Unpacking the Secrets of Successful Communities

Please take this survey and tell us what you think makes communities tick. These survey questions are based on successful strategies from around the country and your answers will help define the topics and expertise we will bring to the meeting. We recognize that national trends are driving against economic viability in rural places and rural communities, but some of our Adirondack North Country communities are bucking those trends and we want to understand how and why. We will publish the results of this survey before the annual meeting, and will use it as the starting place to develop a community based guidance tool for helping communities across the region learn from each other and apply the tools and systems that are working both here and across the country.

Question Title

* 1. What is your zip code?

Question Title

* 2. Choose your top 10 criteria for a successful community: (attractive, resilient, vibrant, desirable, welcoming...)

The Basics: Resources such as affordable housing, social services, healthcare, and access to food.

The Basics: Infrastructure that works - water, sewers, roads, bridges...

The Basics: Broadband (internet access) and cell phone service

The Basics: Access to alternative forms of transportation such as ride sharing, bike lanes, etc.

The Economy: Living-wage jobs

The Economy: A visible entrepreneurial ecosystem (access to financing for new or expanding ventures, business training and tools, spirit of fostering and welcoming local business/enterprise)

Main Streets & Community Assets: A downtown that is walkable, aesthetically pleasing, safe, has parking, and is an economic and social driver

Main Streets & Community Assets: A focus on enhancing and preserving existing assets

Main Streets & Community Assets: A free community hub such as a park, library, community center or art space

Main Streets & Community Assets: Access to green spaces/outdoor recreational opportunities

Culture & Food: Arts & culture venues and activities that are visible and accessible to residents and visitors

Culture & Food: Local gathering places centered around food/beverages such as a brewery/pub, coffee shop, or diner.

Culture & Food: Access to local foods (connecting with local farmers, farm markets, etc.)

Leadership: Strong leaders and engaged citizens who share a vision for the future, communicate effectively and cooperate for mutual benefit to "make the town go"

Leadership: Emphasis on inclusion of residents, visitors and newcomers

Education: Options for families such as affordable daycare, pre-school and other early childhood educational opportunities

Education: Access to diverse educational choices such as alternative elementary and high schools

Education: Proximity to a college, university, or other higher-education institution

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. How important is an active 'digital community' for you? (such as e-commerce, telehealth, telework, precision agriculture) The digital age has the potential to level the playing field between urban and rural communities. “Virtual density” allows diverse groups of people to collaborate regardless of where they live and work. This changing nature of innovation could provide unique opportunities for rural areas.

Essential

Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not Important

N/A

Question Title

* 4. What is the quirkiest thing in or about your community (such as a special building, unique gathering place, festival, individual, group, or quality)?

Question Title

* 5. In the past five years, do you think your community has gotten better or worse?

Better

Worse

I'm new here!

How or why?