Downtown El Centro - Community Survey

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey! Your feedback is valuable in helping us understand the public's perceptions and priorities for the Downtown area of El Centro. Your responses will help the City decide how to prioritize funding, programs, and improvements for Downtown El Centro.

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

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* 1. What is your age?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

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* 2. Where do you live?

El Centro

Brawley

Calexico

Calipatria

Heber

Holtville

Imperial

Seeley

Westmorland

Other community in Imperial County

Outside Imperial County

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* 3. What is your primary connection to the Downtown area? (Select all that apply)

I live in or near the Downtown area

I work in the Downtown area

I own property in Downtown

I own or operate a business in Downtown

I shop or dine there regularly

I visit occasionally for special events or services

I rarely or never go Downtown

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* 4. How would you rate the overall appearance of the Downtown area?

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Very Poor

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* 5. What businesses or services do you currently use in Downtown El Centro? (Select all that apply)

Professional services (medical, legal, tax preparation, tailoring, etc.)

Retail shopping (clothing, gifts, general merchandise)

Personal services (salons, barbers, tattoo parlors, fitness/dance studios)

Restaurants and Cafés

Bars or Nightclubs

Automotive repair/services

Event or Social Venues (The Loft, American Legion Hall, Fraternal Order of Eagles, etc.)

Religious Services (churches, places of worship)

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 6. What do you think are the strengths of Downtown El Centro? (Select all that apply)

Historic buildings/Architecture

Walkability

Community atmosphere

Local businesses

Cultural attractions/events

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 7. What are the biggest challenges in Downtown El Centro? (Select all that apply)

Poor maintenance of public spaces/buildings

Safety concerns

Homelessness

Lack of parking

Lack of public spaces (parks, seating areas)

Insufficient shopping and dining options

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 8. What improvements would you like to see in Downtown El Centro? (Select up to three)

More or improved public spaces (Parks, plazas, parkettes, etc.)

More parking options

Renovated and better maintained buildings/storefronts

Public art installations (murals, art on benches and sidewalks, etc.)

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 9. What public safety improvements would make you feel safer in Downtown El Centro? (Select up to three)

Programs to address homelessness and mental health

Community outreach and engagement by police

More security cameras in public areas

Increased police presence

Presence of customers and visitors on the street to make the area feel safer and less empty

Better street lighting

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 10. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Downtown El Centro? (Select up to three)

Restaurants or cafes

Specialty shops (clothing, gifts, boutiques, vintage shops)

Small grocery and convenience stores

More professional offices (medical, legal, consulting)

Fitness centers or wellness studios

Entertainment (movie theaters, arcades, live music venues, escape rooms)

Art studios and cultural centers (galleries, museums, creative spaces)

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 11. What types of events would you be most interested in attending in Downtown El Centro? (Select up to three)

Regularly scheduled Monthly or Weekly Community Markets (e.g., First Fridays, weekly events)

Food Festivals (e.g., taco festivals, chili cook-offs)

Seasonal or Themed Parades (e.g., Christmas, Mardi Gras)

Alley Art Walks and Outdoor Art Exhibits

Live Music and Entertainment

Family-friendly Activities (e.g., movie nights, kid zones, street games)

Other (please specify)

None of the above

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* 12. What do you think is a better look for Downtown? Should the buildings look compatible with each other (like avoid using clashing building colors, better-quality signs, etc.), even if that means building/business owners would have less flexibility on the design of their buildings?

Yes, stricter guidelines help make Downtown look nice and neat

No, people who own the buildings should have more flexibility

I'm not sure

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* 13. Do you think the City should offer financial incentives (such as reduced permitting costs for opening businesses or hosting events) to encourage new development and activities in Downtown?

Yes, that’s a good idea

I don’t really have an opinion

No, that’s not a good idea

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* 14. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions for improving Downtown El Centro?

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* 15. Your responses will help shape the future of Downtown El Centro. If you would like to stay informed about upcoming projects or events in Downtown, please provide your email address (optional).