Mastermind McPherson communities and their priorities.

11 Apr Mastermind McPherson communities and their priorities.

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve briefly discussed the priorities that were found in our Mastermind McPherson County Survey. First through how we categorize the priorities and then with how our granting has addressed them. Now we can break down some of the interesting wants/priorities that showed up for each community.

A quick insert just in case you haven’t had the chance to take a survey click here (It only takes 10 minutes)!

Communities Priorities and wants:

For McPherson, the area we received the most responses, we see priorities that focus on the upkeep of and access of the city.

McPherson Priorities top 5:

1. Improve public Infrastructure
2. Expand access to quality and affordable housing
3. Expand access to quality and affordable childcare
4. Remove/renovate run-down housing
5. Address access and affordability of local mental health services

In the survey we gave a space for community member to share what businesses/services they’d like to see enter their town.

McPherson Business wants:

Healthier food options, a 24hr Denny’s, KFC, Perkins, bike shop, splash pad, clothing store, Youth hangout, Riflery and another grocery store.

Cantons priorities stem from a need of economic development and restoration:

1. Attract new businesses
2. Improve public infrastructure
3. Remove/renovate run-down properties
4. Expand local businesses
5. Develop community pride

Canton Business wants:

Grocery store, restaurants, coffee shop and an IHOP

Galva priorities came from a place of revitalization and growth:

1. Improve public infrastructure
2. Remove/Renovate run-down properties
3. Encourage Local Entrepreneurship
4. Attract new businesses
5. Create and refine programs to improve student engagement

Galva Business Wants:

Auto Mechanic Shop, a convenience store, clothing store, bank and cracker barrel.

Inman priorities look at improving economy and access for new community members:

1. Attract new businesses
2. Expand access to affordable childcare services
3. Encourage local entrepreneurship
4. Create and refine programs to improve student engagement in the community
5. Expand local businesses

Inman business wants:

Coffee shop, ice cream parlor, auto mechanic, clothing store, mental health center and larger grocery store.

Lindsborg priorities focus on community and economic health:

1. Expand access to quality and affordable childcare support services
2. Encourage local entrepreneurship
3. Attract new businesses
4. Remove/renovate run-down properties
5. Address access and affordability of local mental health services

Lindsborg business wants:

Microbrewery, recreation center, conference center, McDonalds, Cracker Barrel, Sonic, hardware store, kite shop and quilt shop.

Marquette has established their priorities as a need for growth and beautification:

1. Remove/Renovate run-down properties
2. Attract new businesses
3. Improve public infrastructure
4. Beautify our public areas
5. Expand local businesses

Marquette business wants:

Entertainment, café and 24 hour restaurant

Moundridge priorities show a need for restoration and community health:

1. Remove/renovate run-down properties
2. Expand access to quality and affordable childcare
3. Attract new business
4. Improve public infrastructure
5. Expand access to quality and affordable housing

Moundridge business wants:

Sit-down restaurant, sonic, chick-fil-a, liquor store, boutique, dollar general and a clothing store.

Looking at all of these priorities and wants from the top down, we see priorities that are shared by the communities. However, there are no communities that have the exact same order.  A county wide look can be good for helping multi community leaders make decisions, but these breakdowns are important for showing how priorities change by situation.

Of course, the priorities and wants listed may not follow what you personally might want for your community so please give your input for this year’s survey here. These surveys not only help us make decisions about granting but are shared with community leaders. Last year this information was shared with over 100 leaders from across McPherson County at our yearly summit.

For reference (Surveys received 2023):

Canton: 19

Galva: 21

Inman: 53

Lindsborg: 119

Marquette: 27

McPherson: 312

Moundridge: 80

Roxbury 2

Windom: 27