The Platte Canyon Chamber has always been committed to understanding the heartbeat of our community. As part of our ongoing efforts to guide strategic planning and enhance the quality of life in Bailey, we conducted a comprehensive research study in November 2023. Here are some key insights from this enlightening endeavor.

Engaging Our Community

Launching on October 13th, 2023, our online survey aimed to capture the sentiments, thoughts, and suggestions of our residents. We were overwhelmed by the response: 357 completed surveys were submitted. And we had an impressive 100% completion rate with on average over 10 minutes spent by those who completed the survey. This level of engagement speaks volumes about our community's passion and commitment to Bailey.

What Does Bailey Mean to You?

When asked about the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Bailey, "small town," "beautiful mountain scenery," and intriguingly, "Sasquatch" were among the top associations. The prevailing sentiment was that of a quaint, mountainous community with a unique charm.

Strengths and Opportunities

Our survey participants identified Bailey's primary strengths as its small-town feel, picturesque location, and friendly community spirit. However, challenges lie in infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety, highlighting areas where focused efforts could make a significant difference.

Building Community Connections

While 48% of respondents felt Bailey has a good or great sense of community, we recognize the need to strengthen bonds further. A sense of community is the bedrock of a thriving town, and we're committed to fostering connections and building a stronger, more cohesive Bailey.

The Future of Bailey

The feedback also shed light on our residents' aspirations for Bailey's future. Key themes that emerged included beautification, improved communication, better recreational facilities for families, and increased support for local businesses.

Chamber's Role and Responsiveness

While 27% rated the Chamber's effectiveness positively, we acknowledge that there's work to be done. With 33% of respondents unaware of the chamber's existence, we aim to enhance our visibility and clearly communicate our role as the town's advocate and resource hub.

Moving Forward Together

Armed with these invaluable insights, the Platte Canyon Chamber has taken proactive steps to address the community's concerns. We've presented our findings to the Park County Board of Commissioners and held a public town meeting to discuss actionable strategies.

Immediate initiatives include beautification projects to enhance Bailey's aesthetics and exploring options to address the pressing need for improved healthcare access.

Join Us in Shaping Bailey's Future

Your voice matters! As we continue to develop plans and strategies based on this research, we invite you to join us. Share your ideas, concerns, and aspirations for Bailey's future. Together, we can build a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community that we're all proud to call home.

Below is the research study executive summary:

Executive Summary: Platte Canyon Chamber Research Study 2023

Objective:

The Platte Canyon Chamber conducted a research study in October and November 2023 as part of its strategic planning process to understand community sentiments and guide future planning efforts.

Methodology:

An online survey was launched on October 13th, 2023, with several open-ended questions distributed via email, social media, and neighborhood groups. By November 15th, 357 completed responses were received, indicating a highly engaged audience with a 100% completion rate.

Key Findings:

Community Perception of Bailey:

• The top associations with Bailey were "small town," "beautiful mountain scenery," and mentions of "Sasquatch."
• The most common attributes associated with Bailey were "small town," "mountain community," and "friendly."
• Most respondents were unaware of the official town tagline, with "Bailey strong" being the most guessed phrase.
  
  

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Top strengths identified were being a "small town," residing in a "beautiful area," and being "friendly."
• Infrastructure, access to healthcare, and public safety were identified as primary weaknesses.
  
  

Sense of Community:

• 48% felt Bailey had a good or great sense of community.
• In comparison, 37% rated their neighborhood as having a good or great sense of community.
  
  

Retirement and Family Environment:

• 44% rated Bailey as a good or great place to retire, with concerns mainly around limited healthcare access.
• 47% rated Bailey as a good or great place to raise children, citing concerns about lack of playgrounds and school system quality.
  
  

Aesthetics and Public Art:

• Only 16% felt Bailey had good or great street landscaping and hardscapes in commercial areas.
• Merely 11% believed Bailey had a visible presence of public art.
  
  

Chamber Effectiveness:

• 27% rated the chamber's effectiveness as good or great.
• 33% were unaware of the chamber's existence.
• Expectations from the chamber included economic development, beautification, and improved communication.
  
  

Conclusion:

The research study highlighted key areas of concern and opportunities for improvement in Bailey. Priorities include beautification, infrastructure development, healthcare access, and improved communication from the chamber. These insights are instrumental in guiding future initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Next Steps:

Following the survey's findings, the chamber has presented the results to the Park County Board of Commissioners and held a public town meeting in February to discuss plans moving forward. Immediate actions include beautification efforts and advocating for healthcare initiatives on the ballot.

Download a copy of the full study report here.