Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum says that a recent survey conducted by consultants to steer the citys ongoing Renaissance project missed its target.
Tom Beckwith, principle owner of Beckwith Consulting, gave city council members an update on the far-reaching project Monday afternoon. A key facet of the Renaissance, which aims to lay out a 25-year plan for city services, buildings and amenities, was a mail-out/phone-back survey conducted by the consulting firm.
The results showed that 87 percent of the respondents were above the age of 50. Ages 19 to 34 accounted for only 2 percent of the total surveys returned, and the 32 to 49 demographic received 11 percent. Those results were initially released at a public hearing on the Renaissance July 10.
I think with the survey, they did not hit the target, Ketchum said, adding that the younger population would be the ones to benefit from a 25-year plan. Its really good information, but for me I need the view of the younger crowd and we need to find a way to keep them here.
Ketchum wasnt alone in this regard. Councilor Rob Fuller also voiced his displeasure with the results of the survey.
Four hundred voters agreed to participate in the survey, which were mailed out along with a summary description of project proposals and a questionnaire. Survey results were compiled for the first 200 households who completed them via follow-up telephone call.
The surveys inquiries ran the gamut from how often city facilities are used, shopping preferences and landscaping ideas to parking, transportation, parks and development options.
The city council allocated $175,000 to Beckwith Consulting Group in November of last year to conduct the year-long study that would take into account almost every aspect of life in Chehalis. The study is expected to be complete in September, at which point consultants will offer the city a road map to the future consisting of potential projects based on their studies.
Ketchum said that he understands the need to survey the older voters, but had hoped there would be an equal balance between age groups.
Those are the people who will step up and pay for these things, most likely, Ketchum said of the above 50 age group. But we were looking for information on the younger groups as well.
For more information contact the citys Economic Development Administrator Joanne at 345-3240 or jschwartz@ci.chehalis.wa.us.
