Community Forum May 9

POMEROY–The 2023 Pomeroy Community Assessment is scheduled to be presented at the Community Forum at the Pataha Flour Mill on Tuesday, May 9 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Survey results conducted this year by SEWEDA in February and March, will be the topic of discussion.

The survey was available in two forms; the first as an online questionnaire, and "a second was a CEDS board made available to the public at various community events and locations, including the Senior Center, City Hall, a Forum meeting, a Chamber meeting," said Jack Peasley, SEWEDA. "The 2023 CEDS on line survey results contain the various communities in the SEWEDA area....Garfield County had more participants than any other community!"

Highlighting percentages provided by the survey uncovered in the four categories of infrastructure tourism and natural resources, community development and education and workforce, 84% considered the biggest infrastructure issue is housing availability and affordability. In tourism and natural resources, 89% find visitor accommodations a problem, and in tourism and natural resources, 69% consider regional transportation needs to be addressed. Other aspects of the survey found to be lacking in the community development category is childcare and after school programs (98%). However, Education seems to be faring better with 89% believing the K-12 school facilities are doing great, but 59% think higher education and career training could improve. The greatest issue that should be addressed in the education and workforce category by 83% of those surveyed is job availability and unemployment.

For more conclusive data coverage and detailed discussion will be available at the meeting on May 9.