, improves infrastructure and stormwater management, and strengthens community resilience.

Your input will shape the plan’s priorities. This survey asks about your tornado experience and your preferences for housing, neighborhoods, streets, businesses, parks, and public spaces. You may skip any question. The survey is for planning only and does not serve as an application for assistance.
1.The following goals have been identified to help guide the Menasha Strong Recovery Plan.

1. Help residents remain in or return to their neighborhoods if they choose.

2. Support the repair, rebuilding, and development of a range of housing options that meet the needs of Menasha residents.

3. Support affected businesses and create opportunities for future economic investment.

4. Establish a clear and coordinated direction for rebuilding affected neighborhoods.

5. Reduce barriers and costs associated with rebuilding and redevelopment.

6. Reinvest in streets, utilities, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and other public infrastructure.

7. Restore and improve parks, trees, waterways, and other neighborhood amenities.

8. Improve the community’s resilience to future storms and flooding.

9. Attract outside funding and resources to support recovery and reduce the financial burden on residents and the City.

10. Preserve and strengthen the identity and character of affected neighborhoods.

Are there any goals or priorities that you believe are missing from the list?
2.What is your connection to Menasha? Select all that apply.
3.Was your home affected by the tornado? Select one.
4.Was your business affected by the tornado? Select one.
5.What is your estimated total cost to repair or replace the damage to your home? Select one. An approximate amount is fine. (Your response is anonymous and will be used for planning purposes only)
6.What is your estimated total cost to repair or replace the damage to your business? Select one. An approximate amount is fine. (Your response is anonymous and will be used for planning purposes only)
7.If you need to buy or rebuild a home, what total monthly housing payment could your household reasonably afford? Include mortgage or rent, taxes, insurance, and any association fees. Select one. (Your response is anonymous and will be used for planning purposes only)
8.As the affected neighborhoods rebuild, which of the following should be priorities for creating strong, livable neighborhoods? Select up to five.
9.Construction costs have risen since many of the affected homes were built. Which of the following would you support to help make new homes in these neighborhoods more affordable? Select up to three.
10.If new housing is built on vacant or heavily damaged properties, which types would you support? Select all that apply.
11.Prior to the July 2026 tornado, the City gathered community input about parks and recreation services as part of the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) update. Thinking about that previous engagement and your experience since the tornado, has anything changed about what you believe Menasha's parks and recreation system should prioritize?
12.What do you value most about Smith Park today (Select up to 3.)
13.What changes, improvements, or amenities would make Smith Park more useful and enjoyable for you, your family, and the neighborhood? Select up to five
14.What would you most like Smith Park to provide for the surrounding neighborhood and community? Select up to three.
The survey will remain open through the end of October. After the survey closes, responses will be summarized and considered alongside feedback gathered through focus groups, public meetings, listening sessions, and other community engagement activities.

Survey results and other community feedback will be shared with the Menasha Redevelopment Authority, Menasha Parks and Recreation Board, Menasha Recovery Advisory Team, and Menasha Common Council. This input will help identify community priorities and guide the development of recovery goals, redevelopment recommendations, potential projects, and implementation strategies.

A draft recovery plan will be developed and shared for additional public review before being considered for final approval in early 2027.

Thank you for helping shape Menasha’s recovery and the future of our community.