Breaking Down Community Priorities from the Mastermind Survey

24 Apr Breaking Down Community Priorities from the Mastermind Survey

Posted at 12:09h in News by

Over the past few weeks, we’ve touched on the priorities that emerged from the Mastermind McPherson County Survey—first by outlining how we categorize them, and then by highlighting a recent Mastermind grant. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the specific priorities and business needs identified in each community.

Haven’t taken the survey yet? Click here—it only takes 10 minutes.

McPherson

Our largest response group came from McPherson, where priorities focus on infrastructure and access.

Top Priorities:

  1. Improve public infrastructure (biggest riser)

  2. Expand access to quality, affordable childcare

  3. Expand access to quality, affordable housing

  4. Attract new businesses

  5. Remove or renovate blighted properties

Note: The biggest riser was expanding public infrastructure, while the biggest fallers were removing blight and beatifying public spaces.

Business/Service Requests: Childcare center, family restaurant, indoor activities for kids, mental health services, bakery, clothing stores.

Canton

Canton’s priorities reflect a need for placemaking and local development.

Top Priorities:

  1. Improve public infrastructure (biggest riser)

  2. Remove or renovate blighted properties

  3. Attract new businesses (biggest faller)

  4. Offer more public events and programs

  5. Expand local businesses

Note: The second largest drop of any single category on any survey was Attracting new businesses in Canton. Dropped 15% from 2023

Business/Service Requests: Restaurants, childcare centers, recreation facilities, grocery stores, mental health and addiction services.

Galva

Galva’s focus is on revitalization, growth, and community involvement.

Top Priorities:

  1. Attract new businesses

  2. Improve public infrastructure (biggest faller)

  3. Remove or renovate blighted properties

  4. Drive student engagement

  5. Beautify public spaces

Note: The biggest riser was expanding local businesses, just outside the top five.

Business/Service Requests: Restaurants, convenience stores, recreation centers, daycare support, bank, pharmacy, grocery store.

Inman

Inman is focused on economic development, access, and public infrastructure.

Top Priorities:

  1. Attract new businesses

  2. Expand access to affordable childcare

  3. Encourage local entrepreneurship

  4. Improve public infrastructure (biggest riser)

  5. Remove or renovate blighted properties

Note: Drive student engagement dropped to No. 7, the largest faller in priority.

Business/Service Requests: Childcare center, affordable ethnic restaurant, manufacturing plant, indoor play space, car wash, thrift store.

Lindsborg

Lindsborg’s priorities emphasize economic development, access, and engagement.

Top Priorities:

  1. Attract new businesses (biggest riser)

  2. Expand access to affordable housing

  3. Remove or renovate blighted properties

  4. Drive student engagement

  5. Expand local businesses

Note: While encouraging local entrepreneurship dropped in priority, expanding local businesses rose.

Business/Service Requests: Fitness centers, restaurants and fast food, hardware stores, recreation centers, community spaces, industry.

Marquette

Marquette is looking to grow economically and improve infrastructure and housing.

Top Priorities:

  1. Attract new businesses (biggest riser)

  2. Remove or renovate blighted properties

  3. Improve public infrastructure

  4. Encourage local entrepreneurship

  5. Expand local businesses

Note: The largest drop of any single category on any survey was beautifying public places in Marquette. Dropped 16% from 2023. The Marquette Chamber received a Mastermind grant for it in 2024.

Business/Service Requests: Restaurant, hardware store, coffee shop, convenience store, café, laundry service.

Moundridge

Moundridge’s focus is on the continued expansion of Childcare and enhancing economic opportunities.

Top Priorities:

  1. Expand access to affordable childcare

  2. Improve public infrastructure

  3. Attract new businesses (biggest riser)

  4. Drive student engagement

  5. Encourage local entrepreneurship

Note: Community restoration-related priorities fell the most, while economic-focused ones rose. 

Business/Service Requests: Childcare center, fast food, dentist office, recreation business, grocery store, gas station, community engagement center.

Countywide View

When we zoom out, several priorities are shared across communities—like business attraction, childcare access, and infrastructure. However, each town ranks them differently, highlighting the unique needs and contexts of each area.

These insights are critical for community leaders and funders making decisions. And while the data reflects collective input, your individual voice still matters.

Haven’t shared your perspective yet? Take this year’s survey here.

This information isn’t just for us—it’s also shared with more than 100 leaders across McPherson County at our annual community summits, helping shape real-world action.

 

For reference (Surveys received 2024):

Canton: 68

Galva: 47

Inman: 127

Lindsborg: 144

Marquette: 65

McPherson: 370

Moundridge: 133

We need help to reach these numbers again this year! We encourage you to share the share this survey with loved ones, co-workers and friends who live or work in McPherson County.