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Jobs & Economic Development

We want to hear from you about your priorities for economic development and what you think the City of Sandpoint should focus on in order to grow a more diverse, healthy, and vibrant economy. Your response to the survey will inform the priorities set forth in the Comprehensive Plan Update.

This topic is closed

68 registered responses


Looking out 20 years, what does a healthy and vibrant economy in Sandpoint look like to you? Be specific.

Answered
58
Skipped
10

Through initial outreach during the Fall, we asked the community to start thinking about what they love about Sandpoint and to reflect on the values articulated in the existing 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Of the following, what are the top 3 that are most important for you?

Response Percent Response Count
Educate and train our workforce 41.2% 28
Attract quality, high-paying jobs 42.6% 29
Leverage Sandpoint’s quality-of-life amenities to attract and retain businesses 32.4% 22
Embrace innovation and technology 27.9% 19
Attract businesses that bring value-added goods and services 14.7% 10
Support new businesses and local entrepreneurs 29.4% 20
Encourage companies to provide year-round employment 13.2% 9
Capitalize on the Sandpoint Airport as a major economic driver 10.3% 7
Upgrade and expand tech infrastructure such as high speed internet 14.7% 10
Expand tourism-related industries 4.4% 3
Support Downtown and preserve the small town feel 32.4% 22
Maintain the diversity and quality of shops, restaurants, and services 20.6% 14
Other 10.3% 7

What should Sandpoint be doing to help support these shared values?

Answered
53
Skipped
15

Economic Diversity Goal: Create a vibrant and diverse economy in Sandpoint. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?

Support existing manufacturing businesses as providers of jobs with living wage and benefits.
Response Percent Response Count
3 4.4% 3
4 27.9% 19
5 66.2% 45
Encourage localism and innovative techniques to increase circulating dollars within the Sandpoint economy.
Response Percent Response Count
1 1.5% 1
2 4.4% 3
3 11.8% 8
4 23.5% 16
5 54.4% 37
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Attract industries that provide jobs for graduates of higher educational programs and vocational-technical schools.
Response Percent Response Count
2 5.9% 4
3 11.8% 8
4 23.5% 16
5 58.8% 40
Encourage the development of clean technologies.
Response Percent Response Count
1 8.8% 6
2 5.9% 4
3 16.2% 11
4 17.6% 12
5 51.5% 35
Encourage arts and environmental related employment.
Response Percent Response Count
1 11.8% 8
2 13.2% 9
3 17.6% 12
4 20.6% 14
5 33.8% 23
No Opinion 2.9% 2

Please comment about the economic diversity goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

Answered
30
Skipped
38

Neighboring Communities Goal: Join with neighboring communities to strengthen the regional economy. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?

Be an active partner with local economic development agencies.
Response Percent Response Count
1 1.5% 1
2 2.9% 2
3 16.2% 11
4 32.4% 22
5 42.6% 29
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Improve transportation corridors to facilitate movement of goods into, out of, and through the region.
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.9% 4
2 10.3% 7
3 20.6% 14
4 23.5% 16
5 38.2% 26
No Opinion 1.5% 1
Improve transportation facilities and services to facilitate movement of people through the region.
Response Percent Response Count
1 4.4% 3
2 5.9% 4
3 20.6% 14
4 26.5% 18
5 39.7% 27
No Opinion 2.9% 2
Coordinate land use decisions with surrounding communities to limit commuting distance and redundant infrastructure.
Response Percent Response Count
1 4.4% 3
2 2.9% 2
3 10.3% 7
4 33.8% 23
5 47.1% 32
No Opinion 1.5% 1

Please comment about the neighboring communities goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

Answered
31
Skipped
37

Workforce Needs Goal: Provide Sandpoint workers with affordable housing options near jobs, public transportation, and non-motorized transportation options. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?

Encourage diversity of housing types as appropriate in land use districts.
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.9% 4
2 1.5% 1
3 4.4% 3
4 23.5% 16
5 63.2% 43
No Opinion 1.5% 1
Help reduce household transportation costs by allowing housing near jobs.
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.4% 5
2 4.4% 3
3 23.5% 16
4 20.6% 14
5 39.7% 27
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Facilitate public transportation and/or non-motorized transportation connections between jobs and neighborhoods.
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.9% 4
2 5.9% 4
3 14.7% 10
4 22.1% 15
5 50.0% 34
No Opinion 1.5% 1
Promote opportunities that employ Sandpoint residents in Sandpoint.
Response Percent Response Count
2 5.9% 4
3 8.8% 6
4 13.2% 9
5 70.6% 48
No Opinion 1.5% 1

Please comment about the workforce needs goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

Answered
30
Skipped
38

Downtown Revitalization: Support downtown Sandpoint’s historic role as a major economic, social, and civic center of Bonner County. (1=not important, 5=very important)?

Focus economic development resources primarily on priority projects. Focus on solving specific problems.
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.4% 5
3 20.6% 14
4 27.9% 19
5 26.5% 18
No Opinion 13.2% 9
Encourage residential uses on the second story and above.
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.4% 5
2 7.4% 5
3 14.7% 10
4 19.1% 13
5 45.6% 31
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Collaborate with local business organizations and assist in providing the infrastructure to attract new economically diverse business in the Downtown.
Response Percent Response Count
1 4.4% 3
3 11.8% 8
4 38.2% 26
5 36.8% 25
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Create a streetscape that encourages an active street life.
Response Percent Response Count
1 8.8% 6
2 5.9% 4
3 20.6% 14
4 27.9% 19
5 33.8% 23
No Opinion 1.5% 1
Make downtown a primary multimodal friendly destination.
Response Percent Response Count
1 8.8% 6
2 5.9% 4
3 17.6% 12
4 20.6% 14
5 39.7% 27
No Opinion 5.9% 4
Regularly update the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
Response Percent Response Count
1 8.8% 6
2 10.3% 7
3 23.5% 16
4 25.0% 17
5 26.5% 18
No Opinion 4.4% 3
Encourage preservation of historic buildings.
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.9% 4
2 2.9% 2
3 19.1% 13
4 26.5% 18
5 44.1% 30
No Opinion 1.5% 1
Retain high traffic downtown anchors.
Response Percent Response Count
1 5.9% 4
2 2.9% 2
3 14.7% 10
4 30.9% 21
5 29.4% 20
No Opinion 11.8% 8
Encourage first floor restaurants and diverse retail utilization.
Response Percent Response Count
1 7.4% 5
2 1.5% 1
3 10.3% 7
4 30.9% 21
5 41.2% 28
No Opinion 7.4% 5

Please comment about the downtown revitalization goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

Answered
34
Skipped
34

What is your current employment status?

Response Percent Response Count
Employed in my occupation/profession 69.1% 47
Employed but not in my occupation/profession 5.9% 4
Unemployed but looking for a job 1.5% 1
Retired 16.2% 11
Volunteer 1.5% 1
Other 5.9% 4

What is your occupation/profession?

Answered
55
Skipped
13

Where do you work?

Response Percent Response Count
Sandpoint 62.5% 35
Ponderay 5.4% 3
Dover 1.8% 1
Sagle 1.8% 1
Bonner County (excluding choices above) 1.8% 1
Outside Bonner County 16.1% 9
I work from home 10.7% 6

On a normal day, how long is your morning commute to work?

Response Percent Response Count
Less than 15 minutes 57.1% 32
15-30 minutes 21.4% 12
31-45 minutes 1.8% 1
46 to 60 minutes 7.1% 4
I work from home 10.7% 6
Other 1.8% 1

Do you commute into or out of Sandpoint?

Response Percent Response Count
I commute into Sandpoint for work or school. 26.8% 15
I commute out of Sandpoint to work or school. 14.3% 8
I live and work in Sandpoint city limits. 46.4% 26
Other 12.5% 7

If you commute from outside of Sandpoint to work or school what is the reason (choose all that apply):

Response Percent Response Count
Lack of affordable housing in Sandpoint 10.5% 2
Lack of housing options in Sandpoint (regardless of affordability) 26.3% 5
Other 68.4% 13

If you live in Sandpoint and commute to a job outside of Sandpoint, please tell us why.

Answered
11
Skipped
57

What are the most important economic development priorities (check all that apply):

Response Percent Response Count
Workforce training and education 54.4% 37
Affordable housing 66.2% 45
Housing options (regardless of affordability) 33.8% 23
Expanding employment opportunities 47.1% 32
Liveable wages 63.2% 43
Diversification of the economy 41.2% 28
Recruiting new business and industry 45.6% 31
Retaining existing business and industry 54.4% 37
Transportation options 22.1% 15
Supporting a year-round economy 50.0% 34
Other 4.4% 3

What industries should be the top economic development priority (choose up to three):

Response Percent Response Count
Recreation & tourism 38.2% 26
STEM 52.9% 36
Manufacturing 44.1% 30
Construction 17.6% 12
Aerospace 30.9% 21
Other 22.1% 15
Name not shown inside the County of Bonner
January 11, 2020, 4:29 PM
  • Looking out 20 years, what does a healthy and vibrant economy in Sandpoint look like to you? Be specific.

    Diversification (various types of businesses); low unemployment rate; supportive business community; profitable; and pride.

  • Through initial outreach during the Fall, we asked the community to start thinking about what they love about Sandpoint and to reflect on the values articulated in the existing 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Of the following, what are the top 3 that are most important for you?
    • Leverage Sandpoint’s quality-of-life amenities to attract and retain businesses
    • Capitalize on the Sandpoint Airport as a major economic driver
    • Expand tourism-related industries
  • What should Sandpoint be doing to help support these shared values?
    No response.
  • Economic Diversity Goal: Create a vibrant and diverse economy in Sandpoint. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?
    • Support existing manufacturing businesses as providers of jobs with living wage and benefits. - 5
    • Encourage localism and innovative techniques to increase circulating dollars within the Sandpoint economy. - 2
    • Attract industries that provide jobs for graduates of higher educational programs and vocational-technical schools. - 3
    • Encourage the development of clean technologies. - 2
    • Encourage arts and environmental related employment. - 2
  • Please comment about the economic diversity goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
    No response.
  • Neighboring Communities Goal: Join with neighboring communities to strengthen the regional economy. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?
    • Be an active partner with local economic development agencies. - 4
    • Improve transportation corridors to facilitate movement of goods into, out of, and through the region. - 5
    • Improve transportation facilities and services to facilitate movement of people through the region. - 5
    • Coordinate land use decisions with surrounding communities to limit commuting distance and redundant infrastructure. - 2
  • Please comment about the neighboring communities goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

    Consider neighboring communities growth and work with legislators to ensure dollars spent in Sandpoint are taxed (remain in Sandpoint).

  • Workforce Needs Goal: Provide Sandpoint workers with affordable housing options near jobs, public transportation, and non-motorized transportation options. Please rate the importance of each of the following policies. (1=not important, 5=very important)?
    • Encourage diversity of housing types as appropriate in land use districts. - 2
    • Help reduce household transportation costs by allowing housing near jobs. - 2
    • Facilitate public transportation and/or non-motorized transportation connections between jobs and neighborhoods. - 4
    • Promote opportunities that employ Sandpoint residents in Sandpoint. - 2
  • Please comment about the workforce needs goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
    No response.
  • Downtown Revitalization: Support downtown Sandpoint’s historic role as a major economic, social, and civic center of Bonner County. (1=not important, 5=very important)?
    • Encourage preservation of historic buildings. - 3
  • Please comment about the downtown revitalization goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?

    I don’t care for the wording on any of them. Most don’t make sense and others are unclear.

  • What is your current employment status?
    • Employed in my occupation/profession
  • What is your occupation/profession?
    No response.
  • Where do you work?
    • Sandpoint
  • On a normal day, how long is your morning commute to work?
    • Less than 15 minutes
  • Do you commute into or out of Sandpoint?
    • I live and work in Sandpoint city limits.
  • If you commute from outside of Sandpoint to work or school what is the reason (choose all that apply):
    No response.
  • If you live in Sandpoint and commute to a job outside of Sandpoint, please tell us why.
    No response.
  • What are the most important economic development priorities (check all that apply):
    • Diversification of the economy
    • Recruiting new business and industry
    • Retaining existing business and industry
  • What industries should be the top economic development priority (choose up to three):
    • Recreation & tourism
    • Manufacturing
    • Construction
  • Please indicate your level of agreement with each statement below (with 1 being not satisfied and 5 being very satisfied):
    • Sandpoint offers many great eating, drinking, and entertainment venues. - 4
    • Sandpoint offers high-quality public spaces such as parks, plazas, and walkable shopping streets - 4
    • Sandpoint offers high quality job opportunities in my occupation/profession. - 4
    • Sandpoint is a great environment for small business. - 4
  • Of the needs identified in the previous question we want to know which are the most important to you. Please select how important each action is for you (with 1 being not important and 5 being very important).
    • Increase the number of great eating, drinking, and entertainment places in Sandpoint - 3
    • Increase the number of high-quality public spaces, such as parks, plazas, or walkable shopping streets. - 3
    • Make it easier to find high quality job opportunities in my occupation/profession in Sandpoint. - 1
    • Increase the education and job training opportunities in Sandpoint - 4
    • Increase the diversity and affordability of housing options in Sandpoint - 1
  • What types of products and services would you like to have available in Sandpoint?
    • 24 hour vet hospital
    • Sushi
    • More food trucks
    • More options for breakfast
  • Where do you primarily shop?
    • Autos and automotive parts - Outside Bonner County
    • Clothing - Sandpoint, Outside Bonner County
    • Food/beverage stores - Sandpoint
    • Garden and Nursery - Sandpoint
    • Grocery - Sandpoint
    • Home Improvement - Sandpoint, Other in Bonner County
    • Furniture and Appliances - Online
    • Electronics - Other in Bonner County, Outside Bonner County, Online
    • Sporting Goods - Sandpoint, Outside Bonner County
    • Books - Outside Bonner County, Online
  • Where do you go to get the following services?
    • Automotive Repair - Other in Bonner County
    • Banking/Financial services - Other in Bonner County
    • Business services - Outside Bonner County
    • Dry Cleaner/tailor - Sandpoint
    • Medical - Sandpoint
    • Dental - Sandpoint
    • Restaurants - Sandpoint, Other in Bonner County, Outside Bonner County
    • Coffee/tea shops - Sandpoint
    • Personal - Sandpoint
  • What are the biggest deterrents to shopping locally in Sandpoint for goods or services (choose as many as apply)?
    • Too expensive
    • Not available
  • What would incentivize you to shop locally?
    No response.
  • Is there any feedback you would like to share regarding economic development within the City of Sandpoint?
    No response.
  • Do you own a business in Sandpoint city limits? (pick one)?
    No response.
  • If you own a business, how many employees does your business employ, excluding yourself?
    No response.
  • If you own a business, which of the following best describes your business?
    No response.
  • If you own or have owned a business in Sandpoint, please choose your level of agreement with the following statements (with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree).
    No response.
  • How can the City support local business owners?
    No response.
  • Using the numbered areas in the map above, identify where you live in Sandpoint. If you do not live in the Sandpoint city limits, please select the city or area in which you live:
    • Area 8
  • Tell us a little about your relationship with the City of Sandpoint. Check all that apply:
    • I work in Sandpoint
    • I own property in Sandpoint
  • What is your age?
    • 30-39
  • What is your annual household income?
    • $100,000 or greater
  • How many children under the age of 18 live at home?
    0
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Part 1:  Vision

What is your vision for the future of Jobs and Economic Development in Sandpoint?

Choose at most 3 options

Part 2:  Goals and Policies

As the City works to update its comprehensive plan, we would like to know how our residents value the goals and policies established in the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. 

A goal provides the community with direction. A goal is a desired ideal and a value to be sought.

A policy is a statement of principle or a course of action that guides governmental action and decision making.

In the following section, please rate how important the following goals and policies are to you.

1
2
3
4
5
No Opinion
Support existing manufacturing businesses as providers of jobs with living wage and benefits.
Encourage localism and innovative techniques to increase circulating dollars within the Sandpoint economy.
Attract industries that provide jobs for graduates of higher educational programs and vocational-technical schools.
Encourage the development of clean technologies.
Encourage arts and environmental related employment.
1
2
3
4
5
No Opinion
Be an active partner with local economic development agencies.
Improve transportation corridors to facilitate movement of goods into, out of, and through the region.
Improve transportation facilities and services to facilitate movement of people through the region.
Coordinate land use decisions with surrounding communities to limit commuting distance and redundant infrastructure.
1
2
3
4
5
No Opinion
Encourage diversity of housing types as appropriate in land use districts.
Help reduce household transportation costs by allowing housing near jobs.
Facilitate public transportation and/or non-motorized transportation connections between jobs and neighborhoods.
Promote opportunities that employ Sandpoint residents in Sandpoint.
1
2
3
4
5
No Opinion
Focus economic development resources primarily on priority projects. Focus on solving specific problems.
Encourage residential uses on the second story and above.
Collaborate with local business organizations and assist in providing the infrastructure to attract new economically diverse business in the Downtown.
Create a streetscape that encourages an active street life.
Make downtown a primary multimodal friendly destination.
Regularly update the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
Encourage preservation of historic buildings.
Retain high traffic downtown anchors.
Encourage first floor restaurants and diverse retail utilization.

Part 3

The following questions will help us understand your needs in the areas of employment, education, transportation, and housing are met in Sandpoint. 

If not employed, skip to section 4.

Part 4

Economic development priorities

Choose at most 3 options
1
2
3
4
5
Not applicable
Sandpoint offers many great eating, drinking, and entertainment venues.
Sandpoint offers high-quality public spaces such as parks, plazas, and walkable shopping streets
Sandpoint offers high quality job opportunities in my occupation/profession.
Sandpoint is a great environment for small business.
Sandpoint offers adequate support and services for entrepreneurs and small business owners to startup and expand.
I have access to great education and job training opportunities nearby.
Housing in Sandpoint is affordable to people and families with a range of different incomes.
Existing transportation options in Sandpoint make it easy for me to get to work.
1
2
3
4
5
No opinion
Increase the number of great eating, drinking, and entertainment places in Sandpoint
Increase the number of high-quality public spaces, such as parks, plazas, or walkable shopping streets.
Make it easier to find high quality job opportunities in my occupation/profession in Sandpoint.
Improve opportunities for small businesses in Sandpoint
Increase efforts to prevent displacement of small businesses in Sandpoint
Offer more services for entrepreneurs and small business owners to get established or expand in Sandpoint
Increase the education and job training opportunities in Sandpoint
Increase the diversity and affordability of housing options in Sandpoint
Sandpoint
Other in Bonner County
Outside Bonner County
Online
Not applicable
Autos and automotive parts
Clothing
Food/beverage stores
Garden and Nursery
Grocery
Home Improvement
Furniture and Appliances
Pharmacy
Electronics
Jewelry
Sporting Goods
Books
Other
Sandpoint
Other in Bonner County
Outside Bonner County
Not applicable
Automotive Repair
Banking/Financial services
Business services
Childcare
Dry Cleaner/tailor
Legal
Medical
Dental
Restaurants
Coffee/tea shops
Personal
Other

Part 5

This section is for business owners to provide information about the ability to conduct business in Sandpoint.

1
2
3
4
5
Not Applicable
Sandpoint is a good place to locate and manage a business.
Sandpoint is business friendly.
It is easy to attract skilled workers to Sandpoint.
It is easy to retain skilled workers in Sandpoint.
Sandpoint is a good place to establish and maintain a retail business.
Sandpoint is a good place to establish and maintain a professional service-oriented business.
Sandpoint is a good place to establish and maintain a manufacturing business.
Sandpoint is a good place to establish and maintain a construction business.
There are plenty of affordable, quality housing options for my employees.

Part 6

Demographics

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