Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2024 Community Enhancement Survey Results
2024 Community Enhancement Survey Results
2024 Community Enhancement Survey Results
Alpena Community College, State and Local Government Course (PLS 222)
POC: Tim Kuehnlein
kuehnlet@alpenacc.edu
Developed, executed and reported in partnership with The Thunder Bay Arts Council, Mary Ellen Jones,
and other community organizations.
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
The 2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey was crafted to address the
evolving landscape of the Northeast Michigan region, aiming to understand the diverse wants
and needs of its current residents.
This survey also sought to uncover community members thoughts, comments and concerns,
ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into community development initiatives.
Developed collaboratively by The Sunset Project, Alpena Community College, and local
organizations, this survey hopes to serve as a vital tool for informed decision-making and
strategic planning on both a hyper-local, local and regional level.
This survey was conducted electrically, opening Monday, March 11 and closing Friday, March
29, 2024. During this timeframe, the survey collected responses from 323 individuals across 11
different counties, providing a comprehensive overview of Northeast Michigan's community
composition.
2
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 1: Age
Question Type: Select One
< 25 51 15.79%
26 - 36 30 9.29%
37 – 47 37 11.45%
48 – 58 53 16.41%
59 – 69 71 21.99%
70+ 81 25.08%
3
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
4
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 7: Occupation
Question Type: Short Answer Text
The following data set represents the twelve (12) most recurring responses among the 323 participants
Retired 38 11.76%
Teacher 25 7.73%
Student 12 3.71%
Sales 10 3.09%
Administrative 8 2.48%
Nurse 7 2.17%
Police Officer 4 1.24%
Executive Director 3 0.93%
Human Resources 3 0.93%
Writer 3 0.93%
Marketing 3 0.93%
Self Employed 3 0.93%
5
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
$79,000 + 88 29.33%
$58,000 - $78,000 76 25.33%
$37,000 - $57,000 73 24.33%
< $36,000 63 21.00%
6
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Fishing 47 14.54%
Hiking 42 13.00%
Boating 28 8.67%
Swimming 25 7.73%
Kayaking 21 6.50%
Walking 19 5.88%
Camping 18 5.57%
Biking 17 5.26%
Enjoying nature 16 4.95%
Attending local events/festivals 14 4.33%
7
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 12: “Are there activities from the past you would like to bring back
or any new activities you would like to see in the future?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants
Participant Response
Festivals
There's a strong desire for more festivals, including the Winter Carnival, River Fest, Ice Fest, Flower
Fest, and more.
Outdoor Activities
More outdoor community activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and swimming are highly
desired.
Community Events
Increased town events like bandshell shows, holiday events, and town-wide gatherings are desired to
bring the community together.
Family-Friendly Activities
Activities that cater to families and children, such as an outdoor ice rink, roller skating rink, sleigh rides,
and movie nights in the park.
Music Events
Concerts, music festivals, and events featuring both local and major artists are desired, including big
bandshell summer concerts.
Educational Events
Historical tours, nature hikes, storytelling sessions, and educational events focusing on the area's history,
geography, and environment.
Volunteering Opportunities
More opportunities for community volunteering, including events like soup kitchens, community clean-
ups, and mural creation.
Community Engagement
Events that promote community engagement and interaction across different age groups, including
scavenger hunts, parades, and community dances.
8
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
The following are specific examples of some Question 12 responses, as provided by the survey
participants.
Community Events and Gatherings:
• Reviving past festivals like River Fest, Lighthouse Festival, or Ossineke Old Fashioned
Days.
• Organizing more town-wide events, such as bandshell concerts, holiday celebrations, or
parades.
• Introducing new festivals or gatherings focused on specific themes like art, music, or
local culture.
Outdoor Recreation:
• Creating more hiking trails and bike paths throughout the area.
• Establishing winter activities like ice skating rinks, sledding hills, and cross-country
skiing trails.
• Hosting fishing tournaments, ORV trails, and other outdoor sporting events.
Family-Friendly Events:
• Planning family-friendly festivals with activities for children, such as games, crafts, and
interactive exhibits
• Hosting movie nights in the park or family-friendly outdoor concerts.
• Organizing seasonal events like Easter passion plays or children's museum exhibitions.
9
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
10
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 16: “In your opinion, are community events and activities marketed
well in your area/Northeast Michigan?”
Question Type: Yes or No
Question 17: “If not, how would you like to see this improve?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the five (5) most recurring responses among the 323 participants
11
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 19: “How satisfied are you with the amount of youth-based activities
in your area/Northeast Michigan?”
Question Type: Select One
Question 20: “In your opinion, what is the best approach to encouraging more
youth involvement in community activities?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the seven (7) most recurring responses among the 323 participants
12
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 21: “Where do you go if you leave your area/Northeast Michigan for
something else? (concerts, entertainment, culture, shopping, etc.) How far do
you typically travel to get what you want?”
Question Type: Short Answer Text
The following data set represents the seven (7) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
Average travel distance mentioned is approximately 228.57 miles or 3.81 hours.
Detroit 58 21.55%
Mentioned for concerts, shopping,
entertainment, and cultural events.
Gaylord 38 14.12%
Mentioned for shopping and sometimes
entertainment.
Chicago 19 7.06%
Mentioned for concerts, entertainment,
and shopping.
Saginaw 17 6.32%
Mentioned for shopping and sometimes
entertainment.
13
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 22: “In your opinion, what types of physical spaces would provide
cultural value to your area/Northeast Michigan? (ex. theatres, parks,
performance venues, museums, art exhibits, etc.)
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
Museums 63 12.25%
Museums were seen as important cultural institutions,
with calls for more exhibits, better utilization of
existing museums, and the creation of new ones to
showcase local history and art.
Theaters 45 8.76%
The importance of theaters for live performances,
including plays, concerts, and other artistic endeavors,
was highlighted, indicating a need for spaces dedicated
to cultural expression.
14
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Waterparks 9 1.75%
Waterparks were mentioned as potential attractions,
offering both recreational and cultural value,
particularly in the context of Northeast Michigan's
natural environment and tourism industry.
15
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
16
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
17
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 24: “How can your area/Northeast Michigan work to become a more
engaging community overall?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
18
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
19
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 25: “What do you believe is the most essential need in your
community today?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
Housing 67 20.74%
Affordable housing emerged as the most pressing
need, with many expressing concerns about
housing availability, affordability, and quality for
various demographics, including families,
professionals, and young people.
Jobs/Employment 34 10.53%
Creating good-paying jobs and fostering economic
opportunities were highlighted as essential for
community growth and prosperity, particularly to
retain and attract young professionals.
Education 21 6.50%
Enhancing educational opportunities, including
pathways to education and quality programs, was
seen as crucial for empowering individuals and
improving overall community well-being.
20
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Healthcare 14 4.33%
Access to quality healthcare services, including
medical facilities and specialists, was highlighted as
necessary for ensuring the well-being and vitality
of community members.
21
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 27: “In your opinion, what could be done to make others in your
neighborhood/community feel more valued?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
22
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 28: “How satisfied are you with the quality of life in your
hometown/Northeast Michigan?”
Question Type: Select One
23
2024 Northeast Michigan Community Enhancement Survey Data Report Published April 18, 2024
Question 29: “In your opinion, is there anything more your area/Northeast
Michigan could be doing as a community to improve the overall well-being of those
who live here?”
Question Type: Long Answer Text
The following data set represents the ten (10) most recurring responses among the 323 participants.
Participant Response
Transportation Accessibility
Improve transportation options, including public transit and services for those who do not drive, to
increase mobility and access to essential services.
24