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Summary of Focus Group Results . TO: City of Hopkins City Council and Staff FROM: Tom Allen, The Organization Coach SUBJECT: Executive Summary of Focus Group Results - DRAFT #1 DATE: February 11, 2000 This summary is based on input from 16 focus groups. We invited 255 people to participate, 94 did. The specific input of each focus group is not attached to this executive summary. Participants were generally pleased to have been asked for their opinion. There is genuine interest among them to hear back about the results. Generally, people are very positive about the community. They are saying they want more of the same for the next 20 years. Broader societal changes, increasing diversity, and the high percentage of multi-family dwellings are perceived as threats by some to "staying the course". (see attached summary of common ground and differences). The Phase Two proposal will suggest a way of addressing these concerns. . Participants generally expressed appreciation for leadership in Hopkins. They perceive the downtown redevelopment to have been courageous and forward thinking. The Mayor and Council Members were seen as having been accessible, open, and responsive. People are impressed with the positive impact of service organizations. Some are concerned that the community may be in danger oflosing this kind ofleadership. ln particular, they think that the next generation of strong leaders is not yet emerging and that an increasing number of current leaders live outside the community. To some, City Hall staff seems less accessible and approachable than in the past. Participants universally praised downtown redevelopment. With that said, some people perceive that a coherent development strategy is missing. They would say that there is not yet clarity about priority emphasis between basic shopping needs oflocal residents and destination point interests of non-residents. The youth in particular are concerned that there does not appear to be a consistent look like they see in other communities. They want to retain the unique look of Hopkins, but they think the community would be hard pressed to describe what ies trying to do. Some think that there is a danger in "thinking that we're done" in downtown redevelopment. . Generally, people are pleased with city government services. Seniors in particular appreciate the responsiveness offire and police services. Some participants thought that snow removal could be improved (snow ruts and more consistent sidewalk cleaning). There are those who think some staff (inspections was mentioned most often and sometimes police officers) forget the spirit of the law in their zeal to carry out the letter of the law. lt seemed to them that there is too much emphasis on telling people what they can't do, as opposed to helping them figure out how to solve their problems. Others feel like there has been a deterioration in the strength of the relationship between police and individual community members. . . DRAFT #3 DRAFT #3 Proposed Vision For Community Of Hopkins Where there is common ground Most people would agree with the following statements. Twenty years from now, we want Hopkins to be a community where.... >I< >I< >I< >I< >I< >I< There is a small town, main street feel. Everything is within walking distance. The school district is excellent. Property values continue to rise. People feel safe. There is strong community leadership that is approachable, accessible, and invitational. People say it is a community with a heart. There are adequate green spaces and recreation areas. There is a community-wide sense of pride about the way the community looks to residents and non-residents. There is a continuing commitment to redevelopment That maintains Hopkins' uniqueness. That has a planned coherence to the look ofthe community. That is proactive and creative. People act with responsibility and participation. People say it is a small town oasis in the midst of a large metropolitan area; One which other communities say they are trying to emulate. People feel welcome and a sense of hospitality - where everybody knows your name. >I< >I< >I< * >I< >I< >I< W!.u??'e tJ'~ere is not yet agreement about what people want to see Hopkins become over the next 20 years. >I< There is not yet agreement about diversity. (Handicapped, multicultural, etc.) Does the community want diverse individuals to be an integral part of the community or not? Is the vision described above in danger because of diversity? How would diverse individuals become an integral part of the community if that were desired? There is not yet agreement about apartment residents. Does the community want apartment residents to be an integral part of the community or not? Do apartment residents want to be an integral part? If so, how? >I<