MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County residents have just one more day to make their voices heard through the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Resident Perception Survey.
The survey closes tomorrow, marking the end of the third and final year under the foundation’s current three-year survey program.
The survey gathers residents’ opinions about what is working in their communities, what needs improvement and what they believe should be priorities for the future. Results are shared with local governments, nonprofits, volunteers and other community organizations to help guide planning and potential grant funding.
Previous surveys have identified priorities including housing, public infrastructure, removing or renovating blighted properties, food access, childcare and efforts to attract new businesses and expand existing ones.
The foundation has made a particular effort this year to hear from younger residents, renters, people of color and people living in smaller Reno County communities.
There is also a financial incentive tied to this year’s participation. The foundation has set aside $50,000 for community projects, with a proportion of that money going back to communities based on their percentage of completed surveys. Community meetings will later be held to help determine which projects receive funding.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and allows residents to provide additional written feedback on issues important to their communities.
Residents who have not yet participated can complete the survey at RenoSurvey.com.