WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) - Participants in three focus group discussions conducted last November reached a “unanimous agreement” that Wahpeton’s economic development efforts are insufficient.
The city’s Community Development Corporation recently accepted a report detailing the discussions. The corporation is sending the report out to all who participated, city council members and the Chamber of Commerce, the Wahpeton Daily News (https://bit.ly/2jJIFNy) reported.
The discussions were conducted by JM Strategies, LLC and gave community stakeholders the opportunity to explore community perceptions of economic development. The report said participants agreed Wahpeton does not have a core identity that’s easy to market, is too passive in taking advantage of opportunities and has too many players hindering economic development.
“Some of the most vocal participants on this (last) point were ones who have served (or are serving) in either an elected or appointed capacity,” the report said.
Participants gave multiple recommendations, such as downsizing the City Council or taking a regional approach to economic development.
Councilman-at-Large Perry Miller said he feels confident about a positive response from the council about the report.
“I’m sure they’re all very open-minded people and want what’s best for the city. I’m sure they will read it and take it to heart,” he said. “Especially since the people who participated in these discussions are involved in the community and (are) people that I think we all have a great deal of respect for.”
Councilman-at-Large Martin Schmidt said while the discussion participants made strong statements, he felt they weren’t looking at a complete picture.
Schmidt has long felt Wahpeton should be the hub of southeastern North Dakota.
“When you sit down and look at what’s happened to Wahpeton in the last few years, we’re headed in that direction,” he said.
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Information from: Wahpeton Daily News, https://www.wahpetondailynews.com
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