Council members were briefed at a Jan. 28 meeting about the results of a Wright State University study being used as a base for city policies and spending decisions. The WSU Center for Urban & Public Affairs survey is guiding decisions about an income tax increase ballot issue slated for the May ballot, as well as council’s priorities for 2010.
Combined with the results of a focus group and a May 2009 retail site assessment of two of Xenia’s major business intersections, city officials think they should increase promotion efforts, said City Manager Jim Percival.
“It was critical to do something with that information” gathered in 2009, Percival said. “This is a service contract,” he added, “because we need to do a better job communicating who we are and what we are.”
The WSU study found 85 percent of the people responding to a 90-question survey were satisfied with Xenia as a place to live. More than 77 percent said they were likely or very likely to recommend Xenia as a place to live. However, more than half the respondents also said they think Xenia has a problem with its image.
The focus group found participants believed the city needed improved communication with the public, which would help the city explain current economic challenges, finances and the significance of the May ballot issue. Percival stressed the Avakian agreement was for public education, not to promote the May levy.
Avakian Consulting, in a Jan. 18 proposal, said it specializes in “developing responsive community outreach for municipalities.” Under the one year contract, Avakian will work with city staff and officials on outreach to enhance public perception of municipal activities. Materials under consideration include videos, postcards, newsletters, brochures and outreach through Web sites and cable television.
Percival said he hopes the effort may spill over into improved awareness of city services. With improved communications about Xenia to outside business and development officials, he would like to see the city use information from the May 2009 study of the retail area around Main and Detroit streets, as well as West Main Street at Progress Drive. That study was completed by the Buxton Company of Ft. Worth, Texas.
Respondents to the WSU survey also weighed in on business development in Xenia. Residents said they would like to see more retail opportunities, as well as entertainment options downtown. The top three entertainment options include a movie theater, a concert venue and bowling alley.
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