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Downtown New Jersey Member Needs Survey
Economic Development
1.
How would you rate the current economic development efforts in your district?
Very Effective
Effective
Neutral
Ineffective
Very Ineffective
2.
What are the most pressing economic development challenges in your district? (Select all that apply)
Lack of investment
Decline in foot traffic
High vacancy rates
Competition from other areas
Other (please specify)
3.
Which economic development services would be most beneficial to your district? (Select up to 3)
Business attraction and recruitment support
Small business development resources
Market analysis and research
Financial incentives and grants
Other (please specify)
Infrastructure Needs
4.
How would you describe the current state of infrastructure in your district?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Very Poor
5.
Which infrastructure improvements are most needed in your district? (Select up to 3)
Streetscape improvements
Public transportation enhancements
Parking facilities
Broadband and technology infrastructure
Utility upgrades
Other (please specify)
Advocacy Needs
6.
What are the top advocacy issues you believe Downtown New Jersey should prioritize? (Select up to 3)
Zoning and land use policies
State and local tax incentives
Historic preservation
Affordable housing
Environmental sustainability
Pedestrian and bicycle safety
Liquor License Reform
Special Improvement District Legislation Reform
Other (please specify)
7.
How well do you feel your district's needs are represented at the state level?
Very Well
Well
Neutral
Poorly
Very Poorly
Business Recruitment and Retention
8.
What are the biggest challenges to business recruitment in your district? (Select all that apply)
Lack of suitable spaces
High rental costs
Insufficient incentives
Competition with online retailers
Other (please specify)
9.
What strategies would most help in retaining businesses in your district? (Select up to 3)
Increased marketing and promotion
Business mentoring and support programs
Financial assistance programs
Networking and collaboration opportunities
Other (please specify)
Education and Training
10.
What types of educational programs or training would benefit your
district's businesses and organizations
? (Select up to 3)
Digital marketing and e-commerce
Financial management and planning
Customer service and experience
Workforce development
How to Utilize AI Tools
Other (please specify)
11.
What types of educational programs or training would benefit your district managers and/or staff? (check all that apply)
Strategic Planning and Visioning
Financial Management and Budgeting
Governance and Leadership
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
Marketing and Branding
Economic Development Strategies
Urban Planning and Design
Event Planning and Management
Crisis Management and Resilience Planning
Technology and Innovation
Public Policy and Advocacy
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Grant Management and Reporting
Other (please specify)
12.
How would you prefer these educational programs to be delivered?
In-person workshops
Online webinars
Self-paced online courses
Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online)
Other (please specify)
Social/Support Services
13.
How significant is the issue of unhoused persons in your district?
Very Significant
Significant
Moderate
Minimal
Not an Issue
14.
What types of social/support services would be most beneficial to address critical issues like homelessness in your district? (Select up to 3)
Emergency shelters
Permanent supportive housing
Mental health services
Substance abuse programs
Job training and employment services
Other (please specify)
15.
How can Downtown New Jersey support your district in addressing these social issues?
Advocacy for more funding
Partnering with social service organizations
Providing training and resources for businesses on how to handle social issues
Hosting community forums and discussions
Other (please specify)
Funding Needs
16.
How would you describe the availability of funding for projects in your district?
Abundant
Sufficient
Neutral
Insufficient
Severely Lacking
17.
What types of funding opportunities would be most beneficial to your district? (Select up to 3)
Grants for infrastructure projects
Low-interest loans for businesses
Matching funds for community initiatives
Sponsorship opportunities
Other (please specify)
General
18.
Are you a (Check all that apply)
Special Improvement District (SID) / Business Improvement District (BID)
UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone)
Part of NPP (Neighborhood Preservation Program)
Member of the Main Street Program?
Are you Accredited (check if yes)?
19.
What additional support or resources could Downtown New Jersey provide to better assist your district?
20.
Please share any other comments or suggestions that would help Downtown New Jersey better serve your district.
Current Progress,
0 of 20 answered