Osmond Survey Shows Community Support
OSMOND — As part of the Entrepreneurial Communities Activation Process (ECAP), the University of Nebraska Extension conducted a community-wide survey to determine community interests and perceptions. The survey was conducted from Jan. 15 to Feb. 5. The results of the survey were revealed during the Osmond ECAP discussion on Monday, Feb. 24.
Becky Vogt, UNL Research Manager, shared that a total of 128 surveys were completed, of which 60% of the respondents live in Osmond, 28% live on a nearby farm, ranch or acreage and 12% commute into Osmond for work. Vogt stated that the results cannot be generalized across the community but is a snapshot of the opinions of those who responded to the survey.
Survey questions covered community culture themes such as community vision, infrastructure, leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. Individuals were also asked to prioritize the importance of various community services like health care, downtown development, retail, day care and business development.
Community survey respondents completely and mostly agree that Osmond has a strong identity (79%) and sense of purpose (61%). Approximately two-thirds of respondents say Osmond has a majority of residents who strongly identify with the community and who have strong pride in the community Just over four in ten (43%) think Osmond promotes innovation and creativity and 38% believe it proactively drives change. Just over one-half of the respondents believe Osmond has leaders who are motivated to improve the economic and social well-being in the community and has leaders who engage and empower citizens.
Over four in ten (44%) believe the community uses a variety of tools for communication to keep citizens in the loop. However, 32% believe it has leaders who use technology for governing and managing the community and 19% believe the community has affordable high-speed Internet services. Marilyn Schlake, Nebraska Extension Educator and ECAP Discussion leader stated that Osmond, like most communities, has an expressed need for improved communications. “Respondents are wanting their local leadership and city government to keep up with technological changes and provide resources and information in multiple online formats, from responsive websites to social media updates.” High-speed broadband is also important for small businesses to compete beyond the local economy.
Survey respondents also rated the adequacy of various types of housing stock. Most respondents rate the following housing types as inadequate: existing affordable homes for sale (65%), higher-end homes for sale (60%), affordable rental units or homes (59%), new construction affordable homes for sale (72%) and subsidized rental housing (52%). Almost four in ten (39%) rate housing for the elderly as adequate or better.
Copies of the full Osmond ECAP survey can be obtained at the Osmond Republican offices or download the report off of the Pierce County Economic Development web site at https://www.pcedne .com/pages/45 . Click on the documents button to access all Osmond ECAP reports.
The next Osmond ECAP meetings are scheduled for March 30 and April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Osmond City Auditorium. All community members are invited to attend. For more information about the Osmond ECAP process, contact Doug Ketelsen, dketelsen57 @gmail.com or (402) 360-0231.
