Resident Focus Groups Work to Develop “Vision”

A Process to Help Shape Carver’s Future

In January the City Council hired an independent facilitator to solicit resident input on the upcoming comprehensive plan process and on the development of resident engagement strategies.  The purpose of using the independent facilitator was to create a more comfortable environment for residents and other community stakeholders to openly share their thoughts on the future of the community. (Read more…) Phil Barnes, of WSB & Associates, was hired to lead this effort.  The complete focus group report can be found by clicking here.

Thank You Focus Group Participants! 

Randy Sefkar, Mary Nelson, Monica Hron, Tim Dahlby, Bill Buckingham, Annette Hentz, Jim Hammers, Molly Hanson, Greg Osterdyk, Jacob Lemmon, Tim Heelan, Mark Lano, Nancy Chrismer, Jane Thon, Gretchen Holmgren, Steve Squires, Rich Buetow, Doug Weber, Denise Anderson, Julie Kanthak, Monica Hinze, Riley Thiesfeld, Laurie Sayer, and Chris Reuvers.

A Balanced Vision for the Future

Participants would like Carver to keep a small town & neighborly feel, while allowing for balanced development. This can be accomplished through community & public engagement opportunities. Participants want balanced development, job creation, & an active historical downtown. Participants want commercial, industrial & affordable residential development, while not losing focus on attracting youth, enhancing community spirit, and managing natural & recreational resources. The comprehensive plan should balance projects for older and new areas to create a vibrant, walkable, safe place to live, work, and shop.

Focus Groups: Guiding Principles Developed 

Guiding Principle #1:
Develop Community Cohesiveness  Through Collaboration

Guiding Principle #2:
Compete for Commercial & Industrial Development

Guiding Principle #3:
Support Historic Downtown

Guiding Principle #4:
Encourage Affordable Housing for Aging & New Residents

Guiding Principle #5:
Communication, Education, and Transparency

Guiding Principle #6:
Leverage Park & School Partnerships

Complete Focus Group Report

CLICK HERE