Community Input
Collecting input from Mason City leaders and the broader community was vitally important to define the City’s immediate, short-, and long-term housing goals. A variety of tools were deployed to collect this qualitative data from a diverse group of community members. The primary engagement methods used were public input sessions utilizing volunteer-led interactive stations and online and printed surveys distributed to the general public and the local workforce - both residents and commuters. Key stakeholders from service providers to contractors and builders also were invited to participate in a number of focus groups conversations and one-on-one interviews.
Image Source: The Globe Gazette
PUBLIC INPUT SESSIONS
At these sessions six interaction stations were setup at the Mason City Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Attendees were asked what they like best about living in Mason City and what is the biggest opportunity for improvement in the community. They also participated in a few activities, as outlined below.
Mapping exercise
The Mapping exercise asked participants to place dots on a map of Mason City to identify a key feature they believe to be an asset to the community (green dots) or would like to see improved (red dots) such as housing (where to locate new, renovate existing), and roads/infrastructure (improvements). Participants were also encouraged to dream a little during this exercise and highlight new amenities or housing types they’d like to see (blue dots) such as a new park space or tiny home village. Dots were numbered and comments were collected to provide context to each participant response.
Visual preference survey
The next station requested participants to review a variety of single-family and multifamily housing options and neighborhood types, and place dots on the images they liked (green) and disliked (red). Each of the three categories had 10 options to select from and no limit on the number of options they could choose. Comments were collected by staff and volunteers who were present to provide instruction and solicit further input. Images with green frames were the highest ranked in each category, with those in yellow receiving a mix of positive and negatives responses and, lastly, those with a red frame receiving mostly negative responses. Those images with no frame were provided with two or less responses and have more marginal support than the other options.
Scaled response
The final station was setup for participants to provide a response that matches their level of agreement with each statement. The scale was setup from 1 - Strongly Agree to 5 - Strongly Disagree, with variable options in between. Below is an overview of the scores collected and ranked from those statements with the highest level of agreement (and thus have the lowest score).
Housing survey responses
City staff helped to distribute the housing survey via social media and through other partner organizations, including the Steering Committee members and their networks. Printed versions, both in English and Spanish, were made available at City Hall, the library, and other strategic locations throughout the community, including housing service providers. The North Iowa Corridor EDC also created a special eNewsletter for their members to encourage major employers to solicit participation from their workforce - both residents and those commuting into Mason City for employment. Participants were asked to provide their home postal zip codes to add further context to the responses received.
Demographics of survey participants
Overview Of survey responses
Focus Groups + Interviews
Key stakeholders and housing service providers were invited to participate in focus group conversations to gain more direct input regarding the housing challenges and opportunities facing Mason City. One-on-one interviews were also offered to include those unable to participate in the larger focus group discussion or who were recommended as important individuals to hear from. Below are high level themes from these conversations.
• Shortage of Rentals – Low Turnover
• Lack of Resources to Address Renovations
• Lack of Available Contractors/Trades
• No Designated Point of Contact for New Residents
• Senior Assistance to Age in Place
• Desire for More Mixed Housing Options
• Desire for Increased Code Enforcement
• Lack of Financial Education – “Not Purchase Ready”
• Crime Issues
• Homeless Challenge
• School Quality Issues
Copyright © 2023 Call Mason City Home - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy