East Central and UW-Extension staff held a series of
regional focus groups throughout the region during the month of
September. The purpose of the focus groups was to bring together small
groups of individuals from around the region who are making and
influencing key decisions about planning, key representatives of
interest groups, and informed citizens.
There were 4 key objectives. First, to hear the participants’ views and
opinions on what they consider are the main issues and opportunities
facing their communities and the region. Second, for participants to
prioritize those issues and opportunities by allocating points. Third,
to take a more in depth look at the top three priority issues and
opportunities. Fourth, to begin to develop a vision for the future.
Issue and Opportunity Identification:
Participants were invited to consider the following two questions:
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What do you feel are the issues and problems that are
currently facing your communities and the east central region?
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What do you feel are the opportunities and strengths
that your communities and the region could build upon?
Issue and Opportunity Prioritization:
After prioritizing the issues and opportunities participants were
invited to respond to the following four questions:
For each of the top three issues.
For each of the top three opportunities.
Envisioning the Future:
Participants were invited to think about their region / geographic area
and respond in writing to the following three questions:
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What would you like to be preserved?
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What would you like to be changed?
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What would you like to be created?
