The latest community survey by Excelsior Springs Thrive offers a detailed snapshot of a community at a crossroads, grappling with various challenges but also showing signs of resilience and hope. With 528 respondents, a 29% increase from the previous year, the survey uncovers a multitude of perspectives on safety, housing, economic concerns, and community engagement.
The survey’s demographic spread was predominantly white or Caucasian (95% in 2023), mirroring the area’s ethnic makeup. Age-wise, the most significant representation came from the 45-64 age group, comprising 39% of respondents, followed by the 25-44 age group at 36%. A noteworthy aspect was the presence of residents both within the city limits (57%) and from the wider 64024 zip code area, ensuring a broad spectrum of viewpoints.
Safety concerns saw a slight increase, which some might think would be linked to the increase in unusual violent events in 2022. However, specific comments from respondents regarding safety were few, with more generalized wishes for more police and firemen and concerns about pedestrian safety and activities for youth, suggesting a community perception of safety that extends beyond crime rates.
The survey highlighted a notable concern about housing, with 54% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction, signaling a pressing need for low and middle-income housing solutions. The top three concerns were the availability of local living wage jobs, housing, and homelessness, indicating our community is acutely aware of its socio-economic challenges.
Economic vitality and the availability of living wage jobs were significant concerns, with 60% of respondents in 2023 expressing dissatisfaction. This points to a community seeking more economic opportunities and sustainable employment solutions.
In a more positive light, 81% of residents felt that their quality of life was either excellent or good. There was a significant increase in satisfaction levels with resident and community engagement and a consistent improvement in access to healthcare over the past three years.
The survey reveals an upswing in community engagement, indicating a community becoming more active and involved. This positive shift is welcome when many communities are facing challenges in civic participation.
Interestingly, there was a slight decline in feelings of connectedness and an increase in loneliness. These findings are particularly important in the broader loneliness epidemic identified by the US Surgeon General, underscoring the need for targeted community initiatives.
Excelsior Springs Thrive Director Kim Halfhill highlights the role of hope in community development, emphasizing the need for pathways and willpower. Halfhill said, the theory of Hope is that people need two things to have hope in their lives: an opportunity for new pathways or options and the willpower or capacity to follow those new paths as they open. This perspective is vital in understanding how community sentiments, as reflected in the survey, can translate into actionable plans for improvement.
Halfhill said Excelsior Springs, marked by its resilience and challenges, is poised for continued growth and development. The detailed insights from the survey serve as a foundation for future community strategies. Continuous engagement and feedback from residents will be vital in ensuring that these strategies are aligned with the community’s needs and aspirations.
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Are there still plans for active senior housing?
Yes, Patty. There are still plans underway for senior housing.