Lead Hill Area Diamond City, Lead Hill, South Lead Hill Community Assessment November 2009 Rural Community Alliance (c)

Surveys Thank you to all who participated in the community survey. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Survey Demographics 75% of respondents have internet and 80% of those with internet had broadband/DSL. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Survey Demographics 32% of respondents had a 65+ year-old in the household while 68% did not. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Why do residents live here? (Ranked with most popular reasons first) To be near family Bull Shoals Lake Low crime rate Reasonable cost of living Knowing your neighbor Sense of community Quality of schools Good retirement area Rural Community Alliance (c)

How do residents feel about their community? 92% believe the community is a good place to live. 59% believe the community has a positive future; 10% do not; 30% do not know. 89% believe this community is a good place to raise children. 82% believe this is a good place for senior citizens to live. Rural Community Alliance (c)

How do they feel about the school? 100% of respondents say it is important to have the Lead Hill School District within the community. 99% believe it is important to have community involvement in the school. 65% believe students receive a quality education here; 15% believe they do not; 19% do not know. Rural Community Alliance (c)

SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Rural Community Alliance (c)

Strengths Bull Shoals Lake K-12 school Emergency medical and fire protection services Residents feel strongly about preserving historic and cultural heritage (88% of respondents) Residents feel strongly about protecting and promoting natural resources of area (92% of respondents) Good blend of people from multi-generation residents to newcomers. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Weaknesses EMERGENCY PLAN - Only 18% of respondents are aware of an area-wide emergency plan. KNOWLEDGE OF SERVICES - Only 8% believe that people are aware of all local, state, and federal services available. SERVICES FOR THOSE IN NEED - Only 30% believe there are sufficient services for people in need. COMMUNICATIONS –Difficulties in disseminating information. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Weaknesses ADEQUATE CHILDCARE SERVICES - 48% believe there is a need for adequate childcare services, while 27% believe adequate and 25% don’t know ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH – Only 9% believe there are adequate activities and recreation for youth. WORK FOR YOUNG ADULTS - Only 42% believe there are adequate opportunities for younger residents to stay in the community. . Rural Community Alliance (c)

Got water? OPPORTUNITIES Bull Shoals Lake Water & Sewer Capacity– the community uses less than ½ half of available water & sewer capacity. Rural Community Alliance (c)

Opportunities Sugarloaf Industrial Development Corporation of Northern Boone County Rural Community Alliance (c)

Opportunities Communication opportunity – 22% believe the Chamber of Commerce actively promotes business expansion and development, 21% disagree with that, and 57% don’t know. Development - 77% believe that new growth and development is favorable. Most business owners believe tourism should be main focus of economic development. Community survey’s most popular choices for economic development: Health Services Small business enterprises Industrial Development Rental Apartments/Housing Rural Community Alliance (c)

Opportunities 64% of respondents would like to see a pharmacy in the community. 76% of residents believe that affordable rental houses and apartments would attract people. 71% of respondents believe there is a need for revitalization. Capitalize on the natural, cultural, and people assets of the area. Attract those looking for “Quality of Place.” Rural Community Alliance (c)

Threats Declining school enrollment Economic decline could lead to loss of business, jobs, population Rivalry between the three communities Competition from nearby strong retail markets in Branson & Harrison Apathy Rural Community Alliance (c)

Objectives Build on the Strengths Eliminate the Weaknesses Take advantage of Opportunities Prepare to counter Threats Rural Community Alliance (c)

What’s next? Focus Groups Rural Community Alliance (c) Education Arts & Heritage Natural Resources Economic Development Community Services Focus Groups City Beautification Rural Community Alliance (c)