City agencies launch community survey

A survey launched earlier this week is seeking the public's input on what makes Mountain Home so unique and what it needs to encourage people to do business here.

The city's chamber of commerce and economic development offices started the poll to gain a better understanding of what people like about the community and what needs to be improved.

Paula Riggs, who heads the city's economic development office, emphasized the survey isn't a "shop local" push. Instead, it's an effort to market the Mountain Home community as part of its ongoing effort to foster current and future business development.

It's the first step in a process known as branding -- singling out the positive assets that make Mountain Home unique compared to other communities across southern Idaho. Riggs said.

Targeting individuals from school age students to senior citizens, the 10-question poll also explores the reasons that convince people to go to other cities to satisfy their shopping, entertainment and business needs.

"It's all anonymous," Riggs said. "We want honest feedback -- the good and the bad."

Ultimately, efforts like this will help make Mountain Home a better place to live, work and play and "the best place to enjoy spending your time and money," she added.

People can take the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/QYJRJXL or through the chamber of commerce's web site at www.mountainhomechamber.com. Hard copy versions are also available at the chamber of commerce and city hall.

People have until April 30 to fill out and return the surveys. For more information, call the chamber of commerce at 587-4334 or the economic development office at 587-2173.