Elevate Mitchell Action Plan Community Survey

The goal of the Elevate Mitchell Action Plan is to enhance quality of life throughout Mitchell County by targeting new projects that expand access to outdoor recreation and the arts while strengthening the regional economy. These efforts are designed to support multi-use public spaces, increase recreational opportunities for families and children, encourage small business growth, and strengthen the local resources to support lasting growth in Mitchell County.

Your input is essential to shaping the county's future. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below and help guide the community-driven Elevate Mitchell Action Plan.

Question Title

* 1. Which activities have you or your family participated in within the last year in Mitchell County? (Choose all that apply)

Agritourism

Backpacking

Boating (Lake)

Camping

Canoeing / Kayaking

Crafting (Pottery, etc.)

E-Biking

Educational Programs

Festivals

Fishing

Gravel Biking

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Hunting

Mountain Biking

Night Sky Viewing

Off-Highway Vehicles (Motorcycle / Jeep/ ATV)

Paddle Boarding

Picnicking

Public Concerts

Pump Track / Bike Skills Area

Rafting

Road Biking

Rock Climbing / Bouldering

Running

Sightseeing

Swimming

Tubing

Walking

Wildlife Watching / Birding

Other (Please Specify)

Question Title

* 2. How would you rate the quality of the following elements in Mitchell County?

	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure / Access	Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure / Access Excellent	Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure / Access Good	Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure / Access Fair	Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure / Access Poor
Community Character and Unique Identity	Community Character and Unique Identity Excellent	Community Character and Unique Identity Good	Community Character and Unique Identity Fair	Community Character and Unique Identity Poor
Downtowns	Downtowns Excellent	Downtowns Good	Downtowns Fair	Downtowns Poor
Hiking Trails	Hiking Trails Excellent	Hiking Trails Good	Hiking Trails Fair	Hiking Trails Poor
Historic Preservation	Historic Preservation Excellent	Historic Preservation Good	Historic Preservation Fair	Historic Preservation Poor
Mountain Bike Trails	Mountain Bike Trails Excellent	Mountain Bike Trails Good	Mountain Bike Trails Fair	Mountain Bike Trails Poor
Parks	Parks Excellent	Parks Good	Parks Fair	Parks Poor
Public Art	Public Art Excellent	Public Art Good	Public Art Fair	Public Art Poor
Public Event Space / Green Space	Public Event Space / Green Space Excellent	Public Event Space / Green Space Good	Public Event Space / Green Space Fair	Public Event Space / Green Space Poor
River Access	River Access Excellent	River Access Good	River Access Fair	River Access Poor
Safety	Safety Excellent	Safety Good	Safety Fair	Safety Poor
Trailheads	Trailheads Excellent	Trailheads Good	Trailheads Fair	Trailheads Poor

Comments

Question Title

* 3. How important are the following assets for residents and visitors to Mitchell County?

	Very Important	Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Appalachian Trail	Appalachian Trail Very Important	Appalachian Trail Important	Appalachian Trail Somewhat Important	Appalachian Trail Not Important
Bakersville Creekwalk	Bakersville Creekwalk Very Important	Bakersville Creekwalk Important	Bakersville Creekwalk Somewhat Important	Bakersville Creekwalk Not Important
Bare Dark Sky Observatory	Bare Dark Sky Observatory Very Important	Bare Dark Sky Observatory Important	Bare Dark Sky Observatory Somewhat Important	Bare Dark Sky Observatory Not Important
Beauty Spot	Beauty Spot Very Important	Beauty Spot Important	Beauty Spot Somewhat Important	Beauty Spot Not Important
Blue Ridge Parkway	Blue Ridge Parkway Very Important	Blue Ridge Parkway Important	Blue Ridge Parkway Somewhat Important	Blue Ridge Parkway Not Important
Brad Ragan Memorial Park (Spruce Pine)	Brad Ragan Memorial Park (Spruce Pine) Very Important	Brad Ragan Memorial Park (Spruce Pine) Important	Brad Ragan Memorial Park (Spruce Pine) Somewhat Important	Brad Ragan Memorial Park (Spruce Pine) Not Important
Burleson Park (Bakersville)	Burleson Park (Bakersville) Very Important	Burleson Park (Bakersville) Important	Burleson Park (Bakersville) Somewhat Important	Burleson Park (Bakersville) Not Important
Central Park (Spruce Pine - Green Space Beside Visitors Center)	Central Park (Spruce Pine - Green Space Beside Visitors Center) Very Important	Central Park (Spruce Pine - Green Space Beside Visitors Center) Important	Central Park (Spruce Pine - Green Space Beside Visitors Center) Somewhat Important	Central Park (Spruce Pine - Green Space Beside Visitors Center) Not Important
Crabtree Falls	Crabtree Falls Very Important	Crabtree Falls Important	Crabtree Falls Somewhat Important	Crabtree Falls Not Important
Diamondback Driving Trail (Little Switzerland)	Diamondback Driving Trail (Little Switzerland) Very Important	Diamondback Driving Trail (Little Switzerland) Important	Diamondback Driving Trail (Little Switzerland) Somewhat Important	Diamondback Driving Trail (Little Switzerland) Not Important
Downtown Bakersville	Downtown Bakersville Very Important	Downtown Bakersville Important	Downtown Bakersville Somewhat Important	Downtown Bakersville Not Important
Downtown Spruce Pine	Downtown Spruce Pine Very Important	Downtown Spruce Pine Important	Downtown Spruce Pine Somewhat Important	Downtown Spruce Pine Not Important
Emerald Village / NC Mining Museum	Emerald Village / NC Mining Museum Very Important	Emerald Village / NC Mining Museum Important	Emerald Village / NC Mining Museum Somewhat Important	Emerald Village / NC Mining Museum Not Important
Linville Falls	Linville Falls Very Important	Linville Falls Important	Linville Falls Somewhat Important	Linville Falls Not Important
Little Switzerland	Little Switzerland Very Important	Little Switzerland Important	Little Switzerland Somewhat Important	Little Switzerland Not Important
Mitchell County Recreation Center (Coming Oct 2025)	Mitchell County Recreation Center (Coming Oct 2025) Very Important	Mitchell County Recreation Center (Coming Oct 2025) Important	Mitchell County Recreation Center (Coming Oct 2025) Somewhat Important	Mitchell County Recreation Center (Coming Oct 2025) Not Important
Mitchell County Senior Center	Mitchell County Senior Center Very Important	Mitchell County Senior Center Important	Mitchell County Senior Center Somewhat Important	Mitchell County Senior Center Not Important
Mount Mitchell State Park	Mount Mitchell State Park Very Important	Mount Mitchell State Park Important	Mount Mitchell State Park Somewhat Important	Mount Mitchell State Park Not Important
Mountains-to-Sea Trail	Mountains-to-Sea Trail Very Important	Mountains-to-Sea Trail Important	Mountains-to-Sea Trail Somewhat Important	Mountains-to-Sea Trail Not Important
Museum of North Carolina Minerals	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Very Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Somewhat Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Not Important
Orchard at Altapass	Orchard at Altapass Very Important	Orchard at Altapass Important	Orchard at Altapass Somewhat Important	Orchard at Altapass Not Important
Overmountain Victory Trail	Overmountain Victory Trail Very Important	Overmountain Victory Trail Important	Overmountain Victory Trail Somewhat Important	Overmountain Victory Trail Not Important
Penland School of Craft	Penland School of Craft Very Important	Penland School of Craft Important	Penland School of Craft Somewhat Important	Penland School of Craft Not Important
Pisgah National Forest	Pisgah National Forest Very Important	Pisgah National Forest Important	Pisgah National Forest Somewhat Important	Pisgah National Forest Not Important
Riverside Park (Spruce Pine)	Riverside Park (Spruce Pine) Very Important	Riverside Park (Spruce Pine) Important	Riverside Park (Spruce Pine) Somewhat Important	Riverside Park (Spruce Pine) Not Important
Roan Mountain	Roan Mountain Very Important	Roan Mountain Important	Roan Mountain Somewhat Important	Roan Mountain Not Important
Toe River	Toe River Very Important	Toe River Important	Toe River Somewhat Important	Toe River Not Important
Toe River Arts Gallery	Toe River Arts Gallery Very Important	Toe River Arts Gallery Important	Toe River Arts Gallery Somewhat Important	Toe River Arts Gallery Not Important
Toe River Canoe Trail	Toe River Canoe Trail Very Important	Toe River Canoe Trail Important	Toe River Canoe Trail Somewhat Important	Toe River Canoe Trail Not Important

Question Title

* 4. How important are the following festivals and events for residents and visitors to Mitchell County?

	Very Important	Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Bakersville Farmer’s Market	Bakersville Farmer’s Market Very Important	Bakersville Farmer’s Market Important	Bakersville Farmer’s Market Somewhat Important	Bakersville Farmer’s Market Not Important
Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival	Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival Very Important	Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival Important	Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival Somewhat Important	Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival Not Important
Grassy Creek Gem Show	Grassy Creek Gem Show Very Important	Grassy Creek Gem Show Important	Grassy Creek Gem Show Somewhat Important	Grassy Creek Gem Show Not Important
Hillloween Street Festival	Hillloween Street Festival Very Important	Hillloween Street Festival Important	Hillloween Street Festival Somewhat Important	Hillloween Street Festival Not Important
Museum of North Carolina Minerals	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Very Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Somewhat Important	Museum of North Carolina Minerals Not Important
Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival	Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival Very Important	Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival Important	Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival Somewhat Important	Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival Not Important
NC Hellbender Festival	NC Hellbender Festival Very Important	NC Hellbender Festival Important	NC Hellbender Festival Somewhat Important	NC Hellbender Festival Not Important
NC Mineral and Gem Festival	NC Mineral and Gem Festival Very Important	NC Mineral and Gem Festival Important	NC Mineral and Gem Festival Somewhat Important	NC Mineral and Gem Festival Not Important
NC Mountaineer Festival	NC Mountaineer Festival Very Important	NC Mountaineer Festival Important	NC Mountaineer Festival Somewhat Important	NC Mountaineer Festival Not Important
NC Rhododendron Festival	NC Rhododendron Festival Very Important	NC Rhododendron Festival Important	NC Rhododendron Festival Somewhat Important	NC Rhododendron Festival Not Important
Spruce Pine Alien Festival	Spruce Pine Alien Festival Very Important	Spruce Pine Alien Festival Important	Spruce Pine Alien Festival Somewhat Important	Spruce Pine Alien Festival Not Important
Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival	Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Very Important	Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Important	Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Somewhat Important	Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Not Important
Spruce Pine Farmer’s Market	Spruce Pine Farmer’s Market Very Important	Spruce Pine Farmer’s Market Important	Spruce Pine Farmer’s Market Somewhat Important	Spruce Pine Farmer’s Market Not Important
Spruce Pine Potters Market	Spruce Pine Potters Market Very Important	Spruce Pine Potters Market Important	Spruce Pine Potters Market Somewhat Important	Spruce Pine Potters Market Not Important
Toe River Arts Studio Tours	Toe River Arts Studio Tours Very Important	Toe River Arts Studio Tours Important	Toe River Arts Studio Tours Somewhat Important	Toe River Arts Studio Tours Not Important
Troutacular Fishing Event & Tournament	Troutacular Fishing Event & Tournament Very Important	Troutacular Fishing Event & Tournament Important	Troutacular Fishing Event & Tournament Somewhat Important	Troutacular Fishing Event & Tournament Not Important

Question Title

* 5. How should the Mitchell County TDA prioritize development and improvement of the following facilities?

	High Priority	Medium Priority	Low Priority	Not a Priority
Campgrounds	Campgrounds High Priority	Campgrounds Medium Priority	Campgrounds Low Priority	Campgrounds Not a Priority
Disc Golf Courses	Disc Golf Courses High Priority	Disc Golf Courses Medium Priority	Disc Golf Courses Low Priority	Disc Golf Courses Not a Priority
Downtown Public Spaces	Downtown Public Spaces High Priority	Downtown Public Spaces Medium Priority	Downtown Public Spaces Low Priority	Downtown Public Spaces Not a Priority
Equestrian Trails	Equestrian Trails High Priority	Equestrian Trails Medium Priority	Equestrian Trails Low Priority	Equestrian Trails Not a Priority
Fishing Access	Fishing Access High Priority	Fishing Access Medium Priority	Fishing Access Low Priority	Fishing Access Not a Priority
Hiking Trails	Hiking Trails High Priority	Hiking Trails Medium Priority	Hiking Trails Low Priority	Hiking Trails Not a Priority
Mountain Bike Trails	Mountain Bike Trails High Priority	Mountain Bike Trails Medium Priority	Mountain Bike Trails Low Priority	Mountain Bike Trails Not a Priority
Multi-Use Trails / Greenways	Multi-Use Trails / Greenways High Priority	Multi-Use Trails / Greenways Medium Priority	Multi-Use Trails / Greenways Low Priority	Multi-Use Trails / Greenways Not a Priority
OHV Trails	OHV Trails High Priority	OHV Trails Medium Priority	OHV Trails Low Priority	OHV Trails Not a Priority
Outdoor Event Venues	Outdoor Event Venues High Priority	Outdoor Event Venues Medium Priority	Outdoor Event Venues Low Priority	Outdoor Event Venues Not a Priority
Picnic Areas	Picnic Areas High Priority	Picnic Areas Medium Priority	Picnic Areas Low Priority	Picnic Areas Not a Priority
Playgrounds	Playgrounds High Priority	Playgrounds Medium Priority	Playgrounds Low Priority	Playgrounds Not a Priority
Pump Track / Bike Skills Area	Pump Track / Bike Skills Area High Priority	Pump Track / Bike Skills Area Medium Priority	Pump Track / Bike Skills Area Low Priority	Pump Track / Bike Skills Area Not a Priority
River Accesses	River Accesses High Priority	River Accesses Medium Priority	River Accesses Low Priority	River Accesses Not a Priority
Rock Climbing Access	Rock Climbing Access High Priority	Rock Climbing Access Medium Priority	Rock Climbing Access Low Priority	Rock Climbing Access Not a Priority
Skateboard Parks	Skateboard Parks High Priority	Skateboard Parks Medium Priority	Skateboard Parks Low Priority	Skateboard Parks Not a Priority
Swimming Areas	Swimming Areas High Priority	Swimming Areas Medium Priority	Swimming Areas Low Priority	Swimming Areas Not a Priority

Question Title

* 6. How should Bakersville and Spruce Pine prioritize the following items in their downtown areas?

	High Priority	Medium Priority	Low Priority	Not a Priority
Alleyways	Alleyways High Priority	Alleyways Medium Priority	Alleyways Low Priority	Alleyways Not a Priority
Amenities (Benches, Bike Racks, and Trash Cans)	Amenities (Benches, Bike Racks, and Trash Cans) High Priority	Amenities (Benches, Bike Racks, and Trash Cans) Medium Priority	Amenities (Benches, Bike Racks, and Trash Cans) Low Priority	Amenities (Benches, Bike Racks, and Trash Cans) Not a Priority
Bike / Pedestrian Infrastructure	Bike / Pedestrian Infrastructure High Priority	Bike / Pedestrian Infrastructure Medium Priority	Bike / Pedestrian Infrastructure Low Priority	Bike / Pedestrian Infrastructure Not a Priority
Building Facades	Building Facades High Priority	Building Facades Medium Priority	Building Facades Low Priority	Building Facades Not a Priority
Cleanliness	Cleanliness High Priority	Cleanliness Medium Priority	Cleanliness Low Priority	Cleanliness Not a Priority
Community Character and Unique Identity	Community Character and Unique Identity High Priority	Community Character and Unique Identity Medium Priority	Community Character and Unique Identity Low Priority	Community Character and Unique Identity Not a Priority
Free Wi-Fi	Free Wi-Fi High Priority	Free Wi-Fi Medium Priority	Free Wi-Fi Low Priority	Free Wi-Fi Not a Priority
Historic Preservation	Historic Preservation High Priority	Historic Preservation Medium Priority	Historic Preservation Low Priority	Historic Preservation Not a Priority
Lighting	Lighting High Priority	Lighting Medium Priority	Lighting Low Priority	Lighting Not a Priority
Parking	Parking High Priority	Parking Medium Priority	Parking Low Priority	Parking Not a Priority
Pedestrian Crossings	Pedestrian Crossings High Priority	Pedestrian Crossings Medium Priority	Pedestrian Crossings Low Priority	Pedestrian Crossings Not a Priority
Picnic Areas	Picnic Areas High Priority	Picnic Areas Medium Priority	Picnic Areas Low Priority	Picnic Areas Not a Priority
Public Art	Public Art High Priority	Public Art Medium Priority	Public Art Low Priority	Public Art Not a Priority
Public Space	Public Space High Priority	Public Space Medium Priority	Public Space Low Priority	Public Space Not a Priority
Storefront Signage	Storefront Signage High Priority	Storefront Signage Medium Priority	Storefront Signage Low Priority	Storefront Signage Not a Priority
Street Trees and Landscaping	Street Trees and Landscaping High Priority	Street Trees and Landscaping Medium Priority	Street Trees and Landscaping Low Priority	Street Trees and Landscaping Not a Priority
Wide Sidewalks	Wide Sidewalks High Priority	Wide Sidewalks Medium Priority	Wide Sidewalks Low Priority	Wide Sidewalks Not a Priority

Question Title

* 7. How often do the following issues present challenges to you or your family in accessing and participating in outdoor recreation in Mitchell County?

	Always	Often	Sometimes	Never
ADA Access	ADA Access Always	ADA Access Often	ADA Access Sometimes	ADA Access Never
Cost / Too Expensive	Cost / Too Expensive Always	Cost / Too Expensive Often	Cost / Too Expensive Sometimes	Cost / Too Expensive Never
Inadequate Parking	Inadequate Parking Always	Inadequate Parking Often	Inadequate Parking Sometimes	Inadequate Parking Never
Lack of Alternative Transportation	Lack of Alternative Transportation Always	Lack of Alternative Transportation Often	Lack of Alternative Transportation Sometimes	Lack of Alternative Transportation Never
Lack of Information and Directional Signage	Lack of Information and Directional Signage Always	Lack of Information and Directional Signage Often	Lack of Information and Directional Signage Sometimes	Lack of Information and Directional Signage Never
Lack of Ongoing Maintenance	Lack of Ongoing Maintenance Always	Lack of Ongoing Maintenance Often	Lack of Ongoing Maintenance Sometimes	Lack of Ongoing Maintenance Never
Lack of Public Access	Lack of Public Access Always	Lack of Public Access Often	Lack of Public Access Sometimes	Lack of Public Access Never
Need Special Equipment / Skills	Need Special Equipment / Skills Always	Need Special Equipment / Skills Often	Need Special Equipment / Skills Sometimes	Need Special Equipment / Skills Never
Overcrowding	Overcrowding Always	Overcrowding Often	Overcrowding Sometimes	Overcrowding Never
Safety Concerns	Safety Concerns Always	Safety Concerns Often	Safety Concerns Sometimes	Safety Concerns Never

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* 8. Please rank the following tourism categories by their importance to the Mitchell County community, with 1 being the highest priority.

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* 9. What amenities would you like to see in Mitchell County, such as parks, restaurants, shops, concerts, greenways, etc.?

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* 10. How important do you feel the tourism industry is to the future of Mitchell County?

	Very important	Important	Somewhat Important	Not important
Level of importance	Level of importance Very important	Level of importance Important	Level of importance Somewhat Important	Level of importance Not important

Question Title

* 11. Which of these do you believe sets Mitchell County tourism apart from other NC mountain destinations? Choose three.

Arts & Culture

Festivals & Events

History & Heritage

Local Businesses

Natural Beauty & Mountain Scenery

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

Small Town Charm & Hospitality

Other (Please Specify)

Question Title

* 12. Which of these words would you like people to associate with Mitchell County? Choose three.

Adventurous

Artistic

Authentic

Charming

Creative

Friendly

Historic

Lively

Peaceful

Rugged

Scenic

Welcoming

Other (Please Specify)

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* 13. Do you have any additional thoughts or ideas regarding the Elevate Mitchell Action Plan?

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* 14. What is your zip code?

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* 15. What is your age?

Under 18

18-22

23-29

30-39

40 49

50-64

65+

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* 16. What is your gender?

Male

Female

Other

Prefer Not to Answer

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* 17. How many children under the age of 18 live in your household?

None

1-2

3-4

More than 4

Prefer Not to Answer

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* 18. Please specify your race.

White or Caucasian

Black or African American

Asian or Asian American

Native American

Pacific Islander

Prefer Not to Answer

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* 19. Please specify your ethnicity.

Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino

Prefer Not to Answer

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* 20. What is the highest level of school or degree you have completed? If you’re currently enrolled in school please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

Less than a High School Diploma

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Vocational / Trade School

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Professional Degree

Doctoral Degree

Prefer Not to Answer

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* 21. What is your total household income?

Less than $14,999

$15,000 to $24,999

$25,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 to $199,999

$200,000 or More

Prefer Not to Answer

Elevate Mitchell Action Plan Community Survey

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* 1. Which activities have you or your family participated in within the last year in Mitchell County? (Choose all that apply)

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* 2. How would you rate the quality of the following elements in Mitchell County?

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* 3. How important are the following assets for residents and visitors to Mitchell County?

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* 4. How important are the following festivals and events for residents and visitors to Mitchell County?

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* 5. How should the Mitchell County TDA prioritize development and improvement of the following facilities?

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* 6. How should Bakersville and Spruce Pine prioritize the following items in their downtown areas?

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* 7. How often do the following issues present challenges to you or your family in accessing and participating in outdoor recreation in Mitchell County?

Question Title

* 8. Please rank the following tourism categories by their importance to the Mitchell County community, with 1 being the highest priority.

Question Title

* 9. What amenities would you like to see in Mitchell County, such as parks, restaurants, shops, concerts, greenways, etc.?

Question Title

* 10. How important do you feel the tourism industry is to the future of Mitchell County?

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* 11. Which of these do you believe sets Mitchell County tourism apart from other NC mountain destinations? Choose three.

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* 12. Which of these words would you like people to associate with Mitchell County? Choose three.

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* 13. Do you have any additional thoughts or ideas regarding the Elevate Mitchell Action Plan?

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* 14. What is your zip code?

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* 15. What is your age?

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* 16. What is your gender?

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* 17. How many children under the age of 18 live in your household?

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* 18. Please specify your race.

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* 19. Please specify your ethnicity.

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* 20. What is the highest level of school or degree you have completed? If you’re currently enrolled in school please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

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* 21. What is your total household income?

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* 22. If you'd like to receive updates about the Elevate Mitchell Action Plan, please enter your email.