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.
Looking out 20 years, what does a healthy and vibrant economy in Sandpoint look like to you? Be specific.
1. Jobs that pay at least $19 per hour (in todays dollars) and provide health and retirement benefits.
2. Collaborate with existing companies to help them grow. I am not recommending giving them tax breaks but rather focus on other resources that can be mutually beneficial to the companies and our residents, such as developing local talents to be key technical and managerial leaders with these companies. Also reduce bureaucratic processes, and provide infrastructure, and other support.
3. Provide training and resources for starting and developing new small businesses.
4. Almost anyone who works full time for 12 months per year should make at least as much annual pay as a starting LPOSD teacher who works about 8-1/2 months per year. They should also have the equivalent medical and retirement benefits (good luck with that). After all, they are paying taxes that pay for all those LPOSD benefits of others.
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?
Attract quality, high-paying jobs
Leverage Sandpoint’s quality-of-life amenities to attract and retain businesses
Support new businesses and local entrepreneurs
What should Sandpoint be doing to help support these shared values?
1. Collaborate with existing companies to get a clear picture of their short and long term needs.
2. Get the word out to the public and employment agencies on what those needs are and work together to match (or train) public skills and desires with the growth needs of companies.
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. - 5
Attract industries that provide jobs for graduates of higher educational programs and vocational-technical schools. - 5
Encourage the development of clean technologies. - 5
Encourage arts and environmental related employment. - 3
Please comment about the economic diversity goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
I have not looked at the comprehensive plan yet or completed other surveys. I meant to but no time. At least I am filling our this survey and hopefully future ones! I hope to find the time to review comp plan as well,
I do feel comp plan should be business friendly both from a zoning perspective and optimization of recreational resources. More boat launches and access to the lake would be a huge benefit to local residents and to a smaller extent, attracting businesses.
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. - 4
Coordinate land use decisions with surrounding communities to limit commuting distance and redundant infrastructure. - 4
Please comment about the neighboring communities goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
Work together on regional infrastructure and issues (as much as feasible) for things such sewer, water, business development, and recreational development.
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. - 4
Help reduce household transportation costs by allowing housing near jobs. - 3
Facilitate public transportation and/or non-motorized transportation connections between jobs and neighborhoods. - 3
Promote opportunities that employ Sandpoint residents in Sandpoint. - 5
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)?
Focus economic development resources primarily on priority projects. Focus on solving specific problems. - No Opinion
Encourage residential uses on the second story and above. - No Opinion
Collaborate with local business organizations and assist in providing the infrastructure to attract new economically diverse business in the Downtown. - 3
Create a streetscape that encourages an active street life. - 3
Make downtown a primary multimodal friendly destination. - 3
Regularly update the Downtown Revitalization Plan. - 3
Encourage preservation of historic buildings. - 3
Retain high traffic downtown anchors. - 4
Encourage first floor restaurants and diverse retail utilization. - No Opinion
Please comment about the downtown revitalization goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
I am not sure why there should be so much money and effort spent on just downtown, especially when a fair portion of the expenses appear to me to be a waste. For example, why such huge bulbous sidewalks at each intersection? If they were 1/3 the size it would be more than adequate for pedestrians and much easier for traffic flow and snow plowing.
What is your current employment status?
Employed but not in my occupation/profession
What is your occupation/profession?
Engineering and production/operations management
Where do you work?
Dover
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 commute out of Sandpoint to work or school.
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.
Have to work wherever I can find a job! Currently looking into jobs in CdA, Spokane, and perhaps moving out of the area.
What are the most important economic development priorities (check all that apply):
Workforce training and education
Affordable housing
Housing options (regardless of affordability)
Expanding employment opportunities
Liveable wages
Recruiting new business and industry
Retaining existing business and industry
Supporting a year-round economy
What industries should be the top economic development priority (choose up to three):
Other - STEM, Manufacturing, other diverse companies
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. - 5
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. - 2
Sandpoint is a great environment for small business. - 3
Sandpoint offers adequate support and services for entrepreneurs and small business owners to startup and expand. - 2
I have access to great education and job training opportunities nearby. - 2
Housing in Sandpoint is affordable to people and families with a range of different incomes. - 2
Existing transportation options in Sandpoint make it easy for me to get to work. - 5
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 - 2
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. - 5
Improve opportunities for small businesses in Sandpoint - 5
Increase efforts to prevent displacement of small businesses in Sandpoint - 3
Offer more services for entrepreneurs and small business owners to get established or expand in Sandpoint - 5
Increase the education and job training opportunities in Sandpoint - 5
Increase the diversity and affordability of housing options in Sandpoint - 5
What types of products and services would you like to have available in Sandpoint?
More boat launches and with parking. They don't need to be paired with parks.
Where do you primarily shop?
Autos and automotive parts - Other in Bonner County
Clothing - Other in Bonner County
Food/beverage stores - Sandpoint
Garden and Nursery - Other in Bonner County
Grocery - Sandpoint
Home Improvement - Other in Bonner County
Furniture and Appliances - Other in Bonner County
Pharmacy - Sandpoint
Electronics - Not applicable
Jewelry - Not applicable
Sporting Goods - Sandpoint
Books - Not applicable
Where do you go to get the following services?
Automotive Repair - Other in Bonner County
Banking/Financial services - Sandpoint, Other in Bonner County
Business services - Not applicable
Childcare - Not applicable
Dry Cleaner/tailor - Sandpoint
Legal - Sandpoint
Medical - Sandpoint
Dental - Sandpoint
Restaurants - Sandpoint, Other in Bonner County
Coffee/tea shops - Not applicable
Personal - Not applicable
What are the biggest deterrents to shopping locally in Sandpoint for goods or services (choose as many as apply)?
Parking
What would incentivize you to shop locally?
Better parking, more variety, and more stores with "affordable" (at least affordable to mean income residents), such as Larsons.
Is there any feedback you would like to share regarding economic development within the City of Sandpoint?
Seems to me like downtown gets the majority of the funds and focus. I don't know all the reasons behind this but it seems like spreading out the resources and effort throughout the city would be more beneficial to residents at large.
Do you own a business in Sandpoint city limits? (pick one)?
I do not own a business.
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 5
Tell us a little about your relationship with the City of Sandpoint. Check all that apply:
I own property in Sandpoint
What is your age?
50-59
What is your annual household income?
No response.
How many children under the age of 18 live at home?
0
Open Town Hall is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open Town Hall is voluntary. The responses in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
Looking out 20 years, what does a healthy and vibrant economy in Sandpoint look like to you? Be specific.
1. Jobs that pay at least $19 per hour (in todays dollars) and provide health and retirement benefits.
2. Collaborate with existing companies to help them grow. I am not recommending giving them tax breaks but rather focus on other resources that can be mutually beneficial to the companies and our residents, such as developing local talents to be key technical and managerial leaders with these companies. Also reduce bureaucratic processes, and provide infrastructure, and other support.
3. Provide training and resources for starting and developing new small businesses.
4. Almost anyone who works full time for 12 months per year should make at least as much annual pay as a starting LPOSD teacher who works about 8-1/2 months per year. They should also have the equivalent medical and retirement benefits (good luck with that). After all, they are paying taxes that pay for all those LPOSD benefits of others.
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?
What should Sandpoint be doing to help support these shared values?
1. Collaborate with existing companies to get a clear picture of their short and long term needs.
2. Get the word out to the public and employment agencies on what those needs are and work together to match (or train) public skills and desires with the growth needs of companies.
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)?
Please comment about the economic diversity goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
I have not looked at the comprehensive plan yet or completed other surveys. I meant to but no time. At least I am filling our this survey and hopefully future ones! I hope to find the time to review comp plan as well,
I do feel comp plan should be business friendly both from a zoning perspective and optimization of recreational resources. More boat launches and access to the lake would be a huge benefit to local residents and to a smaller extent, attracting businesses.
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)?
Please comment about the neighboring communities goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
Work together on regional infrastructure and issues (as much as feasible) for things such sewer, water, business development, and recreational development.
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)?
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)?
Please comment about the downtown revitalization goal and policies. Are there any policies that you feel are missing from the list above?
I am not sure why there should be so much money and effort spent on just downtown, especially when a fair portion of the expenses appear to me to be a waste. For example, why such huge bulbous sidewalks at each intersection? If they were 1/3 the size it would be more than adequate for pedestrians and much easier for traffic flow and snow plowing.
What is your current employment status?
What is your occupation/profession?
Engineering and production/operations managementWhere do you work?
On a normal day, how long is your morning commute to work?
Do you commute into or out of Sandpoint?
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.
Have to work wherever I can find a job! Currently looking into jobs in CdA, Spokane, and perhaps moving out of the area.
What are the most important economic development priorities (check all that apply):
What industries should be the top economic development priority (choose up to three):
Please indicate your level of agreement with each statement below (with 1 being not satisfied and 5 being very satisfied):
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).
What types of products and services would you like to have available in Sandpoint?
Where do you primarily shop?
Where do you go to get the following services?
What are the biggest deterrents to shopping locally in Sandpoint for goods or services (choose as many as apply)?
What would incentivize you to shop locally?
Better parking, more variety, and more stores with "affordable" (at least affordable to mean income residents), such as Larsons.
Is there any feedback you would like to share regarding economic development within the City of Sandpoint?
Seems to me like downtown gets the majority of the funds and focus. I don't know all the reasons behind this but it seems like spreading out the resources and effort throughout the city would be more beneficial to residents at large.
Do you own a business in Sandpoint city limits? (pick one)?
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:
Tell us a little about your relationship with the City of Sandpoint. Check all that apply:
What is your age?
What is your annual household income?
No response.How many children under the age of 18 live at home?
0