Selected individual responses:

• “It’s central location to larger cities (Green Bay/Appleton – Madison/Milwaukee) and the Green Circle Trail.”
• “The creative business environment. There are many unique businesses that are doing regional or even national business headquartered in Stevens Point such as Sentry, Skyward, and others.”
• “Accessible and active downtown area. Lots of things for a wide variety of interests: library, farmers market, children’s museum, parks, restaurants, music venues, shops.”
• “2nd oldest brewery based upon consecutive years brewing in the country.”
• “As someone that has grown up in the city and what it used to be and the quiet streets by 9pm, I love how there are so many events from art to music to food to attend or be involved with. The biggest, most unique, most amazing thing is access to amazing, locally grown, clean, healthy, sustainable food.”

Selected individual responses:

• “A shopping/business/restaurant area that could be planned to allow growing accessibility from the Wisconsin River. We have jobs, but not enough people and this is needed to attract and keep people who come here to work.”
• “Utilize the riverfront more. I think developing some of the riverfront would draw in more people to visit and live here.”
• “Family friendly water park/splash pad. We have nothing that very little kids can enjoy.”
• “A cultural community center/hub, something that celebrates, promotes, and increases the diversity of the area, enhances cultural understanding and opportunities, etc.”
• “Though there has definitely been progress, I’d say further work towards making it easy and safe to get basically anywhere in the city via bike.”
• “A better sense of inclusion, I know that city officials are working hard to create this already and it is greatly appreciated, but there has been a lot of intolerance and negativity that has been getting more attention recently.”
• “Inclusive, large civic center as a place for gathering even in winter months. A place that is supported by the community (taxes), but also by users (rental or user fees) so there is a sense of investment.”

If you answered “no,” what could be done to make Stevens Point more inclusive?

Selected individual responses:

• “Have more festivals that focus on culture. The cultural fest is great but it’s only once a year & has a focus on many cultures. Would love to see activities focusing on Hmong population & Native Americans for example.”
• “I think we are seeing progress, with the creation of a diversity committee, but I also think this is an area that can always do better.“
• “Involve people with lived experience on boards, committees, and in leadership roles to help our community understand what we can do better. It is through their lens that change will happen”

• “I think UWSP is a huge part of what shapes the city and gives it life, and I was proud of how integrated the university was with the surrounding community. I come from another small town in WI, and the quality of that city compared to Point is dismal. I’m proud to be a Pointer, and I hope the city keeps up all of the amazing aspects that make it a great place to live.“
• “The city of Stevens Point has a lot of great things going for it, however in order to keep up with the needs of its citizens and future generations, it must continue to innovate. This will be a combination of promoting economic diversity, as well as individual diversity in the populations and overall social welfare.”
• “I think a future in Stevens Point needs to keep including anyone and everyone. I feel that we do it well here but there is always room for improvement and making people knowledgeable.”
• “Our city is looking for an identity. Our parks and access to nature make us Point. Our focus should remain Environmental Sustainability & Education, The Outdoors & Recreation (especially all-season bicycling and disc golf), and Local Food & Farming.”
• “I am one segment of the population and I probably fall into the category of an engaged citizen who feels like my voice is heard and that I have a lot of opportunity here. I am certain that is not the case for many other citizens of Stevens Point. We have to find a way to make sure everyone in our community has a voice.”
• “I think this small town has a lot of potential to be a unique cool town that’s also family friendly.”

Selected individual responses:

• “We need more entrepreneurial meetings at a local level for marketing or even inspiring new startups or partnerships.”
• “Stevens Point is a very friendly town, however it can be difficult to establish a professional network as someone who has no connections to the area.”
• “More innovative options for seed money, financing, public-private partnerships, creating Stevens Point having a particular focus for what it is best at, etc.”
• “Information outreach in regard to entrepreneurial opportunities here in Stevens Point. Perhaps some kind of localized focused source of this info widely communicated through various local media.”
• “I don’t think the goal should be a movement toward ‘more competitive’, but rather, ‘more cooperative’.”
• “Affordable working spaces for young/emerging artists”
• “Help with training on start up and mentoring first year”
• “Partnering with organizations like Doyenne in Madison to provide female-focused entrepreneurial resources.”
• “More outreach to surrounding communities. I live in Kronenwetter but come to Stevens Point often. I would be interested in participating in entrepreneurial networking opportunities.”
• “I think it would be nice to have more places like CREATE that actively seek to help grow new and existing business via the right connections. Also, it would be nice to see a panel of investors that new entrepreneurs could come talk to and seek advice and resources from.”